To modify or not. That is the question.

[Crysknife1013]

Hey CalGuns.

It's been a minute since I've been active here. No real excuses other than "life". But I thought the following might be worth getting the collective's opinion on...

My father recently transferred/bestowed/gave me his Colt M1991 A1. It is stock. He didn't make any modifications to it. Everything on it is original. I'm debating whether or not to keep it the way it is or do some modifications such as change out the grips, trigger, and main spring housing? (I was under the impression that this was Colt's entry level 1911. And to keep costs low, the trigger and main spring housing are plastic parts. So i was thinking about replacing those with metal equivalents if that was true.)

I also can't stand the iron sights on it. I'm tempted to paint the front sight so I can see it better.

Dad didn't go to the range much. And he didn't keep track of how many rounds he put through it. But my guess is less than a hundred. I plan to shoot it though. It's not going to be a safe queen. So I want it to be functional for me.

If you were in my shoes, would you modify it?

Lastly, I plan to pass this down to my son at some point. I want to be able to tell my son, "This was your grandfather's 1911. He gave it to me. And now I'm passing it down to you. And I hope you'll pass it down to your son. And so on and so forth." Does modifying it make it less of an heirloom?

[beerman]

IMO, a 1991 is not an heirloom. Personally I don’t like customizing my guns because they retain more value bone stock. That said,it’s your gun. I don’t consider a spring change as customization. Heck, any stock Ruger Blackhawk is unusable without a spring kit. Let us know how you go… and welcome back.

[bonesurf]

JMO. I agree with beerman that the colt 1991 A1 isnt overly “special” except that it isnt on the roster so in CA it’s hard to find. Now if THIS one has special value to you as coming from your dad then maybe dont shoot it. Get one of those display boxes or what not.

otherwise if its more a i should shoot it to honor my dad sorta thing make it yours. If you dont like the grips, change ‘em. You dont like the sights? Change ‘em. It’s a 1911. There’s a whole world of customization some of which is functional, some of which is cosmetic, but in the end makes the gun “yours”

[Capybara]

If it was me, I'd keep that one in the safe as a family heirloom. Then I'd go buy a Springfield MC Operator, which I did, and shoot the snot out of it.
IMHO, you should keep it how your Dad shot it. If you gut it and have all new stuff on it, then it's no longer really your Dad's pistol, it's your pistol
and you could veer into Bubbaing territory if you do too much.

[TheFlashG]

My recommendation is to keep as-is and no modification. It will be an heirloom and while it does not seem like it would be a collectible, one day it may as more of a Colt 'one-off' model.
If you want a 1911 to play with and modify, as you know, there are many other options out there.

[SDDAVE56]

Coming from your Dad, you'll probably hang on to it. Now that it's yours, I say shoot it. If you shoot it enough, and decide to make improvements, go for it. If it only sees the light of day a few times a year, I say leave it stock. Well maybe some grips, or sights.

[foothillman]

I would clean and lube it.
inspect for any rust since it seems like it was locked away.
Take it to the range and function test.
You may just like it stock.
If you decide to "modify" to your taste just keep all the original parts.
Obviously if you have custom work done to the frame or slide it will never be "original Colt"
Nothing wrong with a "original Crysknife1013"

Heirloom item has to start sometime so why not start with your dad.

I have used paint on my front sight.
First coat white, second neon orange.
Used a tooth pick, peels off easy if you change your mind.

[Elgatodeacero]

I dont think it will ever have collector value, and as a user it lacks many “modern” 1911 enhancements. Personally, I think it makes a great base gun for a full custom job. A full custom 1911 worked on by a top tier gunsmith is a joy to shoot and own,

[Avocado Toast]

Heirloom status is a reflection, IMO, of the person who gifted you the gun. My dad would be somewhat upset to think that his shooters were put away, relegated to never being shot or used again. For him, guns were recreation and pleasure but they were also tools. He'd be mightily torqued to see his tools shelved, and he'd be happy seeing that they were used.

That .45 Auto isn't super special. It belonged to your dad and he shot it. I'd cherish it but also change it to suit your needs to enjoy.

[Barang]

since you're going to shoot it i'd make some changes to my liking (if i were in your shoes). every time you pick up that gun you know it's dad's and doesn't in any way disrespect him.

[Crysknife1013]

Thank you gentlemen. Those are exactly the thoughts, comments, and opinions I was looking for.

I've decided to keep it as is. I won't modify it. Capybara's comment really resonated with me:

IMHO, you should keep it how your Dad shot it. If you gut it and have all new stuff on it, then it's no longer really your Dad's pistol, it's your pistol...

But I still plan to take it out and enjoy shooting as much as I can. 😎