Springfield ILS - can I replace guts and keep MSH?

[Fherot]

I pick up my black TRP 1911 tomorrow and I decided that I don't really want ILS in there. Doesn't eat at me but I think its pointless.

Since the TRP has a 2-piece MSH/magwell I don't want to pay to replace whole thing with a S&A 1-piece just yet on a brand new $1500 pistol.

Can I keep the MSH itself and just replace the Mainspring, Mainspring cap(?) and retaining pin?

Also what # mainspring should I get if it is possible, 23#?

Thanks

[Chapped Hide]

Yep, to everything you said. Check out Brownells. Its a piece of cake to do.
23lb mainspring is what I went with and no issues. Some use 19lb but I've heard that light primer stripes can be an issue because of the titanium firing pin.

[Fherot]

Any issues with lock rotating while you fire gun after replacing parts?

[Chapped Hide]

You remove the ILS pin so there is no longer any action. This is why you replace the mainspring cap.

[Fherot]

Ok, I read something on 1911 forums that its recommended to just replace the whole MSH since the lock itself is still in there and some guns rotate it when the hammer cocks and decocks(or fires).

[Brandon04GT]

Ok, I read something on 1911 forums that its recommended to just replace the whole MSH since the lock itself is still in there and some guns rotate it when the hammer cocks and decocks(or fires).

Possibly...The previous owner of one of my SA 1911s hammered out the keyhole mechanism completely and it left an ugly gaping hole. I was curious and tried to do the same with another one of my ILS MSH's but I didn't look like it was designed to be easily hammered out. Personally, I would just buy a new MSH altogether.

[Fherot]

Hmm. Probably best to just leave it alone then. When I've shot and battered my TRP to pieces and send it back to springfield to upgrade the internals and refinish it I'll get the S&A one piece MSH.

Thanks

[customiiguy]

i would leave it alone.. it will still shoot great

[saki302]

Just wait and replace the whole thing with an S&A housing and do it right.

I examined mine and decided it would be easier to do it right the first time

I can't remember if you have to change the hammer strut or not, but I remember there being something odd with the dimensions of the MSH and associated parts.

-Dave

[kmca]

Don't know what you plan on doing with your gun, but if it's for competition, S&A magwells are good, but check out the Dawson Ice magwell

BTW, I had the parts on order as soon as my gun's DROS was started. Including an 18# mainspring.

[artichokie]

Just wait and replace the whole thing with an S&A housing and do it right.

I examined mine and decided it would be easier to do it right the first time

I can't remember if you have to change the hammer strut or not, but I remember there being something odd with the dimensions of the MSH and associated parts.

-Dave

+1

I did this with my milspec. Replaced ILS and guts with ed brown MSH and that kit from brownells. I had no issues with the lock other than it was ugly and i didnt want it in there.

[squiddo]

+1

I did this with my milspec. Replaced ILS and guts with ed brown MSH and that kit from brownells. I had no issues with the lock other than it was ugly and i didnt want it in there.

^+2! Did this on both the TRP and TRP Operator and both were excellent investments.

[agent88]

The Springfield non ILS msh is like $25 @ midway a mainspring and the two spring end pieces probably another $15

[Fherot]

^+2! Did this on both the TRP and TRP Operator and both were excellent investments.

How is the fit / blend with magwell and ed brown magwell? I'll probably go this route after I've grown tired of staring at the ILS and having to stick a pin in MSH to detail strip.

I don't want the 2piece either nevermind the lock but its not urgent. What's urgent is dumping 1000 rounds through it.

My friend just got his first gun, a MC Operator, and reminded me how 1911less I was since selling my RIA.