SIMPLE 1911 UPGRADES

When we talk about upgrading the 1911, it’s often not an easy process. As I detailed in my recent article, “So, You Want to Build a 1911?” (October 2021, Volume 38, Issue 13), there’s rarely such a thing as a true “drop-in” part for a 1911. Those looking to make upgrades are thus in for a bit of work, sometimes in the form of a major project and others as a simple bit of file work.

But here’s the good news: Upgrading your 1911 isn’t difficult if you have some patience and know where to make an educated, low-effort change that enhances performance.

WILSON COMBAT’S QUICK FIXES FOR FUNCTION

Unlike today’s newly designed guns, the century-old 1911 design doesn’t always come out of the box running well. I’ve had some versions of the old warhorse that, as it turns out, were expensive paperweights.

These guns were delivered from some well-known, name-brand makers. Yes, it’s regrettable and fully possible that $1,200 gun you saw at the gun shop will malfunction with hollow-points. The old man remedy is to polish the feed ramp or “break it in”