To trick out or not to trick out 1911 Government Model???

[tommy tornado]

Here is my other question about .45acp pistols.  I currently own a 1911 Government Model Colt built in 1919.  It has been reblued and someone replaced the grips before I bought it.  It shoots ok but I know it could be better.  Should I buy about $400 to $500 dollars of Wilson Combat parts (barrel/brushing, compensator, trigger, sear, hammer, etc.) and Wolff springs and totally change the look of it or leave it as is?  Part of me says go for it because the gun is not 100% orginial (i.e. the reblueing and new grips)and part of me says leave it as is. 

[Hazcat]

If you were happy with it as is you would not be 'wondering' and in any case you will still have the 'original' parts. 

I say make it the shooter you want.

[Big Frank]

Since that's an original 1911 I would leave it alone and buy a new A1. You can leave it as is, but if it was parkerized and had G.I grips on it, then it would look like a military museum specimen. But I wouldn't put a lot of parts into it when you can get a whole new gun for not a lot more.

[PegLeg45]

Since that's an original 1911 I would leave it alone and buy a new A1. If that one was parkerized and had G.I grips on it, then it would look like a museum specimen but still serve as a backup.

+1...I gotta agree with jumbofrank.

I'd re-parkerize it and put some original grips and keep it stock. It may not have high collectors value due to the refinishing, but I'd rather have the thing as is (it IS a piece of history at that age) and buy something else to play with.

You asked, so that's my 2 cents worth....for what that's worth...

Now, if that old gun could talk........

[Big Frank]

I was too slow editing my post. I just can't see spending that much money on making an antique into a shooter. I would rather look at and admire it for being a piece of history, and shoot a new one. 

[Sponsor]

[Mr.45]

+1...I gotta agree with jumbofrank.

I'd re-parkerize it and put some original grips and keep it stock. It may not have high collectors value due to the refinishing, but I'd rather have the thing as is (it IS a piece of history at that age) and buy something else to play with.

You asked, so that's my 2 cents worth....for what that's worth...

Now, if that old gun could talk........

Definately. I recently found a Mil-surp 1911 at a local pawn shop but it is like looking at a small import with a giant wing on the trunk, an exaust that sounds madder than my weed whacker and more plastic than cher. It had a new safety, grips, guide rod and numerous add-ons but had none of the original parts. so sad. Leavem alone. Just my opinion.

[TAB]

If the gun does not work for you in its current form...  change it, or get something else.

[twyacht]

Tough call, I'd love to see a pic. (Hint, Hint)

If it shoots well and is safe, I would leave it alone for posterity, and get another.

Than again, like old hot rods, some keep them stock, some make them an awesome varient of the original.

Ultimately up to you.

 Often I wish my grandfather would not have sporterized his Mauser I inherited. The original stock and design really had nice lines and appeal.

Note: see "hint" above.

[Pathfinder]

I had the same question about a '48 Marlin 336 I picked up at a pawn shop. It was the first model year for that rifle, so I wanted to be careful to retain its value.

The advice I got from a Marlin forum - pretty much universally - was it was already abused (light rust on barrel and mag tube, heavy scratches on the fore-end and some mope had engraved something on the left side of the receiver).

In your case, I tend to agree with a few of the others here that old does not equal value, especially since someone else has already abused the weapon. IMHO, it is yours, do with it as you see fit to make it shoot well. Just don't engrave the receiver!   

[2HOW]

So if Im correct its a 70s series. I would leave it alone or bring it back to mil spec.  buy a armscore RIA fo under 400.00 and accurize it . for another 400.00 you can have a pistol you couldnt buy for 1000.00 .