Custom 1911 Pistol Upgrades That Rock
With so many custom 1911 pistol upgrades available, it can be difficult to decide which ones are right for you. Luckily, there are some common upgrades that will make your gun function better while looking great.
One of the easiest upgrades to install is a set of grips. These can be made out of different materials and offer different levels of traction to suit your needs.
1. Ambidextrous Safeties
While the 1911 pistol remains a popular handgun 110 years after its adoption, it can be easily adapted to be more modern and capable with a few simple upgrades.
One of the most common and important upgrades is installing an ambidextrous safety. An ambidextrous safety allows the safety to be engaged and disengaged by either hand, allowing you to share your firearm with family members or other shooters without difficulty.
Another ambidextrous upgrade is to replace the original grip safety with an upswept beavertail style safety, which is more comfortable and easier to activate. This safety also prevents hammer bite in shooters with larger hands.
Lastly, a bevelled magazine well is a good enhancement to make reloading the pistol faster and more efficient. The bevel can allow you to place the magazine into the pistol more quickly and smoothly, which saves precious fractions of a second during critical situations.
2. Improved Ejector & Extractor
One of the most recurrent causes of malfunction in a 1911 pistol is the extractor. A poor quality and poorly fitted extractor is prone to jams and failure to feed issues.
An extractor should be properly relieved for feeding, polished to reduce friction during the feed stroke, but most importantly properly tensioned. This is so it can do both its jobs well — positively controlling a fired case in place until it strikes the ejector and is tossed out of the gun.
If you are looking for an improved ejector and extractor, we have the best options in the industry. Wilson Combat Bullet Proof Extractors are drop-in parts that require minor tension adjustments and fitting.
3. Full-Length Guide Rod
Adding a Full-Length Guide Rod (FLGR) is an easy-to-install custom 1911 pistol upgrade that improves cycling and spring life. It also adds weight up front to reduce muzzle flip.
There are a number of proponents and opponents for the FLGR. Both sides believe that it prevents recoil spring kinking and increases the operating cycle’s smoothness.
Opponents claim that FLGRs can be difficult to field strip and usually require a take down tool. Moreover, they’re often inconvenient and distracting during use.
Fortunately, there are alternatives to the FLGR that improve both cycling and spring life without sacrificing appearance or functionality. One option is the Flat Wire Full Length Guide Rod and Plug from Nighthawk Custom.
4. Upgraded Spring Kit
The 1911 has a long history as one of the most popular handgun platforms in the world. It has been used by countless military and law enforcement personnel and, to this day, it remains a favorite among civilians for its accuracy, reliability, ergonomics, and ease of customization.
The 1911 is a versatile firearm that can be used for self-defense, competition, and even hunting. However, like any gun, it needs some customizing to perform at its best and this is where Lone Star Gunsmithing truly shines.
