1911 Aftermarket Parts

[kd7enm]

I picked up my first 1911 a few weeks ago, and I'm wondering what everyone's opinion is on aftermarket parts. I understand that some modifications should not be done to firearms that will be used for self defense, which is the main purpose of this firearm. So please give me the good and the bad of each part and whether or not it should be used on a self defense handgun.

Barrel Bushing (Match-Grade?)
Barrel Bushing compensator
Extended Ejector
Titanium Firing pin
Two Piece Guide Rod
Government (short) Guide Rod
Skeletonized Hammer
Magazine Springs & Followers
Extended Magazine Release
Magazine Well
Sear
Sear Spring
Wilson Combat "SHOK-BUFF" and similar products
Extended Slide Release
Recoil Spring (24lb, 20lb, 18lb)
Skeletonized Trigger
Dwyer "Group Gripper"

Not sure if I'm missing anything. Let me know if there is anything else that you would recommend.

-Tyler Juhnke

[xmunckx]

In my experience you shouldn't mess around with th bushing compensaters until the gun is well worn in. Otherwise it caused all kinds of crazy failures.  It seems like the extra weight or balance makes it prone to hang ups.  Just my experience though.

[Anthony]

Two rules...

First, drop in parts never drop in.

Second, an experienced gunsmith who specializes in 1911s is worth their weight in gold.

- Anthony

[Jerome from California]

No one ever accused me of being an expert but I have had both a bone stock mil-spec to a single-stack match gun. A lot depends on what you already have on the gun. Sometimes loading up with more stuff detracts from having a fighting gun. What would I want on a fighting 1911, hmm?
 Good sights set is #1.
 If accuracy is an issue, I would go with a fitted match barrel, bushing and slide stop pin (these 3 items feel work together to give good lock up). Comps usually work better for high pressure which the .45acp is not.
 Most 1911's already have an extended ejector, if not then it could use one ( all calibers except the 10mm per Kunhausen).
 Ti firing pin-Shelton likes them, I have no exp w/ them.
 It took me 3 years to finally accept long guides suck because all the trick guns had them. They are just a PITA. Stick to what JMB designed. Don't need the Dwyer thigie if everything else was done right. Replace the recoil spring every 1000-2000 rounds. I have always used Wolff but other says that there are other good vendors. 16# for standard pressure loads or 18-18.5# if shooting a lot of hot defense loads (+P).
 I no longer use recoil buffers because they do break up inside the gun (slide gets stuck or a short stroke).
 If you have a beavertail grip safety, you probably already have a skeletonized hammer. The triggers, sears,etc. are great for match guns but not really necessary for a fighting gun. BTW don't over do the trigger pull weight.
 I'm not a fan of extended controls because they snag or activate when you don't intend them to.
 Use reliable mags from reputable vendors-probably contributes the most to the reliability of an auto-loading firearm. Get a good one and you don't have to mix and match parts.
 Ext magwells are great for matches but makes it harder to CC.