Just got my first 1911, now what?

[.356luger]

Just got a RIA 1911 on trade and am wondering what should I do to it first? I've heard I should get the ramp polished and things of that nature but I'm not sure where to have it done or what else I should do to improve the performance. Any ideas?

I shot mine then put houges on it extended slide release an a barrel bushing that's it

 

[JetGirl]

The one I saw actually had checkering on it though.

Hm...can't help ya with that one. Don't know that I've ever seen it...

 

[88E30M50]

If you meant this; ...



It's skate tape... purchased for a couple bucks from a sporting goods store (Dunham's), but available just about anywhere. I've seen it in Home Depot and hardware stores that sell flooring products, as some people adhere it to steps and other walkways.
And yes...it works.

Thanks JG. I didn't realize the tread tape at Menard's was the same thing as skateboard tape. I just picked up a roll and did the front strap of the RIA. That stuff is fantastic. It's almost like attaching the gun to your hand with Velcro. I can see where you have to be careful with this stuff as it can make it too grippy if you go wild with the tape.

Now, I need to see how well it does with a coat of Duracoat on it.

 

[gregkl]

Hm...can't help ya with that one. Don't know that I've ever seen it...

I found it. It is made by Wilson Combat, $9.95.

 

[Caleb]

Thanks JG. I didn't realize the tread tape at Menard's was the same thing as skateboard tape. I just picked up a roll and did the front strap of the RIA. That stuff is fantastic. It's almost like attaching the gun to your hand with Velcro. I can see where you have to be careful with this stuff as it can make it too grippy if you go wild with the tape.

Now, I need to see how well it does with a coat of Duracoat on it.

I would duracoat it then apply the tape

 

[gregkl]

I will hold off on mods since I have not even shot mine yet. But this winter, if I have shot enough rounds and have checked out other folks 1911's, I will probably tinker with it. I usually work on my car during the winter, but I really don't have much to do to it, unless I decide to paint it. So I will have the itch to do something when the weather is too nasty to go outside.

My pistol is SS, not my favorite, so I will look at ceracoat/duracoat options, and also mods to have it fit better (grips, mainspring housings, etc.).

Is it really difficult to de-horn a 1911? I am a pretty good metal worker, but I am far from a gunsmith!

 

[JetGirl]

I found it. It is made by Wilson Combat, $9.95.

n00b, you're not allowed to do that without a link!!

 

[88E30M50]

I would duracoat it then apply the tape

I've got a piece of tape with Duracoat's Magpul Flat Dark Earth curing right now. I'll take photos when done.

 

[TopDog]

n00b, you're not allowed to do that without a link!!

I think this is what he is making reference to:

1911 AUTO CHECKERED FRONT STRAP - Brownells

 

[JetGirl]

Huh. Interesting!

 

[TopDog]

Huh. Interesting!

I became curious and did some reading on the internet about the checkered front strap mod. Mixed reviews but people either loved them or hated them. For an average price of $10 if you wanted to try it I would see no harm. I didn't see any comments about them causing damage, but most people put some kind of tape between the front strap mod and the frame of the gun. Certainly a inexpensive mod for someone on a budget.

 

[88E30M50]

I think this is what he is making reference to:

1911 AUTO CHECKERED FRONT STRAP - Brownells

I'll have to give that a try on my stainless gun. Here are the results of a duracoated bit of skateboard tape:

We'll have to see if the Duracoat degrades the tape at all. If so, I'll just try something else.

 

[gregkl]

n00b, you're not allowed to do that without a link!!

Sorry. I am not forum savvy enough to post a link...or a picture.

 

[45fan]

Skateboard Griptape - Colored, Black, Clear, Mob, Shortys Black Magic, Jessup and More..

Try looking into actual skateboard tape, its not quite as aggressive as the stuff you find at hardware stores meant for step treads, and because kids are so style conscious, its available in several different colors (even clear). The stuff meant for floors usually has a bit thicker backing to it too, as does the basically generic grip tape found in most general purpose sporting goods stores.

 

[JetGirl]

Sorry. I am not forum savvy enough to post a link...or a picture.

Seriously? Aw, n00b. Look,... just put your cursor/pointer up in the web address box of the page you want to share. Highlight it. While it's highlighted, right click your mouse on it and choose "copy".
Then come here and type your post...when you want to drop your link, right click where you're typing and this time choose "paste".
That's all. (Well, except for "submit reply" )

 

[Rocket57]

Change the cheap grips out. and shoot it

Yep, That's what I did with mine. Doesn't need anything else!

 

[gregkl]

Seriously? Aw, n00b. Look,... just put your cursor/pointer up in the web address box of the page you want to share. Highlight it. While it's highlighted, right click your mouse on it and choose "copy".
Then come here and type your post...when you want to drop your link, right click where you're typing and this time choose "paste".
That's all. (Well, except for "submit reply" )

Like this? Just got my first 1911, now what? - Page 6 - INGunOwners

 

[rustygunner]

Jessup grip tape works well, lasts a long time, and won't hurt the finish. $10 for more of the stuff than I'll use in my lifetime.

 

[JetGirl]

Like this? Just got my first 1911, now what? - Page 6 - INGunOwners

You done good, n00b.

 

[CandRFan]

Only things left are a set of VZ grips and some grip tape on the front strap. I'd love to find some in brown, but might try Duracoating a bit of skateboard tape before applying it.

That's sharp! Did you finish that yourself?