Top 5 Modifications you should make to a 1911 - Bill Wilson & Massad Ayoob - Critical Mas Episode 24

[@jerrybarbo7952]

Not true! I shoot a gun at least 25 rounds before i clean it! OK, maybe I do clean a gun after 20 rounds…. :)

[@gowilsoncombat]

Hah! Got called out by Bill Wilson in front of thousands of fans. Gotta keep them clean!

[@TheRealZJE313]

That's right. I clean mine after every rang day.I don't want a Dirty carry gun on me

[@hoosierplowboy5299]

🤣🤣

[@1977Yakko]

Yeah, I clean mine after every range session too but I'm usually shooting 250-300 rds. Granted, I don't go to the range near as often as I used to back when a box of .45 ACP could be had for less than $10 but when I do shoot my 1911 maybe once every 2 or 3 months these days, I try to get it nice and dirty.

[@MR_Garage]

I am with you Jerry! I clean after every session in detail. Bill Wilson can go kick rocks with all his spare time 😅 How can he even sleep with all of those neglected firearms ?

[@ibbylancaster8981]

My dad, before he passed away, was a gunsmith and somewhat of a collector of guns. Of the 30-something pistols he had, 13 were 1911 frames in various calibers and sizes,mainly.45 though. I had asked him “Dad, do you like 1911’s much ?” He replied, “Its the best and only automatic pistol made in my mind “. Thank you guys for all the content.

[@bailey9r]

I like your Dad, wish I could have met him. ;

[@Sanguivore]

Your dad was a wise man.

[@mmabagain]

Bill seems like a really humble guy. Wish I could afford one of his 1911's.

[@unkulwilly]

same

[@ZeeCaptainRon]

Most folks can afford anything they want, just not everything they want.

[@nunyabizness9045]

There are some cheaper brands of 1911's

[@markbowman3475]

I agree. I buy a new Guns and Ammo catalog of new guns for that year. Most makers have the MSRP also listed. Even Les Baer finally put the prices on theirs. I know WC guns are expensive but it would be nice to know how much I need to save. Or if I shouldn't bother.

[@frankplissken143]

​@@markbowman3475 They have pricing on their site, looks like 3k starting. Steep for many of us, but not completely unobtainable. Not bad for something made the old fashioned way, no corners cut, from the ground up.

[@brianb900]

I’m pleased to say that I now own my first Wilson Combat 1911!

[@johnmohanmusic]

Mr. Wilson's answer at 7:07 shows the extreme level of integrity he has, giving a shout out to one of his business competitors.

[@sisleymichael]

Amen on Bill's magazine choices. You can have an inexpensive gun or a tricked out Wilson. If you stick with those two mags, any feeding issues you had evaporate. Any mag that gives me a problem gets thrown away. The only ones that have survived? McCormick and Wilson. They are worth the price.

[@1977Yakko]

Yeah, my Kimber Custom that I got 20+ years ago came with a cheap stamped mag that had occasional feeding issues. I've been using WC mags for many years now and there are no feeding issues with my 1911.

[@rogerlibby14613]

3 drops of oil (total) and these magazines is all a series 70 .45 really needs. New I spent $125.00 and have thrown away several magazines.

[@roadrunnergtx68]

I have those too. The Tripp Cobra mags are also good. I have all three. But the Wilsons are my favorite. No complaints.

[@JG54206]

Not even just with 1911’s either. The magazine is often so overlooked but is one of the most important pieces of a semi auto design. You see people encounter problems with AR’s, AK’s, Glocks as well as other modern pistols when using aftermarket mags and they somehow decide the gun which worked fine with the stock mags is the broken piece.

[@jonclarke6109]

I’ve got 2 CM and 1 Wilson mags and at various times one or the other wouldn’t lock back when empty. I’m shooting a Kimber Aegis custom II.

[@samuelclemens3290]

Listening to these men reminds me of growing up as a young boy, I was fortunate enough for one to have been brought up in the rural South where men and conversations such as this was common. Just as common was the likelihood that a rifle was in arms reach as much that a wrench, hammer or any other common tool was, and I thank God for it.

[@malcolmriggs1767]

My 1911 was issued in 1941 and spent the first four years of its life on a pacific island scouting for Japanese movements. When it came to me, it was beat up and lost all its park rising. Day I took it to the range and all eight rounds came out at once. Clearly it needed a rebuild. I brought it to Turnbull for restoration and then had it refinished. And also got a new trigger and several of the internals. Still has the same barrel it had during the war. At first I didn’t get anything you could call a group, so I handed it to a friend of mine, who is a sniper in the Marine Corps. He put all eight rounds through the same hole at 25 yards. Clearly I needed practice. But reliability and accuracy were certainly not an issue.

[@jacojojo42]

BS

[@ericbertoch673]

I truly envy the wealth of knowledge that Bill has of the 1911 platform. Thank you so much for sharing some of it, and please keep it coming!

[@gowilsoncombat]

More to come!

[@williammatthews2948]

The wisdom gleaned from these gentlemen is priceless.

[@richardrea9733]

Thanks Mas and Bill. Also comment on Chip. More than 30 years ago, while living in NJ, I ordered some magazines from Chip. He called me to say thanks for the order. I still remember the pleasant conversation. And still have the mags. Respect to all.

[@gowilsoncombat]

Thanks for sharing

[@warbirdnut9269]

I actually like sitting down and cleaning my 1911 after a trip to the range. It's therapeutic.

[@billys4625]

Hopefully one day I'll get there i just bought a tisas 3 month ago and a RIA yesterday for $200.00 on sale both 1911 in 45ACP and both A1 after shooting the Tisas for 350 rounds i cleaned it and was a pain had to keep looking at a video to remember stuff and then made a mistake of trying to clean around the firing pin and the plate slide down so the spring hit me in the eye and then spent 20mim looking for it because had no clue where it landed lol

[@gabbyhayes4561]

​@@billys4625I believe we all have done a bone headed thing like that once in a while.lol

[@spvillano]

@@gabbyhayes4561 that and helped many a soldier recover the recoil spring plug... OK, had to recover my own a couple of times when I first started with the M1911 too.

[@theparalexview785]

Back in the 1970s-80s I read everything I could find about Bill Wilson's recommendations and applied them to my own Springfield Armory basic model 1911-A1 a few years later: extended thumb safety (mostly to give my thumb some place to rest), extended slide release, beavertail grip safety, improved barrel lockup with match grade bushing carefully fit, etc. Even did my own ejection port relief for better ejection. It wasn't a pretty gun but it was reliable and accurate. And I still clean my guns once a year whether they need it or not.

[@kuzz7919]

When Bill speaks I listen. Wilson magazines are the only mags I'll use in a carry gun.

[@erniesanders3724]

Two Masters. Top of their class. 👍🇺🇸

[@TheRealZJE313]

That's right

[@charlespayne1909]

Well said

[@tireballastserviceofflorid7771]

The Wilson oil is really good stuff. Since I live in Florida and it's almost always hot... I use the grease and universal oil. If it slides it's greased. If it turns it's oiled. After using it for over 3 years it really stands out compared to other oils. My EDC 45 gets deep cleaned every 60 days if I haven't shot it. I usually shoot my other 45 on the range. Anyway the grease is always still there and wet. I wouldn't want to run 100 rounds through it, but 8 or 15 rounds sure. I also use it on everything else. My 22s love it.

[@loosemeatsamich3689]

Wilson ETM mags are the best mags I’ve ever had period. A beaver tail and extended thumb safeties, slightly longer slide release, and barrel bushing were the first upgrades I made to my 1911. Best decision ever.

[@dtna]

I have Wilson 47D and Cobra mags, too.

[@cleondubois1270]

Good information as usual......In 1917, a corporal named York seemed to be pretty effective with a basic 1911.

[@billmoyer3254]

yes, and I hear muskets were great firearms a some point in history.

[@bailey9r]

Nope they were never good and replaced ASAP. Now back to the 1911 that is still selling strong at any gun store... @@billmoyer3254

[@HTown99]

Yes, Alvin Cullum York is a legend. Fun fact: He's whom the city & state of New York were originally named after.

[@89sirmonk]

​@@HTown99kidding right?

[@rick-kx7gy]

An often overlooked advantage of cleaning is it allows for a thorough inspection . Preventative maintenance .

[@2004ranger1]

Good information, the first thing I do when I get a 1911 is discard the factory mags. I myself only use wilson combat and chip M magazines. I definitely want magazines that work when they are needed.

[@gowilsoncombat]

Right on

[@williammatthews2948]

I do the exact same thing. I will not use factory magazines. I've used Wilson Combat magazines in all of my 1911's for over 30 years, every one without a failure. I've got 12 Wilson Combat 47D mags, and 8 Ed Brown mags. I do think the Wilson Combat magazines load and feed much smoother. I'm interested in anyone else's opinion about Ed Brown mags.

[@mmabagain]

@@williammatthews2948 I bought my first Ed Brown 8 rounder last month. If I load 8 rounds and then chamber a round, the first round will always nosedive. If I load 7 rounds I have no problem.🤔

[@williammatthews2948]

@@mmabagain My Ed Brown mags are for plinking, they won't hold the slide back after the last round on any 1911 I've tried them in. I only carry Wilson 47D mags.

[@jimclark5119]

Here at low budget motors; I did all the mods Bill mentioned myself especially the beaver tail. I fought with stock mags until I could afford Bill's mags. Nothing works better!!

[@danielnunes5364]

I love these conversations between Mas and Bill. May God bless you both with good health and a long life for you and your families!

[@ericschneid3274]

3 legends at 1 table, thanks fellas ⬆️💪🇺🇸

[@Synistercrayon]

One of my favorite subjects. The mighty 1911!

[@getoffmylawn8986]

As usual, I have zero arguments with any of this...you guys are pure 1911 gold! Speaking as a 50 year 1911 daily carrier, certified instructor and former L.E. instructor, Bill's remark about buying ammo and shooting the gun is 100% spot on. Better sights, better trigger, then go shoot the hell out of it. Frequently.

[@thinman8621]

Much appreciate Massad's recommend to buy a Wilson. Massad says everyone that has one is pleased. Good to know!

[@thos.bennett567]

As a retired Navy armorer, I enjoy the Information that y'all pass on.

[@johnnymossville]

Some day I'll have a Wilson Combat. Truly beautifully made with skill and care.

[@jongruen7854]

My stainless 1911 5" runs perfectly on mec-gar magazines, all of them. Hammer forged everything as far as major components. The only mods have been G10 grips and self induced trigger work.

[@leftyo9589]

im a big fan of mec-gar mags. they are good quality.

[@jongruen7854]

@@leftyo9589 I am as well. Mec-gar manufactures many of the oem manufacturers mags. I have never had one fail to date.

[@callaseter4811]

+1 on the mec gar mags . 🙏😀😍

[@mrPauljacob]

I recently bought a Colt Mark 4 and it came with the old school Wilson's combat build sheet from 1994. The old school logo on the grips .. it's an amazing gun to shoot. Did you personally do the builds yourself at that time Bill??? 1994? Even came with a blue and black Wilson's combat soft gun case and like 5 WC mags

[@alfredoverno9674]

Thank you for all the great info. Mr. Ayoob and Mr. Wilson, 2 all time greats in the industry. It was an honor to.watch you both. Have a safe day. Keep your powder dry.

[@gowilsoncombat]

Our pleasure!

[@harrycallahan9733]

2:30 After I got my first 1911 back in 2009, I quickly realized (before the end of the first box of ammo) that it was beating the crap out of my hand. It was a Colt O1991 which had the GI style hammer/grip safety as the gun on the left. The tip of the hammer would bang on my flesh and took a patch of skin off. Before long, I started bleeding. I replaced them with WC Drop In Grip Safety (part number 429BG) and Value Line Hammer (455B). Not only these were the cheapest replacement parts I could find, but they were also actually really "drop in", that I didn't have to do any fitting at all. Great products, great price, and no fitting, love them! :)

[@frankbutta9344]

I’ve installed WC sears, triggers, and barrel bushings in several 1911’s. The WC sear alone is a great improvement, and stoning the hammer hooks to the proper dimensions does wonders. Triggers with vertical play make me crazy, so fitting a WC trigger is quick and easy.

[@buckshot4428]

Back in the day when Colt was the only game in town you gave your new 1911 to a pistolsmith and they did their magic. I had one that was made in 51 and wish I would have kept it as it never jammed, but it had an issue with the barrel lugs being worn out and was shooting low. I had a smith fit a new barrel and bushing and it still shot low so I sold it.

[@harrydexter8426]

Good advice by Bill Wilson. The modifications I totally agree with. Also I would dehorn sharp edges on the pistol. You folks put out top notch videos. Thank you!👍😊🇺🇸

[@donaldanderson7410]

I have always wanted a 1911, so when one became available that I could afford, I jumped on it. Gear heads will bash me I’m sure, but it’s the Citadel A1FS in 45 auto. I am still loving this thing. Maybe someday I’ll get a Wilson, I’ll have to save my pennies because I’m retired and on a fixed income now. The only regret, I should have gotten one earlier in life. From California too, so it’s not like I have many choices.

[@stockportbrits]

Don....nothing wrong with the Citadel, better yet, it's yours to enjoy...!

[@Southernguitar74]

There’s a lot of people in this world who would give anything for that Citadel. Happy shooting, my friend!

[@mlite_33]

upgrade it with wilson parts 👍

[@michaeltrombino3888]

Good questions and good answers. It is obvious that you two have the experience..... in more ways than one. I have been following you two for 50 years. I have faced the fact that I am getting older... which is better than the alternative! Thanks, guys!

[@gowilsoncombat]

Our pleasure!

[@Paladin1873]

I always recommend an ambidextrous safety. This not only satisfies the needs of southpaws, but it can be useful for those situations where a shooter must switch hands.

[@warbirdnut9269]

Agreed I was thinking the same thing.

[@Full_Otto_Bismarck]

Absolutely, but they probably avoided that topic as there are some incredibly outspoken haters of ambi safeties among 1911 fans.

[@Paladin1873]

@@Full_Otto_Bismarck And one should always give in to those who yell the loudest. It worked for Barabbas.

[@Full_Otto_Bismarck]

@@Paladin1873 Interesting comparison, but not far off the mark from what I've seen from 1911 aficionados.

[@Paladin1873]

@@Full_Otto_Bismarck the 1911: Thou shalt have no other guns before me.

[@jimtewa8096]

Gentlemen, always such a pleasure to listen to you both very educational as always, I love my guns from Wilson Combat what precision and fit and finish you put into your firearms, keep up making the remarkable products you make.

[@robertstevenson57]

Just got my Service Grade M-1911A1 from the CMP. It’s a Union Switch&Signal (sn 107xxxx) frame with a “GI repro” slide. Hopefully I can locate the proper US&S slide for it. These improvements will go on my Delta Elite.

[@marongebron5538]

Sounds alot like Col Cooper and his views on a defensive weapon. Good ideas never go bad with Time

[@barswaygo]

Yep,sounds exactly like Cooper’s specs for the first Gunsite Service Pistol

[@curtis6554]

When I took my conceal carry class the two things the instructor told us over and over was do not modify your gun keep it box stock and do not use hand loaded ammunition or you could have legal issues if you were involved in a shooting . What are Massads thoughts on this ?

[@xSmilinBanditx]

There are older video of Mr. Ayoob teaching classes about defensive shootings and the court fallout afterwards where he goes into detail on that topic. Search Massad Ayoob and look for the longer videos (45 to 60 minutes). Long short of it was no punisher skulls, shredder self defense ammo or unsafe triggers. Everything else should be dealt with in court by saying "I did x to my gun so I can more safely handle it, shoot it more accurate to minimise dangerous misses..." etc.

[@garyzies3486]

Any modification made to your pistol is subject to legal issues and questions in court. I prefer my guns to work well straight out of the box without the need of barrel polishing (making them work), new sights, different barrels, lighter trigger etc. etc.

[@DuhCL0WN]

Doesn’t matter about after market parts There are no legal ramifications for upgrading your gun to perform same function but more efficient or cosmetic swaps If u put a silencer on it/ put zombie rounds in it and still kill someone it’s still circumstantial as for ammo, just buy from a store and they are liable , not u bc their ammunition is “overpowered “ not a thing tho

[@christiansantiago3007]

Love that Mr. Wilson really boiled it down to what is really important. Do love to use his magazines and parts.

[@Mike-pe1fz]

Bill, Massad and the series 70 1911A1 are awesome!! Thanx for the great content. I continue to learn from you guys.

[@christinepearson5788]

I was surprised, Mr Wilson didn't mention the magazine! Maybe I'm just old but I remember before we had all the good Wilson Combat, Chip McCormick, etc... magazines that feed worth a damn. Use a good quality mag would have been my thought for the #2 thing he would have said.

[@daleveile9817]

Wilson Combat rocks! I'd love to see you folks come out with a high capacity 1911 some day

[@mimsnshine]

I've had great luck with the Wilson magazines

[@leeioh]

You guys give the best advice and information. I love you old geezers

[@srt94]

NEVER had a problem with the Wilson 47D magazines I use in my Gold Cup or the standard Wilson magazines that came with my M45A1.

[@mikeb46]

Sights on a 1911? Gee, I didn't realize they were supposed to have any. LOL That long barrel has always been my idea of a sight. Something happened to the sights on the one I have so I wasn't sure if they were supposed to come with them. That extended beaver tail is an excellent idea. My old springfield has bit me a few times.

[@jeffreywhite7899]

Great video! I like and use Wilson combat products. I believe a clean firearm is a happy one but I am not a fanatic. For handguns I clean after 100 rounds. The modifications Bill Wilson speaks of I have done to mine.

[@DavidV4444]

I gave up other guns over the years and now I have 4 Wilson .45 1911’s, 1 9mm and 2 EDC X9’s - the EDC or SFX line covers all my higher capacity 9mm needs and my 5 traditional Wilson 1911’s cover my need to have phenomenal 1911’s. I have learned that you invest in the best, you are never disappointed!

[@sluggou812beotch]

Check out the Tisas 1911B. It's got sights, trigger, beavertail, hammer and internals upgrade right outta the box for $339 at Classic Firearms. I took possession of mine yesterday for a total of $427 for a super sweet shooting 1911.

[@rbo350]

I bought a 1911 Series 70 Govt. in the early 80 from a friend of mine for $200.00 he said he had problems with it the first time I took it to the range it had a stove pipe jam and I noticed the brass ejected just over my head, I did some reading and I decided to have to the ejection port lowered, feed ramp polished and replaced the oem ejector with a commander ejector, the next weekend I took it back to the range and to my surprise it didn't jam once, the brass ejected about 15 feet behind my with no damage....one of my favorite guns ever 45 ACP

[@hotchihuahua1546]

Something I never thought of on any semiautomatic pistol ! Beveling the ramp to facilitate magazine loading ! 👍 Great video from two fine fellows in the gun industry ! ❤️

[@rippersix293]

I agree with Bill, as far as lubrication in warm or hot seasons, I use light grease. In fact, as odd as it sounds, I use Ford Motor Company part # DOAZ-19584-AA multi purpose grease. It’s specifically made for sliding mechanisms like seat slides. It stays where you put it and is very slick.

[@rsbreeze]

Tripp Research Cobra mags are quite possibly the best mags money can buy in terms of finish and function. They are pricey, but awesome. I've got about 20 of them and they perform great.

[@wd2901]

I use the Tripp’s for my 45’s and my 10mm. Never a problem, ever!

[@haroldpeckenpaugh9305]

My father a WWII ,KOREA, and VIETNAM vet ,I remember as kid him as a instructor and on shooting team in the Army he had only stock sights on his colt ,boy he would be rolling if he knew what they got on them now . Thank you, I will try to up grade my three .

[@SEPTEMBERMAN]

I purchased a new DW Bobtail in 10mm when they first came out. I heard Wilson mags are the best! the 8 round Wilson 10mm mag finally came out so I purchased one for around $45. Failure to feed left and right. FMJ, hollow points all the same results. Compatibility issue was the culprit. SO I purchased TRP's Cobra mags. NEVER had a failure to feed problem again. The correct magazine is everything.

[@filtonkingswood]

Series 70.. my favorite 1911

[@Rodzilla5332]

Two legends at one table. Duuuuude.......

[@tomstroup8338]

3 legends

[@AdmiralDenny]

Bill and Mas - I have a new S&W Performance Center PC1911 in .45 ACP 5” $1,500 - that cycles and reliably fires/ejects every type of ammo I’ve ever tried, both commercial and hand loads, FMJ, hollow points, etc. It is also extremely accurate. My only complaint is that I would prefer a better rear sight. It is one of my favorite EDC guns. I’d love to have a Wilson Combat Classic in .45 but for twice the amount of money, what more would I be getting?

[@allenwhite1978]

I’m really enjoying my Wilson combat flat wire kit in my kimber eclipse target 2 45. The gun never functioned as well. I went from liking the gun to loving it.

[@d-rayphelps1630]

Bill's book, "Gun Guy" is a great read. The man absolutely knows his stuff. Truly amazing to see how far he came!!!

[@apieceofart130]

Just bought my first 1911, very excited to put some bullets down range!

[@russ747]

Always great stuff from two top notch experts

[@WGH-ef5ze]

Always great to hear your thoughts and feedback. Thanks much

[@gowilsoncombat]

No worries!

[@mikemccauley8089]

Wilson Combat 1911’s, second to none in my book, great video and not sure when you did it but thank you for changing the opening music, that twangy guitar was depressing 😂all the best to you both

[@gowilsoncombat]

Right on

[@AD5GB]

I carry the Dan Wesson PM1-S. It is wicked-accurate! Will only use Wilson Combat or Chip McCormick mags and Wilson Combat parts. Load my own ammo (long story)

[@gowilsoncombat]

We want to hear from you too! What modifications have you made to your handgun? What would you recommend?

[@seanhoude]

None. Only buy guns that fit in my hand, like the trigger feel, and shoot well with. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

[@alanc745]

$$$$$ ammo back to $$ ammo ..Joey did this !!!

[@richardthomas6602]

Tritium sights, WC bullet proof ambi safety and a lighter mag release spring for this lefty. And of course Wilson Combat magazines.

[@joshmajor8662]

Grip enhancement if needed, red dot, depending on the trigger I like to do the same as bill and just clean em up. Including what bill said of course Lol ammo!!!

[@marongebron5538]

Pretty much the same things. My exceptions would be Ambi-safety and Mag-well. Hoagie makes a grip that works great especially on the officers size grip. Just enough for a better grip but doesn't impact conceal ability

[@newerest1]

every upload from this channel with Mas is required viewing

[@spudthompson1414]

I love my 1911s all of them thank you guys 😊.

[@lilyflower762]

A very instructive capsule. What I found interesting is that you are not suggesting drastic changes to major parts but rather simple details that will make the shooting experience more enjoyable. It is seen that you are very well versed in these types of pistols. Of course, I would have liked a little more detail regarding the modifications associated with the trigger, so I'll continue surching. The majority of shooters I know are not thrilled with the 1911's platform and don't enjoy shooting the 45, as they consider it inaccurate due to its recoil and the magazine only holds 7 rounds. However, when I allow some to try my 7.62 x 25 (TT-33), which is a derivative of the Browning, they are surprised by the ease of use of this single action model; yet the recoil is similar to the 45 and the magazine only holds 7 bullets! My regret is not having bought a REAL M1911 when I had the chance, but rather a replica (whose brand I dare not reveal to you :-) that I didn't really like at first; by the way, that's kind of the reason I subscribed to your channel!

[@chuckschillingvideos]

I don't believe he's talking of "modifications" so much as making sure the trigger floats freely within its rails. What I believe he is more specifically referring to is stoning/filing/sanding the sear to assure an extremely positive engagement between the hooks on the sear and the trigger, as well as a lighter pull.

[@lilyflower762]

@@chuckschillingvideos Always thought no fideling had to be done on a high quality pistol to smooth out the trigger, unless changing main & hammer springs. One of the first thing I did on my cheap 1911 cmdr clone was to smooth out all the sharp edges on every external parts my hands & finger touches & It made my shooting sessions much more enjoyable. Next upgrade will be to change the 1 ton recoil spring :-)

[@chuckschillingvideos]

@@lilyflower762 I would say that there is no such thing as a "perfect" trigger on any production 1911, regardless of the maker. There are reliability concerns, liability concerns, production necessity, and the simple fact that no two customers will necessarily want the trigger to behave the same way, that require makers to focus on making sure that the triggers on their firearms focus first on reliability and safety rather than ultimate trigger feel.

[@scottwilson1258]

It's All I've Ever Used , Wilson and Chip M. Mags Here we have 2 of the top 10 1911 Oficionado's !

[@johngoodwin4610]

Love my gag 1911-22! Fun to shot all day, have had no jams and clean after every session! Very relaxing!

[@828enigma6]

Gave my adult son my 1911A1 I carried a number of years as a LEO. Had the trigger pull slightly increased, probably from 4 lbs +/_ to 5 lbs +/-. I had carried and shot this pistol a number of years and considered myself expert with it. My son, not so much. Didn’t want and unintentional discharges. I would add the pull was quite crisp before and after. Thank you Mike Merker for your fine work.

[@lenzielenski3276]

I bought a few Chip and Wilson mags when i got my first 1911. The junk base pad broke off the Wilson mags within a month. They live in the bottom of my tools/cleaning kit. Still using the Chip mags and recently added another dozen or so. After all, every gun deserves at least 4 mags.

[@keepingitoutdoors1241]

I have 2 WC’s…..Tactical Elite 45acp & SFX9 Love them

[@jerrybarbo7952]

I own a bunch of top shelf 1911s but my favorite is my WC .45 ACP 1911 Tac Elite.

[@CrazyPetez]

As a lifetime California residence, I really like my WC stainless Protector.

[@hamiltoncooper3603]

“The main cannon on a tank actually has a guy with a 1911 shooting out of it” - RJ Smackhammer

[@yellowboxster06]

Great video. I do have to chuckle a little. Paraphrasing, step one make sure you have a reliable platform to start with. I would image many folks send their non-WC 1911’s to you to solve just that problem.

[@gowilsoncombat]

Thanks for sharing!

[@schrodingersgat4344]

I picked up a Remington R1 CARRY, full size. Only gripe: The "de-horning" guy went a touch overboard. The slide serrations are beautifully scalloped. They have almost NO edge. Wet or oily hands and you'll slide right over them. Other than that; phenomenal piece.

[@Full_Otto_Bismarck]

And people complain about Colts being sharp on the edges at least the serrations give me some grip lol On a serious note you can fix that with some careful use of a safety edge file but it might take a while.

[@schrodingersgat4344]

@@Full_Otto_Bismarck Nah. I'm not gonna change the thing. I just carry it, loaded, and save the step. It's a thing to be mindful of. Besides: That "Remington" is dead and gone. I want to keep it as original as possible.

[@Full_Otto_Bismarck]

@@schrodingersgat4344 I can understand that sentiment.

[@gypsyjones1722]

thank you Gentlemen for a nice presentation on the 1911. I would like to know you opinion on the Taurus PT 1911. It seems they did all the good modifications right from the factory on this pistol. Do you have any negative feedback on it?

[@generitaldato794]

I would also recommend Tripp research mags as they have always performed well. I've had floor plates dislodge from my Wilson combat mags.

[@TheMujiFuji]

3 icons at the table Mas. Great videos guys!

[@gowilsoncombat]

Thanks!

[@archangel7673]

I took a cheap Norinco 1911, and with the help from Gene Shuey of AGI Building the ultimate 1911, and a few wilson Combat parts built the ultimate 1911! Shoots very well, no feed issues,no jams, and very acurate! So thank you Bill Wilson for making great parts with very little fit issues, and for helping build a great firearm!!!

[@noluck33]

Thanks for NO Ads!!!

[@Bojangles6]

I just wanna give you guys props on the WC 365 grip frames. Its a huge improvement in shootability with a minimal sacrifice in concealabiity.

[@wildbill6976]

I've used about every brand of 1911 magazine out there, the most consistent/reliable have been chip mccormick's & novak's (steel followers instead of plastic)

[@geoffreyblake2765]

I started off with a Gold Cup and enjoyed it for years until it was stolen in a home burglary. I replaced it with a Commander sized SS from Randall Arms. I had it tuned locally by Dave Horowitz (former Armorer for LAPD) It's made of 17/3 stainless and I've been using RIG grease to keep it lubricated. Bill what would you recommend to use here in SoCal ?

[@yokoshemp]

Best thing I did for accuracy in my Series 70 was install a WC barrel link with the "lock" thingy. Also put in a WC full length spring guide and flat spring for giggles but they went together nice with the locker barrel link. It made a fairly dramatic change in accuracy. Like no hits on a 8x11 bullseye target at 50ft to putting them all in the black. That is offhand shooting outside so I'd expect better if shot from a rest. Colt had done a terrible job. When I took apart the barrel and link there were huge flaky burrs in there... like it was drilled with a broken bit. Sad they didn't swipe it with a file before assembly.

[@CaveWyatt]

The first modification I made to an RIA 1911 I bought was to get all Wilson Combat springs. I figured they had a good chance of being the weak spot.

[@joeturner4666]

An extended thumb safety (maybe even an ambidextrous) for SFX9s/EDCX9S. One that will fit and clear the solid frame grips without a lot of special fitting. I have not seen one specifically for this model on your website, but I heard you said that your (Bill Wilson's) personal EDC has one.

[@kruppert54]

I am a southpaw and have had both of my EDC X9’s built with an extended ambidextrous thumb safety. I believe one of Mr Wilson’s every day carry’s is the EDCX9.

[@joeturner4666]

@@kruppert54 Gun Guys #54 The SFX9 Series

[@bbmw9029]

At this point a lot of major manufacturer (Ruger, S&W, Springfield Armory, etc.) 1911s are coming in the specification Bill is suggesting. You don't have to go custom to get these features. And I'd expect them to be reliable out of the box.

[@garyzies3486]

The way they're talking make it sound like the 1911 needs a bunch or work to make them work. I prefer reliable pistols straight out of the box, like Glock, Sig, Walther or HK.

[@bbmw9029]

@@garyzies3486 I wouldn't worry to much about reliability of a rack grade 1911 from a major manufacturer with a good reputation.

[@garyzies3486]

@@bbmw9029 Then what's this talk all about?

[@damondiehl5637]

@@garyzies3486 This is about making your "good" 1911 "awesome". Most people can shoot a 1911 and not get hammer bite. It really depends on your hand size. And in certain circumstances you might not fully engage the grip safety, so you pull the trigger and nothing happens. But put a full beavertail grip safety on it, you will never experience hammer bite, and you will never have an issue with not firing because you do not have the grip safety fully depressed. You can hit targets with the standard military sights... fairly well. But install a fiber optic or tritium front sight, at least, and your accuracy will get better. (Lots of 1911s come with better then military sights, but you can get the original sights, too, on cheaper models.) You can insert magazines in a 1911... and generally not have issues. A magwell helps ensure you can do it no matter how excited or cold or muddy or bloody you are. You can use standard mags... and have very few issues. Or you can run WC or Chip McCormick mags and probably never have an issue. You can buy a standard Rock Island Armory 1911 just like the Army issued in 1945. Or you can pay more and get a TAC ULTRA version and get the better sights, G10 grips, full beavertail and flared magwell. BUL Armory puts out 1911s with lots of the features mentioned and still has reasonable prices. And as BB MM said, there are numerous manufacturers who now offer 1911s that come with those features. Lots of people have died from being shot with the standard Army issue 1911. But you would be smart to up your advantage with components that make you more accurate and make the gun even more reliable.

[@johnsheetz6639]

Remember Colonel Askins? I used to read a lot of gun magazines and when massads name came up I thought of him as well. and legendary stories Jerry whipping people with a revolver a ispca matches

[@Tagawichin]

Just like having a shotgun stock fitted to correct the natural point of aim. I have to swap out the flat mainspring housing for an arched or wedge housing.

[@stevenkennedy4130]

Girsan MC 1911 Match. In 45 AARP. One sveet pistol for the money. Thanks for the share!!

[@JaredAF]

Sights and Trigger, absolutely the most important fundamentals and most important upgrades.

[@gunengineering1338]

I am developing my automatic slide releases for the 1911 and i decided to make them wilson magazine compatible only. The reasoning is the added cost of doing them for standard 1911 magazines would make them just as expensive as it would be to just go buy wilson mags and wilson mags are reliable. Especially when using the extended slide stop which they are only compatible with.

[@cooperway4171]

I would love a video reviewing some of the more inexpensive 1911's like the Rock Island Armory, Taurus, and Rugar versions.

[@hank1284]

Also these are the weapons most 1911 enthusiasts own and can afford . And if used in a self defense situation it will be taken away from you . For who knows how long .

[@DavidJones-hr9bn]

Why would a man in the business of selling firearms review competing brands in a positive light?!! Maybe to CRAP all over them by comparison!

[@harrydexter8426]

The outlaw video presenter recently did a presentation on cheaper 1911s. 👍😊🇺🇸

[@billking698]

# I MOST IMPORTANT TO ME IS A WILSON COMBAT MAGAZINE !...LOVE YOUR MAGS BILL !