Wilson Combat Colt 1911 Upgrade - Part 1

[@mikethomas5412]

Beaver tail, Commander hammer, extended safety, better sights, Wilson mag.

[@hpgdawnpatrol9456]

Larry I swapped all the moving parts of my Kimber sIS 1911 with Wilson parts and man it went from good to AMAZING. I did this at the 13000 round mark. That was 6000 rounds ago. Thank you for doing what you do and sharing your knowledge. Been a fan of yours for over a decade. Have a good un

[@laddjm]

Gold bead front sight, extended thumb safety, beavertail grip safety, retro commander hammer, bevel magwell, replace and fit new extractor.

[@Slcm02]

Larry great video. Hope you are feeling better. In 1972 returning from Vietnam I bought a new Colt Commander in satin nickel. Definitely my carry friend. A few years ago I called Wilson and made arrangements for them to upgrade everything. Bill Wilson also asked if wanted his cartouche on it since I spent a lot. Of course I said. What a beautiful job. Weapon is a work of art.

[@prodoccal]

Beavertail, Commander hammer, lightweight trigger, magwell, lower/ flare ejection port, upgraded extractor, Novak sights, trigger guard undercut / front strap checkering 25lpi, match barrel and bushing, and maybe low profile ambi safety.

[@AmericanArmsChannel]

With a “lower” budget, i’d say bring it up to “modern” 1911 combat pistol specs: - open up ejection port - checker/line front strap - beavertail grip safety - Skeleton Hammer - enhanced safety - mill slide for and install novak or wilson pattern tritium sights - general slide-Frame tune up - polish feed ramp That all will probably be about as much as can be done for $900

[@jacobharrod6912]

Great choices man!

[@BettingOnTheOzarks]

It already has lowered ejection port and polish feed ramp

[@sonnygunz9207]

Just buy one like that.

[@briangullickson9013]

I could watch super slow-mo of these guns firing allllllll day! 👍🏼 🇺🇸

[@Gary1911A1]

Reliability would be #1 for me so I'd start with a reliability package and a spare tuned extractor. Next would be a good 3 1/2# trigger job if needed flooded by good sights with maybe a gold bead. Thanks for posting this Larry. I took your 1911 Build Class in Gainesville Fl.

[@Cheezzyizill]

Checkered Front Strap - $275 , Dovetail cuts $115~, Plain battlesight rear and Tritium front $100~, NON Bulletproof Grip safety plus fitment $65~, Bulletproof one piece magwell $220, BulletProof thumb safety $75. My total here is $850. That leaves $50 for shipping and some cold blue.

[@cobannie]

Wow! No need for Wilson Combat mags! Looks like yours comes with Bruce Wilis infinity mags!!! No reloads! :-0

[@evanwilliams7195]

Millennial here, started out with the 1911 and took a long time moving to something else (CZ75). I’m with you Larry, sights and extended grip safety are priorities 1 and 2. I’m not keen on spending lots of cash on frontstrap checkering when some cheap rubberized grip tape would likely do the job. A better set of magazines is a must. A beveled mag well would be nice but if we are on a budget there are cheap magwells that hook under the grip screws that have worked for me quite nicely and not ruined the aesthetics of the gun. Being an older 1911 a throat and polish would be ideal for feeding JHPs if that is still in the budget. If there’s anything left after that I would go with a Wilson bulletproof extractor.

[@Angus762]

Put as much Combat Commander onto the base gun as financially possible . Front grip grooves. Beaver tail. Mag well. Anything left for Trigicon sights ?

[@klits732]

Thanks for this video. I have a colt series 80 government model. I bought it to be upgraded down the road. I’m a lefty so I guess I’d suggest. 1. Ambi safety 2. Beaver tail 3. Commander hammer 4. Trijicon night sights. 5 mag well

[@Gruntman77]

Hi. Long time viewer here from Trenton. I'D like to see a "sleeper" style. Has the classic Magnum PI look, but runs like a dream, with many of the modern enhancements. Something that will look great in a leather Bianci holster. Combat/ carry oriented but keeping the original aesthetics. So keeping the matte blue finish on all parts that are visible. My list would include: commander style hammer, extended slide stop and safety, minimal beaver tail extension, front strap texturing and combat sights. Same finish, same wood grips. If we wanted to change the grips id be ok seeing something custom provided it was wood.

[@JeremiahJS1984]

1. Up swept grip safety 2. Commander hammer 3. Extended thumb safety 4. Novak cut night sights 5. Medium pad trigger To save money I would use Wilson's value line products. Maybe put a more durable finish on it and if front strap checkering is not in the budget maybe a set of Pachmayr rubber wraparound grips.

[@budstermcgreen6360]

Nothing like the recoil impulse of a smooth 1911! Beaver tail, hogue wrap around grips to not worry about the checkering. Sights and some Wilson combat mags. Extend that safety. Done. Thanks for everything you do LAV! ✌

[@themegaislandman]

Hey Bud, Hogue rules.

[@emersonbolen784]

I purchased a Colt Series 80 online, satin finish for just $769. Had the front strap checkered 21lpi, front end slide serrations, and put in a solid guide rod/plug, added all the Wilson Combat drop-in parts: beaver tale, added LPA sights with a fully adjustable rear sight, mag well extension, enlarged mag release button, extended slide stop, ambi safety, trigger, and purchased several Wilson Combat 10rd magazines. I would add all of these upgrades to any Colt Government model, all this cost me an additional $500, which I know is over budget, but still a lot of gun for the money. This is now my USPSA Limited 10 major power factor competition gun, with my DAA rig (belt, holster, magazines).

[@md1911texas]

Dehorn is a must Larry on those Colts. Thats a must. Barrel bushing to get the most out of that barrel.

[@4411825]

1.) Polish the feed ramp 2.)improve the sites 3.)Wilson Combat magazines(8 shot) 4.)Wilson Combat magazine beveled well 5.) Beaver tail with memory bump 6.) Grip tape on the front strap 7.)Skeletonized hammer 8.) Ambidextrous safeties that are more aggressive 9.) Magpul grips 10.)Synthetic lubricants!

[@GoldieMcGoldie]

I agree - dovetail front (tritium) and rear (black u-notch battle) sights; beavertail grip safety with a memory bump. Therefore, need a hammer swap (go retro commander hammer!). Extended, ambi-thumb safety. Then refinish in armor-tuff black. Counting parts and labor we are close to $899. If room in the budget - long, light weight trigger install and checking.

[@hacksskillsmods8916]

Brownells used to sell a hammer and sear set called the "Delta elite" not sure if they still do BUT. On the hammer the stirrup pin hole was drilled just a little lower, it made the main spring have less leverage on the hammer because when the hammer was cocked it placed the stirrup further under the hammer pin. Basically just by using this hammer it gave a lighter trigger with out reducing spring tension, changing angles or anything else. I used to run one on a Spring Field in I.P.S.C. it had a 2lb trigger dew in part to the hammer I'm telling you about.

[@philipliu852]

1. White dot the rear sights + fibre up front 2. mill the top of the slide out for compensation & drill tiny ports on the barrel to match (balance between recoil and muzzle velocity) 3. small magwell extension (not a flare, look more like the m92r) + new grip panel to match

[@bgrv07]

Night sights, beavertail, 1 piece Magwell/msh, reliability package for hollow point feeding if necessary, front strap checkering or grip tape if the reliability work is necessary.

[@2006Mercury]

LARRY YOU GOTTA GET SOME BLANG BLANG ON THEM THANGS BABY!!!

[@johnnypranin5874]

I grew up with GI format 1911s. Last Christmas, I got me a Springfield Garrison .45 and it's much more comfortable to shoot as a modern format 1911. The GI-style tang grip safety is pretty small and narrow and doesn't help out much with felt recoil. Worst of all, because it's narrow it leaves the edges of the 1911's tang exposed. As a result, the edges of the tang can bite the web of your hand during recoil, particularly if you use a high grip. I've gotten cuts and blisters. The beavertail grip safety is much larger and wider and spreads recoil out much more. And since it's much wider, it covers the tang edges and therefore protects the web of your hand from getting nipped during recoil. The extended thumb safety lever is also a huge upgrade. Now I personally have very rarely had an instance of accidentally missing the GI-style thumb safety since I have small hands. But nonetheless, the extended thumb safety is much harder to accidentally miss, and because you can ride your thumb on it, you'll reap the full benefits of the high grip. The aluminum trigger is also much more comfortable to shoot with. The GI-style serrated steel trigger has an excellent smooth pull, but it tends to scratch your trigger finger during recoil. I've gotten scratches and blisters. The modern aluminum skeletonized triggers are also serrated, however because aluminum is considerably softer than steel it eliminates the scratching problem. While I love my grandpa's Colt Government 1911A1 .45 and will always cherish it for him, I shoot my Springfield Garrison far more often nowadays.

[@thecodemachine]

One should be accurized as much as possible, for bullseye shooting. The other should be made into the best carry piece.

[@Manhattan_project.420]

Perfect idea

[@jamescooper2618]

These guns were made to be "classic" If you want to chop one up, why buy a BN Colt? Just get a good used 1911 and go nuts. No need to go crazy for a carry gun either, just smooth and reliable. Spend the money on mags.

[@opmike343]

@@jamescooper2618 There's no point in starting with a "used" gun for a video like this. What do you think the purpose this series is going to be exactly? You know, I really thought this was going to be an interesting method of making a video, soliciting the audience. But holy crap are the comments here pitiful.

[@jamescooper2618]

@@opmike343 What I took from it was not "how much can we customize the gun" it was " what can we do that is worth doing and keep it under 800-and-some dollars". So the gun comes out as a representative of a classic Colt and folks want to blow it into a full custom job. Just get a cheap used one to do that. Leave the Colt pretty much as it is. See my point?

[@thecodemachine]

In NY in buying a new pistol takes 6 weeks so improving used pistols makes things easier.

[@tengu190]

Grip tape is easy checkering solution on a budget. Talon Grips or Traction Grips may have the cutouts you want.

[@DisgruntledK28]

VZ Grips. They make the difference when it comes to gripping the weapon.

[@davidunderwood3605]

Chekering a must on front strap. Beaver tail yes and comander style hammer . Sights are a what the pistol is used for. All the added moneys you might as well had purchased a series 70 Gold Cup.

[@AriePharmD]

Incredible slow motion video !!!

[@larsandreasrisy4402]

Bevertail,comander hammer, night sights,bevel the magwell, steel mainspringhousing,griptape on frontstrap😉 + Wilson Combat 47D magazine. Good to go👍

[@jackieeastom8758]

Love my Wilson upgrades

[@basilkulish7465]

I think its one of favorite pistols to shooters from practical shooting.

[@bryaneastridge4155]

Beaver Tail U notch drop in rear sight (Harrison Design style) Steel Main Spring Housing All fire controls and trigger replaced. Re-Blue- Done

[@bw062288]

Now I use my 1911 as a combat handgun as it was designed for. So definitely some sights is a must. I would also go with a full length guide rod to not only save your frame rails but also to help with recoil to maintain a more flat shooting pistol. I would also go with a medium length trigger, but if the standard short trigger is good then leave it. Magwel most definitely would have to be flared for those fast mag changes. Beaver tail grip safety for a better purchase on the pistol and a commander style hammer. That's all I would change for a good duty/home defense gun.

[@richardkluesek4301]

Install a Wilson " V grip" mainspring housing, part # 92BV, which is wedge shaped as an alternative to a flat or round butt. This configuration places the bore axis higher in the hand for better control and recoil absorption, I have one installed on a Caspian frame build using all Wilson small parts and a Colt Series 70 slide and match barrel, also with Wilson small parts in the upper. The reverse of the slide is rollmarked 'Competition Model' and was bought as a spare part.

[@richardkluesek4301]

Like noted in my comment this slide was "bought as a spare part" because it happened to be available at a gun store and later I decided to use it for a frankenstien build gun.

[@sr5drift]

Wilson sells a checkered front strap that mounts under the grips on either side and goes around the front strap. It works very well and only costs about $10.

[@robertpagel8951]

Wilson U notch rear sight with trijicon front sights, following all Wilson bullet proof parts, commander hammer, beaver tail, ambi safety, slide stop, magwell, sunburst grips, extractor, file tune hammer and sear, add set of rubber molded finger grooves under grips. Parts and average Joe labor charges between 800-900 bucks. One combat, defensive pistol coming up.

[@sebaglock]

Send it to Larry Vickers is a special forces guy that make beautiful and reliable 1911 .... 👍👍

[@blackops8996]

Nah this guy is a crook

[@luxmid7486]

i was watching one of his vids he did with US Ordance m60 from 2015 the change is crazy

[@boxelderinitiative3897]

Congrats on losing so much weight. You look a lot healthier, happier, and you'll be able to make great content for us longer. Cheers.

[@-MRJASOKAYT]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jImxY6yjhdh9kKM

[@redneckaxeman1254]

Good set of sights and a trigger job will get you a long way. These guns are pretty good out of the box imho.

[@max796428]

If I could spec one out now with keeping the price reasonable --> Beaver tail GS, Slight De-horn on sharp edges, WC BP Ambi-safety, serrated/checkered steel MSH, Commander Hammer, Grips that hold solid in the hand, Gold bead front/blacked out rear (like Harrisons retro rear sight), replace cast/MIM parts (which are few on a Colt), & standard bluing job. Would be very hard to not add front strap checkering if doing the above but that can kill a "low" budget upgrade for a 1911.

[@formerpilgrim4934]

Gold bead front sight, matching rear sight in plain black. Flared mag well. Lower ejection port. Reliability tune. Extended Safety and beaver tail, but not by much. Steel flat mainspring housing. Clean up the stock short trigger. I would be tempted to keep that hammer, but maybe should go for a commander style. Keep one pistol as stock "Magnum PI looking" as possible. Set another one up with all kinds of Wilson accessories making it look like an early gamer gun.

[@CountryBoyShane]

Sights, VZ G10 Operator II grips, high-ride beavertail, front strap checkering, commander hammer.

[@erichirst2766]

Wilson mainspring with attached mag well. Wilson commander hammer and trigger components. Wilson extended beaver tail. With what ever is left over, I’d try to get sights and maybe some grips like vz grips. If there’s any ability checkering on the front strap

[@CA.0verview]

1.Sights 2.Modern beaver tail with memories bump 3.tone it 4.thump safety ~5.Minimal front strap serration if budget allow That’s all I can see for enhanced functionality. I’d add an Undercut at the trigger guard but I don’t think there will be enough for that if serration are applied.

[@SaberFox-xo5jf]

so for night fighting as you mention night sights you also need a light to help illuminate as well. so I would suggest a XS standard dot v-notch tridem night sights and a recovery tactical CC3H grip. The CC3H grip set has in integrated 1913 rail to clamp on a handgun light and has a textured grip help with wet hands. sadly it does require you to replace the wood grips on your 1911.

[@stephenbutler8290]

An under-barrel flame thrower and 40mm combo would be nice.

[@themegaislandman]

Aaarrrgghhh!

[@MThomas001]

Beavertail, bulletproof extractor, trigger job, bulletproof slide release, U- notch rear, tritium front sights, pachmayer grips. Springs all the way around. Parts and labor 900.00 ish New holster and mags 200.ish Badassery for 2 grand.

[@kenwalls1561]

Option one: night stand gun/ daily carry Night sights if possible. Extend beaver tail Mag well 8 round mags for daily carry and extended mag for nightstand gun. Grip tap if no money left for checking the front strap. Option 2 range gun Gold bead front sight Polish/tuned trigger Extend beaver tail Magwell Front strap checking

[@tdawg7327]

Novak adjustable night sights, beavertail grip safety, skeletonized hammer, ultralight match trigger, flared magwell. 25dpi front strap checkering is a must, but grip tape at the very least to stay under budget. Smooth front strap is a no go.

[@RickJZ1973]

Beaver tail, delta hammer, arched mainspring housing, better sites, tune extractor, dehorn pistol of any sharp edges, Wilson magazines. In my opinion, what I listed would reasonably fit a decent budget.

[@tylerb556]

Definitely need some new sights I'd suggest a rear sight with a hook/ledge the front sight gold Dot bead

[@scottlitton1987]

The Pachmayr wrap around grips are also good alternative to checkering.

[@nickbachinski660]

Reto/practical build. good fixed sights. good trigger and a little flre to the mag well like dan wesson 1911a2 build

[@snarf9455]

Cannot wait for pt.2

[@tetlow2]

A tour of Wilson combat would be really cool. I wonder if they would let you film them working on your pistol.

[@petesjk]

If I’m going to spend time and money on customization, I want reliability and ergonomic improvements. I’m with Larry on the beavertail, frontstrap checkering, and sights. I personally like serrations on top of the slide. Larry didn’t mention anything about the thumb safety, but I would upgrade if needed. A magwell shaping mod would be nice, but I think would depend on budget limits and how you want to use this gun. If this is your only, do everything pistol, or if you would like to do some competition, then go ahead. Otherwise, it’s a lower priority. Other than possibly the spring assembly, Larry didn’t mention any reliability issues. For a beginner, I would run those parts until they wear out or malfunction, then upgrade them.

[@Hidalguense]

Got to get the 38super.

[@chrisgrignon3877]

Awesome can’t wait to see part 2

[@BettingOnTheOzarks]

I would say beaver tail, commander hammer, trigger job(if needed), heinie sights (personal choice). Other than that cool build!

[@barry3045]

cool. looking forward to part 2

[@HiVoltish]

Wilson Combat recoil spring is an inexpensive upgrade. Works great in my Springfield MC Operator.

[@PatientReaper1775]

Colt is crazy to think all these throwback 1911s and revolvers are going to save them.

[@greghowardbell]

Michael Setliff colts has been going out of business just fine for 200 years. Like when they tricked everyone into buying their “discontinued” rifles recently

[@seanwhite304]

Colt has 88 Million in Goverment contracts right now until 2024. Plus another one for 57 Million . That's enough to keep Colt Defense and Colt Manufacturing going . Colts issue is Management . For the longest time all they cared about was Military contracts . When those dried up they were screwed . They still didn't give the commercial market what they wanted . They came out with the Monolithic ARs in 2004. They weren't released on commercial market until 2010. The Colt SCAR Type C ( model 1020) was never released . The APC didn't come out until 2012ish. I'm still waiting on the Colt M5 ENHANCED with Ambi Lower . Colt lied to their customers . The Retro rifles aren't even made by Colt . The Colt Expanse was a disaster and they got sued for 500k from the people who actually did make the carbine . Pretty much it's a roll of the dice for Colt Carbines made after 2015 if it's an actual authentic Colt or not . I'm still a hard core Colt Fan but I know what is or isn't made in house for the 69 Series Carbines/Rifles . They had all those pipe swinging bad ass engineers for the longest time . None of those pipe hitters passed on a successor . I believe the last person who could build a Real Snake revolver retired in 2006ish . The revolvers they are making now aren't anywhere close to what they were . They also didn't have a custom shop for years as well . They laid all of them off. It's gonna take alot for them to be who they once were. Colt cannot stay open without Mass Production contracts . They are one of the very few companies in the world who can mass produce a TDP product and maintain and unbelievable am out of quality .

[@jacobharrod6912]

Colt 1911 Plan B Plan B Code Name - LAV Sleeper Lower and flare ejection port - Cost unknown Armor Tuff Slide - $150.00 Code number HC-009 I believe... You wont be able to checker the front strap $275.00 is probably too much. Talon Grips 1911 Front Strap Black Granulate -$4.99 Thumb Saftey Bullet Proof Blue - $75.00 Beavertail Grip Saftey, High Ride, Bullet Proof blue - $165.00 (I believe this includes installation.) Sear Spring, Bullet Proof® might as well - $5.56 on sale Extractor, 70 Series, .45 ACP, Bullet Proof®, Blue - $31.95 Have current hammer chopped, and contact surfaces polished - cost unknown Deluxe Bullet Proof® Sear, A-2 - $29.95 Disconnector, Bullet Proof® - $26.95 Hammer Strut, Bullet Proof®, Blue - $7.95 Hammer Strut Pin, Blue - $1.95 Hammer Strut Pin, Stainless - $2.95 Trigger, Ultralight Match, Short Pad - $34.95 (Have them Armor Tuff tour TRIGGER PAD ONLY with the slide.) DO NOT ARMOR TUFF TRIGGER BOW Bullet Proof® One-Piece Magwell , Full Size, Blue - $149.95 LMC03WNB with .180" Orange Mega Dot Glow Dome Novak Night Sights - $144.95 ESTIMATED COST - $802.20 - $803.20

[@EastCoastMan603]

1911 Ninja 🤣 god bless ya

[@jacobharrod6912]

@@EastCoastMan603 Hey I thought long and hard about it he he he. God bless you too!

[@markmadsen6828]

LAV, Looking trim Pal,! Keep fighting & Kickin Ass Brother! Merry Christmas.

[@alejandroschmid]

fixed metal sights, beavertail, front strap checkering, metal checkerted flat mainspring housing, trigger job, internal polishing. if you have money after that spend it in ammo for range time.

[@eatingelizabethsfrizbee]

Sights, "Beavertail" safety, the Wilson screw on checking, metal main house.

[@easbreid9879]

Sights, skeletonized hammer and trigger, ambidextrous safety, checkered front strap, full length guide rod if it doesnt have it and grips to wrap it up

[@ericgonzales6899]

Novak sight cuts, good sights, magwell and mainspring housing, beavertail and hammer

[@ADRay1999]

Personally Larry, if I wanted to customize this 1911 for my personal use I would add: Extended thumb safety Extended slide release Novak Brass Bead Front sight Plain Black Extra Wide Notch rear sight Crimson trace grips Beveled mag well Commander hammer And a Wilson combat bulletproof beavertail grip safety

[@Naterbomb88]

Front strap serrations instead of checkering, flat face trigger, front slide cocking serrations, fiber front sight, and adjustable bomar style rear sight. Thanks

[@blackoutbob2235]

Sights a must (which is likely going to drive the price up given what needs to be done), beveling the magazine well, beavertail, hammer, and frankly - if you are using it for carry - I'd get rid of that plastic mainspring housing. If your trigger is good - then you could get by until you want to upgrade. If not, then you really will want to upgrade the trigger. If you are still within budget, consider an ambi safety - that shouldn't break the bank normally but depending on the above... Wilson has great flat wire springs and you can consider this as well, but the above may have brought you over 900, with parts and labor. There are other parts which could be considered but if they aren't plastic or substandard, then they'll do the trick.

[@jakedistlehorst6190]

Needs a Wilson combat magazine.

[@92notchback302]

X2. I used to think highly of those Colt stock magazines. But they tend to start double feeding after they've been in service for a while.

[@themegaislandman]

MegCar, choice of the SEAL Teams. I gotta Wilson mag too though. Smooth as butter...

[@toiletpaper5770]

@@92notchback302 interesting comment...mine almost immediately started double feeding (with the stock Colt magazine) I fixed the problem with a recoil spring but hearing this from you makes me want to go out and buy a new magazine.

[@robertadvincula6177]

Wilson makes the clamp on style front strap, i would add that as well for better grip.

[@marshallwarden4240]

I can do flat main spring housing on a 1911 with wrap around grips. Not as aesthetically pleasing but functional. Night sights, beaver tail, mag well, long face trigger, & commander hammer if in budget

[@jhendricks9041]

I really like GI model 1911s. I'd just put on the stake on Trijicon front night sight, arched mainspring housing, and checker the front strap. Maybe polish the trigger a bit. I have an older Springfield 1911A1 and I like it more than the Ruger SR1911 with the bells and whistles.

[@bassettraceengines]

Beaver tail grip safety, Long Trigger, Commander style Hammer, Sear and Disconnector. All new springs.All Wilson Bullet Proof Parts. Ken Hackathorn sights.

[@sirchewtrain]

Wilson Combat Custom Magwell (effective and less expensive than a edbrown or nighthawk beveled magwell/housing); Wilson Combat Match or Ultralight trigger; Wilson mag release; Wilson high ride beaver tail; Bomar night sights from Dawson (permanent) or Trijicon HD Novak sights + ; Chip McCormick power mag; some gloves bc no front checkering due to budget

[@jeramyw]

Don't know much about pimpin 1911s but the Dawson Precision tool-less guide rod should be a good addition.

[@randyallen2771]

Bigger sights of the style the shooter prefers (trijicon?) , Wilson Combat stamped metal checkered front strap, put the gun in a Ransom Rest and ensure accuracy is adequate for intended use and adjust as needed. Longer trigger with stop screw (if shooters grip needs it). Buy enough ammo to test fire enough to identify possible problems such as extractor adjustment. Sometimes less is more.

[@kevinfick7228]

Beaver tail, commander hammer, or bob hammer,long trigger, set of Novak sights, grip tape, throat the barrel if need polish feed ramp if need,flare ejection port.

[@jonathanjackson4136]

Hello everyone out there ❤️

[@johnnymac3826]

To save money on the front checkering just use skateboard grip tape its worked great for me that way you can have more money leftover

[@WastelandWanderer1216]

My upgrades would be a Wraparound Pachmayr Grip, Improved Barrel Bushing, New Barrel, Extended Safety and Controls, Ring Hammer, Polished Feed Ramp, Trigger Job if needed and Finally a set of good Night Sights.

[@davidgrant9684]

"Chu gUys Haf anY 38 ChuPer?"

[@hplefler9401]

Leave one as stock as possible. Arched mainspring housing, bevel magazine well, bob the hammer but leave the grip safety alone, more visible sights (plain black in the rear, tritium or fiber optic, maybe brass bead up front) maybe polish the feed ramp. Push the other one a bit. Beaver tail, front cocking serrations, commander style hammer, extended thumb safety, polish the feed ramp, maybe a mainspring housing with a speed chute, Lo-mount type sights (I still prefer plain black in the rear and fiber optic up front).

[@j.paul.joseph]

Cool project!

[@Gruntman77]

Hi. Long time viewer here from Trenton. I'D like to see a "sleeper" style. Has the classic Magnum PI look, but runs like a dream, with many of the modern enhancements. Something that will look great in a leather Bianci holster. Combat/ carry oriented but keeping the original aesthetics. So keeping the matte blue finish on all parts that are visible. My list would include: commander style hammer, extended slide stop and safety, minimal beaver tail extension, front strap texturing and combat sights. Same finish, same wood grips. If we wanted to change the grips id be ok seeing something custom provided it was wood. Lastly all the internals be tuned, and if the trigger isn't great perhaps a replacement trigger, and/or a discreetly beveled mag well. All matching the existing finish. Definitely 10 Rnd extended magazines (blued) Hopefully we are still on budget at this point.

[@seadowg5515]

Great stuff, as always.

[@mozzberg590]

As a lefty, an ambi safety is first and foremost.

[@ScottAT]

Being left handed is what got me into pistolsmithing 29 years ago. Today, my work is compared to “high end” makers. I have an aviation background and encorporated what I learned there into my builds. As I get older, the more I desire to build Classic A-1’s.

[@chemusvandergeek1209]

I've never had to take a safety off under stress, but my index finger works well to take it off. Getting leverage to put it back on is only slightly spotty.

[@90thReenactor]

HC-367F Snag Free Front Sight Fiber Optic Green: $80 HC-860 Tactical Adjustable Battlesight: $125 HC-429 Beavertail Grip Safety Drop In: $60 HC-TR Ultralight Long Match Trigger: $110 HC-012 Tighten Slide to Frame Fit: $175 HC-013 Complete Reliability Package (Series 70): $200 HC-017 Lower and Flare Back Ejection Port: $75 HC-614 Flatwire Spring Kit: $30 TOTAL WORK: $855 I would also add their magazine well (part # 188B) for $30, bringing the total to $885.

[@jordangogov2060]

The enhancements depends on what the pistol will be used for. If we’re doing a defensive build let’s have the following items on the pistol: Reliability job Tune extractor 20lpi checkering front strap 20lpi straight mainspring housing Bevel magwell Wilson combat black rear with black front sight Wilson bullet proof beavertail Wilson bullet proof thumb safety Wilson commander round hammer Wilson sear and disconnector Black nitrate entire pistol

[@Char-nu9ir]

Pachmeyer grips to save on front checkering. Trigger job, Commander hammer, and Heine or Novak sights.

[@mnharris10]

Sights, an ambidextrous safety, front grip checkering, arched checkered mainspring and a Beavertail. And… stag grips!

[@dbe5033]

I used a hogue wraparound grip module to overcome the lack of checkering on the front strap.

[@mfattomica3196]

i am gonna enjoy this series!

[@TheTheLyan]

If the trigger and barrel are decent very little is needed. grip safety, carry thumb safety, sights, bevel magwell, checkering, if any money is left over upgrade extractor/ejector and ignition parts (not necessary).

[@Cheezwizzz]

Happy New Year Larry 🇮🇪🇺🇸