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AR15.COM
7/31/2017 4:17:44 PM EDT
I just got into 1911s with a Sig Traditional Match Elite and SA RO, both in 9mm. The triggers are mediocre, and I'm thinking about polishing them up. I've done many AR builds, Glock and M&P trigger polishes, CZ Scorpion trigger polishes, and S&W revolver work. I've also already had the 1911s partially disassembled for magwell install. Are there any instructions for polishing a 1911 trigger that yields good results? Can his be done by a competent home gunsmith or must I take it to a shop?

ETA:
What parts do you guys recommend replacing and what jig do you recommend getting?

TIA
7/31/2017 4:25:44 PM EDT
[#1]
It sounds like you can do it yourself.  I've done a bunch of things to an old Springfield GI (which I now call the test mule) with satisfactory results.  I highly recommend the Kuhnhausen books and also the M1911 Complete Assembly Guide by Walt Kuleck.

You might want to try fitting an inexpensive set of trigger parts first as a practice run before you start messing with the original parts.  Follow the instructions.  Go slow.  I spent a lot of time over at https://forums.1911forum.com/ when I was working on my 1911.  I learned a lot.
7/31/2017 4:45:39 PM EDT
[#2]
You can do it.  I would leave your original parts alone and order new parts to work on, but that's just to CYA.

It's not difficult, but it isn't exactly putting together an AR either.
7/31/2017 6:07:39 PM EDT
[#3]
Buy a proper jig and stones or leave it alone.  Once the angles are wrong, they will stay wrong unless corrected with a jig.  You can't just "wing it".  

I will do a lot of things with guns, but I prefer to leave the sear surfaces up to someone who has a ton of experience with it.  Other than that, I will say to stay with drop in parts. 
7/31/2017 6:27:18 PM EDT
[#4]
Yea, I forgot to mention tools
7/31/2017 7:40:11 PM EDT
[#5]
Quote History
Quoted:
Buy a proper jig and stones or leave it alone.  Once the angles are wrong, they will stay wrong unless corrected with a jig.  You can't just "wing it".  

I will do a lot of things with guns, but I prefer to leave the sear surfaces up to someone who has a ton of experience with it.  Other than that, I will say to stay with drop in parts. 
View Quote
You may be ok doing it but I wouldn't and I've done quite a few things.

Like wildearp mentioned, there are some really good drop in parts out there.
Cylinder & Slide Shop comes to mind as does Wilson and Ed Brown.

I "dropped in" a set from C&S in my Colt Series 80 and I kid you not, it wasn't very much off my TRP.
A "Drop In".

Of course they don't actually "drop in" as you have to take the pistol very much apart.

As a side note I have fitted a couple of beavertails with the Wilson jig and they came out fantastic. Just GO SLOW. VERY SLOW.
7/31/2017 7:55:16 PM EDT
[#6]
Quote History
Quoted:
You may be ok doing it but I wouldn't and I've done quite a few things.

Like wildearp mentioned, there are some really good drop in parts out there.
Cylinder & Slide Shop comes to mind as does Wilson and Ed Brown.

I "dropped in" a set from C&S in my Colt Series 80 and I kid you not, it wasn't very much off my TRP.
A "Drop In".

Of course they don't actually "drop in" as you have to take the pistol very much apart.

As a side note I have fitted a couple of beavertails with the Wilson jig and they came out fantastic. Just GO SLOW. VERY SLOW.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Buy a proper jig and stones or leave it alone.  Once the angles are wrong, they will stay wrong unless corrected with a jig.  You can't just "wing it".  

I will do a lot of things with guns, but I prefer to leave the sear surfaces up to someone who has a ton of experience with it.  Other than that, I will say to stay with drop in parts. 
You may be ok doing it but I wouldn't and I've done quite a few things.

Like wildearp mentioned, there are some really good drop in parts out there.
Cylinder & Slide Shop comes to mind as does Wilson and Ed Brown.

I "dropped in" a set from C&S in my Colt Series 80 and I kid you not, it wasn't very much off my TRP.
A "Drop In".

Of course they don't actually "drop in" as you have to take the pistol very much apart.

As a side note I have fitted a couple of beavertails with the Wilson jig and they came out fantastic. Just GO SLOW. VERY SLOW.
What parts do you guys recommend replacing and what jig do you recommend getting?
7/31/2017 8:21:53 PM EDT
[#7]
Quote History
Quoted:


What parts do you guys recommend replacing and what jig do you recommend getting?
View Quote
I had good luck with the Wilson beavertail jig and Ed Brown and C&S parts.
7/31/2017 8:49:08 PM EDT
[#8]
Quote History
Quoted:
leave the sear surfaces up to someone who has a ton of experience with it.
View Quote
This is sound advice
8/1/2017 7:31:36 AM EDT
[#9]
You may not need to take any metal off. Just clean up all the surfaces with an emory pad.

Make sure the track for the trigger is clear from burs as well
8/1/2017 9:51:29 PM EDT
[#10]
Learn how to tune the sear spring before you start thinking about cutting on the sear and hammer.
8/1/2017 10:04:14 PM EDT
[#11]
This is relevant to my interests.  I picked up a RIA 1911-A1 FS to take apart and learn about.  I'm actually surprised at how well it shoots.  100 rounds without a hiccup and easily groups within 4".

I have plenty of modern firearms but this hunk o metal is my current favorite.  I don't know why.

Trigger isn't bad, but has quite a bit of creep.  I've got a grip safety on the way to practice easing the edges.  The original abraded the web of my hand after about 20 rounds.