[Cimarron]

I am seriously looking at adding the Taurus 1911 to my collection. I have been impressed with all I've read about the technical aspects of the gun, and the outstanding reports of those here who already own them. However, I have started making a list of the "add-on" items I can see as potential.

Unlike most 1911 models, the innards of the gun seem to be very well taken care of and a crisp, clean trigger is in place... so no replacement triggers, hammers, sears, etc will be needed... even the over sized beaver tail looks great. But here is my list... and I'd like to ask those of you who have one of these fine guns to add your opinions to my list.

• Because of the finish that Taurus has chosen, I would immediately refinish the slide in a Duracoat Stainless Steel. It has proved that it will stand up to the wear better than reports I've seen and heard. Besides, I like the Two-Tone contrast of the Stainless slide on my PT145
  
• The plastic grips will have to go. I love the looks of the Coco bolo grips on a black frame and CDNN has some nice ones for about $20 plus new hex head screws.
  
• I really like the dual spring recoil reducer that Taurus uses in the Millennium Pro series... It soaks up the recoil. The full length recoil rod doesn't appear to have the spring system in the PT1911 and I think I would have to upgrade that bit of hardware since I know how it affects the short barrel guns.
  
• Last on my list would probably be a different set of sights. The Wilson 3 dot sights are designed for 1911 guns, however there would still probably be a bit of shimming to do given the Taurus dovetail, but it would be worth the effort. I've been pretty adverse to spending a $100+ for night sights for a gun that carries a $300+ price tag, but in truth the 1911 would be a weapon that would be worth investing in a good set of sights for... so even the Heinie 3 dot night sights would be an option.
  

OK... that is my speculation without ever having handled the weapon outside of a gun store. What about you guys who own and have shot your PT1911... what other items would you add to this list?

 

[gjk5]

Mine has been great, my observations are as follows:

Finish is poor, I too will refinish but not right off the bat, and I've actually been thinking a desert tan for it.

The grips are very "grippy" the checkering is a little sharp and the plain black plastic just doesn't do it for me, I also like the cocobolo and will probably go with some sort of exotic hardwood.

Hadn't thought about the spring but sounds like a good idea, although the PT1911 is very pleasant to shoot, much less ssnappy than the 145.(which isn't bad itself)

Bigtime ditto on the sights! I'm getting used to the Heine's but still don't love them, I just hate having to learn a different way to shoot for now 2 guns, wish I could have the 3 dots on the 145 and the 1911.



In addition to your suggestions I have considered laser grips but probably won't do it (not worth $200 IMO), and have thought about polishing the barrel and adding stainless safety/hammer/slide release if I stick with a dark color, just because I think it looks nice.

Not really a lot that "needs" to be done to it though, it's a pretty darn good gun right out of the box.

 

[Cimarron]

I have thought about the colors of the 24/7 OSS. The nice thing about Duracoat is that is so flexible in colors.

I hadn't thought either, but you could do the internal LaserMax http://www.lasermax.com/product.php?id=17

 

[Drewbacca]

Why don't you just buy the stainless PT1911?

 

[gjk5]

Good idea on the guide rod laser, I've seen them but forgot all about them.(still pricey though)


As far as the stainless, how long do you want to wait?? I've heard all sorts of dates for release, aas far out as fall '09.

 

[DRAEGER]

No trouble with mine and with some help from a few friends I have yet to find and 1911 parts that do not fit or will not interchange, with the exception of the Kimber slide.

 

[Cimarron]

No trouble with mine and with some help from a few friends I have yet to find and 1911 parts that do not fit or will not interchange, with the exception of the Kimber slide.

I wonder if the Kimber .22 conversion would work?

PS... Yes I've thought a lot about the Stainless Steel version, but like you it may exist in some other universe... and I'm curious about the price when it arrives!

 

[frostyeyes]

yes the Kimber 22 conversion works along with the Ciener and Advantage Arms one. The finish is weak and I'm sending mine off after summer is over to have a polished blue finish applied. The grips had to go ,look at my avatar a set of VZ 320's fixed that theres also some pics in the gallery section and for my personal taste I'm gonna change out the ambi safety to single side from Ed Brown in stainless. 3000 rds and counting it feeds and fires everything I've thrown at it from WWB, UMC to Ranger T's Federal HSt +P DPX ETC. I have several 1911's including some high end ones and I'm completely happy with this one.

 

[tyler1171]

I've added a Wilson extended slide release and a EGW mag well, re-polished barrel/ramp, MILD throating on the barrel for my lead bullet loads and Wilson recoil buffer. Massaged the grip safety which the trigger bow was dragging on when squeezing trigger. Also added Hogue wraparound rubber grips.

Still plan on new sights, fiber op front mandatory, even if I have to cut new dovetails! Also plan on fitting new barrel bushing (too much play in stock one).

Since the finish is a little weak on the PT1911, I'm SERIOUSLY considering the Duracoat/Ceramicoat option. Cimarron tell me more about your experience with these products when you are able please?

 

[Cimarron]

Since the finish is a little weak on the PT1911, I'm SERIOUSLY considering the Duracoat/Ceramicoat option. Cimarron tell me more about your experience with these products when you are able please?

My experience is pretty much focused on the Duracoat and it has been good. I refinished a Star BM a year ago and it is holding good. I tried to sand the extractor to bright metal, but when the Duracoat sets up it really holds on tight.

I'm looking a using the H&K black on the slide and either clear coating the frame after stripping and burnishing it to bright metal... or using the stainless steel coating. At least that my present plans.

PS... Naval Jelly is a great bluing remover. Use a brush to coat the part, and then wipe off and rinse with water. Use WD-40 to force water out of cracks.... but you'll have to use a degreaser before you apply the Duracoat.

 

[1SourceWeb]

yes the Kimber 22 conversion works along with the Ciener and Advantage Arms one.

While I realize this post is older - I had to comment here. The Kimber conversion kit will NOT work without serious modification. It doesn't like the Taurus at all without ALOT of dremeling and polishing on a $300 conversion kit. I have not had experience with the Advantage Arms, but I do have the Ceiner kit. For $200, there are no mods necessary, and the mags are 15 rounders instead of 10.

Sorry for the thread hijack, but wanted to save someone else money...