1911 Parts advice please

[Dave Waits]

Originally Posted by Xbonz

I'm looking to have some minor mod's done to my Colt Gov't model 70 series. I want to change to a beavertail, which I know will require new hammer and I assume sear. If I'm going to do that I might as well change the trigger, slide release, and safety (the pistol is hard chrome and the parts are silver, would like to change them to blue/black). Any recommendations as to what brand parts to purchase? Any other changes that should or must be made? Thanks in advance..

Okay, I'll try to help in order here. First, what kind of beavertail are you looking for?Since you're modding a Series 70, I'd recommend a Beavertail with a .250 Radius. They do make some with a .220 radius but, very few. Personally, I like the Ed Brown Memory-Bump Beavertails.

You're correct in that your existing Hammer, as it is, won't work with a beavertail. You have two options here, one, you can Bob your existing Hammer. This involves cutting off and blending about 1/8th inch off of your Spur. The other is to purchase one of the many kits out there. I like the Cylinder&Slide kits, specifically, the Tactical II 4lb. Kit. Has a Hammer,Sear, Disconnector, new searspring and hammer spring. Part number is Brownells #206-000-058WB, $143.99. It is a drop-in unit. It's also strongly advised to replace the Thumb-Safety also. If you like them, you can order a new stock thumb-safety from Colt or get one of the tons of Tactical Thumb-Safeties out there. Reason is, the existing thumb-safety may be cut too short already to work with the new parts. I recommend the Wilson Combat Bullet-Proof Slide-Stop as it has a .200 pin which will tighten up your lockup a bit and help with accuracy.

Hope this helps, any questions just ask.