Fun project, experience welcomed

[ScubaDuba]

I'm going to learn more in depth about 1911 firearms by working on my RIA tactical. What are some things I could do to enhance this gun?

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[Sarge43]

That's part of the fun of the 1911- there are MANY things you can do to make the weapon YOURS. From simple to complex. If I were you, I'd start leafing through the Brownells or Midway catalogues and looking at parts. Things like swapping slide stops, MSH's, grip safeties etc will get you started. A clue - "drop in" doesn't always mean drop in. Clue #2 - When a part has to be hand fit, less stock removal and more frequent checking in the weapon will save you MUCH frustration. don't ask me how I know, I just do.
Good luck!
Sarge

[kracker]

Enjoy your project, just always remember to remove metal from the cheaper part.

[kazzaerexys]

A big +1 on Sarge's words of wisdom. I built out a Fusion 1911 last year as my very first "home gunsmithing" project. I screwed up one part (the off-side of an ambi safety), but am pretty happy with how everything else turned out, but I really was not expecting how much work needed to be done to fit a lot of those "drop in" parts.

Get Kuhnhausen's 1911 shop manual. Seriously. It is a must have for 1911 tinkering; not to mention, Vol. 2 has a number of good 1911 projects in it that could help you decided what to do.