My 1911 Retro Mod (7 Pics)
 

It's been many years since I sold my 4 digit commercial Colt 1911 to "upgrade", about as many years as I've been remorseful. I've since consoled myself with various modern high grade offerings but recently while browsing around I came across some pics of "Wild Bunch" rigs with WWI 1911 pattern pistols in them and the bees have since been buzzing in my bonnet like a minigun. Now there are a couple of beautiful replicas out there by Cylinder & Slide and Colt but with the price and scarcity of these and authentic 1911's and the accompanying reluctance to shoot one regularly, I decided to take a different approach.

I've always looked at Norincos as being the "truest" to the GI pattern, not only in specs, but also in their toughness and ability to function reliably and accurately in adverse conditions. Not too tight and not so pretty as to cry if it gets dropped in gravel. And over time they just get smoother and nicer to handle. So I figured my best success with drop in parts would be with a Nork.

Thus began what I've discovered to be a somewhat elusive search for all the bits and pieces I would need for this ersatz 1911 pattern pistol. Some I had accumulated and others came from helpful and sympathetic 1911 addicts. So on with the pics:

This well-worn Nork 1911A1 that arrived today would fit the bill perfectly. The slide is ready for its 3rd bluing which of course it will not be getting:

http://i1111.photobucket.com/albums/...ginal-left.jpg

Aside from the Pachmayrs, it appeared to be stock.

http://i1111.photobucket.com/albums/...inal-right.jpg

Here is the (never ending) parts accumulation. I decided to throw a Series 70 barrel into it to at least add some authentic Colt flavor besides the vintage grips. That flat MSH had the lanyard loop ground down flush at some point, and getting the remaining stubs out to reinstall one was a (kitchen table) project in itself.

http://i1111.photobucket.com/albums/...-new-parts.jpg

So this is what I was able to assemble today. I faked the two tone mag.

http://i1111.photobucket.com/albums/...-bulletmag.jpg

I intend to do a little reshaping of the sights but that can wait for now. Norinco dovetails are non standard. Removing the rear sight and cutting a new dovetail is not for the faint of heart:

http://i1111.photobucket.com/albums/...ront-angle.jpg

I'm sure some people will not understand this undertaking whatsoever! haha!

http://i1111.photobucket.com/albums/...ight-setup.jpg

I hope to update this soon when the Wild Bunch rig arrives.

http://i1111.photobucket.com/albums/...in-holster.jpg

I am impressed!

** mad respect **

You have kindled a fire in me for a similar project.

.....excuse me, I'm on a mission.

I like it. I often find myself drooling over the new and shiny 1911s but wont spend the money because they are too pretty to shoot! This one looks like a workhorse in the best of ways...

This is almost exactly what I'm planning. Please keep us posted.

[QUOTE="OldHack"]

I'm sure some people will not understand this undertaking whatsoever! haha!

And some of us will understand, not only the project but the desire to replace that which we were a little to quick to part with. Keep us updated.

Thank you kind sirs; I'm not worthy! Thanks for validating my obsession and I expect pics! :)

Great work and thanks for the pics.

Here's another shot that didn't upload last time:

http://i1111.photobucket.com/albums/...cartridges.jpg

Still waiting on the rig...

thats awesome. I'm a huge fan of the old school stuff and you deserve a hand shake.

Oh yea, holding back the good stuff! Probably what you do with your liquor cabinet. :p