Not bad for the price and you can always get a nicer slide.

 

While I probably should have replaced the recoil spring first, I cleaned, lubed, and put 250 rounds of mixed JHP and FMJ downrange. She digested everything I fed her and all grouped nicely.

That said, in 20+ years of shooting and owning 1911s, this was the first time I'd fired one sans beavertail.

One word: ouch.

A beavertail is on the list of "necessary modifications." The MMC fixed sights, apparently all the rage at one point in time, were not very kind to my aging eyes, either, and they'll go, too. Not one, but two, stripped bushing holes.

Very pleased with the purchase so far.

 

Here's what I'm thinking, with Nighthawk getting the job:

-Checker Front Strap 25 LPI

-Reliability Enhancement Package

-Oversize grip screw bushings to fix stripped threads

-Barrel Bushing, Commander, Thick, Stainless, Fully Machined

-Trigger Job, Nighthawk Match Grade Complete Trigger Job, 3.5 - 4.0 lb. (Including all new fully machined parts) Hammer, Sear, Disconnector, Trigger, and Sear Spring **Set pull to 4.0lbs**

-Safety, Beavertail, Install, Fit and Tune

-Magwell, Install and Fit Blended One Piece Magwell/Mainspring Housing (Falcon), cut from forging

-Sights, Install Nighthawk 2 Dot Rear Sight & Tritium
Front Sight

-Test Fire, Inspection, and Target

 

I think it looks just fine, if it shoots well and you like it that is all that matters.

 

My brother had those MMC sights on his G M for years, I'm not sure what he has now probably King's.
There is a listing in the classifieds for some King's Hardball sights as well as the King Tappan.

 

Should I leave the finish as is?

 

As for the MMC sights - when you change them out, be advised that immediately behind the dovetail, a flat was filed so they'd fit and actually be able to be adjusted, so make sure their replacement covers that, otherwise all you'll see will be the flat.

Personally, I always liked them, so if you want to give them a new home, send me a note.

Finish-wise, since it'll be a carry piece and since the work was neatly done, I'd leave it and just replace the grip safety.

 

OP:

Congratulations on your acquisition!

I do not wish to take anything away from NHC. They are one of the best in customer service.

I understand one wanting to have a better trigger. I understand one who wants to have a better set of sights. I undestand one who wants to shoot in the comfort provided by another style of grip safety. These are all enhancements to shooter interface.

Reliability work is something I see as either needed or not needed. Your testing would seem to indicate reliability work is not needed.

Enjoy the pistol whatever path you take!

 

Sounds like a very good deal, since most run several hundred more. Is the frame nickled or otherwise plated, or polished in the white? Can't remember if the lightweights were available nickeled. If you can, hold one with the relief cut at the trigger guard/front strap junction. That small cut makes a world of difference in how the gun sits in your hand.

 

Not to take away from your proposed modifications, but 'you' - armed with a copy of the Brownell's catalog - can handle pretty much everything all by yourself, and for a helluva lot less money.

Most everything you mentioned is primarily drop-in.