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From: rboudrie@encore.com (Rob Boudrie)
Newsgroups: rec.guns
Subject: (null)
Message-ID: <35137@mimsy.umd.edu>
Date: 2 Jun 91 16:17:27 GMT
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Approved: gun-control@cs.umd.edu

#...stuff deleted...
#(Fed Ord). Now I want a pretty one. I'm more interested in 
#opinions regarding the "best", rather that the least expensive.
#
#Any and all comments will be appreciated.
#
#I. Grips
#
You should also consider front strap checkering done by a competent
gunsmith.  This goes very well with exotic wood grips.

Kim Ahrends grips wholesale for $25 (cheap!!!) from distrubutors such
as Denny's to FFL holders.

#
#II. Sights
#
Bo Mar is the most popular.  These should be low mounted by a competent
gunsmith.  There is a large difference in "niceness" of the result - check
out the smiths work first.  Although they fit the existing dovetail, lo mount
provides much nicer results.  don't screw around replacing the front site
yourself if you are still on the "learning curve", besides this is much
cheaper than what you're going to pay for the rear site (about $150 installed)

#
#III. Mainspring Housing
#
Consider a Smith & Alexander mainspring housing with funnelled mag well built
as part of the housing.  Available in flat and arched.  $69.95 retail; $45 
from S&A (min quantity 3, FFL required).  A gunsmith will need to bevel the mag
well to match the beveled mag well on the combat Colt.

#
#IV. Slide Release and Safety
#
Stick with the standard slide release.  Wilsons, Swensons, and Brown all
make excellent ambi safeties.

#
#V. Trigger
#
I recommend Chip Mc Cormic titanium&fiber trigger; titanium hammer; and
preped sear.  (FFL price is about 30% less than retail).  You will probably 
want a beavertail installed (Brown and Wilson make good ones; the Borwn
lets you hand ride a bit higher).

#
#VI. Magazines
#
I have had superb results with Wilson 8 round magazines with extended basepad
(FFL price about $20 each).  Wilson's is excellent about replacing any of 
the little parts (basepad, follower) which wear out or break (never had any
problem with the mag body itself).

Magazines are one area where buying a cheap model is false economy.

I have heard good things about shooting star, but never saw the need to switch
(having such great results with Wilson).

DVC,
Rob Boudrie
rboudrie@encore.com