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From: charlesg@tybalt.caltech.edu (Charles Grosjean)
Newsgroups: rec.guns
Subject: Re: Dressing a .45
Message-ID: <35142@mimsy.umd.edu>
Date: 2 Jun 91 16:17:34 GMT
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Organization: California Institute of Technology, Pasadena
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megatek!avf@UCSD.EDU (Andy Funk) writes:

#I. Grips

#I've always liked the Pachmayrs on my other guns, and I'm sure 
#I'd like them on a .45, but what about the rubber Hogues?

I've only used the Pachmayr's, but I like them a lot.  Just don't buy them from
Pachmayr since they seem to charge the most. 8)

#II. Sights

#I'll probably replace the stock three dot system with and 
#adjustable target-style system. Any recommendations regarding the 
#Pachmayr adjustible rear sight? Bo-Mar? Witchita? Others?

If you want a really good adjustable sight, I would go wit the Bo-Mar BMCS
sight.  The only problem is to fit it in flush with the slide requires quite
a bit of machining work which can cost one or two hundred dollars if you let
a gunsmith do it without the cost of the sight.  If you want a fixed sight,
Wilson makes several models that are easy to install (rear) and give you a 
longer sight radius.  As for installing the front sight, King's sells a staking
tool with instructions for about $20.00.  Witchita sights are nice because they
can be put in the dovetail with no machining, and if you're so inclined, you 
can mill the slide and have a low mount.

#III. Mainspring Housing

#I'd probably like a checkered flat housing in SS to match the SS 
#frame of the Colt. I've never seen any anywhere. In fact, the only 
#aftermarket housings I've seen were Pachmayr (not counting the 
#surplus beaters I've seen in SG News). Does Colt offer flat 
#housings at all? Anyone else?

Colt does make a flat housing, but I'm not sure if they have it in stainless or
not.  Many other companies make them including Wilson, Brown, Kings, etc.  They
are around $30 to $40.  You might also consider putting in a new beavertail
safety.  Brown makes a jig for his safety that makes installation quite a bit
easier.

#V. Trigger

#I know there's a lot to this one. It may even be a religeous 
#issue. I want a long trigger, light in weight as I will be 
#working the trigger pull. Who makes primo triggers? Steel vs. 
#aluminum vs. nylon vs. carbon?

#I bought a Wilson Combat aluminum trigger once and was quite 
#dissapointed. The machining was rough and the holes were 
#misaligned. I installed it in my ugly gun. 

I've never seen a really bad Wilson trigger but...  other nice triggers are 
made by Kings (they have lots of colors), Videcki (used by Ed Brown), and
Chip McCormick.  CMC triggers are the titanium/carbon ultralight triggers.

#VI. Magazines

#Ok, most any mag will work, but who makes the best? Colt? Wilson? 
#Pachmayr? Does anyone have any experience with the 8 round mags? 
#How about the 11, 15, or 20 round guys? 

My personal favorite for magazines are the Shooting Star magazines.  These are
made by Chip McCormick also.  They have the 8 round followers and are quite
reliable.  I've never tried any magazines larger than that.

Other neat things you might want to add include a full-length guide rod, better
springs, and a NM bushing.  An excellent source (IMHO) for parts is:

L. L. Baston Co.
P.O. Box 1995, Dept. 12
El Dorado, Arkansas 71731

Orders: 1-800-643-1564
Questions: (501) 863-5659