1911 Accessories and Upgrade Parts

The 1911 is one of those platforms that doesn’t beg for upgrades like, say, Glocks do. Stock 1911s, whether originals or clones, are generally made with steel frames, heavy steel slides, and other simple 1911 parts that don’t necessarily need to be upgraded.

Even so, if you have a 1911 which is one of your favorites, there are things you can do to make it better than it is. Here are some of the best 1911 accessories and parts for upgrades out there.

1911 Sights

Standard 1911 sights are alright the way they are, but there are all sorts of upgrade sights you can install that may speed up target acquisition and improve your ability to connect with a target.

Among the best 1911 sight upgrades are 1911 night sights that glow in the dark. These are usually powered with tritium, a radioluminescent isotope of hydrogen; what this means for you is that they need no batteries.

They also work for more than a decade before they need to be replaced, and will keep your position hidden, making it easier for you to connect with a hostile target in the dark without betraying your location.

1911 Slides

Stock 1911 slides usually sport heavy steel construction that will last as long as the frame. But if you need lighter, faster, snappier cycling, consider a skeletonized 1911 slide.

A skeletonized 1911 slide that is lighter will reduce felt recoil by reducing reciprocating mass; this single step can result in lower felt recoil which will reduce shooter fatigue and fight back against muzzle jump, enabling potentially faster, more accurate follow up shots.

1911 Guide Rods and Springs

There are two reasons to replace your 1911 guide rod and guide spring. One is to get a heavier guide rod, the other is to get a stiffer guide spring.

The heavier guide rod will stabilize the muzzle, adding mass near it that helps weigh it down. In the absence of a compensator, this will help reduce felt recoil while also keeping muzzle flip under control.

The other element is to replace the recoil spring with a stiffer alternative that will help absorb recoil better and which will also last longer, assuming it has been given a proper heat treatment.

Grips

One of the simplest upgrades you can make to your 1911 is to upgrade the grips. Most of the time, this is done for cosmetic purposes, and there are many aesthetically pleasing hardwood grips available for 1911 pistols.

However, this upgrade could also be made for practical purposes, as there are some larger, more ergonomic, and overmolded grips that are better for shooters with larger hands. On top of that, bigger grips that fill the hands better can help corral recoil.

Lights and Lasers

The one thing about some 1911 pistols is that they lack attachment points. However, some 1911 clones, like those produced by Rock Island Armory, are made with small sections of rail under the barrel.

These attachment points, however small, are perfect for the addition of WMLs, or weapon-mounted lights, and laser sights.

In the former case, WMLs can give you an advantage in the dark by enabling positive ID of a target even under adverse conditions.

In the latter, laser sights can give you the ability to connect with a target, not just in the dark, but when shooting from off positions, or when you can’t line up your sights.

1911 Holsters

Some 1911 holsters are perfect for totally upgrading a gun. A great gun can be made or broken by its holster.

We carry a wide range of 1911 accessories and among these are thermoplastic and leather holsters that enable you to carry in a variety of configurations. Shop our full collection for more information.

Beavertail Safeties

Adding a beavertail safety to your 1911, if it doesn’t have one, will reduce the chance of hammer bite and also improves control and handling of the pistol.

There are several types of beavertail grip safeties that you can add to your 1911, including standard, flat and high-rise beavertail grip safeties, among others. Choose which works best with your build.

Lower Mass Hammers

A lower mass hammer, like an ultra low mass hammer, can reduce lock time, which can result in faster, more accurate shots. It’s one of the smaller upgrades you can make to a 1911 pistol, but a good one nonetheless.

The Springs

All in all, the springs will be the first parts to wear and fatigue on your 1911 pistol, regardless of the manufacturer. Replacing the stock springs with high-strength replacement will ensure greater reliability and superior longevity.

Explore These and Other 1911 Accessories and Parts

Interested in exploring the 1911 accessories and parts mentioned here, among others? Check out our full collection of 1911 parts, accessories and holsters via the links included here and if you are looking for something specific that you don’t see listed, get in touch with us.