A while back I got a stock Springfield LW Operator. Wanted a railed gun with a light alloy frame in a full-sized Govt model configuration, and thought the LwOp would make a good base gun to start with. Even in factory form it has been reliable through 1600+ rounds (1 FTF with a HP round when brand new). Hilton Yam at 10-8 Performance also views these guns as good base models for a lightweight 1911 build: he has a 2010 run of 10-8 1911’s based on the same model.
Although I now mostly use S&W M&P’s for carry/defense, I will probably always keep at least one or two 1911’s around–I just can’t cope with the thought of having NO 1911’s! I decided to “improve” on the factory build of the LwOp with a goal of optimizing reliability, so I asked a few 1911 guys (Dave Berryhill, Hilton Yam, and DocGkr) to see what parts upgrades would make the most sense.
Springfield Custom shop did most of the work on mine and as usual, they did outstanding work. Here’s the total list of upgrades done by me or by Springfield custom:
- VZ double diamond grips.
- 10-8 rear sight, tritium front.
- Fitted slide to frame.
- Tuned trigger and thumb safety for reliability. Trigger pull weight ~ 4.5 lbs on Lyman digital gauge.
- 25 lpi front strap checkering.
- Springfield Armory Kote on pistol (the alum. alloy frame is anodized).
- Brown hardcore extractor and FPS.
- Videcki-style oversize trigger (overtravel stop is permanently attached).
- Fitted slide stop lever.
- Fitted plunger tube (chamfered and staked).
- Fitted extended ejector (pinned).
