How to Improve a Series 80 1911 Colt

The Colt Series 80 1911 is a magazine-fed and recoil-operated semi-automatic handgun chambered for the .45 ACP cartridge. The Series 80 magazine holds up to eight rounds. While many modifications can be done to the gun to improve accuracy through replacing stock sights, adding compensators, and reducing barrel movement in the slide, the most common modification is improving the trigger pull. Polishing various components of the trigger assembly will decrease friction and allow for a smoother pull, resulting in more consistent shots.

• 1

  Field strip the gun and disassemble the trigger components from the frame.

• 2

  Polish the trigger bow with 600 grit sandpaper or a Dremel tool with a felt tip and jeweler's rouge. Sand until you have a mirror shine.

• 3

  Polish the trigger channel, disconnector, hammer, pins and sear using the same sandpaper or Dremel tip.

• 4

  Polish the feed ramp to remove any tiny metal burrs that may cause a cartridge to hang up.

• 5

  Cut two coils from the main spring to reduce tension on the hammer. This will reduce some of the trigger pull as well.