Replacing a sear and disconnector?

[pops572]

Guys, I have a TLE I bought used and apparently the owner before attempted a trigger job, because I now have a 1911 that has burst capabilities. While this is a cool feature, not really what I am looking for in a 1911. So anyway I figure I need a new sear disconnector and sear spring. My question is can I do this myself? I am very familiar with disassembly and reassembly, and do not want to polish any of the parts for a "smoother" pull. I just want the gun to perform the way it is supposed to, i.e. trigger pull =1 round downrange not 3. Is it really necessary for a gunsmith to have to install the parts? Thanks

[gwalchmai]

No offense, but isn't that like asking whether a car owner can do a brake job? It depends on your level of expertise.

[pops572]

Right, I guess my question really is does it require a serious amount of fitting, i.e. beavertail installation, or a small amount i.e. ambi safety slidestop type. Can the parts just be replaced with little to no fitting?

[gwalchmai]

Originally posted by pops572
Can the parts just be replaced with little to no fitting? Sometimes. (Sorry :supergrin: )

Most of the "drop-in" sears & disconnectors I've seen recommend gunsmith installation. Example (http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=22127&title=1911+AUTO+HAMMER%2c+SEAR+%26+DISCONNECTOR+SET)

[ElConquistador]

It really depends on what the former owner has done to it. Your fix may be as easy as tweaking the spring a bit or redoing the cut on the sear. Then again, if he has really hacked things up you may be shopping for a new hammer, sear, who knows what else.

I'd say the best bet would be to have a local gunsmith take a gander at it. Another option would be one of the C&S drop in trigger groups, they are expensive but I've heard good things about them, might be a good option if you don't have a local guy.

[Jim Watson]

If he rounded off the hammer hooks - I know a guy who "adjusts" shotgun triggers that way - changing the sear would have no effect. The disconnector is not often modified in a proper trigger job, but of course the previous owner may have munged it up.
If you don't know what you are looking at and are reduced to asking strangers on the internet, you would do best to consult a gunsmith.
Around here, we say "drop in part" means you buy what you want and then "drop in" at the gunsmith's shop.
I know I would, so don't think I am running you down.

At least now you know why it was for sale.

[ILikeFtLbs]

Replace the sear, disconnector, sear spring. It will be a drop in fit if you buy all Chip McCormick parts. When you do it though, check the hammer engagement and look for damage. Do all the safety checks when you're done and you're set.

[ElConquistador]

I got to thinking after my first post that a new CMC hammer/sear may be the way to go. They are MIM but if you're only looking to get it back to stock then that would be okay. CMC parts are pretty cheap too, 25-35 for both the hammer and sear and another 15 if you need the safety. The dicsonnector is probably fine unles it looks tinkered with. The sear spring is probably fine or can be tweaked.

Once you get your parts in lock the slide back and drop it with the slide stop on an empty chamber. Do it again with the trigger back. Hopefully the hammer doesn't follow and you're good to go.

[ILikeFtLbs]

In my experience, disconnectors can look fine to the eye, but be totally out of spec from abuse or wear. My advise is to change the disconnector whenever you put a new sear in.