I don't plan to start replacing parts, but are their critical modifications I need to consider?
That gun is pretty much perfect just like it is, assuming it's reliable, the sights are on the money, and it has a decent trigger.
My first 1911 was a Colt Government Model, Mk IV, Searies 70 acquired in the early 1980s. That was pretty much your only option in a 1911 back then. No bells or whistles. Sold it because I wanted one of the new 1911s that were hitting the market with all the bells and whistles, because I heard that's what you had to have. Went through a period where all my 1911s had all the bells and whistles, then about five years ago I bought a used Colt Government Model that was made in the early 1960s (no bells and whistles) and realized that I liked the handling much better than all my others. Since then, when I carry a 1911, it's just a plain Jane like the one you have. No "tactical" thumb safety. No "beavertail" grip safety. Nothing. Just plain Jane is the way I like it.
