I've had my CM for only a year (bought it new-in-pouch last Fall), and have fired about 700 rounds. Right off the bat, it needed to have the extractor tension adjusted and the slide stop dimpled. It would then go 30 rounds without failure . . . The original springs had apparently gone soft, so I replaced the recoil springs with the Officers ACP kit from King's, and the mag springs with Wolff's. Better . . . I polished the breechface, disconnector track, and magazine tubes. The gun has had one malfunction (a failure to eject) in over 400 rounds; twice, over 100 consecutively without a hitch. Externally, I replaced the stock rear sight with a King's National Match rear; it's a little sharp, but it brought point of impact up to point of aim for me. A long Videcki trigger and Wilson ambi round out the mods. I chrono'd 230gr Hydra-Shok through my gun, and think 850fps is plenty. The .45 round is not dependent on velocity for its effectiveness, and the extra controllability of lighter loads might be more beneficial than the additional fps. The barrel and slide/frame fit are loose, but the gun is plenty accurate enough for its mission (at a local IDPA match, I put two-of-four rounds on target at 75 yards, which is about as well as I can hold with the clock running). Storm Lake Machine makes a replacement barrel for the Combat Master. I believe that they made Detonics' barrels when they were located in Monroe, WA in the '80's. My spring plug is taking a beating, but I was able to find a spare at a local gun show. I see no advantage to any DA trigger system. It is no quicker into action, and cocked 'n' locked is safe and sound for anyone with the proper training and practice. It sounds like you've got your gun set up exactly the way you want it, as do I, which is what makes the basic 1911 design so wonderful.