What sort of work should one expect to have done on a 1911 after purchase? Trigger work, I imagine . . . what else?
Although not addressed to me I thought I would take a shot at answering...
For turning a stock 1911 into a custom fighting 1911...
1) Slide to frame fit should be tightened
2) Barrel bushing should be fit to slide and barrel
3) All MIM internal parts should be removed and replaced with tool or carpenter steel parts
4) Ejection port should be opened and flared
5) Chamber should be throated
6) Trigger should be polished and set between 3.5 and 4.5 lbs
7) Combat sights installed with tritium bead in front
8) Heinie mag well installed
9) Barrel either recrowned or replaced depending on accuracy
The last three are optional but the first six would be my must have’s for work performed on a stock 1911 to improve performance.
There are many things you can do from an aesthetics standpoint - checkering front and back strap, flatten and serrate top of slide etc that do not impact reliability or accuracy.