[supergus]

Is it possible to build a reliable 1911 from the ground up W/O the need for gunsmithing? I feel like I've gotten very familiar with my GSR over the last year and I thought I might try my hand at a build.

[Dillinger]

Gus - You can probably do it, but there are a lot of "drop in" parts that require some semi custom fitting.

Obviously the better quality part that you buy, the better the chances of it dropping in correctly because it wouldn't be an off the rack, one size fits all part.

Having said that, with your background and your ability, I am sure you can do it, but just keep in mind that you might have to have a couple of parts "semi customized" by a gunsmith, so wait and have 2 or 3 items done at the same time to save you on the minimal shop time.....

What are you thinking about building?

JD

[stalkingbear]

It's entirely possible to build an 1911 that's 100% reliable for your 1st build. Now if you said you want sub 1" groups, that's the subject of a different story. The thing to remember is NOT to have tight fit anywhere, but slide/frame/etc simply touching. Decide before you start exactly how you want it so you won't be buying duplicate parts. I would HIGHLY recommend getting an 1911 how-to build book & almost memorizing it BEFORE even thinking about actually starting your build.

[supergus]

Thanks you guys. JD, I was thinking about another CCO type like my GSR COmpact, or a Commander. Not really interested in full sized. I mainly was just curious if I could build a better gun than my GSR. Caldwell has a shooting rest along the lines of a Ransom Rest but cheaper. I'll pick one up and see what the real accuracy is on my GSR. Then maybe you guys could tell me if I can in fact beat the SIG with a handbuilt gun. 'bear, That'sgood advice on the book. That should be a must for any of us with 1911's.

[Dillinger]

Gus - I have shot the GSR, and I have to tell you, it's a pretty accurate, well made pistol.

Could you build a better model? I think with some time, and some tinkering, you could probably achieve it.

The thing with the 1911, is that it's a level of a fetish that can NEVER be satisfied until you own your own CNC Machine Shop and you have gone into production for yourself.

I vote you save your cash, get yourself a Nighthawk on a payment plan from my good friend george@migunslingers.com, and call it a day...

But..... you a god damn Jeep guy, and you fools can't leave well enough alone, so let me know when you are looking at parts and I will gladly help you choose the REALLY good parts.

Nothing but love for you brother...

JD

[supergus]

+1 on the 1911 fetish! On the one hand I feel sooo dirty, but at the same time 1911's make me feel all tingly inside.

[Dillinger]

Originally Posted by supergus

+1 on the 1911 fetish! On the one hand I feel sooo dirty, but at the same time 1911's make me feel all tingly inside.

Well, Cane and I are rebuilding existing 1911's into flame throwing Zombie Slayers - Maybe you start there?

Or, you order up a custom frame and slide and build it from the ground up. After all, it's only time and money.

JD

[crockett007]

I think you can do it. I did. I started with the base Colt Government. Everything in this pistol is AM except the frame, slide and ejector:




I did it all myself, drop in parts, fitted the beavertail,milled the slide for the Bo Mars. I cheated a little and sent the gun out for hard coating.

Just read up and go for it!

[Gunsmokeray]

If you get serious about the project check out Caspian Arms on the web. They make great frames and slides.

Go to Brownell's on the web and request there 1911 catalog.

Good Luck,

[bb1]

My first build was a Chinese 1911. I didn't want to spend a lot of money on stuff I was throwing away. The thing I learned was that you can't polish a turd. I made a vise to pull the rails in and some polishing jigs. That would be a good place to start.