[sarsipius79]

I have been reading a lot of folks write about building themselves quality 1911 pistols from match grade parts. I would love to do the same. Can anyone suggest some quality vendors of match grade 1911 parts, as well as any good advice for some wanting to spend good money on a DIY pistol.

I already have a basic Springfield 1911-A1 i could use as a starting point, unless anyone would recommend otherwise.

Any good advice is welcome, thanks.

JH

[CA357]

What is your skill level? It's not a simple project.

[sarsipius79]

never built a pistol before, i have to start somewhere

[sarsipius79]

well suppose when i say "from scratch" that is a bit disingenuous. I can not possibly smith a quality weapon. But i do know of people who have put them together. from match grade peices.

[dunerunner]

You want to take this



and add some parts to get this



The National Match .45 ACP Pistols

[sarsipius79]

yeah exactly. Only i dont know where to buy quality parts. Also id like to hear from those who have built up 1911's in the so i know to/not to spend money on.

Of course the Springfield inst necessarily a must if anyone has any other suggestions for a good frame i could start with.

Thanks

JH

[CA357]

Here's a link to my 1927 Sistema Colt project. I wound up having to get the barrel and most of the other parts fitted by a gunsmith noted for working on 1911's. I have some skills, but there was a lot of stuff I just wasn't qualified to do.

Link: http://www.firearmstalk.com/forums/f35/1927-colt-sistema-rebuild-project-10296/

[bigdaddy]

If you really want to do this . Then get a Brownell's catalog they have everything you can imagine . They even have dvds and books to help with what you are doing. I would personally just trade off the stock gun and instead of spending all that money on parts buy a better one .If you go the customizing route you will have way more tied up into it than you will ever get out of it should you decide toget rid of it.

[dunerunner]

I would agree. After you pay a precision smith to mate the slide and frame, buy the trigger group, barrel and lug, skelitonized trigger and pay for some extra work heer or there and you'll have much more than the $1000 you would pay for a Colt Gold Cup.

Colt 1911 Gold Cup Trophy 45 Blue

[danf_fl]

I purchase my parts from Brownells. See if you can login to Brownells.com and look at their webtech articles. They have one where someone took a RIA and did some work. While there, buy the Kuhnhausen books on the 1911, and the CD from Ed Brown. To do something like this, I would suggest that you also get with a 'smith who can help you get out of trouble. You will need a good caliper, files, a way to refinish, and PATIENCE. Do not take any short cuts (example: use a Dremel tool to "polish" the sear). Remember that you can remove metal, but you can't put it back. Good Luck