[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 [email protected], 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]

+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]

Check out Caspian Arm

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.

 

[agoetz2005]

When I built Dad's father's day present, I did it with a bag of 1911 parts, some stones, some kratex, and a tiny can of valve grinding compound.

Also, you might want to clarify tight to this guy. You want your 1911 Tight and FUNCTIONAL to start. It will slick up and wear in over time. Starting with everything already loosened up will cause things to degrade further.

 

[N.D.]

Thread bending AKA Hijacking.

Sorry fellas but Dillinger perked up my curiosity (so its really his fault right? )

Just kidding

But seriously now

Dillinger when you mentioned (Buying new parts for a home build) I was stricken with the compulsion to ask you a question that just been burning in my brain for awhile now. . there is a company that sells all the blems and overruns for Caspian (under a different name and at a big discount!) do you know the name of that company and/or have a link for that company's web site I used to have it and even frequented the site but some things came up and I no longer have that info any more so if you could help me out with this I would really appreciate it. also I am sure that everybody who wants to build a custom 1911 could benefit by this and would appreciate it as well.

 

[Dillinger]

Sorry Brother - I have no information on who sells Caspian second runs. Perhaps someone else around here knows??

I will ask around the shop though. I am sure someone knows.

JD

 

[Flint Rock]

You can handle the build, it's not really that hard. It will cost 15% more than you plan, the budget is the first thing that doesn't work out as planned.

 

[N.D.]

Sorry Brother - I have no information on who sells Caspian second runs. Perhaps someone else around here knows??

I will ask around the shop though. I am sure someone knows.

JD

Thanks any way Dillinger but I just got a heads up from El Pistolero from another forum and ...

*Wait*

I think someone else in this Thread (Gunsmokeray?) was saying something about using Caspian arms parts for a build right?

well the company name I was asking Dillinger for is the parent company for .. you guessed it Caspian arms and the name of this company is Foster Industries and here I believe is a link for their austere site . .

Foster Industries Inc.

and for those who wanna Rock right away on a new 1911 proj. I believe I saw a recon railed receiver for $180- 190. ish. your choice of .38 ie 9MM or .40 ie 10MM or .45 get em while their hot folks and don't forget to tip the waiter
(ah that would be me; by posting plenty of those build pics that is!) lol


Thanks again Dillinger for trying to help me, "I really do appreciate you trying"

P.S. If we all ask real nice .... just maybe . . Ahem Mr. Dillinger sir can you please put this link in a parts supply sticky somewhere?
Peace

 

[lonyaeger]

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,

I got my ***free*** Brownell's catalogue at NGIB's suggestion and I've learned a lot about how much it would take to build a 1911 just looking at the damned catalogue!!!! Thanks, NGIB

 

[N.D.]

I got my ***free*** Brownell's catalogue at NGIB's suggestion and I've learned a lot about how much it would take to build a 1911 just looking at the damned catalogue!!!! Thanks, NGIB

lonyeager:
check my last post before you get price discouraged.l ol

 

[lonyaeger]

Not price discouraged so much as seeing all the parts I would need all in one place!

 

[Flint Rock]

To avoid sticker shock, brain lock, and excess parts on the bench, on my project 1911 builds I don't order all the parts at one time. I will start with either the slide or the frame, order all the parts for that one section, and then complete that one section before I order parts for the next phase. I pick out all the parts before I started anything, I just don't order them all at one time. It doesn't make it any cheaper, it's actually higher with more shipping cost, but the cost doesn't hurt as much as ordering it all at once.