How to get started with a 1911 build

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  • SouthernUnderGod

    Well-Known Member
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Nov 28, 2016
    202
    18
    Baton Rouge, LA
    I've decided that my next project should be a 1911 build.

    I am confident that I am up to the task. My metalworking skills and experience are pretty good, so I have been told. In over 50+ years of various forms of craftsmanship in a variety of disciplines I have acquired a very extensive collection of hand tools, machinist's tools, power tools, bench tools and equipment. I don't have a milling machine or CNC, but can have some access to a mill if needed.

    For most of my 65+ years I have performed my own firearm maintenance, repair and upkeep. Only the most technical issues are escalated to a professional gunsmith.

    I already own 1911's and now I have the itch to create one myself.

    My plan is to obtain a "kit" of parts and an 80% frame. I'm confident about my ability to work patiently, precisely and meticulously.

    Assembling AR's from scratch has been pretty easy. There are so many accessories and components available, and they all come together right out of the box without much need to file, hone, drill or fit. It's like putting together Legos. I know that a 1911 build is a lot more difficult.

    My first question is about vendors. Where would you buy a 1911 kit? What places would you avoid?

    Have any of you taken on this type of project? If so, what advice can you offer someone like me? Would you do it again?

    For me, this is more than just a way to save money. It's also about craftsmanship and history.

    However, I find myself thinking that my "project gun" should be a double-stack with a rail cut into the dust cover and features such as an enhanced beavertail, checkering and stippling on the frame and a mag-well flare. Am I hoping for too much?

    Who has good parts kits? Who has the best prices? Are there suppliers out there that guys like me should stay away from?

    I'm grateful for any advice, warnings or suggestions that any of the group members might be able to offer. Thanks in advance for any information you can send my way. I hope this can also generate some dialogue that will help not only me, but others who might be considering a 1911 build.
     

    beauxdog

    Well-Known Member
    Rating - 100%
    10   0   0
    Sep 18, 2007
    3,867
    38
    Baton Rouge
    You might want to look at Caspain frames & slides. They offer many different variations and have been in the business for a very long time. Do not know if they offer kits for the do it yourself guy.

    Beauxdog
     

    Blackhawk

    Blackhawk
    Rating - 100%
    9   0   0
    Mar 3, 2008
    907
    28
    Pollock LA
    I have built a 1911 from scratch, though not with an 80% frame. I started with an Essex frame and built from there. Lots of lapping involved, and there are a few tools that were needed to properly finish the job. I was extremely lucky and found a retired military armorer that had the tools. Using specialty tools are what I'd consider the best way, but not necessarily the only way or the cheapest way.

    Slide Rail Compound Clamp:
    https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-...-compound-clamp-prod9861.aspx?avs|Make_3=1911

    Slide Fitting Bars:
    https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/handgun-tools/slide-tools/1911-slide-fitting-bars-prod842.aspx?avs%7cMake_3=1911

    Plunger Tube Staking Tool:
    https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/handgun-tools/staking-tools/1911-plunger-tube-staking-tool-accessories-prod79068.aspx?avs%7cMake_3=1911

    Front Sight Staking Tool:
    https://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/sight-scope-installation-tools/sight-stakers/1911-front-sight-staker-prod916.aspx?avs%7cMake_3=1911

    If I were building another 1911 today (I''m down to only two now) I'd properly mill the slide and mount one of the Colt Elliason (or Kensight Elliason) NM adjustable rear sights, like on the Gold Cup National Match. I like this type of slide rear sight because it fits down into the rear of the slide rather than sitting on top of the slide.

    https://www.ebay.com/itm/Elliason-Adjustable-Rear-Sight-For-Colt-Gold-Cup-1911-Pistol/293164638886?hash=item4441f962a6:g:HJEAAOSwK6ZdOe1H

    https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1005845866
     

    Gas Port

    Active Member
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Jul 30, 2019
    33
    8
    Central Louisiana
    I have a 1911 built on a Caspian frame and it functions great. It has a Gold Cup Slide and Wilson Combat internals and will shoot and cycle brass, steel, aluminum cases and all bullet types from ball to semi wad cutter. I would recommend Caspian and I am looking for another Caspian to start another 1911 build.
     

    jdindadell

    Not Banned!!!
    Rating - 100%
    267   0   1
    Feb 14, 2010
    4,200
    63
    Slidell
    Go to "full 30" and search for "tacticaltoolbox", Jonathan Wright did a multiple part series on building a 1911 from an 80 percent frame with a selection of jigs and other tooling. He is familiar with guns but far from a machinist. He successfully completed the build.

    Here is vid number 1: https://www.full30.com/watch/MDE1MjEw/80-1911-build-kit-tools-and-cost

    This is who he used for parts and jigs : https://www.1911builders.com/product-category/government-kits/

    Now, I am sure that you can get around having to buy jigs by knowing your way around a mill and making you own jigs to hold the frame in the various ways it will need to be held to perform the milling operations. The rail cutting jig he used was cool as it used a " drag cutter" to basically "scratch" in the slots. Pretty slick, as is the barrel seat cutting jig. I am sure you could sell the tools/jigs at a very small loss once you were finished with them as well.

    I have done a ton of 80% builds, ar lowers, ak flats and prebent receivers, poly 80 glock lowers, twn aero 80% build, 10/22 80% uppers, etc. I did look at doing a 1911 just for the challenge, but after pricing it I could not justify paying nearly twice as much as a used kimber/smith/sig/etc just to buy parts to build my own. I have paid between 450-700 for just about all of the 1911s I have bought on the secondary market.

    The best way i have seen to do a build is to find a 1911 gunsmith who offers classes and pay the multiple grand it costs to have him school you. You will leave with the gun you make, and likely have a great time. I really considered doing this and may move a few guns on and schedule a class like this.
     

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