1911 smithing

[rockmup]

Feel free to add to this wit h things you've done or ideas that you use.
I don't know everything and am allways learning something new.
I have built a few 1911's from 40% castings. Unfortunatly I have no pics of the process, that was way back befor I even had a computer or a cammera.
Here is a pic of the only casting I have left

Because its a 40% casting you need to cut the rails,the slot for the tang in the mag relesae hole and remove some metal in the grip safety area, not hard, it just takes time.

 

[rockmup]

This is one I'm working on now, it is an over size (the rails) Essex frame with a full size NM slide barrel and bushing. The Slide ,barrel and bushing are Made by the Israel Military Intelligence and is marked IMI NM.

I cut the frame for a beaver tail and cut a flat on top of the slide so I can put some different sights on it. The slide was hand fit. It would not even start on the rails when I started.

 

[LCPL 4]

Oh Snap! That looks like a project I would like to tackle.

1) What do you need tool wise to make the cuts ?
2) Total cost?

 

[rockmup]

If your talking about the second one, it depends on what you have for tools (hand tools) and your comfort level.

You can build IMHOP a pistol that runs as good as the 2K on up ones for anywhere from 500-800. Depends on how thrifty you are. I used to have a great connection for all the slides, barrels, bushings, etc. I was paying 80.00 for the New set. Well thats all gone now. I'd tell you to look at the gun shows but all the ones I've been to out here sucked for prices