Building a 1911
Can anyone encourage or discourage me on attempting to build (assemble) a 1911. Most parts are advertised as "drop in" or "universal" but it always seems as there is a catch. I have been looking at a Caspians Arms frame and slide but is it as easy as "putting it together"?
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Who here has built their own 1911? Is it harder or easier than building an AR15?
Also cost, is it cheaper to build one vs one built by Springfield and others? I know its not going to beat the price of a Rock Island but mainly looking at $500+ guns0 -
Unless you want a custom gun I think you will find it easier and more cost effective to buy a Rock Island.
I was contemplating the same project last year but no matter how I added up the cost it was always about $25 less to buy one.0 -
Thanks, I had already established that it would be much cheaper and probably a whole lot less headaches to buy than build. Kinda looking for something fun to do but dont want it to turn into a stressful project. I have been thinking with the cost savings of buying the rock I could buy a trunk load of ammo and spend my time at the range not the workbench. 0 -
I have a caspian frame that I might list on GB 0 -
I have everything you need to build a 1911 at 100.00 cheaper then buying a RIA 0 -
Is the Caspain frame compatible with most parts?? Why havent you used it ?? Can you give any insight on the ease of building a custom 1911 from you frame with "drop in" parts. 0 -
Is there machine wotrk that needs to be done or is it all assembly ??quote:Originally posted by MVP
I have everything you need to build a 1911 at 100.00 cheaper then buying a RIA0 -
Interesting.
I was also thinking of doing this project, but not because I want an inexpensive 1911.
Even if you could get the parts cheaper than a Rock Island, when you factor in your time and labor, it probably doesn't pay.
The reason I wanted to do it because I think it will be a good learning experience in learning how the gun works and how to detail strip it. If you can build one from scratch, then certainly you should be able to detail strip it, or perform simply modifications.
The other reason to do it, is that if you build it yourseld you can get one *exactly* the way you want it. (Though even then, you could probably have a stock 1911 modified by any reasonably competent gunsmith to be exactly the way you wanted it for a lot less hassle).0 -
If you're going to build one, I'm assuming its because you want a better one than you can buy. In that case, you'll want parts that fit tight and aren't all sloppy. That means a lot of hand-fitting.
You'll be disappointed if you think you can take a whole lot of "drop-in" parts and have 'em magically line up in a frame. If they did, that pistol would be really sloppy. Like a baby rattle.
Just what I've learned lately.0 -
...very few, if any of the "drop in" parts...drop in.
There is always some fitting that has to be done...some major, some minor. Chip McCormick is about the only one that makes a true "drop-in" ext. beavertail GS that fits pretty good w/o a gap, all others you have to remove some of the frame in the tang area...but there is a jig you can buy (Brownells/Ed Brown) that makes certain you don't remove too much steel, and on and on w/other parts and needed tools.
Along with a build, you have to consider the "tools" that are required...not just "pliers and wrenches"; there are certain tools for certain parts that will make your life a LOT easier...and avoid scratching and other wise screwing up the part.
If you "just" have the urge or bug to do a build...buy a Colt 1991A1, very reasonable price, at least start with a real gun ([:D])...and it's a Colt, not a clone. Or get a nice "true" 70 series to work on.
Buy a clone, and you still have a clone. You gotta ask yourself why..there is a REASON other companies copy the Colt 1911.
And you will always be able to get your money back out of it....if you don't go completely nuts on the parts you buy; even then, wait awhile and you should still be able to get your money back out of it.
Take the 91 (or other model) and dissassemble it and install anything and everything you feel you want. Tons of quality brand parts available.
Change the springs out, extractor, blah blah...plenty of parts changing/upgrades to challange and occupy/satisfy most folks...and fun to boot...[;)]
...If your into Colt 1911's, there are two books that are worth their weight in gold, a MUST have if your doing a build or work on your own.
..."The U.S.M1911/M1911A1 Pistols & Commercial M1911type Pistols
A Shop Manual"
"The Colt .45 Automatic A Shop Manual" vol II
...both books are by Jerry Kuhnhausen
Vol I is a little advanced, Vol II is for us dummies.
Both books contain just about anything and everything one should/needs to know/learn about the 1911, great must have books.
Brownells has them, sometimes...out of stock a lot since they are reprints. When Brownell's does have them, their about $30 bucks plus shipping.
Fleabay has them sometimes, but the price can get way up there.
Abesbooks has them more often than anyone else, and a good price can be had if you are quick. Abes is the best place on the net for hard to find books.
...abesbooks link
http://www.abebooks.com/?cm_ven=ov&cm_cat=us&cm_pla=abebooks_terms&cm
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RIA Tactical! $425 including shipping, comes with beavertail, hammer, trigger, standard novac cut sights, full length guide rod, and ambi-saftey. Plenty of gun for the money and they shoot great! 0 -
this is the strongest advise i can give ya.
if you are going to do it . . .DO IT.
i started "building" a custom 1911 during colege! i am now almost two years out of colege and the pile of parts that i have collected is just now out to the gunsmith for the final round of fitting.
to give ya a hint on price
Springfield armory mil spec 1911
round one - beavertail, ,hammer, sear, strut, etc, threaded barrel and
full profile comp
- don't remember how much it all cost but it cost 400 to
get it installed
round two - caspian slide, bomar sights and a bull barrel
- expecting another 400 dollars
project snowballed and now it cost me morethan the gun will ever be worth
just something to chew on0 -
Thank you for all your help. It appears that with the time I have that I should buy. Weather it is a RIA or a Colt it seems that it will be cheaper than building. 0
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