1911 build

[Slimfinn]

Has anyone here build one themselves?
Well I've kicked this around for a bit, years ago i figured it wasn't worth it, probably still isn't. But with a email from Brownelles, a promo code, and an ok from the wife, i have a 1911 frame on its way to my FFL. We'll see how this first one goes but end goal would be 3, one for me(practice one)and each of the daughters. Im going to start with a standard 5" 45 government size for mine on a brownells stainless steel frame. Slide and barrel, I've come across a deal on ebay that seems to be new-old stock liquidated remington parts. The plan is not to rush and hold off on ordering the next pieces until the previous is fit, so i dont get in a hurry and say "good enough" just to get to the next step because the piece is sitting there waiting. Im really excited for it, sure when it is all said and done i will have been able to buy any Kimber or Springfield and been money ahead or take one I already have and switch out parts...but what fun is that!
I'll keep updates posted along he way.

 

[JD338]

Sounds like a great project Patrick.

JD338

 

[truck driver]

Good luck with your project.
I shoot 1911's in precision competition ( Bullseye ), I'm shooting against the best shooters in the world so I want the best built 1911 I can get.
I fiddled with switching parts when I first started shooting trying to make the gun more accurate, it was very frustrating since nothing really fit the way it should since I really didn't know what I was doing though I had hung around with a gun Smith for a few years picking his brain for any tricks I could learn, I also had spent some time in the arms room while in AIT at Fort Jackson SC working with a gun smith.
I never learned how to properly fit the barrel to the slide, the barrel bushing to the barrel and slide or how to fit the proper length barrel link.
The hammer and sear fit needs to be just right for a good trigger pull and the disconnect needs to be fitted right along with the sear disconnect grip safety spring or you end up with a fully automatic pistol.
You also have to get the timing right because it can start extracting and load the next round before the fired bullet leaves the barrel which can end up with a bullet stuck in the barrel and a live round in the chamber, not something you want to have happen.
I'm not trying to discourage you just want you to know there's more to it than buying parts and expecting them to drop in and fit right.

After lots of money dumped into a black hole, I bought a Springfield Armory custom shop gun built by Les Bare when he ran their shop.
Everything was hand fitted and a tuned magazine was included in the package, 1 1/2" group fired from a machine rest at 50 yards is what I paid for. Man, what a difference a custom built 1911 makes. That gun helped me to get to high expert and only a few points form master class.
After hundreds of thousands of rounds down the barrel it was time for a rebuild, the slide and frame fit was still very good, no shake rattle and roll when you picked it up and shook it, so off it went to National Bullseye Champion and retired AMU Gun Smith and team shooter Jonathan Shue for a barrel replacement and a tune up.
6 months and $1700 dollars later I got it back in its own custom case with a test target shot at 50yds from a machine rest.
The rebuilt pistol and target are in the picture.
Now if I do my part, I might shoot the scores need to get me my Master card.

 

[Slimfinn]

I'm not trying to discourage you just want you to know there's more to it than buying parts and expecting them to drop in and fit right.

Yes I do realize this, I think that is what held me back before. I've thought through it alot, I want to take the time, try it and work through the process.

 

[NYDAN]

Patrick, have fun with the build. I understand wanting to experience the process.

Rodger, you make some good points. Wishing you great success this season of competition.

 

[TEXASforLIFE]

1911's aren't for me as my wrists don't like the grip angle. i'd say have at it and enjoy the building. the only handguns i've built are s/w, sig & glock. i plan on building some hk's and cz's

 

[truck driver]

Well good luck Patrick I really wish you success with the build.

And Dan thanks for the well wishes, as long as my health holds out, I might get it done.
I sure can't blame my equipment if I don't.

 

[Slimfinn]

Frame came first, and just to see i was able to fit all of the sides from my other 1911s on it except for the Dan Wesson Kodiak. When i went to order the slide i wanted it was sold out so went with this 4" conversion, with a bull barrel, so it will still work on the government frame. It was just going to be temporary but i actually like how it looks. It is from SDS imports, so guessing its a Tisas, it pretty much slide right on, no match fit but tight enough to keep me happy. And with the cost of the kit; slide, barrel, firing pin, guide rod and recoil spring, less then the cost of the other slides i could find, im impressed. Have been doing a little polishing and smoothing it out. I broke all the sharp edges with a light file but will go back and dehorn it more once i fit the barrel and grip safety.
With memorial day weekend everyone was having some good sales so actually have almost everything on the way between Ed Brown and Wilson. Other than a couple of things i thought i had coming but realized they were not part of the kit until both orders were in. And I dont want to pay $10 shipping on an $8 part

 

[NYDAN]

Looking good, Patrick. I am looking forward to seeing the finished product.

 

[wvbuckbuster]

Looks like your project is coming along quite nicely.

 

[3 Meter Para Bellum]

If it is a Tisas slide, it should be pretty good. I have listened to the late gunsmithing legend Bob Dunlap talk about being consulted by Tisas on how to build their 1911s and they did a very thorough job. If they are still buliding them the same way, they should be made using centrifugal casting, which while not quite as tough as forged slides like Colt uses, is much better than typical casting used by many of the more expensive brands because it eliminates most of the chances for occlusions in the casting. There heat treats are quite good as well.

 

[RL338]

Look like your 1911 project is coming along nicely.

 

[TEXASforLIFE]

While it's not a 1911 it's an Aquaman 10mm build

 

[Ralt71]

Frame came first, and just to see i was able to fit all of the sides from my other 1911s on it except for the Dan Wesson Kodiak. When i went to order the slide i wanted it was sold out so went with this 4" conversion, with a bull barrel, so it will still work on the government frame. It was just going to be temporary but i actually like how it looks. It is from SDS imports, so guessing its a Tisas, it pretty much slide right on, no match fit but tight enough to keep me happy. And with the cost of the kit; slide, barrel, firing pin, guide rod and recoil spring, less then the cost of the other slides i could find, im impressed. Have been doing a little polishing and smoothing it out. I broke all the sharp edges with a light file but will go back and dehorn it more once i fit the barrel and grip safety.
With memorial day weekend everyone was having some good sales so actually have almost everything on the way between Ed Brown and Wilson. Other than a couple of things i thought i had coming but realized they were not part of the kit until both orders were in. And I dont want to pay $10 shipping on an $8 part

Looks awesome, what do you have in mind for grips on your ol girl?

 

[Slimfinn]

Looks awesome, what do you have in mind for grips on your ol girl?

I m going to try a set of slim wood grips with the double diamond checkering. I want to see how the slim grips fit my daughters hands, pairing those with a medium length trigger from wilson

 

[Ralt71]

I m going to try a set of slim wood grips with the double diamond checkering. I want to see how the slim grips fit my daughters hands, pairing those with a medium length trigger from wilson

That will look great! I can't wait to see how it turns out. I love a nice 1911!