1911 build ?'s

[BP44]

Hi, I have been lurking in this forum for a while and I have some questions I would like to run by you fellas.

I was just wondering if any of you have made this attempt and how it turned out? I have had my heart set on building a 1911 for a while now and now I really want to try it. My question for you guys is what tools did you need to buy,what slide/frame combo,Internals,and of course what custome touches? I would really like it if i could do all of the work myself if that is going to be possible? I dont want a race gun or a show off peice but I think a little engraving would be nice.


Thanks in advance for all of the help ;c ;c ;c

[dmdalton]

AGI has 3 DVD's on building up 1911's, from modifiying a box stock gun to building from a slide and frame to building a double column. I've viewed the DVD's and thought they were quite good. If you are not a total klutz, you should have no problem. But it is not just putting one together. There is a fair amount of hand fitting to be done for the gun to function reliably.

Dave D

[BP44]

thank you for the response, I was trying to decide wich books or dvd set to get.;c

[Bren]

Pretty easy work. A 1911 will require more fitting of fvarious parts that an AR or Glock or something (i.e., both my 1911's have Wilson "drop in" grip safeties - those took a good hour or more each to fit). On the one I built from scratch, the only real customizing I did was to lower the ejection port - I dopn't recommend doing it yourself, but you can get by with it. The big thing is having the proper tools - staking tool for the front sight, staking tool for the grip screw bushings, staking tool for the plunger tube, dremel tool for various fitting jobs. Then if you want to do any precision work on the hammer and sear you need jigs and stones and whatever.

On the other hand, I use my first-try homemade 1911 in IPSC and IDPA matches and, aside from not correctly adjusting the exrtractor at first, it works great - excellent accuracy.

[BP44]

BREN, thanks for the positive feedback.I have a feeling that i will just bite the bullet and buy all of the proper tools and such before I purchase the slide/frame, this way I wont be tempted to use a jimmy rig method I that shouldnt do.:)

[Bren]

Originally posted by BP44
BREN, thanks for the positive feedback.I have a feeling that i will just bite the bullet and buy all of the proper tools and such before I purchase the slide/frame, this way I wont be tempted to use a jimmy rig method I that shouldnt do.:)
If you shoot much, you'll need the tools anyhow - especially the plunger tube staker.

The most important thing to get is Jerry Kuhnhausen's shop manual. My dog ate part of my 1911 manual, so I need a new one.

[Patrick Graham]

I've done several..

I usually use Essex frames.. note that regular Essex frame doesn't have a beveled mag well.. If you don't want to bevel your own you'll need to get the essex "enhanced" version.. but.. the enhanced version has a beaver tail safety radius on it.. so.. something to keep in mind..

There are a lot of books and videos out there on building your own.. not all are worth getting.. but some are.. I haven't bought any in 25 years.. that's when I started doing it...

Best things since sliced bread to the part time 1911 builder are the Chip McCormic Hammer, Sear and Trigger ...

If you build one.. I recommend that you try to do a generic GI model first... focus on building a "safe and reliable" 1911... don't wory about tricking it out..

Here's a nice little safety check for your 1911..

Safety Checking a 1911 (http://www.cylinder-slide.com/1911safetyck.htm)

Anyway.. that's my 2 cents..

[BP44]

Thanks for the help, i cant wait to get started as for the essex frame idea,thanks i have been looking at them and was going to ask shortly;) i had also planned on the "GI" style to start with but i was thinking of some checkering/engraving when the pistol is finished. ;c

[Speedrock]

Ed Brown's "1911 Bench Reference" is a good book to have also. He rec's tools most can afford and use via hand as opposed to expensive jigs, etc. Photo's can be marginal, therefore stay away from the DVD.


Good site with info for the home 'Smith:

http://www.blindhogg.com/

[BP44]

Thanks alot speedrock great site:)

[1911nut]

My first build was an Essex frame and slide - they had the slide on sale for 1/2 price.
My second one used a Caspian frame for a Marvel 22 top end.

Both the Essex and Caspian frames are cast and their quality is similar but many folks favor the Caspian. The frames are about the same price. The slides are different - Caspian's are forged while Essex are cast. Most folks favor a forged slide.

I used the Kart E-Z fit barrel - very accurate. I also bought the Kart tool kit for barrel installation - highly recommend it.

I also used a CMC hammer, sear and disconnector - I had good luck with them 2 out of 3 trys - if they don't work like you want send them back before you "modify" them. Patrick Sweeney who wrote Gunsmithing Pistols and Revolvers (worth getting) said the CMC sear and hammer shouldn't be stoned - just use them as is.
If you go to another brand you'll need at least a sear jig. I've used SVI Infinity hammers and sears and Ed Brown parts - both worked well but cost more than twice what the CMC parts cost.

Kuhnhausen has 2 volumes - get both.

Good luck and if you have a Dremel -send it to a distant relative for safe keeping until you gun is finished.

[BP44]

Thanks 1911nut I locked the dremel up and threw away the key for this build:) I kind of wanted to do everything by hand anyway, i guess you will appreciate it more if it is built correctly with hard work.Thanks agian for the part recomendations it helps out alot when i dont really know what to look for.