Anyone Build 1911's

[12Gauge]

Does anyone build 1911's?  I am working on my 3rd one. I put together a .38Super for me, Olympics Arms frame and a Caspian commander SS slide; and a .45 for my son.  Currently working on a Caspian frame to top it with a Caspian 9mm 5" SS slide.  I'll post pics when I get the camera figured out. 

[Huntbear]

I love my custom Colt, I built in gunsmithing school.  It is so tight I still can not shoot light target loads thru it, they just will not cycle the slide properly.  I used some Tiger Stripe maple for the grips and the guts are all match grade.  Gotta love the 1911's  just something about a steel semi auto in your hand.

[kbyers]

I was just about to post on this topic.  I am looking into building my first one, do you have any advice.  I have built a couple of ARs but never done anything with the 1911.  I am actually looking at building 2, one full size and one compact.  Since this is my first one I would greatly appreciate any info that you have on which parts are better than which and where you have had a good experience buying them from.  Thanks in advance

[Huntbear]

I bought all my parts from Brownells at the time.  Remember this was 10 yrs. ago.  First thing you need to do is get your slide and frame crushed and lapped, so it is a 1 to 1 fit.  This is something a gunsmith needs to do, because you can really screw it up if you are not careful.  After that it is deciding what you want in your .45 and fitting parts to the frame and slide.  Deciding on grips, what kind of grip safety do you want?  Ext. safety?  Trigger?  Full length guide rod?  fitting a barrel.  It took me about 3 weeks to get mine where I wanted it.  Oh, and do not forget sights.  I put low profile combat sights on mine, so it clears the holster a little better.  Then you have to get it reblued, and then assembly.

[12Gauge]

Are you planning on a 70 or 80 series.  I built the 70 series.  Just a few parts more on 80.  Also look around in the http://forums.1911forum.com/    and ask questions

You have lots of options.  For parts: MidwayUSA.com ,  Brownell's, Fusion Firearms, Wilson's Combat, Brazo's, Les Baer, Ed Brown, Bar-sto Barrels, Storm Lake barrels.  Numrich gun parts is more the original parts.

For the frame guts I used Olympic Arms sear, disconnect, sear spring, hammer, Beaver tail safety and extended slide release because it save about 50%.  
For the slide I went with Caspian Commander Slide in .38/9mm.  With Novak sight cuts.  Novak offers lots sights  Caspsian is well know for its quality.  
Drop in Bar-sto SS barrel, Someone told me that all Bar-sto barrels are National Match and I think that they are.  Even with a drop in you will still need minor fitting.
For main spring housing I used an Smith & Alexander again I got it at 50% off.

Most parts these days are quality parts, it just depends on what you want to use.  If you want low end parts Sarco Inc is a good source.

You can buy directly from Caspian, Bar-sto or you can get them at MidwayUSA.    

When fitting your parts together just take your time.  Tools you will need small files, plastic or rubber hammer, hard stone for polishing, small screw driver, steel wool or scotch bright for polishing.

For the magazine I went with Mec-Gar, it is less expensive than Wilson's and follower has a piece that bends back in the magazine preventing the follower form tilting foward.

When your buy your frame have the ejector and plunger tube installed, it is easier to have them do it.

Good luck

[actionshooter]

I've never built one from scratch but I have replaced parts (fitted) on my IPSC pistols

[fremont]

Caspian!!

[thinkingman]

I've never built one from scratch but I have replaced parts (fitted) on my IPSC pistols

Drop in's only for me.