[mike6161]

I hope this is wear this should be if not move or delete.
I m thinking about building a 1911 I have some smith experience with smith and Wesson revolvers and I now a guy who was a big colt guy who could help if I got in trouble with something. So what parts would you use if it was your build who makes a good frame slide barrel trigger ete.
Do you have any advice for my first 1911 build any parts that you would advise me on getting over some other part?
Thanks

[Chipperman]

Are you looking to begin with a complete frame, or an 80% frame?

[Eric F]

go to m1911.org there is too much knowledge there for 1 person on this subject.

[mike6161]

I would like a 80% frame but not know what needs to be done to it to make it a complete frame
So I will most likely use a complete frame

[VHinch]

You will probably get more help by posting this in the Gunsmithing forum. As someone has already mentioned, the m1911.org forum is also an excellent resource.

[Sylvan-Forge]

Off the top of my head, in no particular order:


Receiver, Slide, Parts -
http://www.caspianarms.com/

Barrels -
http://www.barsto.com/

Barrels -
http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=7615

Parts -
http://www.cylinder-slide.com

Parts -
http://www.edbrown.com/

Parts -
http://www.egw-guns.com


PS
Nab a Brownells 1911 catalog .. lots o' goodies inside.

PSS
There are lower cost parts that can be just as good, ask around.

PSSS
Whatever you decide to do .. have fun! :)

[mike6161]

i think i will get a springfield gi and go from there. new hammer,sights,springs,maybe a new barrel i think i will put in all new parts just keep the frame slide maybe if the trigger on it is go i will keep it if not it gone is the GI a good starter gone or is there a batter one most of the gun will be in a parts been whan im done
thanks

[Tom Fury]

+1 with Sylvan Forge; Have been that route before. Get the Brownells 1911 catalogue.

I usually replace Springfield two piece barrel with Colt one piece, though the last SA I had had a one piece SS barrel in it. Unless you go the high dollar match barrel route, this is the quickest route to a possibly better barrel. The last SA I owned had a NM frame on it, and bushing fit to slide was tighter than the Ed Brown drop in improvement I tried to add on.

I prefer the Mil-Spec to the GI for the larger sights, until I'm ready to replace them with Novaks or whatever you prefer. I also like to replace the hammer with a Commander style (Chip McCormick is quick and easy, though I like the rowel style available from Caspian or Kings') and the grip safety with a Colt Commander "pigtail" safety (drops in) to accommodate it.

Grips gotta go; see Esmeralda.

Enjoy.

Cheers, TF

[FlyinBryan]

dont scrimp on springs.

its amazing how such inexpensive parts can make or break how your new hotrod runs.

i really like the wolf brand recoil and firing pin springs.

i like to use 1 step heavier than most factory springs, for instance, on commander length guns i use about a 20lb spring instead of the commonly used 18s. with hot loads i will go up to a 22, but i dont shoot many hot rounds.

new match grade chambers are really tight, and i like the way a little heavier spring seems to wear itself in with break in.

[mike6161]

is the GI hard to work on
could i use ed brown springs in a GI

[CWL]

is the GI hard to work on

There is not difference in the quality of the two pistols. The great difference is that the MilSpec already has some of the milling done to it so you don't have to. Unless you want to buy specialized tooling to mill the sights as well as to lower the ejection port, buying the MilSpec will save you both time and cost (as well as potential mistakes to the slide).

With the MilSpec, all you will need to do is to swap out parts rather than mill a GI.

[Tom Fury]

Yes: excellent alternative is Wolff. Be advised that some drop in parts aren't. (Ed Brown barrels come to mind),,,
Cheers, TF