1911 9mm Caspian? Wadda ya think?

[Redcoat3340]

LGS has 1911 Caspian in 9mm (see pic). Asking $799 but he's always high and we can deal, a lot.

Gun looks good, comes with 1 mag, two barrels (one ported and the other not, porting on slide). Fiber optic front sight, adjustable rear. Very nice trigger. Haven't taken it down, but probably will next week.

I did about 5 min. research and think Caspian only makes "parts" ala frame, slide, barrel?, and other parts come from ???? Ya need someone to but it all together, either a smith or...someone. (Is there a way to tell who built it?)

I like the gun, don't have any 1911s at this time, and nine is fine, I have 2 good carry 45s (CS9 and 4513) so this is for the range and fun.

What should I look for, what should I ask about, what should I know, please.

 

[Skylerbone]

Have a look at fitment first, starting with the grip safety to frame. While it’s a cosmetic thing, it might give you an idea of what you’re dealing with from the builder.

If he’ll allow it, field strip and have a look at the barrel lugs, checking for peening, feed ramp for roughness. Check the thumb safety for mushy feel,

 

[cfullgraf]

Caspian makes good parts.

Check the operation of everything, safety, grip safety, trigger pull, etc. Make sure it works as it should.

As Skylerbone said, look for peening of parts that may have happened under recoil.

 

[Demi-human]

Have a look at figment first,

Agreed. If you’re able, assemble the pistol with both barrels. With the slide in a battery, press down on the chamber and look for movement in each, try laterally best you can as well.
Then check the barrel to bushing fit of both barrels. Again, any movement while in battery isn’t great.
Be sure everything is tight and operable.

If it’s a GamingGun it may not be the most pretty, but the things that matter will be right.

Caspian makes good parts.

And that this pistol has a ported slide and barrel, as well as a spare non ported, seems to indicate a competitive pistol. Which may or may not be good, depending on how one feels about that.

And, anyone can buy Caspian parts, and attempt to build a pistol, but, Junky can be discovered, and clunky can be fixed, but it may just be really nice too! I’d give it an opportunity if I saw it. (After removing and burning those grips.)

 

[cfullgraf]

I’d give it an opportunity if I saw it. (After removing and burning those grips.)

Fortunately, different strokes for different folks. All my 1911's have Pachmayr grips on them except a Colt 38 Super Government Model with Colt Rosewood grips.

 

[bannockburn]

Caspian makes very nice parts, such as slides, (I have one in .38 Super/9mm.), frames, and other ancillary parts to build your own 1911. If after checking out everything on the gun, maybe see if the gun shop owner can shed any light on who built it.

Let us know how things go and if you get it or not.

 

[critter]

I have a 9mm 1911 my local smith built for me. Caspian slide, frame, Cart barrel, Ed Brown small parts. COMPLETELY reliable, accurate and a really fun gun to shoot. You can shoot it A LOT and not tire from it in a range session-I tire after my .45's after a while and lots of shooting.

If it checks out, jump on it!

 

[Dudedog]

If everything checks out ok go for it. My 1911 in 9mm is my favorite range gun.
Light recoil, cheap to reload for, loads of fun. (cheap before the latest shortage....)
I like my .45s too but 9mm is easier on the hand when shooting a couple 100 rounds at the range.

 

[Jim Watson]

Is the frame Caspian? Is it steel? My only "reverse two tone" pistols have stainless slides on black anodized aluminum frames. Not a liability in a 9mm with integral ramp barrels, my SA is a well used IDPA ESP.

Caspian does not make barrels.
The only way to know who assembled the gun would be if he had marked it. There are some very nice mystery guns out there.

I'd want a testfire or satisfaction guarantee.

 

[velocette]

Caspian makes excellent quality frames, slides etc etc. They are well regarded in the custom pistol trades. Their parts are commonly used by custom pistolsmiths.
30 years ago, I built a bullseye pistol with Caspian frame, slide & assorted parts with a barrel fitted by Bar-Sto, hammer & sear by Austin Behlert.. It still shoots x rings when I do my job. Buy a pistol made with Caspian parts with confidence, assuming it was assembled properly.