1911: Another Buy vs Build Thread

[mpthole]

I'm in sort of a dilema... Recently, I got approval from SWMBO for a new gun. I'm really into 1911's lately and am contiplating building one from parts (Caspian or Les Baer for the frame & slide / Ed Brown or Wilson for internals, etc...); or buying something off-the-shelf. I swear I've read every Kimber vs Springfield vs Colt and Brown vs Wilson vs Rock River thread on the internet. All of them would probably fit my needs and some are obviously more expensive than others.

Then there are manufacturers like STI with their Trojan model.... or maybe even Armscor's line (parent company of Rock Island & Charles Daly?)

As far as a build option goes, I'm pretty confident with some of my parts fitting abilities, but would consider sending it off for things like barrel, bushing and link installation; and sight installation... and of course refinishing - assuming I don't go stainless.

Since my plan is for this to be a "working" gun (carry and IDPA) my top requirements include:
- Reliable
- Durable (not that I plan on abusing it...)
- Parts interchangable (I don't want to be stuck with one manufacturer for parts if something ever does break
- "Series 70"

Everything else is aesthetic... no front cocking serrations, clean front strap (no checkering or serrations), high-grip beavertail (ok, ducktail for you Tuner ) and commander hammer, long trigger, flat mainspring housing (I have an old flat, smooth one that I would really like to use), and a clean slide - no roll marks.

As far as sights are concerned, I really don't know what I want in that area. All I know is I don't like sights that stick way above the slide, like Millet adjustables do.

So, what would you do?

 

[mmike87]

If you have never built a gun before, and want to carry this gun, then I'd have a gun custom built by a reputable gunsmith. Most of the "semi custom" manufacturers (Baer, Wilson, etc.) will let you special order exactly what you want, or you can pick on of the pre-defined configurations.

Then, if you are really interested in building your own gun, you can do that as a project on the side (possibly with less expensive frame and parts the first time around) and still have 100% confidence in your carry gun.

 

[Old Fuff]

Building a gun from scratch is not as simple as it seems. You can't simply buy parts and assemble the pieces and expect everything to work. In addition, to do the job right requires some experience and special tools and/or gauges.

Also, if you buy top-quality parts you may find that what you propose to buy is much more expensive then buying a similar production gun.

Before you do anything else, do the following:

1. Go to www.brownells.com and buy a copy of their hard-copy catalog.

2. Buy a copy of Jerry Kuhnhausen's "The Colt .45 Automatic - A shop Manual" - Brownells as well as others have it. Also go to: www.gunbooks.com for more manuals and/or videos.

3. Make a bill of materials, listing EVERY part that goes into a pistol, with the name of the supplier and the cost. Also list the tools, jigs, fixtures, and gauges you will need to buy. The total cost might give you a heart attack.

4. Then revisit the question, "do I really want to build this gun?" And also, "do I want to stake my life on this?" Something for games is another matter, but all of the same conditions listed above still apply.

 

[1911Tuner]

Workin' Gun

Here's what I'd do, if it was me...

If all you want is a no-frills general-purpose carry gun...have a close look at the Springfield Mil-Spec...standard or GI...depending on what you like. Use it as an excuse to hit the gun shows for Honest-to-John Moses USGI hammer, grip safety, thumb safety, milled trigger, mag catch, (Late commercial Colt optional...but available only in short) Nowlin sear, Briley disconnect...Wilson Bulletproof barstock slidestop, and various Colt pins, etc. Upgrade it. Less expense and trouble with the rebuild than building from scratch. The 2-piece barrel is serviceable as is, but Springfield's stainless service "Drop-In" barrel...which does require fitting, just not much...and an MGW Drop-In bushing...which also requires fitting.

Spend the savings on 10 good magazines and Wolff spring upgrade, and ammo.

Just my nickel's worth...

 

[mpthole]

mmike87, Old Fuff & Tuner - thank you for the replies.

Most of the "semi custom" manufacturers (Baer, Wilson, etc.) will let you special order exactly what you want,

That may be the option I go with.

1. Go to www.brownells.com and buy a copy of their hard-copy catalog.

Been ordering from Brownells for a while now.

2. Buy a copy of Jerry Kuhnhausen's "The Colt .45 Automatic - A shop Manual" - Brownells as well as others have it. Also go to: www.gunbooks.com for more manuals and/or videos.

Picked up a copy of Kuhnhausen this fall as well as the Wilson 1911 video series.

I've hung around the Gunsmithing forum long enough to know that "drop-in" isn't. Maybe some more experimenting on my current project gun is in order to see if I'm really up to the task.