1911 Build Platform

[Harleytoo]

So, some time ago I sold off my 1911's because, effectively, I had done what I wanted to do with them and then got bored. I have the same problem with motorcycles.

Build it, ride it, sell it ... build another.

So, I began thinking about getting another 1911 and started looking at the many custom possibilities. Which today are pretty considerable. But then I would be starting with a mostly finished gun.

Where is the fun in that!?

So, I started wondering about what would be a good relatively inexpensive starter platform for the 1911. Something from a manufacturer that provides a good basic gun that is ready for something to be done to it.

I am literally thinking of finding something, stripping it down and building it up over a period of time like I would a bike. So hopefully finding a good functionally working frame to then start hanging some chrome and performance bits on.

I already have half a dozen generic 1911 performance parts that I could begin with.

What would your vote be for a good basic 1911 beginning platform for this?

 

[AZAndy]

I did exactly what you're talking about with a Springfield GI, but I don't know if they still make them. An RIA might be a good bet, and not overly costly.

 

[gotboostvr]

RIA's are good solid shooters. They use funky dove trail cuts though so be prepared to have limited options or re cut a dovetail.

New colts seem to be priced pretty affordably I'm looking at NIB XSE lightweight commanders for around 850 plainer models even less.

 

[Harleytoo]

I do really like the Springfield GI, especially since it is based upon the original 1911 design. However, the down side of it is the fixed front sight.

I will look at the RIA.

I am thinking my price point should be between $400-500 for what I want to start with.

 

[badkarmamib]

If I was planning on changing a lot of the parts, I would look at something well used. Since the only part I would end up keeping would be the frame, I would probably look for a used Springfield, preferably with a lot of wear to parts that I know I would be replacing, to try to negotiate a better deal.

 

[WC145]

Find yourself a nice ORM Colt 1991A1 to build on, they are excellent base guns. They're plentiful, can be found at reasonable prices, have excellent quality barrels and forged frames and slides, and, most importantly, are built to spec - everything is where it should be (holes, etc) so you'll have fewer issues fitting after market parts than with some other brands. I have 4 custom ORM 1991A1s, a Gov't, 2 Commanders, and a Compact, absolutely terrific guns.

If you don't like them or want to go with something new, I'd still go with a base model Colt. The prices are right these days, the quality is excellent. And, they're Colts, you know what you're getting.

 

[dogmush]

Why buy a bunch of parts you know you don't want?

https://www.caspianarms.com/receiver/modern-receiver-government-carbon

http://www.brownells.com/handgun-pa...s/steel-std-frame-sku124050001-1791-6750.aspx

 

[Zach S]

Dogmush, as I understand it, he wants a complete gun he can tinker with and upgrade over time. While I don't ride, I do the same thing with guns and cars. Well, I used to, when my income exceeded my responsibilities...

If resale isn't a concern, I'd look at RIA. Dawson Precision makes sights that fit the Novak(ish) front dovetail, or you could flat top the slide so the dovetail is the proper depth. The rear sight or dovetail can be fixed with a Novak file.

If resale value is a concern, I'd start with a used Springfield or ORM 1991A1. Of course, the Colt will likely have a higher resale value.

 

[Harleytoo]

Dogmush, ditto what Zach said - like with a bike build it is as much fun tearing down the existing bike while building it as it is building what you want it to ultimately build.

...and having built a bike from frame up, it was way more work than I wanted at the time. I want something I can shoot while I am building it.

I am leaning heavily toward the RIA. I saw one of those in a gun store some time back and remembered thinking that it felt pretty nice for a lower priced 1911. I suspect if I keep an eye out I can find one in my $400-500 range or lower.

Looking like a pretty high potential.

 

[Capt. Ct.]

I went with a used 1991-A1. No regrets. It was $500. Then lets not talk about how much more money I put into it.

 

[MICHAEL T]

A used Colt . I agree best starting point.

 

[bannockburn]

HarleyToo

New RIA or Springfield Armory or a used Colt would be a good starting point for a DIY job.

 

[Harleytoo]

Any thoughts on Legacy Sports Citadel 1911-A1?

I like the no barrel bushing design, but that may limit what I can do. Still, found one with a $500 price point, just have no intel on this gun.

 

[WC145]

Any thoughts on Legacy Sports Citadel 1911-A1?

I like the no barrel bushing design, but that may limit what I can do. Still, found one with a $500 price point, just have no intel on this gun.

I wouldn't use any of the low end clones like the Filipino and Turkish built guns for a build. There are reasons they sell at the prices they do - cheaper components, less fitting and finish work, etc - also they are often not made to spec so there can be dimensional issues where holes don't line up and parts that should require minor fitting become major issues. I suggest sticking with known entities like Colt and Springfield, they can be found in the same price range if you shop around. In the last year I bought a used Colt CCO for $600 and a Springfield GI Mil-Spec for $425 at local shops. My favorite custom is built on a ORM Colt 1991A1 .38 Super that I gave $500 for.

In addition, no matter what you do to that Citadel or RIA or how much time and money you put into it, it will still be a RIA or Citadel, totally negating the value of your efforts, except maybe as a shooter. Since you like to build them up, shoot them for a while, and then sell them, that is something to consider.

 

[Harleytoo]

WC you make some very good points, thank you for the input. Much like bikes, a Honda will always be a Honda, Harley retains its value (well, it used to until the market got flooded).

Also, the more I think about it the more I need it to be a straight up 1911-A1 if I want to leverage the huge 1911 aftermarket.

This is why I come here for answers!

 

[Harleytoo]

Wow, do a little search on 1911-A1 Springfield or RIA and there are a lot of hot sports opinions out there.

Its like someone called their prom date ugly.

 

[Furncliff]

My prom date RIA 1911's have never been ugly, but they are plain jane. Since all my guns are shooters I don't care a lot about looks, hell I've got a really ugly Hipoint carbine. All of the aftermarket parts I've ever put on those three RIA's worked without much issue. If in doubt call Armscor and talk to the lead gunsmith.

As for value when it comes time to sell, that's a consideration, thing is the RIA and Tisas guns have been going up in price and could reach the level of domestic 1911's in the future. Your guess is as good as mine.

 

[Harleytoo]

Yea, Fir, these things tend to wax and wane depending upon the FOTD with the buying public. Sadly, guns we could once get for a proper value of $250 now go for a minimum of $500. I even think about my SKS that I bought for nothing, never expecting it to have any value beyond my use have gone up substantially.

I suspect with what I want to do either the RIA or the SA would be just fine. I had one of the first SA Range Officers that came out. I liked it but was not blown away by it. It seriously had one of the worst slide pulls I have ever encountered prior to running about 500 rounds through it. When I first bought it I quite literally thought it had locked up.

 

[bannockburn]

Harleytoo

A few years back I worked on a friend's RIA because he wanted a few modifications done to it (new trigger, beavertail grip safety, round hammer, and extended thumb safety). All of the aftermarket parts, mainly Colt, Wilson, and Ed Brown, that I used fit easily and functioned perfectly. The only thing I ran into was that in some areas of the gun the nickel plating was a little heavier and required a bit of work to get the parts to fit properly. The gun itself was very well assembled and it's overall fit and finish was quite comparable to many other established 1911 manufacturers.

 

[Harleytoo]

bannockburn, good to hear from someone who has personally worked on one of the RIA's. I will be going parkerized, so that should help in keeping me away from the particular issue you ran into.

 

[Jim Watson]

I am literally thinking of finding something, stripping it down and building it up over a period of time

You will have to be careful about that. Everything interacts and you can get surprised if you install something this month and come back later to put on something that meshes with it.
I know one guy who got away with flip flopping parts for some time. FLG just shook his head and said he was lucky.

 

[Harleytoo]

I never said anything about flip flopping parts. Much like with a bike build (where a false move can kill you), research and validation prior to selecting parts will be a constant.

 

[dogmush]

FWIW my first 1911 build was on a parked RIA 1911. The only original parts I kept were the frame, slide, barrel/bushing/link, MSH, guide rod, plug, and hammer pin.

It was a good time, the resulting pistol shoots well and 100% reliably, and I learned quite a bit that came in handy later with other 1911's and my bare frame builds. I think they are good starting points, and you get a nice solid series 70 frame and slide. Only downside is no dovetail for the front sight. I staked a bigger one in, but depending on your skillset milling one isn't that big a deal.

Completed project:

 

[Harleytoo]

Dog, that is a very nice 1911. You should be proud of that build!

 

[rodinal220]

Depends on what you want to accomplish.If you are looking for squeezing out the last drop of accuracy,look for gunsmith fit(oversize rails) frames from Caspian/Foster,STI,Les Baer($$),Wilson($$).I wish Springfield still sold GSF frames.

A hard fit barrel and bushing will give you the most accuracy for the money.So a basic base gun from Colt,Springfield,etc will be a cheaper option and save you from hard fitting the slide and frame;unless you want to go old school and peen the rails.You can often find a good base gun cheaper than some of the more expensive gunsmith fit frames.

I have mostly used Colt,Springfield base guns as the steel is good and good pin hole geometry(mostly).I have one Norinco(Nork) and the Chinese did a good job except for the finish,internals;frame and slide are good.