1911 Build

[tyeo098]

So I've been toying with the idea of building a 1911... but I'm a poor college student.
The upside is I'm very good with my hands.

I've been doing some research and cam across this very basic, bare-bones Caspian frame:
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/default.aspx?productNumber=149529

And I though to myself, ok they've got to have some kit for this, like building an AR lower, right? So I used my mastery of Google-fu and found this:
http://e-sarcoinc.com/451911autobuildkitlessframe.aspx

Now the ahem... "kit" says it had all of the parts from a 1911A1, minus the frame, which is in th link above. Seeing as these pieces all came off the same pistol (maybe?) they should function well together right?

Im sure someone on here has built one of these things before, is there any special machining involved? I dont have access to a mill or anything, just the tools in my basement.

The frame comes to $183 and the "kit" to $225
So that $408 + FFL for a 1911, and I'll be doing all the labor

tl;dr: Im broke, want to build a minimal 1911, is this all I need? Am I missing something?



EDIT:
I found a new frame that is blue like the slide (me thinks, I'm colorblind) with all the (what I assume to be) hard parts installed, ejector, plunger tube, and grip bushings.
Its only 12$ more and I think it'd be worth it.
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=997408
Its on backorder though...

 

[tyeo098]

Anyone got a preference for tube assembled frame vs bare frame?

How about 80% frames? I hear theyre easy to finish with a file, some hacksaw blades and a caliper.

But then it wouldnt be a good choice for a carry gun since its serial-less? (Legally cant you put your own serial on it?)

But theres no FFL fee and they tend to be cheaper, can anyone give me a source for them?

 

[drbeans]

I think you need to Google-Fu a little further. Building a 1911 from parts is nothing like building an AR lower. There is far more hand fitting and there will be some special tools needed. I have been tossing around the idea of building one as well and have been researching the crap out of it.

 

[tyeo098]

I was reading one guy's build log here
http://how-i-did-it.org/1911-project/index.html

And it looks like the only special tool he used was a file.

 

[BullfrogKen]

Its going to cost you more than the price of a very basic, assembled 1911. And some big headaches. I've built one. You'll need knowlegde and some very specific tools to do it. This isn't like building an AR. Nothing at all.

 

[xr1200]

don't waste you time , just buy a new RIA 1911 for $350 , you couldn't build a good 1911 for under $600 in parts and then you have the labor

 

[drbeans]

^What he said

If you want something to tinker with, buy a RIA and upgrade it.

 

[tyeo098]

Well the reason I chose to build one in the first place is because im 19.
I cant just go out to a store and pick out a nice RIA, if I could I would.
And ive been scouring the local ads for ages now, and everyone here thinks their POS is worth its weight in gold!

Ive seen ads for XD9's (stock mind you) going for 600$+!!
MSRP for that gun is around 419$ mind you.

I just figured it be a nice summer project for me to do in my basement workshop.
The guy in that link I provided never used any special tools, just a file, a hammer and a punch.
Im pretty sure if he used anything fancy he would have shown it in his blog, he may have just found an alternate way of doing it.

 

[xr1200]

have a local dealer order one for you, call around the local gun shops and you willl find a guy that will order one for you, or try gunbrokers list of ffl dealers for your area, by simply typing in your zip code, there is a vast list of dealers that don't show up on the net or local phone book listed. Most are garage or basement dealers.

 

[tyeo098]

have a local dealer order one for you, call around the local gun shops and you willl find a guy that will order one for you, or try gunbrokers list of ffl dealers for your area, by simply typing in your zip code, there is a vast list of dealers that don't show up on the net or local phone book listed. Most are garage or basement dealers.

I'd still have to go through an FFL... which I cant do being im 19.

Which raises another question, can I order a 1911 frame online being 19?
Or will I have to finish an 80% frame......

 

[drbeans]

If you order a frame (Caspian), it will have a serial on it, and you will still need to go through an FFL. Your best bet is the local classifieds. Its how I purchased my first pistol legally at the age of 18. Or a gunshow.

 

[klutchless]

Does your campus allow you to have firearms on the premises most do not I would check before I order anything.

 

[tyeo098]

Does your campus allow you to have firearms on the premises most do not I would check before I order anything.

I live off campus

 

[brickeyee]

The frame IS the gun, and requires you to be 21 to purchase from an FFL.

80% frames are not considered guns.

 

[tyeo098]

Yeah I just realized.
Good thing in Virginia you can gift! I know what I want for Christmas