Build a 1911?

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Most people I know would recommend a low end 1911/A1 to build up from. Starting from the frame and slide out requires machining skills and machines that many average people are unlikely to own. A good custom smithy has an end mill and or a verticle mill in their shop as well as a lathe.
These Machine tools and the skills to use them are why most people seperate a Gunsmith from an Armorer as job a description. Read the clinic threads in the Gunsmithing section, They changed my mind about "Building" a 1911/A1
 
I built one on an Essex steel frame back in the 80's. The only part I couldn't do myself was staking the plunger tube. I bought all the parts, including the GI slide, at various gunshows. It was interesting and educational, but not economical. You can buy a new Rock Island 1911 for about what I have in mine (or maybe less).

By the way, it shoots fine.
 
Ehh... Okay. First, what are the differences between cheaper 1911s and the nice, nice ones? What would be a decent pistol that can be upgraded bit by bit?

It would just be a range gun. If I get into the Coast Guard Academy I'm buying me a NICE one :D :evil:
 
I just started building them. I used an essex frame and went from there. If it is something you plan to do more of, it is worth investing in the tools needed to do it right. If not, what you spend on 1911 specific tools and quality parts you could buy a bice one already made.I would look at a Brownells catalog and see , the tools avilible. You do not need all of them but some of them will make life easier It is not hard to do but, you do have to have skills using hand tools and sand paper. Do not forget to get Crocus Cloth it does a great finish sand. Good luck
 
 
The Rock Island 1911/A1'a are good build up guns at about $350.00 OTD, That is the absolute Bottom end for 1911/A1's. Charles Daly's, Taurus, and Springfield, then S&W and Colt working up I believe. Don't quote any thing I say as gospel regarding prices but it's a close guess.
Start with the Rock Island and an AGI DVD on 1911/A1s and have fun.
 
Any quality government or entry level 1911 is a great platform for building a bitchin trick 1911 anyone could be proud of and more economical by FAR than building one from scratch. Heck, I know a lot about 1911s and that is enough to know not to build one from scratch myself...that takes a lot of time money and hartache finding out you have incompatable parts and buying or re-buying those that fit correctly.

I bought a clean used M1911A1 for $359.00 about three years ago and had a trigger, extended mag release, ambisafety and hammer sear kit put in it and it was very very nice and robust and shot as well as anything. I had maybe $550.00 inot it after all was said and done.
 
There is allot of enjoyment and plenty to learn by doing it yourself but from a strictly economics perspective I'm not sure you can build one for less then you can buy what you want. My example is (Wilson Combat):

Basic used colt - $300 (cheap)
Trigger Job + Parts $200
Sights, Machine Slide + Parts $250
Barrel Work + parts $150
Refinish $200
Shipping $100
Total - $1200

New Colt Gold Cup $1000

Best Regards
 
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