Building a 1911

[Hunterdad]

I've been rolling around the idea of building a 1911. I loved buliding my AR, but I know a 1911 isnt as easy. Anyone out there built there own 1911? What kind of skill is involved? Can a normal idiot like me attempt it even though I have zero gunsmithing experience?

Would also love to see some pics of what you guys have put together.

Thanks
Adam

 

[JTQ]

I've never done it, but this article may be helpful.

http://how-i-did-it.org/1911-project/index.html

In the spirit of "A man's got to know his limitations", I know mine, and I'm not going to build one unless I have somebody that knows what they are doing standing next to me.

 

[MICHAEL T]

You might be able to do it. But its not a AR drop togather. I would budget extra money for the do overs your going to have . You will have do over .
I would start with a Fusion Kit Lot of the fitting all ready done.

 

[BBQLS1]

I think this is what you want to do..... it ain't cheap though.

http://www.rodgerspistolsmithing.com/1911class.html

http://www.cylinder-slide.com/1911class_new.shtml

 

[LiveLife]

I loved buliding my AR, but I know a 1911 isnt as easy. Anyone out there built there own 1911? What kind of skill is involved? Can a normal idiot like me attempt it even though I have zero gunsmithing experience?

Building an AR is more like an assembly job rather than 1911 gunsmith work that requires deliberate and precise cutting/filing/fitting/polishing tasks.

When I first started match shooting, I "modified/enhanced" a Norinco 1911 using Wilson Combat parts but was guided/mentored by a seasoned Bullseye Match shooter who did his own gunsmith work. It took many hours/days of filing/fitting with a diamond file set (he didn't want me to use the Dremel) and without his guidance, I probably would have botched the initial tasks of installing a beaver tail grip safety and the trigger job. Filing the beaver tail to fit the frame alone took me several hours. It really took a lot of patience and steady hands. But in the end, I was happy with the results in terms of accuracy and trigger that was matched to my shooting finger.

If you are so determined to build your own 1911, THR has a "Gunsmithing and Repair" section that may be better suited for your thread - http://www.thehighroad.org/forumdisplay.php?f=16


Here's a two part video (trigger job on 1911 starts at 7:15 mark on first video) done with Impact Guns' gunsmith Terry Gardner that details the extent of work required for a trigger job using Wilson Combat parts from 5.75 lbs to 4.25 lbs (almost an hour long) and I recommend you check it out to see if you are up to the challenge:

1911 Trigger job Part 1 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCF2u3K743A
1911 Trigger job Part 2 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-uHeePP1CY&feature=fvwp

 

[hAkron]

1911's are pretty simple to take apart and re-assemble. I would think, based on having never done it, that as long as you bought the right tools and fixtures and books, and we're patient, and willing to spend the time, you could do it. It's going to cost you a small fortune if you are just doing one or two, but hobbies are sometimes expensive. If you don't already have a 1911, I would buy an inexpensive, but fully parts compatible 1911, such as a Rock Island Armory, to have as a reference.

 

[TimboKhan]

If you want to do this and happen to have some money to spend, consider taking one of Jim Garthwaites courses. Over the course of 5 days, you will build and handfit a truly custom high end roscoe under the watchful eyes of a guy widely considered to be one of the best pistolsmiths around. One of the other mods here has done so, and reports nothing but utter delight in both the process and result.

 

[Hunterdad]

Looks like I'll sit this one out and leave it to the professionals.

Thanks for all the responses.