Caspian 1911 frame options

[Control]

Hello.

I have decided to waste a whole bunch of money and attempt to build my own 1911. I figure at the very least it will be a learning experience.

Thanks to everyone who has contributed to this forum. I have spent some time reviewing the threads here and the tips are great.

First up, I have ordered three gunsmithing videos for the 1911 from the American Gunsmithing Institute. Gun Tests is running a special where you can get 4 AGI videos for $100 so I got all three volumes of "The Ultimate 1911 Video Course" and a DVD on the Glock for $100. Not a bad deal.

Caspian frames seem to be the way to go and I have ordered their catalog.

My first question is regarding a ramped barrel cut. They offer two different kinds: Clark/Para or Wilson/Nowlin. Are either recommended or should I stick with the standard barrel cut? Which is the most reliable? Is accuracy affected?

My second question is regarding the front and back strap checkering. Does Caspian offer anything else besides 20 LPI?

Finally, I prefer stainless frames and slides. Are stainless parts tougher to work with than carbon? Do I need different tools for stainless frames vs. carbon?

Thanks.

 

[jungle]

Caspian is the way to go. Ramped vs Standard? I would go standard for a .45 and think about ramped for a race gun only in other calibers-accuracy is not really a factor, that is in barrel quality and fitting.
Reliability will be equal in both, again dependent on fitting.
Look over their options and decide what you want, I believe they only offer 20LPI checkering.
Stainless works about the same as carbon steel.
They do offer a slide/ frame factory fit, which may be a good option for your first pistol.

 

[Control]

Thanks Jungle.

I think I'll stick with the standard barrel.

The AGI gunsmithing videos arrived a couple of days ago and they are very good. However, the 3 DVD 1911 "complete" course assumes that you already have a detailed understanding of how the 1911 works and their 1911 basic course should be looked into first.

 

[Azrael256]

Control, order the Kuhnhausen 1911 books. At the very least, get volume 1. It covers all of the basic dimensions and fitting procedures, and is a little bit easier to use at the workbench than a DVD player.

 

[Control]

Thanks for the advice Azriel256. I'll be sure to pick up the book. The cost of the book and DVDs should actually help save me some cash in the long run. My current spreadsheet of parts and tools is totaling out at about $2000 and I want to minimize mistakes.

All three videos in the AGI 1911 series were excellent and very detailed. They were worth the money spent.

Quick note on the Glock Armorers DVD:
The Gun-Tests deal was 4 videos for $100 so I also picked up the AGI Glock Armorer’s DVD with the package. The Glock Armorer’s DVD was horrible! The instructor was not motivated, he didn't even bother to have the accessories he was talking about with him, his hands were in the way when showing different parts and operations, he didn’t even bother to have a dirty gun when showing cleaning procedures, etc. Definitely NOT recommended!