Commander build project

[viking499]

I am thinking about building a commander as a project. Looking for the parts(probably a kit), a frame, barrel and a slide.

I have looked at essex and caspian frames and slides. Like the essex because they are already finished. Any comments on these items? Any other to recommend for the same or similar price?

Have not thought about whether I want blued, stainless or a combination yet.

 

[EHL]

Hey Viking,
I'm in the middle of my commander project myself. I'd take a serious look at the Fusion Frames and slides kits they have available on thier website. Totally decked out with every goodie you could possibly want or need. $595 which includes a match grade barrel and bushing. Only downside is, only available in the white. No problem cuz you can duracoat or ceracoat it to what ever color you'd like. I'm gonna post pics as soon as mine is done!!

 

[MarshallDodge]

+1 for Fusion. Fusion

I am almost done building a 1911 on a Fusion frame. This frame makes anything from Caspian or Essex look subpar.

It shoots great but it needs sights and a finish on the frame.

 

[soccergod04]

How much experience and time do you need to do a kit like this?

 

[onebigelf]

Thinking about doing a Commander myself. I had one years ago when I was in the service and loved it. Does anyone make a Commander length 1911 frame with an integral rail?

John

 

[kcshooter]

Fusion is top-notch, but Caspian is great steel too.
Foster's carries Caspian's "blem" frames. I doubt you will ever notice any blems they do, I had a friend recently get one; two of the teeth on the front strap checkering were dinged. He saved a lot over a Caspian marked slide too.
I've used Essex and generally recommend against them in anything but a super-low-budget gun.

 

[viking499]

That fusion gun looks nice. What are you ging to finish the frame with? What kind of slide is on it?

Where is Fosters located at? Never heard of them.

 

[gb6491]

I think you will be happy with any of the brands mentioned so far. Caspian, probably, has the best reputation, but you read a lot of good thing about Fusion as well.
As for Essex:
I have a "government" size pistol in .45ACP that was built using an Essex slide and frame. This is an older gun from when Essex had a reputation of spotty quality (I've read that is not a problem of late). The frame was finished a little rough, but the slide was fine. The pistol has had many, many rounds through it with only a bad adjustment screw on the rear sight and an extractor needing tension adjustment during that time. It is consistently accurate and reliable.
In addition to ordering from Essex, Brownells carries their frames and slides and are great folks to work with.

Where is Fosters located at? Never heard of them.

http://www.fosterind.com/

Regards,
Greg

 

[EHL]

Thinking about doing a Commander myself. I had one years ago when I was in the service and loved it. Does anyone make a Commander length 1911 frame with an integral rail?

John

I know Fusion carries frames with integral rails. Not sure if they can do it on a commander. Most of Fusion frames and all slides are forged steel. Caspian is great too, but they have gone to cast frames and are WAY pricey.

 

[MarshallDodge]

That fusion gun looks nice. What are you ging to finish the frame with? What kind of slide is on it?

Where is Fosters located at? Never heard of them.

Thank you. I am looking into having it done in electroless nickel. It is a new manufacture Colt "competition" series 70 slide. I picked it up on Ebay about five years ago.

Here is a link to Foster's website: http://www.fosterind.com/

For those that would like a rail, check out Dawson precision, they make a bolt on rail: http://www.dawsonprecision.com/ProductDetail.jsp?LISTID=26A0000-1094593471

I'm not sure if they have anything for a Commander.

 

[krs]

I think STI sells a rail that can be bolted or welded on and is sold for $12. less than that Dawson product.

 

[Aguila Blanca]

In building a Commander, keep in mind that although the grip size is the same as a Government model, inside the impact surface is moved back about 1/10 of an inch compared to a Government model. You can make a Commander top end work on a Government receiver, but it's a lot easier if the receiver is cut to true Commander dimensions. Inquire of whomever you are considering for frames if theirs are (or can be) cut to correct Commender dimensions.

 

[jetrecbn]

I do believe that Fusion does offer a CDR with rails. The Fusion barrels are made by Storm Lake. My Fusion CDR is very accurate.