Custom Made 1911 Questions

[Otis]

I am trying to do some research on getting custom 1911's made. It is going to be a family thing, total of 6 exactly the same. A couple of things I am looking for are custom serial numbers and custom logo on the slide. I have read in one of the magazines that it is possible to customize your serial number so long as it is less than 10 characters and at least one of them is a number for example SMITH1, SMITH2, SMITH3 etc... I have not been able to locate anyone that will do this. Is this something that any gun smith can do?

I realize this will be quite expensive. I am not quite sure what to expect. I was guessing any where between $2,000 to $3,000 per gun. If anyone has ever done something like this please let me know maybe some things to look for or even a gunsmith they have used that they are thrilled with. Also if my price range is close.

Thanks
Otis

 

[theken206]

go to les baer, you wont be sorry you did

 

[kcshooter]

I don't know who all does custom serial numbers or how common it is, but I do know for a fact Nighthawk Customs will do it. I assume Baer, Wilson, Brown, etc will do it also.

It can't be done after the fact by a gunsmith, it has to be done by the original builder of that gun. It has to be originally sold with that number registered.

 

[theken206]

"It can't be done after the fact by a gunsmith, it has to be done by the original builder of that gun. It has to be originally sold with that number registered."

yup

 

[Eightball]

I'd just start by calling up custom shops of the individual big name manufacturers and getting price ranges there, just as a place to start.

 

[Black Majik]

A great place to start would be:

www.louderthanwords.us

 

[VARifleman]

I'd consider taking a course in building 1911s from cylinder and slide. Other people offer it, but I don't know who they are. The Cylinder and slide course will definitely work though.

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

Cost 4500 + lodging and food
Then figure 5x1500 for the other pistols... all six hand made by you.

If you a custom maker build them, your price range is right unless you splurge.

 

[surjimmy]

BIG PLUS for Les Baer!!!!!!!!!!

 

[tackleberi]

If the bigger "custom" houses can't do it, a smaller top-notch smith who builds on their own frames might be worth investigating. My 1911 was built by Jojo's Gun Works, in Southington, CT (www.jojosgunworks.com). Pictured below with ram's horn grips for pics; it usually wears plain brown Micarta grips.

 

[usp_fan]

You can order your frames from Caspian with custom serial numbers. Caspian is the supplier most custom gunsmiths are going to use for your frame anyway. If you want to save some time and work, you can order your frame and slide as a set with many custom options already done from Caspian.

Your gunsmith can then focus on the fitting and finishing of your parts. This may accelerate the process for you and solves your custom serial number request.

 

[VARifleman]

Bump for you.

 

[mes228]

Custom

USPfan, is correct in every respect. I had 10X Gunsmithing build a custom with my initials as the serial number using Caspian for the frame and slide. They have several custom things you can have done by them. I had custom serial number, ball cuts, flat serrated slide top, totally blank slide, and checkering on the frame done. The pistol turned out much better than I anticipated and is among my favorites. Caspian is the way to go. Very high quality and will save you a buck also.

 

[Shipwreck]

Yes, Nighthawk will do it - I have seen examples of this from other people on the 1911 forums.

 

[Ric]

Pistol Dynamics will do anything you want for you. I have one coming with a custom SN#

 

[Otis]

Hey Mes228 can you post a pic of your 1911.