Cutting the rails on a 80% 1911 frame

[FIVETWOSEVEN]

Hello all 1911 experts. I'm looking at building a 1911 (yes I'm quite familiar with the fitting and what not) and this 80% 1911 frame has caught my attention. The Ares 1911 is similar to the STI 2011 guns with the frame being metal and the grip being a polymer. It has a jig that is purchasable that allows the frame rails and pin holes to be more easily cut/drilled. I don't have access to a mill unfortunately so I'm looking at other options. What do you guys recommend? Any advice Tuner?

I did see something about epoxying a few hacksaw blades together but I'm unsure about doing something like that.

http://www.aresarmor.com/install/ecom-prodshow/AA-1911-F.html
http://www.aresarmor.com/install/ecom-prodshow/AA-1911-J.html

 

[David E]

I did see something about epoxying a few hacksaw blades together but I'm unsure about doing something like that.

Why? What could possibly go wrong??

 

[FIVETWOSEVEN]

It's worked for some people. Got helpful advice or just passing through?

 

[1911Tuner]

Several people have gone the hacksaw blade route with varying results. Personally...unless it was a have-to situation...I think I'd wait until I could arrange to use a mill for the task.

 

[SharpsDressedMan]

Don't forget to file the Form 1 with the BATF. As soon as you go beyond "80%", you are starting to manufacture a firearm.

 

[dogrunner]

What? If he's makin' it for his personal use he doesn't have to file ANYTHING.

Further, he doesn't have to even serialize it under federal law.

 

[rcmodel]

Duplicate post in Gunsmithing.
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=674875

In which I said:
IMO: There is no possible way to cut those frame rails either straight enough or accurate enough without using a mill.

Well O.K.!
There is a way using files and scrapers, but you would need to be a journeyman English or German gun maker to do it by hand.

And the price of the kit seems to be $1,599.00!!

You do realize you can buy a very good working 1911 for that?
Or build one from parts using a finished frame for much less?

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/cid=0...ch=1911_frames

rc

 

[SharpsDressedMan]

"What? If he's makin' it for his personal use he doesn't have to file ANYTHING.

Further, he doesn't have to serialize it under federal law." ??????? Does that mean we can make machineguns for our own use, too?

 

[USAF_Vet]

"What? If he's makin' it for his personal use he doesn't have to file ANYTHING.

Further, he doesn't have to serialize it under federal law." ??????? Does that mean we can make machineguns for our own use, too?

Of course not, because MGs are regulated by the fed.gov where a handgun is not. Anything you can legally own, without government approval concerning restricted items, you can create for personal use. Federal law restricts the building of new machine guns for civilian ownership. No law restricts building a 1911 for civilian ownership. He is free and clear to make any title I firearm as long as he is not prohibited, and meets any state/ local laws.

 

[1911Tuner]

And the price of the kit seems to be $1,599.00!!

You do realize you can buy a very good working 1911 for that?
Or build one from parts using a finished frame for much less?

Not only that, but you can buy a pretty nice working pistol for less money, or go to Caspian and get a matched slide and frame set.

 

[FIVETWOSEVEN]

Uh RC, I am just interested in the frame they offer. Sarco has parts for far less and I will get better parts as I go a long. I wish I could buy a frame that is complete but I am just 19.

 

[GLOOB]

delete

 

[Certaindeaf]

I'd practice on some wood first. For like maybe two years.

 

[1911Tuner]

It can be done if done carefully. Start the ways with the sawblades and use a safe-side rail file to finish. Plan on takin' your time. Lots of it.

The real problem will be locating them correctly. A caliper and a machinist's scale doesn't hold much promise.

 

[CMC]

You can do it with a slide file and lots of patience and elbow grease

 

[SharpsDressedMan]

Suppressors, grenade launchers, and such are not "prohibited", like the new manufacture of machineguns, so they should be as legal as making a pistol. I contend that the BATFE DOES regulate the manufacture of pistols, and requires licenses, etc, for those that manufacture for others. If a single handgun for personal use is not regulated, why do they require a Form 1 registration for suppressors or grenade launnchers, SBR's or SBS's for personal use, but not handguns? Wonder what BATF would say about a completed, "finished", 80% (now 100%) AR receiver? I'm going to be that they would want an individual to put their name on it, a add some kind of number, and have it registered. And that would be just a rifle, not any different for regulation than a pistol, etc.

 

[David E]

Uh RC, I am just interested in the frame they offer. Sarco has parts for far less and I will get better parts as I go a long. I wish I could buy a frame that is complete but I am just 19.

You cannot buy a handgun or frame from an FFL, but most states allow you to possess a handgun at 18

 

[dogrunner]

That 80% AR you reference is no different than the 1911. If you make it for your own use you neither have to "register", serialize, or otherwise mark it.

Insofar as the NFA items you mention, yes, those do require prior approval and registration.........plus some hefty taxation.........prior to making.

The AR is no different than a single shot rifle if it otherwise is not covered by provisions of the NFA.

Now, all that said you MAY have some local or State law that requires differently, but as far as Federal law goes you can make your own standard firearm when and as you wish.............PROVIDED it is NOT covered by the NFA.

If you doubt the matter then go to the BATFE website........they do have a Q&A that will address your questions.

 

[Skylerbone]

The mention of hacksaw blades and Sarco parts has me thinking you'd be better off burning the money and soaking up the disappointment now.

I don't mean to pry 527 but would a parent be willing to aid in the purchase of a complete frame? I've known people your age who were on their own and others who grew up in non gun friendly households where the option wasn't available but if it is I would recommend it.

 

[FIVETWOSEVEN]

If a single handgun for personal use is not regulated, why do they require a Form 1 registration for suppressors or grenade launnchers, SBR's or SBS's for personal use, but not handguns?

Because handguns aren't regulated under NFA.

You cannot buy a handgun or frame from an FFL, but most states allow you to possess a handgun at 18

I know that, I own an XD-40 already. This isn't my first rodeo.

 

[tarosean]

I would attempt with a dremel or drill press way before I would even think about hacksaw blades. I guess the worst is your out 70bucks a pop...

Or if your state has a gun classifieds scour them for a frame.

 

[FIVETWOSEVEN]

I do have a drill press. How could I use it?