Gun Image - My "new" 1911

[ScottS]

How much experience did you have in doing this before you jumped in?

None on 1911's. I built my AR-15 from a stripped lower receiver and "completion kit," and have had my BHP reduced down to a big ol' bag of parts (I was refinishing it), so I'm not afraid to detail strip a firearm (although my Rem Nylon 66 is going to say in one piece). The great thing about the 1911 is the unbelievable wealth of information on it, both on the web and in print. I didn't get a "build-your-own 1911" book, but I know there are good ones out there. There are remarkably detailed photos on the web showing every aspect of detail stripping and (more importantly!) reassembling a 1911 on the web, and detailed instructions here and on other forums for things like fitting parts or tensioning extractors. People--like our own 1911Tuner (with his quaint nostalgia for smooth slides and holsters made from dead animal skin)--are extremely generous with their time and experience.

Also, keep in mind I was extremely lucky, or maybe not. Almost every part "dropped in" with minimal or no fitting required. The ignition parts (subtle dig at traditionalists), for example, dropped in with no muss, no fuss, and resulted in a glass-rod crisp 4 lb pull. I said, "maybe not" because I think one of the things you pay for with quality parts is...well...quality. You pay more, but you expect the parts to be machined correctly, to the right specs, etc. I think this would have been much harder, and probably outside my ability, if I had bought one of those "Bob's Big Ol' Bag O' 1911 Parts," and tried to do it that way.

And, how cool is it to start with a big box of parts and end up with something that actually works when you're done?

Scott

 

[1911Tuner]

Quaint

People--like our own 1911Tuner (with his quaint nostalgia for smooth slides and holsters made from dead animal skin)--

Heyyyyyy...I resemble that remark!

 

[Shmackey]

There are remarkably detailed photos on the web showing every aspect of detail stripping and (more importantly!) reassembling a 1911 on the web, and detailed instructions here and on other forums for things like fitting parts or tensioning extractors.
...
Also, keep in mind I was extremely lucky, or maybe not. Almost every part "dropped in" with minimal or no fitting required.

I can detail strip all day, but I wouldn't expect to be so lucky about everything dropping in. Once I have to start messing with hammer hooks and such, I'm out of my element...

 

[CZ52GUY]

Short sidetrack...

What I ended up with was what I set out to get: a 1911 I can carry and shoot CDP, with a fit and finish that rivals any factory gun, that I will be proud to pass on to my grandchildren--assuming they're still allowed to own guns by then.

Where do you shoot CDP?

Your location indicates we may bump into each other at a match this summer.

BTW, nice Pic's!

Me, I shoot SSP with a Glock until I get used to my Mil-Spec Springer. I got a Kydex for gaming and a Galco F.E.D. Paddle (made from a tasty critter I'm sure) for carry.

CZ52'

 

[WhoKnowsWho]

Very nice job!

It actually makes me believe a little more that I could do it... maybe, sure

 

[ScottS]

I can detail strip all day, but I wouldn't expect to be so lucky about everything dropping in. Once I have to start messing with hammer hooks and such, I'm out of my element...

Me, too! No way was I going to grab a stone and start in on the hammer or sear. That's why I ponied up the bucks for one of the Cylinder & Slide matched sets. Hammer, sear, and discon are precision ground to work with each other. You specify the weight of trigger pull by buying the proper set. I was committed to take whatever it gave me, and was very pleasantly surprised with the excellent, crisp trigger pull I ended up with.[Shudder]Grinding away on the hammer and sear mating surfaces? Not me.[/shudder]

CZ52Guy, I shoot SSP right now. I shot the NE IDPA Championship on Courtland, NY, the first weekend in May, and I'm going to shoot the MA State in late June, the NH Invitational in early Aug, the New England Regional in late Aug, and the Cape Code Regional in Sep. At least, that's the schedule I negotiated with the wife. The goal is to shoot the classifier at NFGA in June with the 1911, and shoot club matches with that, and stick with SSP at the bigger sanctioned matches. If I can shoot it enough, maybe I'll shoot the September match in CDP instead of SSP.

Let me know if you'll be at any of the matches above, so I can say, "Hello." Always nice to put a face to a "name" as it were.

Scott

 

[CZ52GUY]

re:IDPA

Hey Scott,

I'll probably bump into you at the NFGA classifier June 7.

Depending on how I do this weekend shooting SSP at Pioneer's classifier, I'll either be shooting ESP (CZ-75) or CDP (Springfield Mil-Spec) at NFGA. If I really stink up the joint (a distinct possibility ), I'll bring out the "gamer gun" in SSP (a G-35).

Since the New England Regionals are on my anniversary weekend, I may sign up for the NH Invitational instead so I may bump into you there as well.

I'd love to get a first person glance at this custom 1911 of yours at the safe handling table.

Safe shooting,

CZ52'

 

[ScottS]

I'd love to get a first person glance at this custom 1911 of yours at the safe handling table.

We can do better than that. If we hook up at the Classifier, take it and runs some rounds through it. Never hurts to get additional hands on the gun to wring it out.

Scott

BTW, what time is the classifier this weekend? No times posted on their website.

 

[CZ52GUY]

Pioneer Classifier

Plan on getting there a few minutes before 9:00 to get signed in if you're coming. Last match took about 10-15 minutes to get going...I expect it will be in full action mode by 9:30

Safe shooting,

CZ52'

 

[ScottS]

CZ52,

Did you make the classifier at NFGA last night? I was looking for you, but saw no one a) shooting a CZ52 (which would have been cool, especially as the sun went down) or b) looking like they were "looking" for anybody.

I shot the classifier first with my Sig226, then with the 1911. The 1911 performed nearly flawlessly (one FTF that I'm pretty sure was mag-induced. I have one suspect CMC mag). It shoots a bit below POA, so I might slide a shorter front sight in (just happen to have one). Even shooting damn near in the dark, I turned in a respectable score. (2040 at the start of Stage 3; I really should not have shot it. Buff targets against a sand berm at 20 yards in low twilight, for score?).

I believe the FCS and FLGR are what made the difference.

Maybe I'll see you at the NH Invitational 7 Aug.

Scott