how hard is it to build a 1911 from scratch?

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Soundtrackzz

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Hey guys. Im interested in building a custom 1911 3" from scratch. I dont really want to spend $900 for a kimber. My basic question is, how hard is it to do yourself? the mechanical work that is not the finish work. Ive already built 2 ARs from scratch so im not totally incompetent.

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S
 
It will cost more to build one (1) for yourself. There are a lot of specific tools for the job.
 
1911-wcustom-killer-grips-the-punisher


$700 for the pistol + $50 for the grips.
 
Barrel fitting seems to be the most involved as I understand it, followed by slide to frame. The rest isn't too hard.
 
As you have learned, if you have the parts then assembly of most any firearm is a snap.

What I presume you mean by "custom" suggests a much more complex and demanding set of skills and some specal tools. IMHO, if you have to ask you are unlikely have the skill or the tools. ??
 
You'ld be better off buying a gently used one and taking it to a professional. You need specialized tools and jigs if you don't want it to look like a hot mess.
 
As a hobby machinist my idea of building from "scratch" probably means a whole lot of work involving purchasing additional tooling and contracting out heat treating services. As far as assembling and fitting one from manufactured parts, I would find that a wonderful way to spend many evenings learning intimately the workings of a 1911. It sounds like your goal is however is to have a nice shooter on a tight budget, building would be poor economics. Attributed to Benjamin Franklin (I think),"time is money". You'd be far better off saving up, doing some O/T at the job and buying what you want. Unless of course you want the to have the experience.
 
Soundtrackzz said:
My basic question is, how hard is it to do yourself?
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To build a "custom" quality 1911, yes, it's very difficult, especially if you've never done it. You must have, and I do mean must, have to have several minimum basic 1911 gunsmithing tools. If you just want to assemble a mil-spec, it ain't to bad, but then all you'll have is a mil-spec. Might as well get a RIA.

Here's my .40 S&W Commander project, over $1,100.00 in parts alone, lots of machine time as well. At least 50+ hours of my time, and I still have a ways to go. Go get that Kimber for $900.00. Just my .02 cents.

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It's quite easy once you'e acquired the knowledge and all of the tools.
 
Depends on what you mean by "from scratch". Digging the iron ore is hard work.

I sort of wish people would quit talking about "building a gun from scratch" when they really mean assembling a gun from parts. Not the same thing.

Jim
 
"I basically just want to have a bull barrel "

That would be interesting in a 1911.
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No it would be necessary on the 3" one he ask about building.

A 3" 1911 doesn't have enough room in the slide for a barrel bushing.
So a coned bull barrel is what you have to use.

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduc...Grips, Magazines)-_-PriceCompListing-_-614606

If I was the OP, I would buy a finished 3" gun.
They are all finicky at best, due to the limited slide travel and extreme barrel drop-down when unlocked.

Building one might best be left to the factory experts who know all the tricks to get them to work, most of the time.

rc
 
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