How to build a 1911 .45?

[glock56534]

Can anyone give me some guidance on the pros/cons of possibly building a 1911. I definitely don't need a new gun, but I have a gun problem (as most of us do), and I can't stop thinking about it and its going to bug me until I get it.
Is it any less expensive to build my own? If so, what do I need to buy for the complete setup? I have been looking on Midway and CDT and it seems that they sell blank frames, hammers, slides, and other parts. Does anyone sell complete parts kits?
Any suggestions on good things to get? Thanks!

 

[NGIB]

Wow, this isn't a project I'd want to attempt. Why not buy a basic RIA for less than $400? But, check sarcoinc.com as they sell kits (also complete guns at good prices)...

Here's mine:

 

[SKM&P9]

NGIB, sweet looking RIA ! Is it the 4" or 3" commander ?

 

[NGIB]

It's the Compact with a 3 1/4 inch barrel. All I've done so far is try different grips. In this pic it's wearing Pearce rubber panels and a Pearce finger groove that mounts under the grip panels. Even with the tiny combat sights, this thing is very accurate...

 

[tekarra]

Thinking of doing the same myself. Check out some the 1911 forums as they have a lot of posts on building 1911s. There are detailed instructions with illustrations and tips from those who have had problems, as well as recommendations for literature, parts and everything else you want to know. At first, all the information is a bit overwhelming, but there is a lot of good stuff.

 

[JHansenAK47]

http://how-i-did-it.org/articles/
Here is a link you might find useful.

 

[GRIZ22]

Building your own 1911 can be a fun thing but you'll usually find it more expensive than buying one with everything already fitted at the factory.

 

[Canuck-IL]

It'll be more expensive if you use quality parts. Also, note that it's not 'snap-together' like an AR is - there's a lot of fitting required. A better option might be to get an inexpensive low-end model (RIA, used SA GI or MilSpec) and hone some skills w upgrades before attempting a virgin build.

Start with absorbing the 2 volumes by Kuhnhausen on the 1911 - available at Brownell's, Amazon, etc. About $29 each and the best money you can spend on a build.
/Bryan

 

[Grizzly Adams]

Usually cheaper to buy one then to build.

 

[ClemY]

I built one on a Caspian frame and slide. It isn't very difficult, although I did chicken out and had Novak fit the barrel, a Kart, ramped barrel. It shoots great. I have used it for IPSC. I am slow, but the gun works great.

Brownell's website has details of how to do it. Here is Part I.

http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/GunTech/NewsletterArchive.aspx?p=0&t=1&i=505

 

[bannockburn]

You can build it yourself, but as others have already noted, it can get rather expensive. If you are determined to go this route, then you need to:

Get as much how-to information as you can (illustrations help a lot too). There are any number of books and websites you can consult.

If you already have a 1911, consider taking it completely apart just to give you an idea how everything is supposed to fit and function.

Buy the best parts you can afford, preferably from name brand manufacturers.
If you can, buy the slide and frame from the same company, and request that they fit the two together before they ship it your dealer.

 

[MICHAEL T]

Lots of money!!!! Mistakes are expensive!!!!!. Books tools and time . Can be done but requires proper planning I'd