New project in the works- the 1911-05

[Michael Tinker Pearce]

Interesting. Thanks for the replies. I put together a 1911 earlier this year and it was hard enough finding components that worked for something as simple as a generic 1911. I wish you the best of luck with your endeavor.

It's not going to be quick or easy, but thanks for the luck- it will be needed.

 

[tipoc]

The 1905 was the first 45acp Colt and Browning did for the military. Just over 6,200 of these were produced. It did have a slide lock by the way. Pick up a copy of John Potocki's book on the Model 1905. The drawings may be of help.

I'd do it in 38acp/38 Super or 45. In a piece of this size they will be better than the 9mm.

Why not stick with the original hammer? They did have a couple of styles, but teh original looks best IMHO.

The 1905 had the older grip angle, do you plan on changing that to the 1911 grip angle? That's also a factor in looking for magazines.

This also had the "parallel ruler", dual link set up which was not work out so well. I figure you'll dump that, but that does effect a few things.

I figure you're going for a piece more "inspired by" than a repro. Looking more like an upscaled M1903. See both at the link below (and the books).

http://www.coltautos.com/1905.htm

Great project!

 

[Michael Tinker Pearce]

Definitely 'inspired by' rather than reproduction; it's all going to be modified 1911 parts, and probably a Series 80 slide with the firing-pin block. I'm tempted to make it in .45 since I already reload for that.

 

[badkarmamib]

I'm tempted to make it in .45 since I already reload for that.

Where's the fun in that? Consider a new caliber as part of the project.

 

[Jim Watson]

Settle for a 5" like a 1905 Colt .45 and it might be a little easier. You could use a Baer Monolith frame. Or remodel a Baer Monolith gun. That would save several steps but would add cost. And the 6" .38 just looks more Steampunk.
But for S80 you will have to extend the dust cover of a frame cut for the lawyer levers, Caspian, Colt, etc. Seems like a good move in a gun lacking thumb or grip safeties.
Although for a "range gun," I would not mind depending on the inertial firing pin and half cock. My .22 target pistols do not have firing pin obstructions or grip safeties, and the thumb safeties just doesn't get used.

 

[TRX]

Consider a new caliber as part of the project.

Browning's original design was in ".38 Auto," which got uprated to ".38 Super" when better powders became available.

It was what JMB intended his big autoloaders to shoot in the first place; the .45s were hacks from Colt trying to snag that Army contract.

 

[Jim Watson]

I think there is a lot of energy wasted trying to divine what Mr Browning "intended" for his gun designs.
Mostly they were meant to sell, the Brownings were businessmen, after all.
In 1900 when the first locked breech Colt/Browning came out, it was a .38. So was Army issue at the time.
The Army specified .45 in 1906 so Mr Browning and Colt delivered, Colt dropping their look at a .41 auto that they knew would not satisfy the Indian Fighting Generals and their interpretation of reports from the Philippines and the rather hokey Thompson LaGarde tests..

 

[Kendal Black]

You might find this gun interesting to look at. Sort of a reworked 1911, 1903 style.

https://www.cylinder-slide.com/m2008artah.shtml

 

[Kendal Black]

If you asked the right persons at the right shop, would they do a special frame for you, made without the grip safety cutout? That would make things easier. But I don't know how 1911 frames are machined. Is it necessary to open up the back of the frame to get at something else that needs machining, or can all the cutting be done without creating that hole in the back of the grip?

 

[Mizar]

Is it necessary to open up the back of the frame to get at something else that needs machining, or can all the cutting be done without creating that hole in the back of the grip?

The design calls for that opening - it is to provide clearance for machining of the sear spring bed, trigger bar rails and sear/disconnector bed. If you wish to make a gun without that opening the firing mechanism must be completely redesigned.