thinking new 1911. want it the way I want it. go custom - or modify?

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anothernewb

anothernewb

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Guess I'm just too OCD or picky or whatever, but I can't seem to find a 1911 built "exactly" like I want.

here's my list of "demands", lol.

minimal or no roll marks
no front serrations
2 tone: black frame, stainless slide OR black slide/stainless frame. both options look good to me.
adjustable sights
front strap checkering
"enhanced" upgrades like beavertail, longer trigger
match barrel

not exactly earth shattering design. I'm just not a fan of the front slide cuts, and I like the "clean" look of not having much on the slide. It's going to be a range toy only so it doesn't need any super duper anti corrosion or extreme corner softening.

The closest thing I've found that I know of (maybe someone out there knows of other makers who have a design like I am looking for) is a stainless Dan Wesson Valor, (or even a heritage and have the front strap checkered). and then modify the slide for the sights and have the frame/slide coated.

any thoughts/better ideas? Is what I want possible for a reasonable cost? While I understand that I'll have a fair chunk of change invested - I don't really want to spend $2000+ either on a full custom. for that price I'll just live with something regular production 2 tone with front slide cuts.
 
Check out a Colt Special Combat Government. It would appear to have most of the things on your want list (adjustable Bomar type rear sight, beavertail grip safety, two tone finish), along with not having forward slide serrations.
 
Other than the beaver tail and trigger replacement, those are just cosmetic things.
Maybe you're spending too much time looking at them, instead of shooting them.
Run a few hundred rounds through them and there should be enough dirt and grime to cover up the objectionable stuff.
Without taking a gander, I couldn't really say what the sides of mine look like.
Viewing them over the sights they're just dandy.
 
one of the ones on my short list, if I have to live with the serrations. Originally I was totally against the external extractor. but I have an ultra 2 tone and it's growing on me.
 
Contact Fusion and design the whole gun yourself. Not cheap, but it's a one-off custom gun. I had this one built in 10mm for my 30th birthday present to myself. I also say buy once, cry once. Pay up to get exactly what you want so you don't have to settle.

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"I don't really want to spend $2000+ either on a full custom."

You'll need to about triple that number to get to a full custom. For what you want I'd expect you'll be in the area of the cost of the production gun plus another $7/800 or so unless you start with a lot of the "features" you want to add.
 
burrhead said:
"I don't really want to spend $2000+ either on a full custom."

You'll need to about triple that number to get to a full custom. For what you want I'd expect you'll be in the area of the cost of the production gun plus another $7/800 or so unless you start with a lot of the "features" you want to add.
Click to expand...
What he said.

Based on your list of wants, any upgraded version of any major brand will more than fit your needs.
 
I started with a Ruger CMD. I couldn't afford a Dan Wesson CBOB.
I'm not sure how much new sight cuts for adjustable sights would cost but I'm very happy with this pistol. I am lucky enough to be a machinist so I did all the work myself but it was all pretty simple stuff.
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I'm turning into a Colt 1903 freak and wanting certain things on my Model M's *just* the way I want them...nothing wrong with wanting everything *just* the way you want it so long as your desires are reasonable and possible.

Have it built to your specs is my suggestion. But I think the price tag for what you want is gonna be like the price tag for what I want. Expensive. But I'd rather pay once/cry once as well. I want what I want and I'll take a second job to get it if that's what I decide.

You should get what you really want - have an expert build one fer ya. :)

VooDoo
 
I have a Dan Wesson Valor and I can certainly vouch for accuracy, reliability & overall quality. I bought mine used at a good price and it is an older model with the Black Duty Coat, which is excellent. But for what a new one goes for, I would strongly consider going with a Les Baer to get all of the custom features you want, rather than having to rework a premium production gun. Just my $0.02 worth.
 
Ditto JDR... I'd get one built exactly the way you want.
Les makes great pistolas BUT the problem is, you're gonna have to wait at least 12-14 months for delivery... and you'll be in the $2500+ range!
If you're patient and have the $$, I would definitely go that route... but no custom gun is going to be a 'quick' delivery!
Also, ditto on the DW Valor... have one and it's about the best 1911 I own (SS is about $1500 NIB).

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I'd get it made by a manufacturer to my specs. It will hold its value, be done right, and have some sort of a warranty.
 
Another 10mm from Fusion with Black Shield and polished stainless steel for contrast.

Jones%20-%202.gif

My needs are different than most people. I live next to wilderness and this has become a working carry, mostly for night time encounters with large 4-legged predators including black bears and feral hogs. Light rail, tritium front sight and magwell to facilitate night time magazine changes. Match barrel, albeit a Commander length;

Jones-9.gif

I prefer chain link MSH and front strap over checkered anything. Slide is simple, only rear serrations and diamond cut slide top,

Jones%20-%208.gif

I haven't seen any 1911s like this, but I only go to a small town one day a week. Bob Serva started Fusion after CZ took over Dan Wesson and brought some of the DW gunsmiths with him. One of DW's popular CCW models was the CBOB in 10mm, so it seemed like the people who made quality DWs would do the same at Fusion.

Top notch quality and a shooter out of the box; after 300 rounds of various handloaded JHPs and hardcast bullets.

20140808_121828.jpg

This is simply an example of what you can do to meet your needs and requirements. There are a number of manufacturers who will work with you on your build.
 
I have no idea what you mean by removing the leftovers from the original msh pin. When you bob the frame you cut out totally the original msh pin hole and you have to drill another one.
 
Mr.Revolverguy said:
I have no idea what you mean by removing the leftovers from the original msh pin. When you bob the frame you cut out totally the original msh pin hole and you have to drill another one.
Click to expand...
uploadfromtaptalk1411753868718.jpg
Those two little semi circles on each side of the frame. Those look to be remnants from the original msh pin hole that did not get fully removed and blended.
 
Nickb45 said:
I don't think many of them (if any) get completely removed. I don't think there is enough material there.
Click to expand...


Sure they do. I've had several done. You just have to be careful and blend the frame as well as the new MSH.
 
They can be removed but I was not comfortable with it. We actually talked about it and I didn't want any more material removed.
 
If you are looking for a new build, check out Evolution Armory in Somersworth NH. They can build you anything you want for around 2200 bucks and use only the best parts available.

Look them up on Facebook.
 
Just buy an Ed Brown and get it over with. A decade from now, you'll be glad you did.

Another way to put it: What is the value of all the guns you have purchased (and sold off) in the past five to ten years? I bet you could have purchased several custom guns built to your exact specifications with that money.
 
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