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Build a 1911?
- Thread starter jfw46544
- Start date
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building a nice 1911 from a scratch frame kit and doing it PROPERLY is a very expensive, time consuming, and risky process, you will probably spend just as much on proper tools and the kit as you would spend to get a really good pre-build gun...not to mention the learning curve
now thats not to say you cant get a kit, fit the slide to the frame, and get pre-fit parts (except the thumb safety) and have a reasonably good gun...but it will probably still take some fitting and knowledge of the platform to get the parts to fit up right
if you are interested in building a 1911 AGI made a series of 4 dvds detailing the process
personally, i would say buy one unless you are in love with the platform and want to build a bunch of them its not worth the trouble
now thats not to say you cant get a kit, fit the slide to the frame, and get pre-fit parts (except the thumb safety) and have a reasonably good gun...but it will probably still take some fitting and knowledge of the platform to get the parts to fit up right
if you are interested in building a 1911 AGI made a series of 4 dvds detailing the process
personally, i would say buy one unless you are in love with the platform and want to build a bunch of them its not worth the trouble
hodgej1843
Sharpshooter
BUILD A 1911
I ALSO WOULD PROBABLY JUST BUY ONE.YOU CAN GET A COLT
LIGHTWEIGHT COMMANDER FOR AROUND 850.00-900.00 NEW
I ALSO WOULD PROBABLY JUST BUY ONE.YOU CAN GET A COLT
I've been wanting to do that myself, from the research I've done it's like anything else you can get inexpensive kits to all out custom. when I start adding up all the parts I would like to use it totals around $2000.00 but I know it can be done for around $400.00 or so. Check out Brownells, Wilson Combat, Caspian, Fosters, Les Baer, Essex Arms and other websites. 
I have built quite a few AR15s and would never even attempt to build a 1911. The design may not be difficult, but fitting the parts and getting it to run safely requires magic. That is why there are gunsmiths and then there are gunsmiths who build 1911s.
hodgej1843
Sharpshooter
I AGREE
I AGREE WITH MELENSDAD
I AGREE WITH MELENSDAD
Building an AR is like playing with legos. With a couple of minor exceptions, usually just things to watch out for for slightly improving accuracy or durability, a monkey could build a basic AR from parts.
I built a 1911 last year. Caspian stainless frame/slide and I cheated a bit and used a kart ezfit barrel.
I put a LOT of hours into it. and a lot of money into tools (and I have about 30% of the tools I'd like to have). Only trashed one part which I thought was impressive.
I read/studied tons of material before I even bought the first piece. including both Kuhnhausen books. and then before actually starting working on a part I went back and re-read the relevant sections.
I have a couple thousand rounds through the gun now. It is the most accurate pistol I own. It's run 100% since day one except for a little tweaking to get the slide to lock back with all my mags. I still haven't done any finish work on it. I even have a blast cabinet out in the garage I haven't used yet. I intend to do a couple more, maybe starting this winter.
You will not save any money. How well the gun runs and shoots is up to you. You have no warranty center to mail it to if it doesn't run. It will take you a LOT of time. If it's worth it or not is up to you.
I'm buying a new factory 1911 for a carry gun. Because I don't think until I have built several guns, each with 10s of thousands of rounds through them, can I say that I KNOW I can build a durable and reliable pistol. For now I'm a garage hack.
note in this picture that I did have a perfectly blended beaver-tail, but I didn't like the shape of it. So recently I put in this one to match my open gun and I haven't gotten around to re-blending it.
Good luck,
-rvb
ps (edit), here was the old beavertail, perfectly blended...
-rvb
I built a 1911 last year. Caspian stainless frame/slide and I cheated a bit and used a kart ezfit barrel.
I put a LOT of hours into it. and a lot of money into tools (and I have about 30% of the tools I'd like to have). Only trashed one part which I thought was impressive.
I read/studied tons of material before I even bought the first piece. including both Kuhnhausen books. and then before actually starting working on a part I went back and re-read the relevant sections.
I have a couple thousand rounds through the gun now. It is the most accurate pistol I own. It's run 100% since day one except for a little tweaking to get the slide to lock back with all my mags. I still haven't done any finish work on it. I even have a blast cabinet out in the garage I haven't used yet. I intend to do a couple more, maybe starting this winter.
You will not save any money. How well the gun runs and shoots is up to you. You have no warranty center to mail it to if it doesn't run. It will take you a LOT of time. If it's worth it or not is up to you.
I'm buying a new factory 1911 for a carry gun. Because I don't think until I have built several guns, each with 10s of thousands of rounds through them, can I say that I KNOW I can build a durable and reliable pistol. For now I'm a garage hack.
note in this picture that I did have a perfectly blended beaver-tail, but I didn't like the shape of it. So recently I put in this one to match my open gun and I haven't gotten around to re-blending it.
Good luck,
-rvb
ps (edit), here was the old beavertail, perfectly blended...
-rvb
Last edited:
I'll say this, not having built any guns, but definitely having similar hobby experience. The first one you build will be incredibly more about the process than the final product. I think RVB's approach of building several before trusting the process (and product) fully. Obviously I lack experience with this specifically, but I am convinced the principle applies.
I think if you build a 1911 from scratch, and it would cost more in the long run. I think it would be a very cool thing to build my own, but in order for the pistol to run like a well oiled machine, it would be best to buy 1 already and add the features that you want down the road.
I put a 1911 together from parts many years ago. This was before 1911's were offered in stainless steel. I used various parts from different manufacturers. The project turned out pretty well. I had a good book to follow when doing the project. You must have some instruction, be it from a book or video. I used mostly hand tools, like files and stones to do the job. Getting a match bushing and oversize match barrel fitted required the patience of Job! It was a very time consuming venture, with a lot of hand fitting required, but very rewarding. If you use top quality parts, it won't be a cheap undertaking. You can probably get a nice Springfield 1911 for substantially less than you will spend on top quality parts. When you get done, you won't have something worth as much as as a custom gun from a known gunsmith. It may not be worth the parts that you put into it.
I am about average with working with my hands. I am not especially talented. I do have a lot of patience. IMHO, that would be the greatest asset in a project 1911. When I got tired or harried, I'd quit for the day.
I'd say, if you have a lot of patience, and the time and money to spend, then go for it! It was very rewarding in the knowledge gained.
I am about average with working with my hands. I am not especially talented. I do have a lot of patience. IMHO, that would be the greatest asset in a project 1911. When I got tired or harried, I'd quit for the day.
I'd say, if you have a lot of patience, and the time and money to spend, then go for it! It was very rewarding in the knowledge gained.
Nice looking gun. I have a Colt Series 70 I have been working on when I have extra time and money. I changed the trigger and some springs so far, wanting to get a nice match grade barrel, was the kart ezfit easy to install, and how does shoot?Building an AR is like playing with legos. With a couple of minor exceptions, usually just things to watch out for for slightly improving accuracy or durability, a monkey could build a basic AR from parts.
I built a 1911 last year. Caspian stainless frame/slide and I cheated a bit and used a kart ezfit barrel.
I put a LOT of hours into it. and a lot of money into tools (and I have about 30% of the tools I'd like to have). Only trashed one part which I thought was impressive.
I read/studied tons of material before I even bought the first piece. including both Kuhnhausen books. and then before actually starting working on a part I went back and re-read the relevant sections.
I have a couple thousand rounds through the gun now. It is the most accurate pistol I own. It's run 100% since day one except for a little tweaking to get the slide to lock back with all my mags. I still haven't done any finish work on it. I even have a blast cabinet out in the garage I haven't used yet. I intend to do a couple more, maybe starting this winter.
You will not save any money. How well the gun runs and shoots is up to you. You have no warranty center to mail it to if it doesn't run. It will take you a LOT of time. If it's worth it or not is up to you.
I'm buying a new factory 1911 for a carry gun. Because I don't think until I have built several guns, each with 10s of thousands of rounds through them, can I say that I KNOW I can build a durable and reliable pistol. For now I'm a garage hack.
note in this picture that I did have a perfectly blended beaver-tail, but I didn't like the shape of it. So recently I put in this one to match my open gun and I haven't gotten around to re-blending it.
Good luck,
-rvb
ps (edit), here was the old beavertail, perfectly blended...
-rvb
I have always wanted to build one but after reading here I may wait. I guess if I have the disposable income to buy everything and just looking to do it for fun it would be okay. That way if it does not turn out right I won't be so upset. Safety would also be a factor. Last thing I want is to test it out and lose a body part I may need some day. Looks and sounds like there may be more involved than I first thought.
To all of the people claiming you can just buy a name brand 1911 for less money and it will be just as good as a handbuilt one, you're so wrong! It takes skill, special tools, quality parts and a lot of your free time. But there is no comparison.
Kirk Freeman
Grandmaster
Yes, I "built" a .22lr 1911 on a Rock River frame last winter.
Absolutely correct.
I had the fine gunsmiths at Coal Creek Armoury assist me.
(Thanks, Shannon and Bob)=>Coal Creek Armory Custom Shop - 865.966.4545
It's a great pistol. It's being Gun Coated now (Flat Earf Brown). I'll post photos when it's done (which should be any day *looks at watch, whistles, taps foot*).
Absolutely correct.
I had the fine gunsmiths at Coal Creek Armoury assist me.
(Thanks, Shannon and Bob)=>Coal Creek Armory Custom Shop - 865.966.4545
It's a great pistol. It's being Gun Coated now (Flat Earf Brown). I'll post photos when it's done (which should be any day *looks at watch, whistles, taps foot*).
Yep, if done right, a custom 1911 is a lot nicer than an off-the-line piece. OTOH, if done incorrectly, it will be a couple of pounds of scrap metal. I've had a few custom 1911's in my day and the top pistolsmiths truly build masterpieces.
If you really want to build a 1911 the correct way I suggest that you attend Cylinder & Slide's course in Fremont, NE. I took the week long class in 2002 and its was one of the best things I have ever done. As for cost, Class, Tools and 1911 parts it ran me about $4000.00 with travel and hotel. You will learn from one of the best in the business, Bill Laughridge.
