ltwguns.com

Hey all,
I've been thinking of acquiring a 10mm 1911. I'd love to have a Delta, BUT every one I've seen is commanding a premium price and NIB ones are easily around the $1500 mark. This has me wondering. Since even if I did get a Colt, I'd prolly send it out for some work, I've been wondering if I'd be better off just having the gun built from scratch (Caspian frame/slide, Bar-Sto barrel, etc)? I mean looking at the prices, I figure the Caspian frame/slide would set me back around $460 if I went with stainless and low Heine sight cut and significantly less if I went with carbon and USGI sight cut, a Bar-Sto 10mm barrel around $200.

Now, I'm debating whether some of the options from Caspian would save me money (dehorn is $22 , 20LPI checkering from Caspian is $80, hand fit slide/frame 90% is $50) or if I'd regret not having a smith do it.

I know that doing anything custom is hardly "saving money", BUT in your opinion, do you think I'd be able to get a really nice 10mm 1911 built up (with quality parts etc) for not much more than I'm seeing NIB Colt Deltas going for ($1500-ish)?

Thanks
Rich

The Caspian people, as far as I am concerned, do a very good job with the fitting. Though, I am not a fan of their checkering.
Why dont you contact the gunsmith you plan on fitting the barrel, grip safety, etc. and ask him? His prices probably wont be too different.

Just a thought

I had a number of things done to mine before sending it to the armorer. Mind you, I didn't use a regular gunsmith. The PWS armorers don't get into checkering, serrating or much in the way of dehorning (some, but not much). Because of this, I had those options added to mine. I didn't have the slide and frame fit because that is something they do and do well. Its also something any good 'smith is going to figure into his cost to you anyway.

Personally, I think building from scratch is the way to go. That way, you are not limited by what somebody else thought was a good idea. What works for some (or even most) may not be ideal for you. If you've been shooting for a while (and I assume you have), you know what you like. Don't work around factory features.

Between doing it yourself or having somebody else do it, don't waste your money DIY unless you have a competent person to look over your shoulder. Blending the frame and slide, fitting the grip safety, getting just the perfect fit of the barrel and bushing are not jobs for an rookie.

If you have a friend with an FFL, even a C&R FFL, you can get some very good prices at both Midway and Brownells. Even still, you'll be into the parts for at least $800 if you're going with all top quality parts and that's before the frame and slide. Don't skimp on the parts either. If there is a thumb safety with the profile you like for $20 and other for $40, its almost gauranteed that the $20 is MIM or totally out of spec or both. I went through 3 thumb safeties before and during my build (one STI that was clearly out of spec and MIM and one CMC that snapped during fitting and finally settling on Kings). I also replaced the slide stop and mag catch because I "saved" a few bucks (EGW slide stop with a casting line and a CMC mag catch that was out of spec and MIM and the armorer wouldn't touch it).

I'm not an expert by any stretch. I'm also not the most experienced when it comes to this, but as you know, I just went through this. I am now totally ruined for factory guns. In a matter of minutes after getting the gun, every other gun on the market suddenly seemed rather boring and useless to me.

Trumpet,

I've got a few 10mm 1911s, both Deltas and Caspian built guns. I sat down a few weeks ago and wrote an extensive letter to someone with many of the same questions you have. If you send me a PM with your e-mail address, I'll forward it to you. I shoot lots of 10mm, and I've learned quite a bit through trial and error.

~Jim Keeney

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"I'd rather die on my feet than keep living on my knees." - Emiliano Zapata, Mexican Revolutionary

Trumpet, I dont have as much knowledge as Jim but I have a few 10mm's. You can find good Deltas reasonable if you watch the websites. Ive never paid over $600 for a stock one. I just bought one on gunsamerica 2 weeks ago for $580 shipped. SS non enhanced 98% no box or papers. The Caspian route allows you to pick features you want but doesnt afford much real money savings. I just ordered a 10mm set up from Caspian. Without the small parts I am @ $590 + $155 for a Kart barrel. Add the cost of having it put together and I think it is a wash cost wise. Buying a used Delta you always run the risk of picking one up with issues. Buying from Caspian you know they will stand behind their product.

Gary

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Gary Eastridge
http://www.randgfirearms.com

don't forget the Dan Wesson/CZ Razorback. There's one for sale right now on this forum.

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