ltwguns.com

Hello;

I have been thinking about building my own 1911 for years. Now I have the time to do it. I have a few questions for the pro-smiths.

1. I am very handy and know something about firearms (novice). I do minor work on mine. Will this be a waist of my time or is it possible for the novice builder to build a nice custom 1911?
2. I want to start with a complete 1911. What would a good base gun to start off with? I was thinking Rock Island 1911-A1?
3. Time is not an issue, therefore, I will not rush. Can anyone suggest videos or books to get me started in the right direction?
4. Where is the best place to find parts?
5. Any pointers for a newbie will be appreciated

Thanks in advance,
Paul

I am not a smith but have been in the firearms business for some time. I spent 24 years in law enforcement. Do most of my own minor repairs. When it comes to "building" a custom 1911, in my opinion, you should leave it to the pros. Anyone can slap a few parts on a 1911. They may even fit and work. But by the time you buy a base gun and custom parts you might as well spring for a SA loaded or comparable gun. Custom parts do not make a custom gun.

_________________
Gary Eastridge
http://www.randgfirearms.com

I think Gary gives some great advice. There are alot of hobbyist builders that do some credible work. However, until you get into the small details do you realize what the guys who make a living at this already know and possess the tools and machines to execute these details. Having said that, I would not discourage anyone from being interested and learning what they can. Don't expect too much you first few times....I have a saying about my own work. "I'm tired of my mistakes becoming my style" I would imagine if the pros chime in they would understand what I am saying in regards to their early work.

Everything you need technically to build a 1911 will fit in a decent sized tool box. Like some smiths you can have your machine work sent out to someone, buy a pre-fit barrel, and parts and assemble a gun that will function, and with a good eye for detail your gun will look good. Most smiths worth a salt try to control as much as possible with the exception of blueing or plating.

Everyone starts somewhere. If you are committed and want to build then buy some files and start cuttin'. You will absolutely enjoy it. The frustration and the finish. Just my opinion I could be wrong.

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Heirloom Precision, LLC.
480-804-1911

"If everyone is thinking alike, someone isn't thinking."
- General George Patton Jr

That would require a crystal ball to answer, but I'd think that it's most likely that you'll be able to complete the project sucessfully. You'll most likely have a list of regrets & changes to incorporate on the next one you do and with every gun, that list will shorten.


I'd advise you to spend a little more money and buy a better starting point. I'd suggest a Springfield 5" GI or mil-spec as a solid foundation for a reasonable cost. I'd stick with a full size gun for my first attempt. I'd select the simplest modifications that fill your needs.
Know this: All of the books and videos on the market skip over or over-simplify various things that they are describing. Buy everything on the market and you'll still have to pick up things on your own. This said, AGI has some pretty good tapes as does Wilson. A set of Jerry Kuhnhausen's books will be of value, more from reference, than instruction. Ed Brown produces a pretty good bench manual. Buy them all.You'll get something from each.
That's easy - Brownells
Think about what you're gonna do and have a plan to get to the end of each segment, work slow and don't rush, enjoy and report back to us!
Your welcome!

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shop.HarrisonCustom.com
www.HarrisonCustom.com

The grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love and something to hope for.

I just want to thank everyone for their input. I am going to put a plan together on what I want to accomplish and take it slow. I am a engineer by trade and have many resources when needed.

I will start purchasing the tools and reference materials ASAP. I will report my efforts to this forum at each major build stage.

Again, thank you for all the input.

Paul

This is my first build up, the only thing I did not do was install the sights. It cost about $500.00 and took about 12-20 (est., was not keeping track) hours to complete. It shoots 1.5" benched @ 25 yards. There is zero play in the frame to slide fit and the barrel/slide fit and barrel/bushing fit is very tight also. It functions with HP ammo fine and seems to be a darn good pistol. I used Kuhnhausen volume one and forums for reference guide. Here it is.
[/img]

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My future's determined by Thieves, thugs, and vermin
My rights are denied by Those least qualified
Everything's backwards In Americana

AWESOME!

How experienced where you when you started the project?
What base gun did you start from?
What all did you do to customize it?

Thanks for the pic. It looks sweet.

Have you customized any since? If so, can I see them?

Thanks for the inspiration.

Paul

I am a Glock armorer (worthless to 1911 building) H&K armorer (more of the same) and studied the kuhnhausen manual quite a bit prior to venturing into the psuedo-gunsmith area. Psuedo b/c putting together a 1911 from parts and getting it to work correctly does not a gunsmith make!! I bet if I sent this gun off to the pistolsmith guild it would get luke warm (if I was lucky) reviews. Also if I sent it off to one of the master gunsmiths here on LTW for a check up I may find out I do know as much as I thought

Anyhow it does shoot very accurately and so far has functioned 100%
It is an Essex frame/Essex enhanced slide/ Brown pin kit/ Brown hardcore extractor/Wilson thumb safety/STI trigger/McCormick grip safety/ Brown HC FP stop/Real Novak night sights/ Colt custom fit bushing (hand fit by me, bushing wrench needed to remove)/Brown recoil plug/Springfield Armory one piece stainless steel barrel/Wolff springs throughout.

I have noticed some evidence of battering but I have seen that on some other 1911's I've had with no further issues. Everything on it was hand fit using files and sandpaper (200/400/600/800). I am most proud of the frame to slide fit which as is good as any I've ever seen.

_________________
My future's determined by Thieves, thugs, and vermin
My rights are denied by Those least qualified
Everything's backwards In Americana

The slide stop is also an Ed Brown HC part

_________________
My future's determined by Thieves, thugs, and vermin
My rights are denied by Those least qualified
Everything's backwards In Americana

Paul, I am in NE Ohio too. If you need to borrow the Kunhausen vol. 1 let me know via PM.

_________________
My future's determined by Thieves, thugs, and vermin
My rights are denied by Those least qualified
Everything's backwards In Americana

Old saying that I have found to be true about MANY things:
"By the time I finished the project, I knew what I SHOULD have
known to start it......"
Author unknown

Nice looking pistol. The only negative I can say is that for the same money I have bought a lot of SA loadeds with the same features plus night sights. The deciding factor for me would be resale. But then again it is hard to put value on personal satisfaction. Hell I cant spell engineer!!! Congrats on a nice job!! For me, I will trust Ted, Don, Ned, or any of the others on this forum to build mine. Speaking of which I picked a Delta Elite today at the OKC gunshow. The FNHP 40 is going to Don. I am on Neds waiting list (only 59 1/2 months to go!!) for the SA 10. Decisions decisions. Suggestions anyone?

_________________
Gary Eastridge
http://www.randgfirearms.com

Jeffro wrote:
Story of my life Jeff, you are a wise man. Notice I didn't say Old Wise Man.

_________________
Heirloom Precision, LLC.
480-804-1911

"If everyone is thinking alike, someone isn't thinking."
- General George Patton Jr

.......and I DO appreciate that Steve!! I feel old enough sometimes without being REMINDED of it!!!!

Best to ya', Buddy,
Jeffro