How do I build 1911?

[usmcveteran]

I have thought about it for a while and curious how I would proceed to build a 1911.

I want a machined frame and slide that I have to hand fit together.
What manufacturer should I go with?

Do they come with serial numbers already on them?

What tools would I need?

How or who should I send it too for a finish?

Any other considerations I am missing?

[Doc8404]

Good thread. I was going to have one built by my buddy's friend in oh. Never did.

[usmcveteran]

Also is there a certain order I should buy parts if I can't buy them all at once? Not sure of assembly order.

[EvilD]

Fitting the slide is the most time consuming part. Fitting the barrel is the hardest unless you get a drop in, semi drop in or a Kart EZ fit. YOu can get %80 lowers with no serial number on them. STI and Caspian sell bare slides and frames. Sarco occasionally had Roscki Island frames for under $150 and they have PARA slides in stock till they runout if you dont' care about a mishmatch. One thning of note on the Para slides is some use the PXT extractor, some don't if that matters to you. ITs very easy to get carried away ont eh trigger job and casue a double tap so just get a precut set from either Dawson or one of the other places taht sells them. They are pretty nice. Also, if your going 45 no need for a ramped barrel, if you go 40 you pretty much need a ramped barrel and make sure the fram is already cut for it.

[dsdmmat]

When I fit frames to slides I use jewelers rouge mixed with gun oil and lap them together until they slide like glass. usually my slides won't fit more than 1/2 inch onto the frame when I start the process. It takes about 3 hours when it is all said and done.

I buy the frame or the slide first, all the other parts come as I feel the need to buy them.

[usmcveteran]

So I can fit the slide and frame without internals? Just want to make sure there is not some special order in which to fit the parts and cause myself to ruin part or cause a lot more work.

Now what about when you put a finish on? How do you account for that when fitting?

[EvilD]

So I can fit the slide and frame without internals? Just want to make sure there is not some special order in which to fit the parts and cause myself to ruin part or cause a lot more work.

Now what about when you put a finish on? How do you account for that when fitting?

frame to slide, than barrel, than little parts, if ou are blueing than no biggie, if cerakot or dura kote, tape off sensaitive internal areas, but you going to have to do a touch up on the fitting afterward.

DSD how do you fit the slide hammer or file method?

[MDC]

Check this out. Super informative!

[usmcveteran]

From what I looked at he did seem thorough...... That is why I don't want too do the milling and just fit everything together by hand.

[dsdmmat]

A

frame to slide, than barrel, than little parts, if ou are blueing than no biggie, if cerakot or dura kote, tape off sensaitive internal areas, but you going to have to do a touch up on the fitting afterward.

DSD how do you fit the slide hammer or file method?

Neither I use oil and rouge it laps the two pieces together.

[EvilD]

A
Neither I use oil and rouge it laps the two pieces together.

That had to take for ever, specially on a frame with oversized rails

[usmcveteran]

I saw Caspian even allows you to have them engrave slide for a small additional fee which I think is pretty cool. Not sure if I would go ahead with stainless or not... Don't have any stainless guns as of yet.

[WARFAB]

Building one up from scratch seems intimidating. I'd love to buy a complete 1911 to customize some time though.

[usmcveteran]

I know what you mean, that's why I just want to fit pieces and none of the milling.

[dsdmmat]

That had to take for ever, specially on a frame with oversized rails

it takes about 2-3 hours.