Another 1911 post

[fatcpa]

Since we've been kinda' preoccupied with 1911's lately, I'd like to ask one more. If a guy had, or could acquire the right skill set to properly assemble his own Government size 1911 using readily available parts, what might that parts list look like. I'm talking about a good solid gun that should be reliable if assembled correctly. Doesn't have to a Lamborghini. Ideally I would like to keep the cost somewhere under $1,500. That price doesn't include the inevitable pile of junk parts that inexperience can easily cause. I know that the first question that would come up is why would you not just buy a good solid $1,500 gun. The answer is simple. 'Cause I want to. If you guys in the know, and you know who you are, don't have time for a detailed parts list, how about a heads up on a slide and frame?

 

[JD8]

For the frame and slide you have some options.... you could be patient and wait for Wilson to have a sale and periodically you can get a good deal on one of their frame and slide sets. Otherwise, you could try Caspian or their subsidiary, Foster industries. First thing I would do if I were you is call brownells and have them send you a 1911 specific catalog, tons of parts in there.

As far as internals go, personally, I like Wilson BP safeties, C&S ignition, and Kart or Nowlin Barrels. Wouldn't hesitate a bit to use parts from EGW or Ed Brown either.

 

[Coded-Dude]

Sarco makes the low end parts kit and Wilsom Combat makes the high end parts kit(I think Ares Armor sells a Nighthawk parts kit; or they used to). Otherwise you will be buying everything individually(not a bad thing, just a longer list to check off). But it is not hard to stay under $1500, though you will most certainly go over $1000 buying quality parts.

 

[FenixTxM3]

Fusion Firearms makes some great parts.

 

[JD8]

Fusion Firearms makes some great parts.

FWIW, Fusion has had several issues with out of spec frames. Most of their parts last I checked were re-badged parts from companies like STI.... however... some have pointed out that some of their marketing is being a bit disingenuous to say the least. Some of their "barstock" parts are labeled as such when they are investment cast.

 

[Wolf44]

Caspian or Les Baer Slides / Sets.....or Springer or Colt. Some like STI............. Cylinder and Slide

http://www.lesbaer.com/parts-title.html
http://www.caspianarmsltd.com
http://www.edbrown.com

Parts: Smith and Alexander, Ed Brown, WC, Les Baer, Kart, BarSto, Wolff, Tripp, 10-8,

I would avoid FUSION....... If you are doing this with an attempt at 1 and Done............go big and get the right products as you seem to be leaning.

From there, IF you 'give up' and need Anthony D or Dr. G or Ol Yeller if hes game to help you out if they have time, you have good kit to work with and something that will be of value when done.

But, If you're hesitant on that and mainly just want to Spend Money for the fun of it on a 1911 hack job..........then buy a RIA 1911 and replace parts on that to get a handle of 1911 operations.

You are correct - going the 'right' way you are easily going to spend 1000 -1600 or better on parts most likely. But, Those completed Caspians and LB's .........................

 

[FenixTxM3]

FWIW, Fusion has had several issues with out of spec frames. Most of their parts last I checked were re-badged parts from companies like STI.... however... some have pointed out that some of their marketing is being a bit disingenuous to say the least. Some of their "barstock" parts are labeled as such when they are investment cast.

Good to know. I have purchased small parts form them (slide stop, thumb safety, etc) and have been happy with the quality. But I may have just been lucky.

 

[SPDguns]

Since this is your first build, I would highly recommend starting with a matched frame and slide form the same company.

 

[grwd]

for 1500, you can have your absolute pick of quality components.

 

[OKCShooter]

If I was building from scratch, I would have a Damascus slide for sure...I love that look.