1st 1911 build

[Tap]

Im planning on building my first 1911, it will be a .45cal commander length slide with a comp. I decided to use a caspian SS slide with standard serrations, no radius cut, and a flat top. I thinking of using a glock front sight and possibly a novak lo-mount rear. The barrel and comp I already have they are slightly used but look to be in good shape, its a wilson barrel that was cut down and threaded, the make of the comp is un-known its about an inch long with a large single port, and no its not a cone comp it still requires a barrel bushing. For the frame Im not sure yet, thinking of using an Essex to save on work and cost.

also what are the differences between the commander frames and full size? And could a full size frame be used with the commander slide?

[John]

What's the purpose of this weapon? Without that, we can't make any suggestions. Why do you want a compensator? The .45 ACP is hardly the proper round for a compensated pistol, not enough ooomph (or more correctly oooofps) for the compensator to work.

As for the differences between a Government and a Commander frame, the slide rails are shorter on a Commander, by .060". And the area where the guide rod plate rests in the frame is also set back by the same amount. Yes, a Government frame can be used with a Commander slide, just make sure you have an extended ejector installed.

[Tap]

Its going to just be a target gun for shooting steal gongs mostly, the reason its in .45 cal. commander length barrel with a comp, is because a friend had the barrel and sold it to me for $50 so I figured why not try and build one. plus Ive never had a commander before

[John]

I agree that the Commander is the nicest length for a 1911. Or at least so it seems in my eyes. And getting a good barrel for 50$ is a good excuse to build one. In your shoes, I would have a gunsmith cut and recrown that barrel to remove the threaded part and build a simple Commander out of it.

[Tap]

ok how about the frame, do you think an Essex frame is worth buying or should I start with some thing else?

[wichaka]

Go with Caspian.......much better quality.

[John]

I would tend to agree, go with Caspian.

[terabyte]

so far Essex gets the big thumbs down, call them and nothing in stock, emails forget it, been 3 - 4 weeks waiting on a slide i ordered. plain stock items should be that stock items and IN STOCK.

[Tap]

Ok Ill probly get a caspian frame also, I have a tool for installing the plunger tube, but I cant find any tools for installing the ejector or how to do it yet, or do you think I should just let caspian install the ejector?

[John]

What tools do you need to install the ejector? There are two holes on top of the frame, to the left of where the disconnector protrudes. You put the ejector there and secure it with a pin which goes through the frame inside the frame rails.

[terabyte]

yep just press / drive the pin in for the ejector.

the Wilson (http://www.wilsoncombat.com/a_frames_slides.asp) stuff looks to be top quality at least the few i handled, plunger tube & grip bushings included, pricewise they are up there but you get what you pay for generally.

[wichaka]

If the front leg of the ejector is not notched, you'll have to do it..........other than a pin punch and a right size round file to do the notch with, you're set.

[Tap]

ah ok Ive never taken one off or put one on, sounds super simple. duh on me