Recommend source for good quality basic parts at a fair price.

[Carbine_Man]

I have just purchased my first 1911 frame. I decided to roll my own pistol for the personal satisfaction, and to know the pistol inside and out. Saving money is not a goal of this exercise. That said, I don't want to waste money, either.

I would like to build a good quality, reliable shooter. Building a tactical masterpiece and purchasing flashy brand names are of no interest to me. I do not have another 1911 at present, so I do not have another gun that I can swap parts with.

I want good quality drop-in parts, at a reasonable price. One thing I have considered is buying a "kit" of parts, and swapping out parts like the grip safety or thumb safety, as I try different combinations.

I know about Brownells (on one end of the spectrum) and Sarco (on the other end.) I also read Shotgun News too often for my good.

Can you recommend a few reliable sources?

Thanks.

[7790314]

What frame is it? Caspian makes most of the parts for a 1911 and they are reasonably priced and excellent quality. I think the last time I looked at there web site they offered a parts kit. GI parts are good if you can find them. Don't buy Masen, Dare Gun Room (they do carry some good stuff but are mostly a Masen outlet), Sportsman Guide, Sarco, or 45 Parts.com. They wobble, clock out, have casting irregularities, are soft, and will teach you not to buy the cheap stuff. Of all of those listed 45 parts.com sells the worst stuff I ever seen. They can even screw up a GI style grip safety. The one I bought wouldn't take parkerizition. Reckon it is made out of recycled bottle caps. I will say Dare Gun room has some very nice JMT coco bolo grips for reasonable and I got no problem with using there semi match barrel bushing although the hardcores might think otherwise.

[wichaka]

I think you've hit the major folks. Brownells may not be the cheapest you'll find, but their customer service is second to none.

[Carbine_Man]

Well, how about this: What if I buy a "springs and pins" kit from Brownell's and then the balance of the parts from Chip McCormick? Safe or waste of money?

Is there any advantage to buying the thumb safety, grip safety, trigger, sear and disconnector from the same company?

[wichaka]

I dunno........I've never done it.

For a thumb & grip safety, I like Wilson
Trigger, I like Nowlin, McCormick, or Greider
Sear, Nowlin Pro Match
Disconnect, stock Colt, Briley.......or just about anyone.

[stumbler]

The first "part" I would buy (if I didn't have it already) is a good book on the 1911. Check specs on everything. I have assembled enough of them 1911's to tell someone that all parts are not equal.

Go for the best parts you can afford, and remember that cheap may not = inexpensive, but inexpensive = cheap. I've had to replace inexpensive parts because of non-fit, breakage, or something else. If I would have gone to the quality parts first, I would have been money ahead.

Good luck and keep us informed.

[jcmios]

If it is worth doing do it right and stick with the better name brand parts, Brown, Bear, EGW and Wilson, except for wilson value line. Don't go with cast or MIM parts.

[gottripletsNC]

Don't go with cast or MIM parts.

Can't agree more, get barstock steel.

I've had MIM part break.

I went with Brownells or Wilson Combat for all my stuff, not the most inexpensive, but won't break the bank either.