My first 1911 build.

[Candiru]

I've finally pronounced my first 1911 build complete. There are some things left to tweak, but I wanted to finish the writeup so I could get my evenings back. Y'see, I took notes and photos while I was working on the thing and then threw them all together into a fairly extensive article about the experience. There's probably nothing in the article that many of you haven't done already--and done better--but I figured it might be amusing for those with know-how and provide some perspective on the process for those considering building their own 1911s.

For me, it was such a neat process to go from this...

http://how-i-did-it.org/1911-project/img/tn_parts.jpg

...to this...

http://how-i-did-it.org/1911-project/img/tn_top_angle.jpg

...that I wanted to share the experience with others.

Click here for the article (http://how-i-did-it.org/1911-project), and let me know if you liked it, hated it, or just thought I made too many stupid puns.

[rjm713]

Was both entertained and educated by your article. Excellent job.

[Ric4509]

I admire your patience and perserverance. Very educational. Thanks for sharing.

[Spindly61]

Very well done. Nice pistol too.

[Devin]

Great article! I found it to be very insightful and entertaining. Thanks!

[gbw]

I've enjoyed reading your article, C, it's well done and a work in itself to be proud of. I build my own pistols, also as an amatuer, and I had a good time laughing at both of us! You made no mistakes I haven't made at least once, and sadly, sometimes more than once. Except the cheap barrels - I had a chance to see one once, and once was enough. Kart or Schuemann. I've not had the problems you did with Essex frames - I'm a fan. And Tuner and the guys and Joni have bailed me out, many times, as well. I've also made mistakes you avoided, but I see no need to discuss those.

Nice gun, and good luck on the next one!

[zworld]

Yes, I liked your article. I did the exact same build using the same parts as you. Except I used the stainless frame, for the 2 tone look. I too had the same fitment problems with that Sarco slide to rear of the frame. I think that slide is just short! I didn't have near the problems you had though, I assembled mine over a weekend. I did have to have that plunger tube restaked though. It came loose from the factory.

[BigJon]

Canidru, that is one of the most enjoyable and informative recitations on the subject I've ever read - and I am glad to see that I'm not the only one who found "EZ Fit" is, well, not so EZ! In fact, that, to me, is the greatest part about your description is that your description of fitting the Kart barrel should be linked onto the instructions that come with the barrel - the manufacturer's directions were, at least for me, woefully hard to follow. Your description gave the one thing the instructions didn't - what you're trying to accomplish at each step of the EZ Fit process.

Great job! And thanks so much for sharing it.

Best,
Jon

[tightgroups]

A very entertaining read! You writing skills made the technical a bit more casual. I really enjoyed reading about you endeavor and will soon be taking my own trip inside the 1911 pistol. You really made a lump of coal into a diamond! Even though you may have spent a lot of money what you learned should be priceless. I look forward to any future articles you plan to write about our beloved pistol.

Thanks.

[hooks]

no doubt about it, you have the patience to be a gunsmith...

[Timothy]

Nice article. It's inspiring to see that it's possible for the amature enthusiast to actually put one of these things together.

[garrettwc]

Well written article. It gives a good look at what goes into building a 1911. I admire your patience.

[Tedfs]

That is a wonderful write up on what is involved, both good and bad, in building your own 1911. It really helps put into perspective what one might expect when undertaking this for the first time. Thank you for taking the time to show your experience.

[emilio]

"right below you flows the mighty Amazon, teeming with the most gruesome fish to ever-"
"the pirana!"
"no!"
"the shark?"
"no!"
"... the pirana?"
"no! and shut up, this isn't a quiz! where was i uh, right - the dreaded candiru, with a naughty penchant for swimming up a man's urethra!"

that writeup was full of gold - a good read, and valuable lessons. "Guns hurt people." "Mild sarcasm not shown." "Just like Kindergarten, except I was only shooting 9mm then."

it certainly made me glad that i decided to buy a factory 1911 for my first one - and also made me want to build one even more! eventually.

thanks for sharing,
- emilio

[Bloencustoms]

Thanks for posting the article. It was a very entertaining read. I enjoyed the writing style, as well as your photogaphs. I have been wanting to try fitting a barrel for some time, and you have inspired me to try it. Reading about the procss from the perspective of someone who is not a trained pistolsmith gives me courage. Thank you.