build gun sight question

[cvarney]

I'm trying to get some ideas together to build a pistol. Figure on using a Caspian frame and slide as I can have them fit it. I'm not sure i trust myself well enough to do that. The other parts I have yet ot decide on. However my question is like, what kind of cut should i get for the sights? Or i guess i should ask which sight would be the best. If i can build it well enought to be dependable it'd probably be my carry piece.
Thanks ya'll

[gbw]

If you're open to a suggestion, you may want to consider buying an older, relatively inexpensive, decent condition pistol, and re-building as a first project. Re-build it from the ground up, reconditioning those parts you can, and replacing where necessary, for reliability and accuracy. I build my own guns, and I wish I had started that way. From the sound of you question you're new at this? The parts you're considering will lead to an expensive gun, and possibly a frustrating and very expensive first learning experience.

As for sights, for carry any good fixed sights will do, your choice.

[Dave Berryhill]

I recommend fixed sights for a carry gun. I would either get the standard rear sight cut or the Novak low mount rear sight cut. There are lots of sights available that will fit these sight cuts. You can get Novak, Heinie, Wilson and several other sights that will fit a Novak cut.

[cvarney]

buying an older one is actually a really good idea. I never thought of that. I am very new to the 1911's. I've had a couple high powers since iwas 13 or 14 or so, i think that's when my pops gave me one. But I purchased my first 1911 a few months ago. My only problem with getting a used one is that gun shop in my area is really lame and over priced with everything. There is another one not to far away, but I'm always at work when they are open.

And as far as the sights go, I diffenatly wanted fixed sights, just didn't know what different makes would fit different cuts. I never realized there was more than what i always figured was a standard dove tail looking cut.
Thanks for the replies guys
C

[emilio]

speaking of Caspian, their web site has a nice guide to sight cuts (http://www.caspianarms.com/SSC.html). a friend of mine has recommended Heine cuts because of their blended, low-mount design.

- emilio

[cvarney]

i was reading that and that is what got me wondering about the type of cut. I didn't realize there were so many options, for lack of a better word. I'd like to do it myself, money isn't that big of a deal right now, and I'm mechanically sound enough, i believe at least, to do it. But the more i think about refurbishing one is sounding better.
I guess all in all, what i'm looking for is a commander size gun, steel frame, and in a dark finish. I'm not really into bright, or shiny guns. And nght sights.
I've got a Kimber Tac Custom, whish i love, but it's just to big, new, and expensive for me to lug around reasonably. I'm not one to baby guns, but still. ahh anyway, i'm rambling now, working 3 shift by myself and going a little stir crazy i believe.
Once again fellas, i appreciate all the imput.

[gbw]

Good luck, C. Get the pistol, a good mag or 2, shoot it some and see how it does.

Next order of business is to read all of the technical section, and the posts by 1911Tuner & his Stickies, Dave Berryhill, Jerry Keefer, Lubaloy, 1911Robot, David Rose, the Schuemann Barrels writeup on barrel timing, and I'm sure I'm missing several others (apologies!).

That's a lot of reading. There's a lot to learn.

Then buy a very good 0-6" caliper and start measuring, planning, re-measuring, re-planning, filing, etc. You're gonna love it!

[Triphammer]

Good luck, C. Get the pistol, a good mag or 2, shoot it some and see how it does.

Next order of business is to read all of the technical section, and the posts by 1911Tuner & his Stickies, Dave Berryhill, Jerry Keefer, Lubaloy, 1911Robot, David Rose, the Schuemann Barrels writeup on barrel timing, and I'm sure I'm missing several others (apologies!).

That's a lot of reading. There's a lot to learn.

Then buy a very good 0-6" caliper and start measuring, planning, re-measuring, re-planning, filing, etc. You're gonna love it!

Said the addict to the pilgrim.
Truer words were never spoken.

[gbw]

LOL. Yes. Well, it IS like opening Pandora's Box. Wil Schuemann (Schuemann's Barrels) once said: 'gunsmithing is an addictive and expensive hobby'. He knew whereof he spoketh.

[emilio]

yeah, it seems like it's supposed to save you money, but that's just if you keep it to just one gun! after learning armorer-level skills for my M1 Carbine, i was hungering for more to tinker with... and here i am with my 1911!

+1 to the above - if you don't already have one a 6" dial caliper is invaluable for 'smithing and reloading. spend the money on quality ones like Brown & Sharpe or Starrett, preferably Swiss-made and all-metal. i lucked out on eBay and scored a lightly used one for around $50 - expect to pay anything between that and $120 - and it proved very accurate against a friend's calibration blocks. see, it's already getting more expensive!

- emilio

[Captain Eagle]

I know that all the help you need is right here! Good Luck!

[Jammer Six]

Absolutely!

This board has a huge amount of knowledge to share!

Have fun!