Need a starter gun...

[dr_hefley]

I really love the 1911 platform and I stupidly got the Brownell 1911 catalog. Now I've really been bitten by the "build your own" bug. I'm a diesel mechanic and have built AR's, so I'm not completely unfamiliar with building things.

My question is, what's the best platform to start with. I was going to go whole hog and start with a bare frame and slide, but thought I might have better luck buying a complete gun and stripping it and rebuilding from there. What models are fully mil-spec? I'm considering an RIA, but I can't find one where I live. The next best option is a Springfield, but they're a little more expensive.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
hef

[pa_guns]

Hi

How about a beater Colt from a gun show? If it's for a project, it doesn't need to start out new.

Another option would be one of the Argentine 1911's.

Bob

[Hawkmoon]

Rebuilding a factory pistol doesn't provide nearly the learning experience or the satisfaction of building your own from the ground up. You can get bare frames and slides from Brownells, so there's no lack of parts available. You can go high-dollar and get a Wilson or Ed Brown or Les Baer frame and slide, or you can go with Caspian and have the same basic platform that many custom gunsmiths use to build 1911s on.

Keep in mind that Caspian also offers cosmetic defect products through their alternate web site, Foster Industries. For a first attempt at building your own, this would be an excellent route to take.

For a few bucks less than Caspian, you can get frames and slides from Essex Arms. They are also available through Brownells.

Sarco in New Jersey used to sell Armscor/Rock Island frames and slides. Last I knew, the state of New Jersey was playing games with Sarco's license to sell firearms, so they may not be able to sell frames at the moment. And Armscor is basically running the factory flat out trying to meet demend for their pistols, so I don't know if there are any bare frames and slides "in the pipeline" these days.

I'd suggest a closer look at Caspian and Essex.

[dr_hefley]

A beater Colt would be great, but I can get a brand new Springer for the price of a Colt where I live. In my part of the world, anything with Colt on it seems way overpriced in my opinion.

I wanted to rebuild one before I started from scratch simply so I could get the hang of it. If I completely mess up, I'd hate to do it on a brand new Essex slide or frame. At least I'd have some parts when I was done by stripping a complete gun. I also think I'd have better luck putting one together after I'd taken one apart.

I'd ultimately like to build a full custom stainless .45, I'd really like to "practice" on one before I committed to my stainless project.

You mentioned the Argentine 1911's. I'm not familiar with those. Are they mil-spec? What brands? Any idea what they're worth or where to get them?

Thanks in advance,
hef

[Dave Berryhill]

I would suggest that you start with a working base gun such as a Springfield Mil-Spec rather than a bare slide and frame. That will allow you to replace one part at a time, check the function and make any adjustments necessary before adding the next part. It also gives you a chance to see how the original parts interact before replacing them.

[dr_hefley]

Dave, that's exactly what I was thinking. I'm afraid if I just ordered a box of parts all at once it might seem a little overwhelming or I might try and rush things. I'd like to take my time and make sure it was right, then use that knowledge to start from scratch.

[dr_hefley]

Just looked at the Foster Industries website. Didn't know they even existed. Thanks!



Rebuilding a factory pistol doesn't provide nearly the learning experience or the satisfaction of building your own from the ground up. You can get bare frames and slides from Brownells, so there's no lack of parts available. You can go high-dollar and get a Wilson or Ed Brown or Les Baer frame and slide, or you can go with Caspian and have the same basic platform that many custom gunsmiths use to build 1911s on.

Keep in mind that Caspian also offers cosmetic defect products through their alternate web site, Foster Industries. For a first attempt at building your own, this would be an excellent route to take.

For a few bucks less than Caspian, you can get frames and slides from Essex Arms. They are also available through Brownells.

Sarco in New Jersey used to sell Armscor/Rock Island frames and slides. Last I knew, the state of New Jersey was playing games with Sarco's license to sell firearms, so they may not be able to sell frames at the moment. And Armscor is basically running the factory flat out trying to meet demend for their pistols, so I don't know if there are any bare frames and slides "in the pipeline" these days.

I'd suggest a closer look at Caspian and Essex.

[garrettwc]

I agree with some of the other comments.

Springer Mil-Spec or GI gun
Older big roll mark Colt 1991A1
Rock Island Armory basic 1911
Sistema (Argentina) surplus gun

[pa_guns]

Hi

Back before WWII, Argentina went shopping for a military side arm. They decided on the 1911 and Colt helped them set up a factory. The pistols are commonly referred to as Systema's (I usually spell that wrong ...). They showed up in batches here in the US. The last batch sold for around $250 a pistol at Gander Mountain. They were pretty rough, but make a fine start for a first time build.

Bob

[Hawkmoon]

They were pretty rough, but make a fine start for a first time build.
Likely story. Just how would you know anything about that? ;)

[dr_hefley]

Thanks, that sounds exactly like what I'm looking for.

I appreciate it.

[pa_guns]

Likely story. Just how would you know anything about that? ;)

Hi

Since it's come up, I bought 4 of them. I got two to the point that they shot reasonably well (new barrels, sears, pins and springs). They went in trade for some other stuff. I still have two in the basement sort of moving along ....

Bob