help me choose a frame/slide to build

[Cap]

Help educate me as to what the differences in frames are.

I've browsed Brownells 1911 catalog many times and see several to choose from.

I understand the different options like cuts, checkering, light rail, etc available.

more interested in what makes one or the other "good, better, best" class

What "in general" are the differences between a Caspian and Essex frame and slide?
Les Bear ?
STI?
etc


In your opinion, who makes the best frame and slide?
( the Mercedes/Lexus class)

Who makes the good frame/slides
(Ford, Chevy, Honda, Toyota class)

Who makes the least desirable?
(Yugo class)

any info/guidance would be greatly appreciated


..L.T.A.

[clughog]

Gosh, Cap...hard questions! In my very limited experience, uneducated, personal opinion:

In your opinion, who makes the best frame and slide?
( the Mercedes/Lexus class)STIWho makes the good frame/slides
(Ford, Chevy, Honda, Toyota class) Caspian

Who makes the least desirable?(Yugo class)RIA

[afist]

The first question is what are you going to do with the frame?

[Cap]

The first question is what are you going to do with the frame?

you mean as in a "specific purpose" gun like a race gun ?

No specific purpose in mind.

Just a multi-purpose shooter geared toward Mercedes/Lexus class
but on a Ford/Chevy budget...

..L.T.A.

[clughog]

Cap, I've been extremely pleased with my middle-of-the-road Caspian builds. No problems with tolerances at all on either of the two frames I've used (unlike the two RIA frames I've tried). The Caspian parts were more expensive but definitely worth it in terms of time spent. The RIA frames do come pre-finished, so if unless you're going with a stainless version, that's something to consider as well. Sure is fun to mess with these things, though! :D

http://www.caspianarms.com/

[Cap]

Thanks Clug

I'm not afraid to try a parkerized finish if i went with carbon steel.
I could spray over the park with Duracoat if the park didn't come out so great
(I've used the two part Duracoat several times)

Think I'd like a stainless gun though

..L.T.A.

[afist]

Caspian is very good for the money. They use castings from Ruger and machine them perfect and heat treat or vice versa. Les Baer uses forgings and cost a little more, and have always herd good things about them. There are a bunch of companys that make frames and slides, not all are in Brownells. The Baer and Caspian are the two best from Brownells in my opinion. Colt and Springfield make great base guns for custom builds. One factor I take into consideration are the options these companys offer and no one has more than Caspian. It's hard to say who has the best I guess it depends on wich GunSmith you go with and what They like. I am having a Caspian and Colt built now, both in carbon steel. High Carbon steel is the best for a build. If you like the SS look get It hard chromed (dull or polished).

[Cap]

Thanks 'Fist

my goal is to personally "attempt" to build my own

I'm leaning toward buying a pre-fitted frame/slide combo and starting from there


..L.T.A.

[Canuck-IL]

In pursuing the 'Chevy, Ford' part of the equation, one can do very well with the occ specials Caspian lists on their web site (none right now but they appear intermittently).

Similarly, Foster Industries sells Caspian cosmetic seconds, often in pre-matched sets, or you can have them match a pair. Good folks to chat with - they'll tell you exactly what the issues are - and I've seen several frames on which the 'blemish' was not detectable. They also list Caspian overruns on the site.
http://www.fosterind.com/
/Bryan

[afist]

Cap,

I know that Caspian offers a 90% hand lapping frame to slide fit. And a machine fit that will give you a nice 100% fit. STI offers the set also. The difference is Caspian or Foster Ind has a ton of options, serrations, sight cuts etc... Give Gary a call at Caspian he is very nice and will help you make up your mind. 802 472-6454

[Nathan]

Fusion and Wilson also make frames and slides to consider.

I think RRA makes them too, but I forget.

Just more ideas, I'm not competent enough to provide an opinion.

[kenhwind]

Here is a picture of an Essx Arms parts gun I made up using their select receiver and enhanced slide. The fit was very snug. The slide had to be pushed onto the frame and then worked back and forth with honing oil. These particular Essx offerings have some nice options included for the money. A parts gun can cost more than a new gun, but fun, and its “MINE” or “YOURS” so to speak. Very accurate, I used a Storm Lake Machine barrel. Had to let this one go.


http://i670.photobucket.com/albums/vv64/kenhwind/Essexpartsgun.jpg

[Cap]

Thank you all, Gents!

you've been very helpful to me

..L.T.A.