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Thread: 1911 Build

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  1. #1
    Join Date
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    1911 Build

    I've wanted for some time to "build" my own 1911 and recently bought some parts to do so and earlier this year I bought Jerry Kunhausen's shop manual (great book). I have also done some reading on the internet and am prepared for success as well as frustration.

    I do posess a modicum of technical know how (aircraft mechanic) and am humble enough to understand that "building" a functioning firearm is not an easy task. As someone who likes to "tinker" with mechanical stuff I need a challenge both physically and mentally every now and again.

    Any advice for a first time builder?

    The parts I purchased;

    Palmetto State Armory frame

    Sarco Inc. 1911 .45 Cal Auto builders kit with serrated slide

    I do realize I have not bought high end parts and it may cause me some level of frustration. I may have wrongly thought this out, but as I learn to do this, I'd rather my mistakes early on in this project be with lower cost parts to begin with, rather than with expensive (better?) components.

  2. #2
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    Welcome to the best 1911 forum!!

    I myself built a FS 1911A1 using Rock Island Armory GI slide and frame. Some of the parts I used on this built came from my 1911 parts bin. So happy that all the parts I used were all drop in, lucky me, that I didn't have to lap the slide and frame for fit. I also didn't have to file the tang on the grip safety trigger bow engagement.

    Good luck with your build!!

  3. #3
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    Thanks Ric4509!

  4. #4
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    I just started building myself. Built a successful 80% and now working on a PSA frame build myself. The best tool i bought was a pin set gauge off Amazon. Read here, and nefore you do something read.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    15th September 2013
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    Welcome -
    There is a lot of good knowledge and helpful folks. Be prepared for a lot of knowledge as you work through questions that arise. Because of this site I have built 4 1911's so far. each one focusing on a new knowledge area. A couple of 80's and know I appreciate properly cut frames. There's more to a good frame than the rails. In fact, the slide rail fit gets has a shorter learning curve than the entire rest of the pistol.

    I spent a good chunk of change getting assorted good, and meh, measuring tools. That, and pencil and paper.
    Oh, and you will find quality hand files. You will quickly see the difference between Harbor Freight and the rest. Mind you, I went through quite a few HF files very quickly before I opted to invest.

    I now know enough to keep my mouth shut in response to question. I'm just getting better at asking better questions.
    Likes (1) :
    Rick McC. (24th December 2019)


  6. #6
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    Thanks all! I've read about some of the specialized tooling that I will be needing and will continue to research and buy some. I appreciate the knowledge from those that have gone before. I'm looking forward to the challenges.

    I have calipers, micrometers, some stones and files. I watched a good video yesterday on Brownells on tooling for building a 1911. I'm compiling a list and will seek advice here.

    I need to get some quality files, maybe some more stones, pin gauges, etc.
    Last edited by BrettID; 25th December 2019 at 10:43.


  7. #7
    Join Date
    2nd June 2004
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    https://forum.m1911.org/showthread.p...+parts+caspian

    I have calipers, micrometers, some stones and files. I watched a good video yesterday on Brownells on tooling for building a 1911. I'm compiling a list and will seek advice here.

    I need to get some quality files, maybe some more stones, pin gauges, etc.
    You don't need to buy anything. You are not building a custom pistol from raw frame and slide, you are putting together a pistol using a frame and slide that have already been manufactured to tolerances that should allow them to fit together. Don't bankrupt yourself buying things you don't need. If you reach the point where you're going to do a high-end, custom build, that's when you think about investing in more sophisticated equipment.
    Hawkmoon
    On a good day, can hit the broad side of a barn ... from the inside
    Likes (6) :
    captiva (25th January 2020), Frgood (25th December 2019), Ric4509 (26th December 2019), Rick McC. (29th December 2019), Sergio Natali (21st January 2020), slohunter (14th January 2020)

    Last edited by Hawkmoon; 25th December 2019 at 11:37.


  8. #8
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    Thanks Hawkmoon! I intend on "building" my 1911 with the least possible expense. I hadn't planned on purchasing any tooling until after the parts arrive and more research (and measuring) is done. I need to read more of JK's shop manual.

    Not to put the cart before the horse, but; I saw an interesting tool for installing the plunger tube assembly (PSA frame is naked). A couple other tools I was considering was; sear jig and go/no-go gauges. Good to know I shouldn't need anything. I have more to learn.

    I want to learn what makes a 1911 function on an intimate level (need brain food). Also as crazy as it may sound I want to do this to find out if a high end 1911 is worth the money. I'm not sure if assembling a pile of parts into a functioning firearm will answer that for me, but it is the method of discovery I have decided upon.

    I've never paid more than 1k for a handgun(I had a Springfield MC Operator for a short time that I bought used for $800). A few months ago I yearned for a Dan Wesson Specialist 1911 in duty black, but other expenses have priority. So as a cheaper option to fuel my "need" for a new to me 1911 I patiently await for my ordered parts to arrive.

  9. #9
    Join Date
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    Sarco parts kit arrived!!! Sarco Inc. did very well with packaging and were fast on shipping. All the parts are there and visually look very usable. Now I anxiously await for the frame to arrive at my FFL.

    Attachment 4919

  10. #10
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    Brett, I forgot about staking the plunger tube. That does require a special tool. For my first build, I was able to borrow the staking tool but I later bought my own (which I lent out, and now can't find. The borrower is certain he returned it, but it ain't where it's s'posed to be. So I guess I'm in the market for a new plunger tube staking tool.

    You could try red Loctite. And for short term, proper 1911 grips are configured to overlap the plunger tube and keep it from walking out of the frame.
    Hawkmoon
    On a good day, can hit the broad side of a barn ... from the inside
    Likes (1) :
    Ric4509 (29th December 2019)


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