Posted: 7/12/2006 10:54:52 AM EDT
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Hi: I need some help/advice on my first 1911 build I am planning. I would like to build a complete 1911 lower using an Essex frame. Never have done this before I have a few questions. I have searched for weeks all over the net and can not find a GOOD frame parts kit. I have found Sarco and Sportsman kits but all the reviews I have read say they suck and not worth the money. Can anyone recommend a good complete frame kit, or even better does anyone have a complete list of need parts to finish an Essex frame they could send me? That way with a list of needed parts I can pick the parts I want in the frame and not have to replace stock parts later...i.e. hammer, trigger, grip safety, etc... Also are there any special tools needed to complete this build?? I have built a few AR15's over the past year and have a pretty good set of tools from that project, but are there any 1911 specific tools I would need?? Finally, how hard or what type of tooling is need to fit the slide to the frame??? I have a complete Colt upper that I bought used that I would like to use for this project. If you like any parts/tool lists can be emailed to me. Thanks Guys: Fantor |
| Brownells has a few different kits. So long as your building to normal 1911 specs all you will need is something to stake the plunger to the frame. Otherwise just some punches, hammer and a screwdriver if you can be careful when you install the grip bushing. There are a few things you'd need though if your planning on tightening the slide to frame fit tight though. |
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Just a word of caution, building the 1911 isnt anything like building the AR-15. There are no true drop in parts and a hell of a lot of things to keep in mind when building. I tried this a couple of years back and rather stupidly didnt do enough research. Bottomline, it was a really expensive and painful lesson. With the final cost I could have easily bought a really nice custom 1911. The only good thing about it is I got a great understanding of how the pistol works and whats involved in getting it there. So if you dont know anything about building it, do your research before you even spend a dime on parts. I spent a lot of time reading on 1911forum.com. Theres lots of knowledgeable folks there. |
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I agree. I have been researching this for some time. I have no dought that this project will cost more then buying a gun off of gunbroker or here from the forum boards, but it's something to do in the evenings and should be a good learing experience...:-) Thanks for your input so far guys keep it coming: Fantor |
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You can easily spend $2k buying tools, jigs, files, books, videos, and other 1911 specific equipment. Notice that you haven't even bought a slide or frame yet. For that kind of money, you could buy a [name a high-end custom 1911 pistol] and lots of ammo. If you are intent on still building your own, I recommend that you buy the Caspian gunsmith kit. Most of the machining and some of the fitting is done for you, and you can spec some changes. In the end, you'll actually have a nice pistol and not "just an Essex". Fitting of the hammer, sear, safety lock (thumb safety), grip safety is best learned from someone in person who knows what they are doing. |
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Oh yeah, I'm a 1911 armorer. I do most anything that isn't gunsmith/machinist work. Mostly I do fitting/install of fire-control and safety parts, as well as S&A MSH's. I ruined quite a few parts while I was learning. Fortunately, most of them were Kimber MIM parts and replacements were cheap (compare the cost of a MIM part to a forged part in the Brownell's catalog - I have very few MIM parts on my own guns, but now I'm getting off track). Remember, "drop-in" on a 1911 part doesn't mean you can drop it in and expect it to work, it means you drop in at your gunsmith and give it to him to install. 
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