I've always liked the classic colt 1911s, but know they are tough to get in MA. So, was thinking of a build. My research says that Springfields are usually the preferred base in Ma, but also tough to get here. So, lets say I want a good classic style 1911, the only real deviation I guess would be adjustable sights, but outside classic. Internals don't need to be stock though, I want to optimize accuracy and reliability as much as one can practically balance them. So, what do I want. Base gun, trigger, barrel etc..?
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Build me a 1911
- Thread starter 7OGlock
- Start date
Rob Boudrie
NES Member
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How much do you want to spend?
Say $1500ish. Maybe up to 2k if there is good justification. Also, due to the ammo shortage and prices, I may want to run reloads and cast bullets, if feasible in this platform? I'll also mention this is sort of a kill time waiting for my ltc thread. I've been waiting a long time, so, want something nice... I've shot a few while waiting. Colt gold cup was my favorite. The S&W e-series was okay, but just didn't feel like a classic 1911 I had in my head I guess.
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Golddiggie
NES Member
I suggest talking with a high grade 1911 smith. Greg Derr would be my first choice (based off his work done and reputation). I actually need to get to see him to inspect the barrel in my Para P14-45. After 6-7k rounds through it, I suspect it might need to be replaced 'soon' (in a few thousand rounds or less).
As for ammo going through it... Reloads are fine, but I would tend to stay clear of casting your own projectiles. I've had really good results with projectiles from X-Treme Bullets. Used to run the 255 grain .452" OD projectiles for IPSC competitions. Developed a recipe that gave great results. Looking to get some of their 230 grain projectiles to load up next. To properly develop the load, you'll want a chronograph, or have a friend with one.
Some of the items I'm a big fan of, for 1911 pistols, include extended slide release and thumb safety. An extended magazine release could also be a good idea, depending on your hands. Flaring the mag well can also help with faster mag changes. Extended, and properly fitted, beavertail is also a solid idea.
If you want to see a couple of examples of customized 1911's, let me know.
As for ammo going through it... Reloads are fine, but I would tend to stay clear of casting your own projectiles. I've had really good results with projectiles from X-Treme Bullets. Used to run the 255 grain .452" OD projectiles for IPSC competitions. Developed a recipe that gave great results. Looking to get some of their 230 grain projectiles to load up next. To properly develop the load, you'll want a chronograph, or have a friend with one.
Some of the items I'm a big fan of, for 1911 pistols, include extended slide release and thumb safety. An extended magazine release could also be a good idea, depending on your hands. Flaring the mag well can also help with faster mag changes. Extended, and properly fitted, beavertail is also a solid idea.
If you want to see a couple of examples of customized 1911's, let me know.
Thanks, as for contacting a smith, I was waiting for the ltc. Who knows how long it will take at this point, but thought I could at least start thinking about what I want. And sure, gun porn is always good; at least as long as it's classy 
Im having one made at fusionfirearms just down the road in ny. They create really highquality around the 2k mark.
Something more modest can be had for a few hundred less.
Their best service is getting diamond like coating put on the gun. It is diamond like as it tears up files and end mills.
Something more modest can be had for a few hundred less.
Their best service is getting diamond like coating put on the gun. It is diamond like as it tears up files and end mills.
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- Aug 15, 2005
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Just a few things to consider. What is the end use? If its a EDC or a range gun you might want different features than an IDPA or Bullseye gun. Talk with the person building the gun. Do your homework first and find someone who will work to build YOUR gun, not one off a set menu. Also get a spot in line for a build even if you don't have your LTC or renewal yet. This will save you time on the other end. Welcome to the NES Forum.
Get a Caspian Frame and caspian or STI Slide. Start ordering parts now
Kart, shuemann, SV barrels are all nice
Ed Brown Thumb safety
EGW ignition parts
Nowlin extractor
STI or Ed Brown Grip safety
Dawson Precision sights
STI or Ed Brown small parts kit
why would your barrel need to be replaced after so few rounds?
Kart, shuemann, SV barrels are all nice
Ed Brown Thumb safety
EGW ignition parts
Nowlin extractor
STI or Ed Brown Grip safety
Dawson Precision sights
STI or Ed Brown small parts kit
why would your barrel need to be replaced after so few rounds?
Golddiggie
NES Member
I want to have it inspected by a smith I trust. I was running some .451" OD projectiles through it recently and didn't like how they were running. I will be trying some .452" OD projectiles soon. When I was shooting IPSC with the gun, I used to run the .452" OD projectiles all the time. If that resolves the 'issue' I've encountered, then I'll just run the larger OD projectiles for a while more.
I did take it to Acme recently and didn't really get the information I was looking for. He's also unwilling to work on a Para (even though the frame is no longer a Para). When I asked why, he couldn't give me an answer. Other than having a bad experience with the ONE Para he had worked on before. IMO, if you have that bad of an experience, you should remember what it was. From the sound of it, Greg won't have any issue performing work on the pistol.
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This is a very good place to start.
Excellent advice there.
Lou at business end customs
He is the man you want to talk to.
He has built two for me.His work is over the top..!
He is the man you want to talk to.
He has built two for me.His work is over the top..!
Thanks guys, the build kits sound interesting. Definitely something I see could myself doing at some point. Right now, I have more projects going on than time as it is though, but definitely will have to look into it. Does anyone have examples of 1911s they've built themselves?
Retired-LEO
NES Member
I's start with a Ruger 1911 A great gun on it's own & a really solid base to mod!
http://www.ruger.com/products/sr1911/models.html
http://www.ruger.com/products/sr1911/models.html
Thanks, originally I was looking at the ruger, but was a bit weary with the rusting issues I've been hearing about. Not sure how common an issue it is though? The Remington also looked nice, but I guess it's more series 80ish? Whereas the ruger is more series 70 based? The only thing is if I'm spending money to have something built, then why get something on the stupid AG list? If I did to that route, some of the Sigs and the Remington enhanced look like they have almost everything I want out of the box. The sigs are a little different looking, not quite that classic look, but not bad. Not sure how reliability is now? I know the early ones had issues. The Remington enhanced seems sweet, but I have't heard much about them.
I did mine with a ruger commander.
I had Lou at business end custom replaced the mim
Guts with nice parts and had the the slide cerakoted
Black.shoots awesome,I haven't had any rust issue and carries it all the time!
I love it!
I had Lou at business end custom replaced the mim
Guts with nice parts and had the the slide cerakoted
Black.shoots awesome,I haven't had any rust issue and carries it all the time!
I love it!
Interesting thread...
I'm not headed down the "build it" road, but I have two 1911's that over the winter I want to transform into workhorse type pistols... The thing that concerns me with the current trend of 1911 pistols is that a lot of the "gunsmithing" seems to be asthetic based. I really want a gunsmith that knows 1911 and what makes one run and shoot really really well.
I'm not headed down the "build it" road, but I have two 1911's that over the winter I want to transform into workhorse type pistols... The thing that concerns me with the current trend of 1911 pistols is that a lot of the "gunsmithing" seems to be asthetic based. I really want a gunsmith that knows 1911 and what makes one run and shoot really really well.
You are going to want a 1911 built by a gunsmith that specializes in USPSA guns. Their guns are built to shoot, not look at... but some of them look good too
Recommendations on gunsmiths? I already have 1911's in 9mm and 45 but they are both S&W ( a e series and a 9mm pro series ). I have very little $$$$ tied up in these guns so I would like to all with a gunsmith to see if they can make them work for what I want to do
(Yes, I know the s&w may not be ideal platforms but that's was my easiest cheapest option for starting platforms)
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I guess it depends on what you want them to do and what aren't they doing which they should.
Reliability is pretty easy,
accuracy sometimes takes new parts
longevity, you might as well start will a new build
controllability is different for each shooter. That can be done with different slide weights and/or spring and grip tape
Comfort.. different for everyone also...I have a specific way I want my grip safety cut and I don't mind taking a dremel to a $3500 to get it the way I want.
Gunsmiths
Dan Bedell
Freedom Gunworks
Matt Cheely
Benny Hill
Akai Customs
Currently my go to gun match is built by a friend.
Reliability is pretty easy,
accuracy sometimes takes new parts
longevity, you might as well start will a new build
controllability is different for each shooter. That can be done with different slide weights and/or spring and grip tape
Comfort.. different for everyone also...I have a specific way I want my grip safety cut and I don't mind taking a dremel to a $3500 to get it the way I want.
Gunsmiths
Dan Bedell
Freedom Gunworks
Matt Cheely
Benny Hill
Akai Customs
Currently my go to gun match is built by a friend.
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Nice, that is sweet. What is that a bar-sto build or something? I'm not that up on target guns yet. I'd like to get into competative shooting some day. Rigt now, on a good day I can shoot about 2-3" groups (from 15' LOL). So have a ways to go
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Lou at Business End Customs did a truly superb build for me. He made a custom pair of bullseye guns that are dead accurate and a dream to shoot! You can see them here...
http://www.northeastshooters.com/vbulletin/firearms/218040-checked-item-off-my-bucket-list.html
http://www.northeastshooters.com/vbulletin/firearms/218040-checked-item-off-my-bucket-list.html
