SA MilSpec transformation PICS!!

[Greg Derr]

a few NES members asked for a pictorial of a build in progress. This is a Mil Spec SA which will be transformed into a tight shooting tactical 1911. It will be getting a total mechanical as well as face lift. To start I strip the frame and slide and measure everything to insure it is all in spec.I like to map out all the dimensions. The gun has been shot a number of time without failure so that is one good thing. I check the slide for parallel as well as the frame rails. This one is close to good, too close for welding so a slight peen will get it tight followed by hand lapping.

Next come the metal work. I will start with the beavertail grip safety, it takes a few hours. I start with cutting the frame tangs on the mill getting them close maybe 15 thousandths to fit, then I hand fit the rest to insure a close to zero tolerance gap.

Gage pins help in fitting.

Rough fit with a die grinder and Foredom.

More to follow.

 

[zbomb]

Subscribed ! Thanks for taking the time to document the process.

 

[JohnMarston]

Dom likes! sub'd as well for an education!

 

[TheRoland]

Very cool! A photographer of your caliber documenting this process is at least as interesting as the gun!

 

[Matt_SERE]

Don't tease us for too long.

 

[45collector]

That's a good base gun for a project. SA makes nice 1911's.
Looking forward to more pics.

 

[Sir_Macadoo]

Keep it coming!

 

[RealQuick]

Nice!

 

[mctrinket]

Awesome! I'll keep following this thread. Thanks Greg!

 

[JohnMarston]

Greg, i know you are a busy man but ANY projects like this with progressive pictures are priceless to all of us and is an example of your excellent skill and what is possible to do with various arms...

many thanks,
Dom

 

[38ExtraSpecial]

Subscribed cant wait to see more!

Impressive as always Greg

 

[ToddDubya]

Neato. When I see guns for sale that say "Custom build by So-and-So" I think "So-and-So bought a bunch of pricy parts per the customer's request and assembled it for them." I have a feeling this will show me the error of my ways and confirm to me that Custom Build >> My Budget.

Thanks for doing this.

 

[Greg Derr]

Sorry, been busy with a flock of Hi Powers this week.
The SA Milspec comes from the factory with no VIS vertical impact surface which is designed to prevent excessive stress on the lower barrel lugs or "feet" by allowing the barrel to contact the frame up high on the lugs. So I rig the frame in the mill and cut one in. The feed ramp is also the wrong angle it should be 31.5 degree and at least .360 deep. This also gets recut in the mill and properly centered. Final polish is after the barrel Kart barrel is fit up.

 

[ChevyGuy91]

This thread is awesome.

 

[38ExtraSpecial]

beautiful.

 

[ToddDubya]

For Christmas next year I'd like the step-by-step pictures framed to hang on my wall.

 

[ivarr]

Kart is my barrel of choice to finish up my 1911 this year

 

[Greg Derr]

Now fitting the barrel, this SA will get a Kart match grade barrel. The barrel is measured in all dimensions before any metal is removed. The hood length is measured and cut for length and width. It is essential to have a close tolerance fit for maximum accuracy. The Kart barrel is oversized in all dimensions. The mill is used to cut the hood.

Now the barrel is test fit to the slide and frame with a loose bushing. This will later be replaced with a custom cut bushing to match the barrel and slide. For proper lock up I need the barrel to engage the slide lugs with .045 of the barrel lugs. this will ensure safe and accurate shooting. It will also ensure the gun is timed properly for cycling. Too little engagement and the barrel will unlock too soon during firing and the barrel will link down prematurely. To check this a depth micrometer is used to measure in lock up and in the unlock position. This one measures .046, just right.

Now the lower lugs of feet are cut to the right length to allow the slide to come to full closed and locked position. The rear of the slide is close, and will be blended to match.

Next up is cutting the bushing on the lathe, then blending the slide to the frame. Last will be the sight cuts which if done before blending the slide to the frame would result in an overhanging rear sight.

 

[Chris.Cal]

This thread is the bees knees, thanks for posting!

 

[JohnMarston]

Greg, these pictures of progress are excellent.

 

[Greg Derr]

Cutting in a new adjustable Novak style rear sight. This is adjustable for windage and elevation and is made in the US by Kensight. The SA MilSpec has a very small rear dovetail which must be removed. I then take a number of measurements to locate the position and depth of the new dovetail cut. To save tool life on a very expensive dovetail cutter, most of the material is removed with a smaller cutter first, this is called "hogging" The dovetail is then cut on the mill to the final depth and position, the spray of coolant to keep the cutter cool and clear chips for a smooth cut. After the cut and some minor fitting the sight is a perfect blend to the rear of the slide and minimal gap on the slide with the sight in the down position.

The owner was in to day to pick another project and check on this one. Nice to see a happy camper.

 

[ivarr]

Guess I need you to do the last of the stuff to my rock island ( beaver tail, fit kart barrel extended safety, slide lock, and Novak low mount tritium sights )

 

[jasons]

subscribed

 

[38ExtraSpecial]

nice! thats a sexy looking sight too

 

[Greg Derr]

The chosen magwell is a two piece from Ed Brown with a flat checkered MSH. I do two types, welded or the two piece which cost a lot less but will always a small seam where it contacts the frame. The front of the frame is cut to make mag insertion easier and the whole set up gets a lot of blending, about two hours worth of milling, filing and sanding and then beading. The owner will later come back for matching front strap checkering at 25 LPI to match the MSH as well as some front cocking serrations and a few accent cuts. Working on the trigger group is next, then test firing.

 

[W.E.C]

just awesome.
I am now a big fan.

 

[TonyDedo]

I caught a glimpse of this gun when I dropped off my Delta Elite at the shop the other day. The pictures don't do it justice - this is amazing work. The Delta is just getting a new set of sights, but after seeing this, it makes me want to have Greg rework the entire gun.

 

[Greg Derr]

Just a few quick shots ands an update. The Mil Spec Springer is breathing new life. Most of the metal work has been done and the gun runs and shoots great. The owner has not decided on a few features like the front strap treatment, to recess the slide stop pin or not and front cocking serrations. He wants to shoot it for a bit and make up his mind. The finish is Cerakote "Armorers Black" which is just a quick spray, it will be stripped and final finish applied after more machine work.

I like the VZ grips, the screws will be replaced with finished screws and set more flush, Well what do you think would be the best front strap treatment? Anything you would add if it was yours?

 

[38ExtraSpecial]

Beautiful work.

I would go with checkering to match the MSH.

 

[ntomsw]

I love the Chuck Rogers Golf ball treatment. That's what I would do if it was mine. It would go with the VZ grips very well. Also a +1 for the VZ grips. I love them!

Oh and how the hell have I missed this thread? This is 1 of the best threads I have ever seen on NES.

Awesome awesome work!