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1911 customizing jigs

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  • scarab

    New Member
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    Mar 29, 2018
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    Deep East Texas
    I was toying with the idea of starting a sub-line at my shop of customizing 1911s. My understanding is that there are some special jigs needed for machining. Problem is, I don't know what they are for, or what they look like, or where to get them. Can anyone school me on this? Steep learning curve.....
    Military Camp
     

    zackmars

    Free 1911 refinishing
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    Nov 4, 2015
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    Like others have said, gunsmithing is not for the faint of heart, especially 1911's


    No offense, but if i were looking to send my gun to get tuned up, a shop new to gunsmithing, and with no 1911 experience would be my last choice.
     

    scarab

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    Mar 29, 2018
    25
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    Deep East Texas
    My first question would be how familiar are you with 1911's?

    Avvidclif and TheDan: Good advice. I've bought and sold a few 1911's, and have taken the class at Murphy State that John Tremblay teaches. He's awesome. I'm looking at the class notes right now. I'm trying to envision what I would want from a custom piece. Then find a way to achieve it, and get the jigs to do it with. The obvious is engraving, finish, grips, sights. That's all external stuff. What I would expect from a custom piece is a slide that moves easily, a sweet trigger, reliable operation no matter if hollow pts or FMJ or other ammo, an ejector that doesn't throw the shells in my face, and tight fits that don't rattle parts around like the BBs in my Crosman 1911 BB gun. Maybe I should just start with some good books, like Bill Loeb's "Custom 1911". Not trying to take on Ed Brown, but just have some fun.
     

    scarab

    New Member
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    Mar 29, 2018
    25
    11
    Deep East Texas
    Like others have said, gunsmithing is not for the faint of heart, especially 1911's


    No offense, but if i were looking to send my gun to get tuned up, a shop new to gunsmithing, and with no 1911 experience would be my last choice.
    Zack: If I had a table at a gun show, and you saw a gorgeous 1911 on my table for sale: the trigger was perfect, the engraving was first class, the fit was tight, the slide was easy, and the finish was like a mirror, -- you asked me who did the work and I said I did, would you put it down and walk away or want to learn more?
     

    F350-6

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    May 25, 2009
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    Everyone starts out having fun. If you did something you hated only to make money, you wouldn't be in that business very long, you'd burn out. For me, being retired, I only have fun or just sleep in late and eat bon-bons. :cowboy:

    So get serious then. Enroll in an in person or online class. Or seek out a 1911 pistolsmith that is close by and ask to be an apprentice. The small timers doing it because they're retired and they enjoy it, will likely offer help and advice.
     

    CyberWolf

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    Aug 22, 2018
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    The joy of retirement. I get to fool around with fun things I always wanted to do. I already have a nice shop and machines, so....
    If you've already got all the required tooling, etc., and want maximum challenge, I suggest looking up and downloading detailed specs for the 1911 (they can easily be found online), then pick up a few of these and go to town...

    https://www.glforge.com/stainless-steel-blocks


    Short of that, you may want to start somewhere easier, like with this:

    https://www.uspatriotarmory.com/store/80-1911-45-Cal-Government-Size-Complete-Pistol-Kit-p125576228

    Get at least a couple, you'll almost certainly need the backup(s)...

    Make sure you shoot it first, before anyone else...
     

    Army 1911

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    Mar 17, 2008
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    Dallas Texas or so
    Cylinder and slide has a course that lasts about a week and so does Bob Rogers up in Idaho he used to be in Arkansas.

    Check out the Gunsmithing section on 1911. Com.
     

    zackmars

    Free 1911 refinishing
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    Nov 4, 2015
    5,609
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    Texas
    Zack: If I had a table at a gun show, and you saw a gorgeous 1911 on my table for sale: the trigger was perfect, the engraving was first class, the fit was tight, the slide was easy, and the finish was like a mirror, -- you asked me who did the work and I said I did, would you put it down and walk away or want to learn more?


    Not going to lie, I'd probably walk away. Do you have said pistol right now? Or is it what you plan on creating? Given what you said in your OP, it sounds like you are looking to get started, and not sell services you've been providing for awhile.

    What would the gun cost? If its near what a wilson, dan wesson, or other well known shop would end up as, it'd be a hard sell for me.
     
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