Getting my first custom 1911 build started

[OJ knives]

I thought that I used up all of my luck when this unlucky girl agreed to marry me 20 years ago. I had more luck when she gave me 2 wonderful boys, when I figured that all of this was way more than I deserved, she goes out and buys me a damascus slide and gives me the ok to build the 1911 that I wanted. I love my wife.
Not going overboard is hard to do. Money is always tight with having to pay bills and feed two teenaged kids. I took the commander slide and a frame off of a gun (another gift from my wife) to Wainrights out of New Braunfels to fit slide to frame and barrel to bushing. I plan to use this completed frame to save $. I plan to change out all internals at a later date, and then coat the frame later. Im trying to do this in steps to keep from spending alot of $ at once. What do you guys think. Pics will come later because I took it to smith before I woke up.

 

[Army 1911]

If you are building a commander, make sure the frame is cut for a commander. The VIS is further back and the rails are shorter on commanders.

 

[OJ knives]

Thanks for info. Im using a Caspian commander size frame that the smith checked out to make sure all works with the slide also from Caspian. Just wondering if its wise to do it in steps knowing that it will take longer than having it all done at once.

 

[F350-6]

Depending on how much is done by a smith, and how much you do yourself, there could be some savings in labor charges from a smith if you had him do everything at once.

But then again, it's also cheaper to just pay cash for your house up front than it is to finance it and pay for it a little at a time.

Sometimes what's technically best or cheapest, doesn't fit into real world scenarios.

 

[OJ knives]

After looking at all the stuff you can buy and things you can do to a 1911 I see how some builds can get up in price.

 

[Churchmouse]

I am a dyed in the wool 1911 guy. Many builds and 3 in progress right now.
Yes you can do anything you desire to a 1911 the only limits are your imagination and budget.
I am long on imagination and as with most folks a bit limited on budget.

 

[OJ knives]

I figure we all need something nice.

 

[Churchmouse]

I figure we all need something nice.

Absolutely. Once you drink this Koolaid you are hooked.

 

[OLDVET]

I used to be a guy that liked to "tinker" with the 1911s in my possession. I had a friend who was a great gunsmith and between the two of us we came up with some nice shooters. My gunsmith friend died recently. Losing that option put a crimp in my options.
Last year I had the opportunity to buy a Wilson stainless Classic, a Wilson CQB, and an a stainless Ed Brown Executive Elite. I have since sold the CQB and the Ed Brown, I love the WC Classic. I have become a WC fan.
There is no way I could ever build a 1911 with the attention to detail and fit that WC employs in their products. In my opinion, the only way to create a truly fine 1911 is to start with all hand fitted parts. My gunsmith friend was very good at what he did, but he was no match for the guys who create masterpieces everyday and have all of the materials they need to achieve this at hand.
I bought my WC Classic used for $2,750. You will probably invest that much in your conversion.
I am not trying to talk you out of anything, I am just offering my opinion.

 

[Churchmouse]

These pics are one of my modified Springfields. Started out new in the box Range Officer. Many iterations later this is the end result. I am capable of the machine work but I to have a good friend that smiths. He has all the jigs/programs to do this crazy stuff. This thing runs like a 9mm. Shoots flat/level and is dead accurate. It makes me look competent.

I have since changed the grips and done some more internal work removing weight from the slide.

 

[Churchmouse]

This is the gun as it is now. Found the pics....

It has gone through a re-color

 

[OJ knives]

Oldvet
Thanks for your input. I would love to be able to purchase a high end custom pistol but funds are being used elsewhere. I know the build will eventually be up there in $ but I'm doing it in steps as $ allows. I just had smith fit barrel to slide and slide to frame, later down the line I will have new safety installed and blended and have frame deep blued with high polish. A little at a time as I rathole $.

 

[OJ knives]

Churchmouse
That is a fine looking piece. My SA RO in 9mm looks nothing like that, how do you like using those sights.

 

[Churchmouse]

Churchmouse
That is a fine looking piece. My SA RO in 9mm looks nothing like that, how do you like using those sights.

I have to get used to it due to the high mounting. It takes a second but once I get on the dot I am fine.
This is just one of many we have modified or built from scratch.

Thanks for the kind words.