Okay...so I'm toying with the idea of building a 1911 Officer in .45 ACP. First off, what sort of cost am I looking at if I go with the bare basics (basically building a mil-spec), having to buy EVERYTHING. Where can I go for a list of just what all I need (I know some things come as kits, just wouldn't want to order everything and when I'm about finished find out I'm missing something that I then have to wait for)? What are some brands of parts to stay away from? I doubt I would actually build it as a bare basics pistol, as I'd like to have a match trigger/sear/etc. along with a dovetailed slide. The main thing I'm trying to find out is if it's worth it (financially) for me at this point, but also want some sort of direction to my research.

How much are you wanting willing to spend? Are you going to do the work yourself or hire it done? Personally where it's probably going to be a carry type gun, I'd buy a Springfield Armory model and tweak it.

I'm looking @ somewhere around $700 if I buy. I'd be building this myself if I do it b/c that would be 90% of the fun of having a custom-built one. Reason I'm saying $700 is I can find a Kimber that I like for around that and well...at this point I'd rather have a Kimber than a self-built one.

So...that being said...I figure if it's going to cost me $500 just in parts to build a straight mil-spec pistol, then I'd probably end up spending $7-800 by the time I make a few upgrades. What's the base cost like for building a Government model?

Fusion (former Dan Wesson guy) has all the parts. Are you talking about buying cheap full sized parts and chopping it yourself?

Rich

quote:

Originally posted by Catfish Hunter:
I'm looking @ somewhere around $700 if I buy. I'd be building this myself if I do it b/c that would be 90% of the fun of having a custom-built one. Reason I'm saying $700 is I can find a Kimber that I like for around that and well...at this point I'd rather have a Kimber than a self-built one.

So...that being said...I figure if it's going to cost me $500 just in parts to build a straight mil-spec pistol, then I'd probably end up spending $7-800 by the time I make a few upgrades. What's the base cost like for building a Government model?

By the time you purchase the components to assemble a government model, you would be money ahead just purchasing a quality government model already built and then put the rest of the money into upgrades for that. You won't find a better factory made government model to build on than the Springfield.

http://www.springfield-armory.com/armory.php?model=6

The 1911 carry guns I build on Caspian frames and slides will typicaly have somewhere in the neighborhood of $1100 just for the parts. As such I do not use any MIM parts. In short if your looking to build one to save money it won't happen. If you look into building one to have exactly what you want that's another story.

Well...I've decided (quickly) not to build one anytime soon. I think I have decided, however, that when I build one...it won't be cheap. It won't be to save money @ all either. I'll prob. go w/ top notch parts, and it will be a work of art that shoots like a dream. Long slide, target sights, match everything, the works. Basically...target gun from hell.

Start with a complete Colt or Springfield Armory pistol. It's useable. Send it to a good smith.

I recommend without reservation:

KREBS GUNSMITHING
Marc Krebs
1000 Rand Rd., Unit 106, Wauconda, IL 60084; (847) 487-7776, FAX (847) 487-7778; web site: www.krebscustom.com

or

CYLINDER AND SLIDE SHOP
Bill Laughridge
245 East 4th St., Fremont, NE 68025; (402) 721-4277, FAX (402) 721-0263

Make sure you tell the smith you want a carry gun ... he'll make sure it has a reasonable trigger pull (not a 2# racegun job).

The nice setup will have a round hammer, better trigger, ambi safety, and a beavertail grip safety. Replace the trigger/sear set with one from Chip McCormick or the like. You do NOT want a titanium hammer and parts set ... great for fast cycling, but don't wear well. Use a trigger with a carbon fiber front ... long or short depending on what best fits your hand. You may want to replace the sights with something like the Novak.

Look at the Brownell's catalog for the parts. A smith should install the safety and the beavertail. While he's there get him to put in the sear/hammer set.

None this will be cheap. (Last Para I built was a tactical race gun with Baer slides in 40 S&W and 45 ACP ... cost me $2500 in parts and smith work.) You will get a weapon that is simply superb.

It sounds like you are still undecided on which direction you're headed in. Building is a lot of fun but it's not for everyone. I've never owned a 1911 so I bought both of Kuhnhausen's books and started to learn. Ended up building a "retro" style Gov't model. I still have the front strap to serrate so I can't say that I've actually completed this project. That said, I suggest that you first decide on a direction, then start your search for parts, etc.

One thing about building your own is that you always end up with a neat collection of jigs, files, stones and a bunch of scrapped parts! Just think of it as the "hidden" cost of tuition for your education in home 'smithing.