1911 build

[tdkitch]

I am new to the idea of building a handgun. I am needing help and advise to help me along the way. I want to build a 1911-A1. What is the best way to get started? I am torn in buying or building. I am hoping this is not a complex process as to break a handgun down seems to be fairly simple. Thank you in advance for your participation and help.

 

[jrusling]

I am new to the idea of building a handgun. I am needing help and advise to help me along the way. I want to build a 1911-A1. What is the best way to get started? I am torn in buying or building. I am hoping this is not a complex process as to break a handgun down seems to be fairly simple. Thank you in advance for your participation and help.

You might want to look into the gunsmith class at the Votech. I know one class a couple of years ago built their own 1911.

 

[JD8]

FWIW, it's not like throwing together an AR, and it involves a fair amount of knowledge and background to say the least.

 

[doctruptwn]

If your wanting to build one to save money, don't bother. It will cost as much or more than a new one. If your wantng to do it to say you did it and the pride of knowing you made what you have then go for it.

Goto m1911 forumhttp://forum.m1911.org/and look over the Gunsmithing and Technical forums. They are very detailed and cover any problem you might run into. There can be a fair amount of fitting involved so some mechanical knowledge is required. Most of the fitting can be done without special tools ( A file and some punches are needed). But the more tools you have the better.

 

[technetium-99m]

If you're mechanically able and can pay attention to detail I promise you will end up with a gun that is better than a factory offering. But I can promise that you will spend 20-30+ hours on it.

The best part is the ability will stay with you, so the next one is that much easier.

Just my opinion.

 

[Dr. Barry Greyson]

doctruptwn is right on in his assessment. If you buy good parts and a matchgrade barrel you will have $900 to $1200 in it w/o finishing which can be anywhere from $60 to $350 plus mailing costs. You would be better to sign up for a class which is at least twice as expensive ( C& S pistolsmithing course and Bob Rogers' course in Arkansas) but you come home with a great gun, and the knowledge you need to build another or maintain the pistol at a high level.
Barry

PS: Technetium-99m...is also right ...and he types faster than I do ...lol
Later _ BJG

 

[okie98]

+1 Dr Barry

 

[JD8]

doctruptwn is right on in his assessment. If you buy good parts and a matchgrade barrel you will have $900 to $1200 in it w/o finishing which can be anywhere from $60 to $350 plus mailing costs. You would be better to sign up for a class which is at least twice as expensive ( C& S pistolsmithing course and Bob Rogers' course in Arkansas) but you come home with a great gun, and the knowledge you need to build another or maintain the pistol at a high level.
Barry

PS: Technetium-99m...is also right ...and he types faster than I do ...lol
Later _ BJG

I believe the C&S course is over $4,500 with everything. Business oppurtunity Barry??

 

[eby42]

I believe the C&S course is over $4,500 with everything. Business oppurtunity Barry??

I would absolutely love to take that pistolsmithing class. How cool.

 

[tdkitch]

Thank you all for your replies. I am going to look into gunsmithing classes and take it from there. Do you know of any local classes in the OKC area?