So I recently learned of folks building rifles from surplus actions ..... is this ever done with pistols?

 

Can one buy a pistol action/frame and build from parts?

Sure...as long as you have a permit for the frame.

You'll need a permit for the serialized part (the frame most of the time, rarely the upper receiver such as on Ruger MkII/MkIII) or you could machine your own frame which is federally legal but not sure if it is NJ legal.

 

Handguns aren't built from scratch that often, outside a few areas. Lots of 1911/2011 handguns are built from base kits or frames. Some Buckmarks and MkII/MkIII get built with aftermarket parts from a base gun (for example modifying one with TacSol parts) . Some people buy Glocks to turn them into race guns throwing away almost everything but the frame.

I have frames for Glocks. Caspian sells frames for 1911s. Etc. Yes, it is legal.

Under Federal law you could make your own frame but NJ says no.

Like everyone said, source the frame and you're good to go on your project. Not sure what you plan on building, but it may be trickier than it seems. Definitely a learning experience. Some tools you can improvise with in assembly, others you just have to dish out the dough for the tool. 1911s are very simple builds, and if you get quality parts, everything should come together fairly smoothly. There will be some tweaking and tuning involved.

 

As for surplus builds, this is what one guy did in building his surplus 1911. Not worth buying a kit -frame in my opinion.

 

http://how-i-did-it.org/1911-project/index.html

The reason to buy a slide/frame kit is to avoid fitting the two to each other which is a one way street, you screw it up you might need a new frame, which ends up being a new serialized item, etc.