November 14, 201411 yr So, next year I want to add another 1911 to the safe. I've built one in 9mm from a Fusion kit. I have a couple others that I've purchased. What should I do for the next one? If I buy, it will most likely be a Springfield TRP, non railed or the Range Officer Compact. If I build, it will be a Commander sized, in Sniper grey frame with a black slide. Blah, blah... On my Fusion, I farmed a touch of the work out, on this one I want to do everything I can. What say ye? Build or buy? Christopher
November 14, 201411 yr Go for the build. Many years ago, Para Ordnance only sold 1911 wide body frames. I bought one in the late 80's and sourced the parts to build out an entire pistol. It was a fun project and I learned a lot about how the gun worked. I would also like to add that I was far from mechanically inclined at the time and it was not dificult. This was before the internet and the marvels of You Tube. I would imagine there are multiple step by step vidoes on assembly and disassembly of 1911s Another bonus is you can build the pistol completely to your customized needs. Good luck either way.
November 14, 201411 yr I say build it and take me under your wing and teach me how to build a 1911 LOL. No really I have little spare time and your not that close to me but I would jump at the chance to learn from you. I remember the last one you built and it is one sweet 1911
November 15, 201411 yr Author I say build it and take me under your wing and teach me how to build a 1911 LOL. No really I have little spare time and your not that close to me but I would jump at the chance to learn from you. I remember the last one you built and it is one sweet 1911 Thank you. However trust me when I say I'm not that good. The last one I did came as a pre-fitted kit. I sanded parts to make them look good but didn't do any of the heavy lifting, so to speak. This one I will be looking to do everything but the paint. C
November 16, 201411 yr Are y'all messing with me??? It's a dead heat in the poll. C No dead heat now. Just buy an STI Spartan in 45acp. It'll shoot better than you and rugged. NO MIM parts and tight. Excellent customer service. Parkerized like a real 45. And it won't break the bank.
November 18, 201411 yr Author No dead heat now. Just buy an STI Spartan in 45acp. It'll shoot better than you and rugged. NO MIM parts and tight. Excellent customer service. Parkerized like a real 45. And it won't break the bank. Blah, blah, blah... Does anyone know a good, commander sized 1911 with a steel frame they would recommend for customizing? If Springifield was still doing the Champions I would go with one. However they aren't so I am looking for something to work on if I do buy the gun. And before you say it, the Range Officer Compact is an officer sized frame, not what I want. I like the Lightweight Champion Operator but it's aluminum and I've decided it's not for me.
November 18, 201411 yr Blah, blah, blah... Does anyone know a good, commander sized 1911 with a steel frame they would recommend for customizing? If Springifield was still doing the Champions I would go with one. However they aren't so I am looking for something to work on if I do buy the gun. And before you say it, the Range Officer Compact is an officer sized frame, not what I want. I like the Lightweight Champion Operator but it's aluminum and I've decided it's not for me. Listen you disrespectful pup! Oak Ridge Firearms is sitting on a Colt Commander or Combat Commander! Go first class!
November 26, 201411 yr Author So, in contradiction to the poll results I'm gonna build one, again. I'll post when I have some of the parts in hand. C
November 30, 201411 yr I'm stuck between building a 1911 or buying an EAA witness in .40 s&w. I really want to build a 1911, but I just don't know what tools I need and what tools would just be nice to have to make life easier. But when it comes down to it, I'd jump at a chance to build one. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
December 2, 201411 yr Author I'm stuck between building a 1911 or buying an EAA witness in .40 s&w. I really want to build a 1911, but I just don't know what tools I need and what tools would just be nice to have to make life easier. But when it comes down to it, I'd jump at a chance to build one. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk For tools, you can do High-Tech and get a Bridgeport and a 4 axis CNC if you like. Or, you can use files, sandpaper, and stones to do the same work, albeit a bit more slowly. Dremels are NOT your friend. Many a 1911 has been ruined with them, so on the last one I did, I only used it in cases of extreme metal removal. Fusion Firearms has kit builds where they fit the frame/slide/barrel/bushing for you. They are not the least expensive way to go but they are well fitted and will remove a lot of the anxiety for those that want the experience of a build without getting in too far. It's how I went. Now I want to go whole hog and fit everything myself. Good luck with whatever you choose. C
December 8, 201411 yr Author Frame is ordered!!! Caspian/Foster is having a sale on frames. I am getting a Foster stainless steel frame cut to Commander specs with a beaver tail and plunger tube in the box (I plan to fit EVERYTHING on this gun myself) for well under 200 dollars. I'm pretty darn psyched. Thanks to all that contributed. C
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