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Which again is dealing with the Federal Government, not State goobermint.
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If a complete noob (like me) were to try using the phantom jig for his first 80% build which of these would you say is a must have, which is very useful and what would just be nice? I'm guessing drop in parts wouldn't be as good as match grade? I've heard that 1911 builds are harder than AR-15 builds, would this be a problem if I have not built a AR-15?my current tool list
1. 1911 phantom jig. 1911 Phantom Jig (https://www.stealtharms.net/1911-phantom-jig.html)
2. Matrix decking jig <broken link removed>
3. Matrix barrell seat cutter. <broken link removed>
4. Barrel alignment block 1911 BARREL ALIGNMENT BLOCK | Brownells (http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/handgun-tools/alignment-tools/barrel-alignment-tools/1911-auto-barrel-alignment-block-prod369.aspx)
5. 45 ACP barrel alignment gauge 1911 BARREL ALIGNMENT GAUGE | Brownells (http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/handgun-tools/barrel-tools/barrel-fitting-tools/1911-barrel-alignment-gauge-prod906.aspx)
6. Plunger tube staking tool (I did not need it on the aluminum eceiver builds but I did on this one. PLUNGER TUBE STAKING TOOL | Brownells (http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/handgun-tools/staking-tools/plunger-tube-staking-tool-prod9489.aspx)
7. 45 ACP barrel reamer PISTOL CHAMBERING REAMERS | Brownells (http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/barrel-tools/reamers/centerfire-reamers/pistol-chambering-reamers-prod17655.aspx)
8. Clymer go gauge for headspace. 45 ACP
9. Beavertail installation jig http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-tools-supplies/handgun-tools/grip-tools/1911-beavertail-installation-jig-prod1319.aspx?avs|Make_3=1911&psize=96
You only need the first 3 if your parts are drop in and not match. (perhaps 9 as well)
additional tools that are needed:
padded Vice,
good set of second cut hand files
dremel with various sized diamond grinding bits.
gunsmith stones are good too BORIDE Gunsmith Kits - BORIDE Engineered Abrasives | Blue Star Diamond (https://www.borideabrasives.com/PublicStore/product/Gunsmithing-Kits,154,288.aspx)
I would add a link/barrel cutter tool to this list as a must have! Follow what bolus posted and you should do well! I have used both the phantom and matrix jigs, and honestly, ether one does a good job! Take your time, and make small cuts and leave your self a few thousands before the final fit, this is where the decking jig really comes in handy, I use India stones for the final decking and to stone in the rails to the final specs! These stones are very expensive, but once you have them, you end up using them all the time! Feel free to ask any questions you wish, i'm always happy to help!If a complete noob (like me) were to try using the phantom jig for his first 80% build which of these would you say is a must have, which is very useful and what would just be nice? I'm guessing drop in parts wouldn't be as good as match grade? I've heard that 1911 builds are harder than AR-15 builds, would this be a problem if I have not built a AR-15?
And does anyone who's built a 1911 have an opinion on this how to: 1911 80% Tactical Machining Build, Part 1: Intro - Pew Pew Tactical (http://www.pewpewtactical.com/1911-80-tactical-machining-build-intro/)
If a complete noob (like me) were to try using the phantom jig for his first 80% build which of these would you say is a must have, which is very useful and what would just be nice? I'm guessing drop in parts wouldn't be as good as match grade? I've heard that 1911 builds are harder than AR-15 builds, would this be a problem if I have not built a AR-15?
And does anyone who's built a 1911 have an opinion on this how to: 1911 80% Tactical Machining Build, Part 1: Intro - Pew Pew Tactical (http://www.pewpewtactical.com/1911-80-tactical-machining-build-intro/)
I would add a link/barrel cutter tool to this list as a must have! Follow what bolus posted and you should do well! I have used both the phantom and matrix jigs, and honestly, ether one does a good job! Take your time, and make small cuts and leave your self a few thousands before the final fit, this is where the decking jig really comes in handy, I use India stones for the final decking and to stone in the rails to the final specs! These stones are very expensive, but once you have them, you end up using them all the time! Feel free to ask any questions you wish, i'm always happy to help!
I agree with this! I went with these for the first few builds, and they work well!Matrix sells the proper sized rail stones in every grit for $8 a piece.
<broken link removed>
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@bolus , so I'm interested in doing a commander 80% , my question is what makes this kit just as expensive as some of the top 1911 manufactures? I'm like you with built not bought , thank you for your time.
Well, there are 50+ parts in a 1911 I believe. Manufacturers like RIA can pump out cheaper 1911's because they manufacture all the parts in house to sizes that dont need hand fitting and minimum wage in the Philippines is like $7 per day.
When buying a kit, you are getting 50+ parts that are all machined and finished so it adds up. If you get parts from well respected brands like Wilson then you are spending more for quality.
Plus none of this is mainstream. It was only recently that RIA offered a parts kit, one of the few ones to offer a complete 1911 new parts kit. I still dont see the common manufacturers lied Ed Brown or Wilson offering complete 1911 parts kit.
As more good 1911 jigs come out, it will get more popular and prices should come down.
Is Steath or 1911 builders your recommendation for my commander kit ?
Both make good frames. I've done 2 stealth aluminum frames and one 1911 builders steel frame. I did not use their parts kits though so no opinions on those. I bought individual parts for my builds.
I imagine both their parts kits are drop in (require minimal fitting) so good to start with.