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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)
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!
 
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 had no experience really when I did mine other than knowing how to work a hammer.

Drop is parts are not worse than match parts. They are just made so they have a tiny bit of looseness so they will fit into the majority of receivers. Match parts are made slightly too big on purpose so that you can fit them together with more precision. If you do it correctly you will have a better fit gun which might have better accuracy. But there is more room for error and if you file away too much of your thumb safety, for example, you may need to buy a new one and start over.

For drop in parts all you need is the jig and perhaps the plunger tube staking tool. then for assembly just standard tools like a rubber hammer, punch pins and probably a nylon bench block to hold things when driving pins. though I've also just used a piece of wood.

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If you are going to match parts the barrel tools are very important. The barrel alignment block needs to hold the barrel in the proper orientation so you know what side of the barrel hood to file to fit. If you do it without it the barrel could be canted and the barrel lug wont line up with the receiver.

If I was starting today, I'd get a aluminum receiver from 1911 builders or stealth arms, the RIA builders kit that is drop in and the stealth arms jig. Once I did that one and got a good idea of how the parts fit, I'd do a match parts kit.
Products | Advanced Tactical (https://advancedtactical.com/products/kits/1911-cal-45-tactical-builders-kit)


Here are my learning sites:
MosinVirus (https://www.youtube.com/user/MosinVirus)
1911 Build - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLb_WmE72gAaasE40KWqJOLZujpkPx5Thu)
The 1911 Project: Introduction (http://how-i-did-it.org/1911-project/index.html)
Building A 1911 - Part I | World's Largest Supplier of Firearm Accessories, Gun Parts and Gunsmithing Tools - BROWNELLS (http://www.brownells.com/GunTech/Building-A-1911-Part-I/detail.htm?lid=10304)

good luck! it is very rewarding to have one come together.
 
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!

Matrix sells the proper sized rail stones in every grit for $8 a piece.

<broken link removed>

StoneFrameSmall.jpg
 
Great advice bolus ! I found MosinVirus videos to be the best guide for a noob. Once you have been through a build or two, then you can expand your tool collection and start on more precise building! Go slow, and measure a lot. It's not that hard to do, and once you have done one, you will really feel good and ready to take on a more complex build!
 
Thanks guys! I'll definitely check out those sites/videos Bolus. It look like that RIA kit with the Stealth Arms receiver jig combo might be a good way to go, though I'll do some more homework before I actually decide.
 
@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 ?
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.
 
I'm with you on the concept of fitting parts. I've been fabricating parts for cars and airplanes for most my life. I like perfect fit and finish on my stuff. Thanks again for your thread and awesome job on your builds.

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.
 

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