Building a 1911

Wombat of Doom · May 25, 2019

I plan on building a 1911. This will be my first foray into 1911 territory except a brief stint with a sig 45 compact carry, and p938 and 238 which are sort of mini 1911s.

Now, assume I have the means to make a flawless aluminum receiver. (I do.) I plan on building a 45acp first and then an alternate caliber. I am debating 9mm or 10mm for that. (10mm adds a caliber for me, which I am not thrilled with.) 9mm I have guns I like in already.

Any tips? Any really good ideas? I am thinking cerakoted Olive drab or highland green with wood handles for the .45 as it is tastefully unusual.

Joe13 · May 25, 2019

I'd go 9 for a plinker and 10 for anything serious.

That's just me though.

I carry a G17 so I obviously don't have anything against 9mm for EDC.

gryghin · May 25, 2019

I just bought a flexible handle for my dremel. Hand filing takes a long time.

Be aware that the cost of brand new parts are almost the same as buying a 1911.

Wombat of Doom · May 25, 2019

gryghin said:
I just bought a flexible handle gout my dremel. Hand filing takes a long time.

Be aware that the cost of brand new parts are almost the same as buying a 1911.

I know. I like making my things. Guitars, knives, guns, etc. I could buy a new one cheaper I am sure, but I would not have blood, sweat and tears in it.

gryghin · May 25, 2019

I've made all of my ARs and have two 1911s that I'm working on.

spookshack · May 25, 2019

I seem to remember years ago on one of the gun forums that a member did a step by step while he built one himself. Took several months.

Edited to add that @bolus had very solid info on the various projects he's done here on the NWFA.

BSG 75 · May 25, 2019

First buy this book and read it https://www.amazon.com/M1911-Complet-Assembly-Guide-Vol/dp/1888722185

Second, before starting with an 80% or less frame, I would buy a bare frame and slide and build one from those to learn on first. You will find that even with 100% frames and slides there is a lot of hand fitting necessary to achieve a really tight, smooth, and reliable 1911, as described in the book I recommended.

https://www.brownells.com/search/index.htm?k=1911+frame&ksubmit=y
https://www.brownells.com/search/index.htm?k=1911+slide&ksubmit=y