Looking for a new frame (build)

[1911crazy]

Since i have most of the parts, i'm missing the 1911 frame.  My question is should i purchase a frame/slide that is fitted/matched already?  I see some offer this as an option for doing a complete 1911 build.  Since i'm almost caught up reloading now i'm looking at this being next inline soon to start on it. I believe essex offers the frame /slide together.

What do you guru's think???

My build so far;

1911 45acp
Stone hone the frame rails (lightly)  Then possibly lap the frame to slide rails
Machine the slide for larger adjustable sights
Port the barrel
reangle the feed ramp to the ported barrel (dead match the two)
Adjustable trigger
beaver tail
new hammer
national match barrel bushing
full length guide rod kit w/18# recoil spring
IAI full wrap around rubber grips

What else should i do to it??
Any thoughts on a home brewed 1911.......

[rbwillnj]

New frames, Casipian and others are made slightly oversized to allow you to create a tight slide to frame fit.  So yes, with a combination of filing, stoning, and lapping you can fit the frame to the slide.  The problem is that when it binds, it's not all that easy to figure out where its binding, and its way too easy to remove too much metal from the wrong place.  You will still be able to create a gun that goes bang, but unless you remove the right amount of metal from the right places you won't have that tight fit you may have been looking for.

Unless you plan to do this a number of times and want to learn the process, I'd buy a fitted frame and slide.

Oh, and by the way, the only reason your caught up with reloading is that your not shooting enough!

[williamlayton]

Caspian is the way to go.
For instance--if you do not do milling, they wil supply a fram with sights milled to your sights.
They will hand lap and dehorn, fit and ship you a frame and slide.
You can purchase a slide with no roll marks---As I did with the BBQ Gun.
American made.

A frame is more problematical and must be ordered thru a FFL because it has the serial number.
Blessings

[Mikey]

Crazy:  I would order a matching frame and slide - it should save you a lot of work.  But, if you need to fit the slide to the frame my suggestion is to work down the slide to fit the frame and only work down high spots or roughness on the frame rails, don't work the frame to fit the slide. 

Also, if you talk to the Essex people would you find out if the sell a 38 Super slide.  Thanks.

Williamlayton - do you think Caspian sells 38 Super slides??  Thanks.

[williamlayton]

Mikey
Yes they do.
Blessings

[1911crazy]

Hmmm  38 super???  maybe a second build.....

[brolin1911a1]

...
Also, if you talk to the Essex people would you find out if the sell a 38 Super slide.  ... 

How does one contact Essex?  I'd like to see about getting a replacement frame for a WW2 war trophy with a frame that needs replacing but is otherwise good.

[Mikey]

brolin:  go on-line and search for Essex Arms.  We may also have a link to them here on the links page. 

[bobthenailer]

ive built about 5 pistols useing caspian matched frame & slides with excellent results.!   as a bonus there are lots of options you can get  done to the frame & slide to your tastes ! check out there web sight caspian arms ltd

[bikerbeans]

Anybody have experience with the slides & frames for 1911 from Fusion (I think it is Fusion Arms, run by a guy who I believe worked for either S&W or Dan Wesson)?