Build your own 1911

[22popnsplat]

I will start with saying that I am new to the 1911s , dont even own one yet . I have owned revolvers ever since I was old enough and always done my own work on them . I have done kits and did a my own custom ruger bisley among alot of other amature gunsmith projects, I also have some background as a machinist .
Now to the real question , In looking around I see it is very easy to get all the parts to build a 1911 . would it be that difficult to put together a relibale and resonably accurate 1911 at a cost effective price ? and if so what parts should be upgraded ?

[44 Man]

Well, yes and no.  It is easy and possible to get all the parts together, but not necessarily inexpensive.  It is MUCH MORE cost effective to buy a good used gun as a base, then modify it to your liking.  I built two up many years ago.  I was fortunate.  I had a gunsmith friend that supplied me with a full set of Colt SS internals that had come off a customers gun for $20.  Also was able to get a couple of 'used' barrels the same way.  One was a MarkV barrel with finger bushing that was very accurate.  The other was an old Commander barrel that looked like nine miles of badly rutted dirt road inside.  But it ended up being an excellent shooting gun and my son owns that one now.  This was also back when you could buy Colt slides reasonable.  I built one up on an AMT frame and the other (Commander length) on a Fed Ord aluminum frame with a Caspian slide.  The AMT frame was out of dimention and I had to have a skilled friend slightly raise the shelf of the mag release with a wire welder for it to function.  I'll never do it again, but it was fun at the time (back when I didn't know better!).  44 Man

[williamlayton]

There are a number of folks that will supply frames, STI for one, and the internals can be had from more sources than frames.
If you are up too it you can have some fun and build a weapon the way you want it.
Take your time and make sure you understand what you are doing.
Blessings

[Savage]

Parts are everywhere for 1911s. Availability is no problem. Cost effective?Nope! I have a build now in progress, for the money I have spent so far, I could have bought a decent 1911. Not to mention all of the hand fitting I've run into on this one. This one will be my last! If you decide you want to build a 1911, be sure to buy quality internals. It will save you time and money in the long run! If you just want to tinker I suggest you follow 44 Man's advice and get a base pistol to start with. You can change out parts and make modifications to your heart's content, while enjoying a working pistol while you're at it!
Good Luck!
Savge

[Mikey]

22popnsplat:  there are parts galore for the 1911 that will help you trick out a personally built 1911.  As 44 man said, get yourself a basic pistol, or build a basic pistol and take it from there.  I have done the same a couple of times and had a ball doing it.

Many shooters have built their own 1911s from parts and they work just fine.  Many are more accurate and reliable than some of the factory guns.  I would start with a basic piece first and then determine what you want to upgrade it with (trigger/hammer groups, grips, barrels, sights) after you wring it out.  JMHO.  Mikey.