Nice work.When I built my 38 Super it started life as a cheap GI 9mm Rock Island.
I bought a Rock Island 38 Super complete kit minus the frame on eBay. Plus some Wilson Combat trigger parts
Swapped the entire slide, better sights and most of the internals. Slide fit better than the original.
Before and after pictures
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Building a 1911 is a world in itself. You will make mistakes but learn from them. Would not recommend starting out with and 80% frame unless you have machine skills. Another post advised you to get a low cost complete pistol then start from that. That’s a good way to go. Learn every part and how it works don’t be in a hurry to buy a bunch of parts till you understand how it works. Then make a plan on what you would like on your pistol. Work towards it. You will need someplace to work on it and there’s one tool that I use all the time and that is a good vice with pads so a good workbench and vice is important. Good luck on your project. 1911’s ForeverHello everyone, I have a question that probably has been asked 1000 times. First, I don’t have a lot of fun money these days but I have a burning desire to build a 1911 45 auto. I’m looking for advice on what to save up for , my guess is a frame and slide. Then the guts. I have 2 off the shelf 1911s ( won’t mention brand, we don’t need another 19 page pissing match) any advice will be greatly appreciated. I do have a little mechanical ability.
) because you'll be doing a lot of that as you "fit" the parts.
Thanks for that, I was considering building my mext project off some sort of GI frame. I'm guessing that's a Wilson Combat grip safety after doing a bit of web searching. I like the notion of putting a beavertail on without having to modify the frame (so it can be put back to original configuration later). That's a nice set up. Did you blend that to the frame at all, or just let it ride as-is?When I built my 38 Super it started life as a cheap GI 9mm Rock Island.
I bought a Rock Island 38 Super complete kit minus the frame on eBay. Plus some Wilson Combat trigger parts
Swapped the entire slide, better sights and most of the internals. Slide fit better than the original.
Before and after pictures
View attachment 681735
View attachment 681736
A man who cut right to the chase.I am all for starting with an inexpensive 1911 that already works. If you do it, one improvement at a time. And see if it still works. I believe that about any 1911 can be made “right”. The question is how much time and money do you have? Skills seem to transfer a bit if you are already good with your hands. The tooling adds up quickly.
The good news is that with enough experience, and mistakes, you will never have to send off a 1911 for service. Other than maybe refinishing.
That is a big deal. When a mid range or upper tier 1911 coughs or sneezes, I don’t want to send it anywhere. Even upper tier 1911’s can have teething troubles. No one is going to pour 500 rounds through one at a shop before it ships.
Yes, it's a Wilson Combat, it did need fitted to the frame. I modified the beaver tail instead of the frame for fitment.Thanks for that, I was considering building my mext project off some sort of GI frame. I'm guessing that's a Wilson Combat grip safety after doing a bit of web searching. I like the notion of putting a beavertail on without having to modify the frame (so it can be put back to original configuration later). That's a nice set up. Did you blend that to the frame at all, or just let it ride as-is?
Thanks for that, I was considering building my mext project off some sort of GI frame.
