[13JFOguy]

Hello everyone, longtime lurker, first-time poster. I've owned a few 1911s from different makers and I recently decided to try out the whole 80% project. Stealth Arms made an aluminum 1911 frame blank that one can cut and drill at home.

Has anyone completed one of these frames and scratch builds before? I apologize if there's already been a post about this -- I didn't see one. Any input or opinions are greatly appreciated (before I sink the cash into the parts and tools).

 

[13JFOguy]

This is exactly how I did (am doing) my first build. I've enjoyed it so much that I'll do the next from an 80% frame using a bench top mill.

It's really the frame that's the difference. You'll have to very accurately deck the frame, drill the sear and hammer pin holes, and then cut the frame rails. After that, it's like a 100% build.

That's reassuring to hear, thank you. Can you tell me which kit you used, specifically? Also, did you go for a Gov or Commander frame? This is the 1911 frame and jig I was looking at: https://www.80-lower.com/products/45-acp-5-government-anodized-black-1911-80-frame-jig-bundle/

 

[13JFOguy]

I liked my Tactical Machining Gov Blem so much, I waited and bought a Recon Blem on the Black Friday Deal too.
I bought my 9mm 1911 Gov from Urban Survival Arms.

Shopping for an 80% frame is like Hunting, only on the internet. Don't be shocked if you have to keep looking for months for what you want. Same goes for the rest of the parts.
One Trick I highly recommend is buy a version of what is shown at the following link to organize the parts: https://www.harborfreight.com/18-divider-storage-container-medium-94457.html
A $3.99 investment in the storage container is a lot cheaper than loosing a $39.99 part. Besides, you won't get your hammers, sears, or grip safeties mixed up. Also, you can set one of your 1911s aside for a couple months, you can resume without having to waste time rounding up or test fitting your parts to verify which frame it goes with.

BTW, I am a Mill guy.

That's a good recommendation. Thinking on this whole thing further, I might just pull the trigger (no pun intended) on one of the complete build kits advertised from Stealth Arms (https://www.80-lower.com/products/9...black-frame-w-free-portable-handgun-lock-box/). They're priced well enough, and thus everything is guaranteed to fit, according to some other builders and pictures I've seen. The do-it-by-hand process with the Stealth jig seems slow, but simple. I've little experience milling, though I know some have attempted basic work with a drill press and plunge cuts, etc.