[Herd Thinner]

I am researching who I would like to build my 1911. I know I want a 2011 in 9mm. I'm leaning towards 5 inch barrel. What I would like to do is find some top notch pistol smith. Then narrow it down to who I want to work with. I know in the rifle worlds names like GAP and SAC but what are some names of 1911 pistol smiths. Thanks in advance.

 

[Infidel525]

Good luck in your quest, you're head is about to spin like a top.

Tread carefully

 

[Raleigh63]

Lou at Business End Customs just finished my Delta, he does amazing work and the service is top notch.

 

[july19]

There are several expert, professional smiths on this forum that can build what you want. Interview several, make your choice after deciding (as close as possible) what you want.
You'll get several recommendations most will be good. Having said that, I have a Colt Govt. build by Lou (BEC) that is superb.

 

[Jim Watson]

What do you want different from a Eagle or Edge tuned by Dawson or Brazos?

 

[Herd Thinner]

Well I don't think I want an edge being it has a bull barrel. I want an STI frame and potentially a Caspian slide with some other bells and whistles. Would love it to eat anything and run like a dream.

 

[Jim Watson]

I HAVE an STI frame with a Caspian slide to the Eagle configuration. I call it the Buzzard.
It is insanely finicky as to ammo.
Maybe the Major Big Name Gunsmith you pick can do better than my local guy.

 

[bnaples]

I have 2 pistols by Alchemy that are amazing.

 

[Herd Thinner]

Well Jim that is exactly what I'm trying to avoid. My buddy has a buzzard from a box. He changed more things on that gun and it's still a pain. I just want a pig that eats almost anthing and is an extension of my arm like my SAC rifle. My head is spinning lol.

 

[Mechanized]

I would pick from a member of this forum. Look at their work. I wouldn't waste their time kicking tires. You can see what you want. You can also research their reputations. The only deal breakers would be the parts you request. I would not request many except maybe BTGS radius and sights and exterior options. They know what they like for a reason.

 

[Herd Thinner]

I would pick from a member of this forum. Look at their work. I wouldn't waste their time kicking tires. You can see what you want. You can also research their reputations. The only deal breakers would be the parts you request. I would not request many except maybe BTGS radius and sights and exterior options. They know what they like for a reason.

Again totally agree. They know what works. The research is mainly rep and some small must haves.

 

[Herd Thinner]

I think I'm leaning towards Hayes Customs. Anyone have any work from those guys.

 

[Red-5]

I would pick from a member of this forum. Look at their work. I wouldn't waste their time kicking tires. You can see what you want. You can also research their reputations. The only deal breakers would be the parts you request. I would not request many except maybe BTGS radius and sights and exterior options. They know what they like for a reason.

The only question I see with most of the great builders on here, how many are currently building 2011 competition guns?

OP, you may want to check out Akai custom in Florida.

 

[Tim Burke]

I HAVE an STI frame with a Caspian slide to the Eagle configuration. I call it the Buzzard.
It is insanely finicky as to ammo.

I thought Buzzards would eat anything.

 

[Jim Watson]

Ok
Hummingbird?
Koala Baer?

It shot fine yesterday with its tailored load of a 230 LRN at 1.24" OAL.

 

[Infidel525]

I would pick from a member of this forum. Look at their work. I wouldn't waste their time kicking tires. You can see what you want. You can also research their reputations. The only deal breakers would be the parts you request. I would not request many except maybe BTGS radius and sights and exterior options. They know what they like for a reason.

Just because a builder is a member of this forum doesn't make them the best in the business ...

and considering the rules of the forum do not allow gripes to be aired on the forum ...

 

[NDL]

Check out the exquisite and refined work of Joe Chanbers:
http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=497586

And his website: www.chamberscustom.com

Really classy work.

 

[barmandr]

Another thing to consider is the amount of time you're willing to wait. A lot of the more well known smiths have waits exceeding 4 years. Just something to keep in mind. Many also won't give a time frame other than "at least xx years." This definitely factors into most peoples plans.

 

[Herd Thinner]

Thanks for all the Intel. I opted for a 2011 5 inch sight tracker in 9mm by hayes customs. Now the wait begins.

 

[joe5]

I'll build you a kick-ass 80% with genuine SARCO parts. Ask anyone here; my skill with a hammer, drill press, and Harbor Freight files is second to none.