1911 build questions

[quadmx301]

[MosinVirus]

Hey CG,

I just picked up my 2nd 1911, a parked Springfield Milspec. I intend on building it into an early generation MEU SOC 1911 clone, and have started collecting parts.

My first question is whether or not I should shoot it to break it in as it comes from out of the box, or to wait, and have all the parts fitted and work completed before beginning the break-in process? I’ll be adding a new Bar-Sto barrel and bushing, sights, BTGS, Ambi Safety, match trigger, and a few other pieces.

Second question, does anyone recommend a good 1911 smith in SoCal to do the work? I’m aware that there are a few well-respected 1911 gunsmiths who specialize in building the MEU SOC guns they built as 2112s, but I don’t necessarily have the kind of money to be able to spend on a complete build from those guys. Mine will be a surface level clone, using correct parts, but not built to match standards.

Lastly, and this is likely a dumb question, but I plan on serializing my barrel hood, slide, BTGS, and Ambi Safety, just like the originals. If I do this with hand punches, will I screw up my surface finish and need to repark?

Thanks everyone! I’ll be sure to post pics of the finished product.

I think you will need to repark since you will be damaging the finish by stamping. But in reality, you may need to repark anyway to get a more uniform finish on all parts.

Brett Cifaldi is the guy you could reach out to in SoCal. he is a member here.

You should shoot the gun first to see if there are any existing issues. Then you could either send it in for manufacturing work or expand your list of parts needed (or work needed) when you build it up. This will also help when you do build to see if something that used to work/feel one way and now works/feels a different way (if it will).

This is just my opinion.

[shafferds]

Shoot it than fit new parts than stamp than refinish.

[BarrettM99]

Go with a Calgunner for the build as recommended. You can see his thread of mods he’s done. Does great work.

[dummykid]

from my experience, I suggest at least you should shoot a couple hundred rounds to find out the accuracy of your current gun, if you have a pretty good group, then you can find a gun smith to fit other better parts. if you are experience bad groups, then you may need to fit a new barrel.

I had a brand new SA 1911 sent in for custom work without testing, so I didn't know my barrel had a poor fit until I got it back and tested it, then I had to sent it back again to fit a KKM barrel (I basically paid extra $120-140 for shipping).

As Mosin has mentioned, you can contact Brett Cifaldi to get a quote based on your feedback.

[CifaldiPrecision]

[quadmx301]

Brett I sent you an email. Thanks.