1911 Build Help.

[Shaunini]

Is it legal to build a 1911 from scratch and if so, which part must be drosed? The lower frame or slide or all of it? What can be sent directly to my home and what must be sent to the ffl? Thanks guys I would appreciate the help with this.

[damndave]

Lower frame has the serial number

[Juicymeat]

The frame is the part that counts as a weapon and requires a FFL. All other parts you can get mailed to you.

[Shaunini]

are there specific frames on the cal handgun list or can I just buy a fusion frame kit.

[penguin156]

As I understand it, you can not import an incomplete handgun (frame) into California. You'll have to find one and do a PPT if you want to do this, but that's just how I understand it.

[Shaunini]

so, i cant build one period?

[JTROKS]

You can build one if you can find a frame to build on. Everything else except the frame can be bought straight from Brownell's, Midway, SSI, Dawson Precision, or whom ever you want to purchase the parts from.

[B Strong]

The receiver is the serially numbered part that must be transfered through an FFL.

New stripped frames are not available direct through FFL dealers because of the Safe Gun Roster.

You may be able to acquire a frame through a PPT, but it's a hit or miss process - you may not be able to find the particular frame you're looking for.

You might be better served by purchasing a complete good quality 1911 and using it as a platform for your build.

[tigerhui]

What is the purpose of the build? Are you trying to build one for the sake of learning? Or is there a specific set of characteristics/components that you want?

[Shaunini]

I just think it would be fun. The expansion of knowledge. Have a better appreciation of the 1911. Sounds dumb but I'd like it better if I built it and it was badass, versus me buying one and it being badass.

[tigerhui]

I just think it would be fun. The expansion of knowledge. Have a better appreciation of the 1911. Sounds dumb but I'd like it better if I built it and it was badass, versus me buying one and it being badass.

For what you want to do, I would find a relatively inexpensive donor gun and use that as a starting platform. I'd recommend looking for a lower end model from a reputable manufacturer that does not have a lot of bells and whistles. If you can, try and get one that has a decent frame to slide fit. From there, you can sit down and plan out what you want to do to it.

I would really recommend picking up a good book or dvd on the 1911 first. A good reference book for the 1911 is "The Colt .45 Automatic - A Shop Manual" by Jerry Kuhnhausen. The best dvd I have seen for 1911 builds is "The Ultimate 1911" by American Gunsmithing Institute. There are three volumes to the series, but the first volume will be most applicable for upgrading a stock 1911. The dvd series is authored by Gene Shuey, who has a shop outside of Carson City, NV.

Once you have picked up one of these references, I'd look at what modifications/additions you want to make, and then look up the prices of all the tools you will need (Brownells is a good place to look for all this stuff).

After you've got all the prices, then I would sit down and rethink if you really want to go through this process.

Just to be clear, I'm not trying to turn you away from this project. I just want you to have a realistic picture of what you are getting into. I started down this route for exactly the same reasons you cited. I have been very happy with the results of my work and the knowledge I have acquired along the way. But I could have also bought a really nice top end 1911 (or two) with all the money I've spent on tools and parts.

[JTROKS]

If you shoot matches or just have lots of 1911s then the investment in all the tools needed and parts ruined while learning may pay off in the long run. Tigerhui mentioned it, look up the tools needed from fitting or tightening the slide to frame fit, to fitting the barrel and bushing, fitting a beavertail, checkering, sear/hammer jig, stones, files, etc.

[1923mack]

tag

[Shaunini]

thanks guys.

[BunnySlayer]

You can buy a lower priced gun with no bells and whistles such as a Rock Island Armory for not much more than you would pay for a stripped frame. and use that as your base from which to build your own gun.