Poor Man's TRP - Range Update -

[walmart_ar15]

Why can't we just buy the frame for a listed pistol?

Can't never get a satisfactory answer from the shops. Why can't we just buy the frame for a listed pistol? On the form just fill them in as the model on the list. It is after all the same pistol from the same manufacturer just less parts.

It won't work for the non-listed. But why not listed ones?

Saying the frame can be made into non-listed pistol is not logical since one can still buy a completed pistol and then converted into something non-listed.

[zfields]

It's not junk but you get what you pay for. By the time you're done, it still won't be worth as much as either of those guns you listed, even if you replace everything except for the frame and slide.

Not everyone is about resale.

[RippSpeed]

Can't never get a satisfactory answer from the shops. Why can't we just buy the frame for a listed pistol? On the form just fill them in as the model on the list. It is after all the same pistol from the same manufacturer just less parts.

It won't work for the non-listed. But why not listed ones?

Saying the frame can be made into non-listed pistol is not logical since one can still buy a completed pistol and then converted into something non-listed.

this is what kills me about this state ... I wish I could just buy a 6" Frame or 5" Tactical frame from STI and build it to my specs and the options I want on it ...

Either way, walmart ar15 nicely done on the pistol ...

[Cyc Wid It]

So your saying a TRP from the factory is better than a custom pistol ??? TRP's sell for $1700 + Tax, you can build a RIA frame from the ground up for alittle less than that ...

Like I said for $500 bucks I would buy one just for the frame... Which here in California you cant even touch a STI frame for $500 bucks, everyone and their momas want at least $950 ...

Do you realize how much work you'll need to do to the frame and rails and truing all the lines and fixing the sight cuts (you should probably grind off those terrible rollmarks while you're at it and add checkering)? You're looking at more than doubling the cost of the gun almost just to do that, and this is all before you even put a single new part in (replacing everything). Even if you don't go to a well known smith, I guarantee that comes out to more than a TRP (which goes for less than $1700).

And about resale, it's like modding a daily driver car and wondering why it's not the same as a supercar or a track car in both value and feel. Ever wonder why you never see full customs built on RIAs?

[walmart_ar15]

Nothing is free

I would caution someone thinking it would be cheaper to build something that is produced in quantity. TRP and STI are both production guns, yes very well build, but production guns nevertheless. Real "custom" 45s runs in the range of $2k+++ and are built one at a time by a master smith. Production guns has the benefit of economy of scale (parts are cheaper per gun) build on an assembly line with very skilled individuals supervised by a master smith and get parts from a bin. For mass produced gun in a factory, they have even higher economy of scale, but generally suffers in the QA/QC as supervison is generally not involved in production but in HR. Therefore, for an individual to build a gun with same quality parts will generally cost more if someone else is doing the labor.

Now days in the world of automation, quality parts really means amount of QA/QC that the part has gone through and at what level of tolerance is consider within acceptable range. More QA/QC and tighter torlerance (relates to variable tooling cost) will result in higher cost for the part.

So a RIA frame compared to a STI frame may or may not have the same tolerance to the 1911 blue print. But you pay more for a STI to buy that assurance.

For me, tinkering is the hobby, building is the enjoyment, not the final product. I never sell anything relating to my hobby. I actually bought the $29 barrel first then decided to purchase the $600 Tac2011 to go with it.

[RippSpeed]

Ever wonder why you never see full customs built on RIAs?

um maybe you havent but for me ... I have seen plenty...

STI, SV, Caspian isnt everything theres a whole world of guns out there and alot of IPSC shooters... That modify these pistols

And TRP's are selling @ $1700 without tax and dros ... Well thats what I was quoted for it @ a shop near me that has 19 in stock and only a few of them are called for...

[zfields]

Do you realize how much work you'll need to do to the frame and rails and truing all the lines and fixing the sight cuts (you should probably grind off those terrible rollmarks while you're at it and add checkering)? You're looking at more than doubling the cost of the gun almost just to do that, and this is all before you even put a single new part in (replacing everything). Even if you don't go to a well known smith, I guarantee that comes out to more than a TRP (which goes for less than $1700).

And about resale, it's like modding a daily driver car and wondering why it's not the same as a supercar or a track car in both value and feel. Ever wonder why you never see full customs built on RIAs?

You adressed nothing reguarding resale.

Maybe the guy wants something that shoots reasonably well, and looks TRPish, and is one of the many people who buys guns because he enjoys them. By your standard, you shouldnt even shoot your weapon because, heaven-forbid, it hurt its resale value!

See how that point is ridiculous?

[Cyc Wid It]

The point is if you're going to drop the big bucks and build a full custom pistol, you shouldn't scrimp on the frame. In some instances, the frame might not even be suitable if you're really trying to build a keeper. If you're tinkering around yourself then that's a different story.

A full custom RIA is never going to be worth anything unless maybe Larry Vickers deigned to work on it - Rippspeed said that a custom RIA would be worth more than a TRP. He also said that all the work to produce a custom RIA wouldn't cost as much as a TRP, when I'm trying to point out that it would cost around double and worth less.

Shooting a well made gun does little if anything to the resale value. Shooting a run of the mill gun often does.

[zfields]

The point is if you're going to drop the big bucks and build a full custom pistol, you shouldn't scrimp on the frame. In some instances, the frame might not even be suitable if you're really trying to build a keeper. If you're tinkering around yourself then that's a different story.

A full custom RIA is never going to be worth anything unless maybe Larry Vickers deigned to work on it - Rippspeed said that a custom RIA would be worth more than a TRP.

Yea, not a chance id base a full house custom on a RIA either.


When your chunkin out that much change, why skimp on 1-200 bucks.

[Cyc Wid It]

That's what I was getting at I guess, didn't word it very well.

[RippSpeed]

The point is if you're going to drop the big bucks and build a full custom pistol, you shouldn't scrimp on the frame. In some instances, the frame might not even be suitable if you're really trying to build a keeper. If you're tinkering around yourself then that's a different story.

A full custom RIA is never going to be worth anything unless maybe Larry Vickers deigned to work on it - Rippspeed said that a custom RIA would be worth more than a TRP. He also said that all the work to produce a custom RIA wouldn't cost as much as a TRP, when I'm trying to point out that it would cost around double and worth less.

Shooting a well made gun does little if anything to the resale value. Shooting a run of the mill gun often does.

Where did I mention anything about the a custom RIA being worth more than a TRP ???

I said is a TRP is what it is stock ... it wont perform as good as a custom pistol in competent hands.

I dont know about you guys but I've priced one of because I want to build a 9mm for the wife to shoot and play around with... It'll end up cheaper than the price of a TRP w/ tax

[keenkeen]

Where did I mention anything about the a custom RIA being worth more than a TRP ???

I said is a TRP is what it is stock ... it wont perform as good as a custom pistol in competent hands.

I dont know about you guys but I've priced one of because I want to build a 9mm for the wife to shoot and play around with... It'll end up cheaper than the price of a TRP w/ tax

Yeah...but only suckers pay tax!

Just kidding...thats a whole different thread.

I think you are under estimating the cost of building a "full custom" 1911 with even a non-brand name gunsmith. Assuming $450-500 for the base gun you would need have all the parts purchased and all the work done for around $1000 in order to come out cheaper than a stock TRP. Re-check your math, but if you want to do it, I'm sure it would be fun.

[redcliff]

Where did I mention anything about the a custom RIA being worth more than a TRP ???

I said is a TRP is what it is stock ... it wont perform as good as a custom pistol in competent hands.

I dont know about you guys but I've priced one of because I want to build a 9mm for the wife to shoot and play around with... It'll end up cheaper than the price of a TRP w/ tax

I wasn't aware they built TRP's in 9mm; so not sure what the comparison in price really means.

This thread leaves me ponderring a few questions; why did the OP not just install an adjustable sight on his original RIA slide (and properly bury the Bomar while at it?) Although bull barrels can reduce felt recoil and muzzle flip they're no more accurate than a properly fit standard barrel/bushing. If it was just an exercise in pistol modification and assembly I respect that but as far as shootability I think a relatively simple slide milling and sight changed would of worked as well and looked better.

For those that want a target grade RIA why not buy the match version and see how it shoots; you can always add a trigger job and custom sized bushing if needed.

For those wanting to build custom pistols I have no problem if budget dictates using a cast RIA frame, but I personally prefer forged frames if I'm going to invest that much money in a project.

The concept of "over-improving" a product comes into play at high levels of custom work on pistols; just as in cars and homes. If you're spending a lot of money "improving" something its generally best to do it on the most desireable and wanted models available.

[Cali-Shooter]

Nice conversion job!

It's a Franken TRP! Would make an excellent shooter without worries of wanting to baby it.

[RippSpeed]

ok Lets put it this way... Who here can buy an STI or Caspian frame legally here in California thats Brand New @ retail price, not the marked up price of $900+, what private sellers are asking???

The way I see, if I wanted to build a double stack 1911 ... I would have to buy a RIA 1911A2 or a ParaOrdnance P16, P14, P18. To use the frame, build it from there ... I would rather spend alittle less money and get the RIA from there ...

And for my wife who wants a commander lenght pistol in 9mm , the same reason I would purchase a RIA commander pistol and just buy it for the frame...