Custom 1911 and SSE

[Yerman]

Hi Everyone,

I am looking into buying a high-end 1911 or a full custom 1911. I understand how the SSE works but not as it relates to custom guns.

If I decide to go with a full custom, I am assuming I will need to find an FFL willing to do a SSE for me, then order the gun to my specifications, then the FFL will do a SSE for me, I'll take possession and then convert back.

Is a company like Wilson or SA willing to send a custom off roster gun to CA? Won't they say isn't not on the approved list and they won't mail it?

Sorry if it's a dumb question. I'm just so confused with this whole SSE process...I think if I called Wilson and ordered an expensive custom 1911 then told them that I want them to send it to an FFL in CA who will then modify it for SSE they will tell me I am crazy. Thanks for the help.

[beetle]

the answer is "it depends".

The easiest way would be to purchase a "base gun" first and have it registered in your name (either via SSE, PPT, or other means). Then send it into the manufacturer's custom shop for work to be done. Since this gun is already in your name and all you are requesting is smithing work, they can send the gun directly back to you without having to transfer it through a dealer. As far as I am aware, Wilson, Colt, Springfield, and the high-end custom builders (say like Heirloom Precision) all take this work this way.

However, from your posting it sounds like you are trying to "order" a custom gun built to your specifications. This is more problematic in California. The big manufacturers (Wilson, SA, etc) most likely will not take an order from a California dealer nor will they ship an "off roster" pistol into California. Your best bet would be to make use of a middleman FFL to order and receive the pistol, then ship it to your local FFL who will SSE it and complete the transfer to you.

[mikestesting]

What is SSE?

[Cyc Wid It]

SA won't do it anymore. Wilson does IIRC.

[keenkeen]

If you want an SA perhaps you could run it thru Table Rock Arms?

[RugerNo1]

How "high end" are we talking. SV will send in a on roster mule gun and then you can have them customize it after you take "ownership" of it.

[9mmepiphany]

If your tittle really means custom, just have the smith build it as a Single Shot gun for you...no need to have a local shop do it...and have it transferred as a SSE gun.

You can have the smith either pre-fix the parts and regular barrel and mail to you, or you could send it back after you DROS it to be converted. What difference would a couple of hundred dollars make when buying a multi thousand dollar custom 1911