1911 Frame Source

[tkoden]

I am looking at buying a basic 1911 with the hopes of upgrading it. The first thing I want to do is change the frame out to one that has a Picatinny Rail on it. Every few months my dogs tangle with raccoons and I want to be able to have a gun light (and maybe a laser) so I can shoot the coon before it hurts my dog.

So, who makes good aftermarket frames with light rails on them? How hard is it to swap out the frame?

Thanks,
Kirk

[hawk1]

Frame only? That's going to be a difficult one to find.

[tkoden]

I found this while I was looking around.

http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=6051&title=1911%20AUTO%20SELECT%20RECEIVER

They want $240 +FFL

[RedDawn]

If you buy a 1911 and change the frame out, you'll have to dros the new frame as that is the part of the handgun which is considered the firearm.
You might as well buy a 1911 frame with an integrated rail system and finish it up with the parts you like.

If you already have dros'd or own a 1911, you can always buy a rail adapter to place onto the frame.

http://www.dlsports.com/1911_LMR.html

[Fjold]

You cannot import bare frames. You need to have an out of state dealer install one of these (below) on it and then import it as a single shot pistol.

[What Just Happened?]

You cannot import bare frames. You need to have an out of state dealer install one of these (below) on it and then import it as a single shot pistol.

Or have someone who already has a 1911 frame in the state the PPT it from them.

[leelaw]

Or have someone who already has a 1911 frame in the state the PPT it from them.

Yup. They come up every once in a while on Calguns.

I snagged a great project commander/officer size Caspian frame/slide combo earlier this year.

[brassburnz]

Or have someone who already has a 1911 frame in the state the PPT it from them.

That's how I managed to get a couple of frames. They don't show up that often, but they appear in the "firearms for sale" section.

The fun part is doing the "safe handling" requirement! :-)

[randy]

Buy a mil spec S/A or RIA complete gun have a light rail put on it. www.davesmetalworks.com has done just that to many a 1911. Then you can shoot it as is or build it the way you want it.

[JTROKS]

Yup. They come up every once in a while on Calguns.

I snagged a great project commander/officer size Caspian frame/slide combo earlier this year.

Yup! That project is looking like it was put together by a top gunsmith. I bow to leelaw. Can't wait for another range report.

As far as frames, you're better off just buying a stock gun if you are not willing to put the time, the best fitting and parts on the frame. It is not the economical route, but to best show your pride. That's what a custom gun is.

[tiko]

Buy a Auto-Ordnance new for $400 ( Wildsports-Sac) then build it up.

[berkeleygiraffe]

http://www.dawsonprecision.com/CategoryProductList.jsp?cat=TACTICAL+LIGHTS:Weapon+Light+Mounts

For 70 bucks plus gunsmith fees you can make your current 1911 have a light rail. This is the same one that was on the Nighthawk custom 10-8 model so I'd say it's pretty proven is Hilton Yam wanted it on his design