Caspian 1911 9MM

[mac-tastic]

Hello all, I was curious on your opinion of the Caspian 1911 9mm. Dont really have any other info on it other than it is a caspian 1911 9MM with 5"barrel. Maybe a couple thousand rounds through it. How much should I expect to pay for this pistol?

[morrcarr67]

Is it a complete Caspian or did someone build it on a Caspian frame?

If it's built from the frame up; Who built it? What parts did they use?

So much more info is needed.

[mac-tastic]

It is a complete Caspian according to the seller. The Caspian was purchased and never upgraded. He did not have too much more information about the handgun since he is not the original owner. Gun looks to be in good condition cosmetically.

[mac-tastic]

It looks similar to this

[foxtrotuniformlima]

To the best of my knowledge, Caspian never made pistols. They make the frames & slides used by gunsmiths to build a custom 1911.

That being said, the value of a 1911 built on a Caspian frame & slide will vary greatly based on who put it together. If it is unknown, then you need to assume it was a home built gun.

It is worth between $ 700 -$ 1200.

The components used to assemble it will make the biggest difference. Sights, grips, magwell, trigger, hammer, sear, disconnector, etc.

Without handling it I'd say $ 900 would probably be a good price but that is just a guess.

[mac-tastic]

Thanks a lot for the info. I will take that into consideration for negotiating on the price.

[redcliff]

To the best of my knowledge, Caspian never made pistols. They make the frames & slides used by gunsmiths to build a custom 1911.

And also used by people that think they're gunsmiths who may build a less than reliable pistol.

I'd insist on a test run at a range before I'd buy a home built.

[morrcarr67]

To the best of my knowledge, Caspian never made pistols. ....

Interesting. I always thought they did custom build to order guns too.

I learn something everyday.

[kuichop]

built by alan tanaka

[Nuuze]

Ask for a pic and details and verify with builder. There could be so many variants...

Here's my 9mm Caspian slide built on a Springfield Loaded National Match frame with 2lbs trigger, Barsto barrel and STI comp by Randy Lee @ Apex Tactical. $2000 value.

[pklin1297]

Alan Tanaka is pretty well known in the competition arena as a competent gunsmith/builder in the past. I've been to his shop and played with some of his work. His trigger jobs are amazing to say the least, though overall finish of the pistols could be better. I've had him do some machine front strap checkering on a 1911 and had to go back because he missed a couple of the vertical lines... I also had him do a royal bluing job on one of my Makarovs and that turned out amazing. This was 7 years ago, not sure what he is doing now.

I would certainly ask to inspect the pistol and shoot it if possible prior to purchase. Alan's guns were in excess of $2000 many moons ago. Not sure what his specialty was but he showed me quite a few PPC 1911s.

[redcliff]

No doubt Alan Tanaka builds 1911's worth owning. I just don't understand why the OP was "mac-tastic" and the person mentioning Alan Tanaka in a cryptic two word first post is "kuichop".

[morrcarr67]

No doubt Alan Tanaka builds 1911's worth owning. I just don't understand why the OP was "mac-tastic" and the person mentioning Alan Tanaka in a cryptic two word first post is "kuichop".

I saw that too and had to go back to the OP to see who posted it.

[pklin1297]

I did a double-take myself as well...

[dwtt]

Maybe kuichop is the seller. Maybe he's the builder.