Options for gun to tinker with?

[Experimentalist]

I'm thinking that I would like to start playing around with customizing various handguns, Glock and 1911. Working on internals, paint, etc.

My first goal is to get a frame for cheap. Buying stripped receivers would be my preferred path, but stripped frames are not on the roster, and therefore a non-starter. Single Shot Exemption (SSE) also would be a no-go, as no way to put a barrel on it more than 10 inches in length.

I can think of the following paths:

1) 80% receiver. This one is good for 1911's. I'm considering the purchase of a home mill, so this could be in the realm of possibility. Doesn't do anything for Glocks though.

2) Used market. Just cruise the ads until something cheap comes up, and cannibalize it.

Anyone have ideas I haven't come up with?

Thanks.

[trigger945]

For 1911, maybe look for a used GI Springfield and go from there?

For a Glock, just get a used one?

Good luck!

[ElvenSoul]

Those Police Trade in Glocks sell pretty cheap

[phase1]

Police trade-in m&p, sse a canik/tri-star ( cz clone )

[ricksOe]

+1 on the LEO trade in glocks.. real cheap starting point.

[LateBraking]

The police trade-in thing is a good idea. Gunbroker should also have a few stripped Glock frames and parts. I actually got a Glock frame plus cash for a Ruger 10/22 Takedown I used to have, and built myself a Glock 17C from a slide and barrel I found on Gunbroker and parts I found on MidwayUSA. That could be a fun project, it was sure fun for me and I learned a ton about how Glocks work too. They're mechanically straightforward.

http://www.gunbroker.com/All/BI.aspx?Keywords=Glock+frame&BuyNowOnly=1&Sort=4&Tab=2

Some frames going for 140 dollars. Just gotta figure out what frames can turn into what complete Glocks. Here's one thing I used for reference, although what I ended up doing was turning a Glock 37 frame into a Glock 17. Same frame, just needed a new trigger, extractor housing, and the proper upper: http://www.lonewolfdist.com/products.aspx?CAT=244

I absolutely love my 1911's. That said, for tinker toys I would choose Glock. They're fairly simple, reliable, and cheaper.

[romadant]

Glock. Simple. Cheap. Tons of aftermarket parts. Tons of DIY stuff you can try.

[mcat707]

I would start by buying a used cheap RIA 1911 and strip the frame down. Then go from there.

[Experimentalist]

Great ideas guys, thanks for the help.

[mnichols]

Maybe find a range rental for sale?

[Experimentalist]

Frames a No-Go

So I called three gun shops in the East S.F. Bay.

None of them will transfer Glock frames to a citizen. Law Enforcement of course is exempt.

I pointed out that the Glock 26, 27 etc. are all on the Roster. All three told me that it has to be a complete gun, not just a complete frame.

Never mind that ATF regulates the frame as the firearm, and that the frame is on the roster as approved models.

This is a bit of a let-down, I was kinda excited about this.

[phase1]

Buy a used glock or RIA 1911 , strip down sale the parts & start with just frame