DIY 1911 Bobtail....it is difficult?

[Untamed1972]

Is it difficult to do a DIY 1911 Bobtail yourself? I have metal working experience, tools, drill press, etc.

Was thinking of doing a little custom project with a lesser expensive model like a RIA of some kind.

Can it only be done with a full length grip model or are parts available to bob a model with a shorter grip? What else is required besides changing the spring housing, drilling a new pin hole and trimming the tabs on the grip?

[raycm2]

I tried it on an RIA and it came out really well. AFAIK only full length grips (GI and Commander) work. Don't forget refinishing after.

[vliberatore]

There's a thread about it in the gunsmithing sub forum. I've even posted a link to someone who made a bobtail officers model.

Generally, you only bob a full size grip (gov or commander profile) and not officers.

[jonzer77]

If you want some practice without messing up your 1911, you could always get an 80% 1911 frame to practice on.

[Mute]

IIRC, there are jigs for doing a bobtail mod. If you have metal work experience it's probably very doable.

[vliberatore]

IIRC, there are jigs for doing a bobtail mod. If you have metal work experience it's probably very doable.

Ed Brown offers both the jigs and the MSH.

[L84CABO]

Bro...do you even Dremel?

[Motosurgeon]

Why cut off a perfectly good tail?..


Nighthawk has a nice round tail magwell.