1911 kits?

[Prc329]

Any recommended for 1911 kits? As I wait patiently for my Ares frame I'm looking at parts. I've build a few other rifles but never a 1911. Any recommended kits. List of parts I'll need? I'm planning on a commander build. I like that length. Haven't decided on what caliber yet and I'm thinking of using a ramped barrel.

[762shooter]

Other than sarco, wilson combat has an upper and lower 1911 parts kit.

[Milspec714]

I have bought a few of these with good results...

http://e-sarcoinc.com/451911autobuildkitlessframe.aspx

http://e-sarcoinc.com/451911autobuilderskitserratedlessframe.aspx

Hit and miss on quality...

[eightmd]

I haven't seen these kits. I'd like to ask a few of questions.
Where do you get the frame for the build?
How much work is involved in putting all the parts together? I know how to field strip a 45 but looks like there is a lot more work in assembling this.
What kind of tools do you need to get the job done?

[wash]

Occasionally you can find a used slide that is a lot cheaper than buying new.

Used barrels are more complicated because the bottom lugs need fitting if you want to optimize lug engagement in the slide and if your slide stop pin hole is too low, your rails are too high or some other bad tolerance stack you'll need more lug than you've got.

A used slide often comes with a firing pin stop, extractor, firing pin, firing pin spring and sights so that helps with the budget too.

The Ed Brown pin kits seem to be the best deal on small parts.

Colt plastic mainspring housings are cheap and light weight.

Hammer, trigger, disconnector and sear are what make 1911s special so don't skimp too much. I'm going with a Wilson hammer, STI plastic trigger, EGW ball head disconnector and EGW hard sear. All quality parts that are only a few dollars more than budget parts.

EGW sells angle bored barrel bushings with custom oversized skirts, just measure your slide and barrel to order one that drops in with a precision fit.

The rest of the parts are a matter of preference and budget.

If you can't find a good used slide, look at STI, they seem to be cheaper than Caspian and offer lots of options.

[wchutt]

I am waiting to see what deals come from the possible Wilson or Caspian buy associated with the Ares frame buy. If there are at least 100 frames sold there are a lot of people who will need the rest of the parts, should b able to harness some decen buying power on kits...

[iHate.Kalifornia]

I am waiting to see what deals come from the possible Wilson or Caspian buy associated with the Ares frame buy. If there are at least 100 frames sold there are a lot of people who will need the rest of the parts, should b able to harness some decen buying power on kits...

Last time I went in there they said that a little over 600 had been pre ordered.

[Tjfearl]

I am waiting to see what deals come from the possible Wilson or Caspian buy associated with the Ares frame buy. If there are at least 100 frames sold there are a lot of people who will need the rest of the parts, should b able to harness some decen buying power on kits...

I was told the Caspian parts GB would just be 10-20% off parts and slides.

I have been thinking about getting one of these pre-fit barrels. Any ideas or advice?

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/616360/storm-lake-drop-in-barrel-kit-1911-commander-45-acp-1-in-16-twist-429-stainless-steel

[greybeard]

I guess prefitted to what?

[em9sredbeam]

tagged.. Always wanted to do one. maybe I will go bug my machinest father...

[Tjfearl]

I guess prefitted to what?

Pre-fitted bushing to barrel. look at the link.

[Prc329]

Are there any drop in parts or does everything need to be fitted?

[greybeard]

Pre-fitted bushing to barrel. look at the link.

That is part of the fitting still need for fitting.

[wash]

Are there any drop in parts or does everything need to be fitted?

The hammer, sear, barrel, disconnector, extractor, trigger and slide to frame fit should all be hand fit for match accuracy.

You can order up a bushing with really tight tolerance that will barely need fitting.

There are drop in versions of pretty much everything else but you should very carefully check the thumb and grip safeties to make sure they don't need fitting for proper function. I consider it a given that my safeties will need fitting.

After that it's largely a matter of aesthetics and ergonomics. Hand fitting everything will make the gun look nice and feel nice if properly done.

It's a lot more work than an AR or AK build for sure.

[FMJBT]

I've gone through Fusion Firearms for a lot of 1911 parts. Their stuff is always very high quality. They sell matched trigger kits that are the martha frackin bomb.

http://www.fusionfirearms.com/

I have this trigger in my longslide 1911 built on a KT Ordnance frame. I've lost count of how many people I've converted into 1911 freaks: with this gun, mostly due to the trigger:

http://www.fusionfirearms.com/servlet/the-317/1911-Colt-trigger-Group%2C/Detail