Building a 1911

[Dustin Cantrell]

This year, I have a couple very specific firearm related goals. First, I'd like to buy an M1 Garand from CMP. That will have to wait until my bonus. Second, I'd like to build a 1911. I'm pretty mechanical, though I don't have a mill or other machining tools. My question is, how hard is it to buy all the parts and build a 1911? From what I've read, the parts that might require additional work would be fitting slide to frame, fitting thumb safety, fitting barrel, and fitting barrel bushing. The "fitting" I've done to other guns while assembling or working on them has been some sanding and polishing of parts to get them to work properly or smoother. Maybe a little reshaping here and there, but nothing that involves a mill. So what does fitting the mentioned parts mean? Will it require more than hand tools? Do you guys have articles or sites that I should read? Any input would be appreciated.

 

[drmitchgibson]

You should watch Gene Shuey's videos from AGI. They're called "Building the Ultimate 1911" or something like that, and there are a few of them. He walks through doing it mostly by hand in one video, partially by hand in another, and mostly with machine tools in the last one. He does use some special parts-fitting tools even in the "doing it all by hand" video. I have the videos.

 

[Dustin Cantrell]

You should watch Gene Shuey's videos from AGI. They're called "Building the Ultimate 1911" or something like that, and there are a few of them. He walks through doing it mostly by hand in one video, partially by hand in another, and mostly with machine tools in the last one. He does use some special parts-fitting tools even in the "doing it all by hand" video. I have the videos.

I looked those up but it's $80 for volume 1. Kind of steep for a video.

 

[Wall]

I looked those up but it's $80 for volume 1. Kind of steep for a video.

Have you priced a gunsmithing class?

 

[The Antichrome]

There are build your own classes in the $2000-$2500 range.

FGW has a program where you buy a fitted frame/slide/barrel and a parts kit from them.
Then you assemble it per their instructions and help and ship it back to them.
They give your build a safety check and put a finish on the gun, then send it back to you.
Depending on options and finish, you'll have a self-built gun for around $2000=$2500 plus shipping(s)

I've seen shops that ran 'in-shop' classes, they take you thru the steps of building your own gun in 3-5 days.
You have the control of how well finished/customized your gun is.
Last I looked, they ran about $2000-$2500 plus travel/lodging/meals.

Heck, theres a world famous Bow building class over here that runs $1500 for a 7 day class and you get to keep the bow...arrows are extra.

 

[technetium-99m]

The biggest pita is fitting your barrel. Read your manuals, read the Schuemann fitting instructions, and watch the AGI videos. Barrel fitting is the key to an accurate, reliable, and long lasting 1911.

Its very rewarding when you're done.

 

[Wall]

I've seen shops that ran 'in-shop' classes, they take you thru the steps of building your own gun in 3-5 days.
You have the control of how well finished/customized your gun is.

Cylinder & Slide offers a pretty nice course

 

[Michael Chaput]

Also keep in mind you'll need to spend a fair amount on tools if you don't already have them. I would also recommend the AGI video and the Kuhnhausen book to get you started, plus read though Brownell's website on building a race pistol. Definitely read the instructions that come with Schuemann barrels. You'll find these things contradict at times but this will help get you started and give you a basic understanding.

Next, it helps to find a top notch gunsmith in your area and show up with beers and cheeseburgers. They will give you the "it's insider secrets" speech, but if you annoy them enough or get them drunk enough you can get them to tell you anything. Just read the above information first, otherwise it will be hard to understand your drunk gunsmith.

Last, don't be afraid of a mill or lathe, just don't under any circumstances ever grab the silver stringy looking strands that come off when you cut stainless steel, it doesn't hurt too bad, but bleeds like crazy. Ask me how I know...

 

[Corey]

Dustin good luck on building a 1911 that is something I would also like to try. I can just imagine a small box of expensive parts that sits there for twenty years waiting on me & I always have good intentions. Lol
good luck