Build or Buy

[Bully 749]

So, next year I want to add another 1911 to the safe. I've built one in 9mm from a Fusion kit. I have a couple others that I've purchased.

 

What should I do for the next one?

 

If I buy, it will most likely be a Springfield TRP, non railed or the Range Officer Compact.

 

If I build, it will be a Commander sized, in Sniper grey frame with a black slide. Blah, blah... On my Fusion, I farmed a touch of the work out, on this one I want to do everything I can.

 

What say ye? Build or buy?

 

Christopher

[Malsua 1,422]

Buy a 1911A1

[acaixguard 37]

Not a simple question. How good are you at building a 1911?

[Bully 749]

1 under my belt. Learned a lot. Willing to learn more.

 

C

[gski1 3]

Go for the build.

 

Many years ago, Para Ordnance only sold 1911 wide body frames. I bought one in the late 80's and sourced the parts to build out an entire pistol. It was a fun project and I learned a lot about how the gun worked. I would also like to add that I was far from mechanically inclined at the time and it was not dificult. This was before the internet and the marvels of You Tube. I would imagine there are multiple step by step vidoes on assembly and disassembly of 1911s

 

Another bonus is you can build the pistol completely to your customized needs.

 

Good luck either way.

[fishnut 2,358]

I say build it and take me under your wing and teach me how to build a 1911 LOL. No really I have little spare time and your not that close to me but I would jump at the chance to learn from you. I remember the last one you built and it is one sweet 1911

[Bully 749]

I say build it and take me under your wing and teach me how to build a 1911 LOL. No really I have little spare time and your not that close to me but I would jump at the chance to learn from you. I remember the last one you built and it is one sweet 1911

Thank you. However trust me when I say I'm not that good. The last one I did came as a pre-fitted kit. I sanded parts to make them look good but didn't do any of the heavy lifting, so to speak. This one I will be looking to do everything but the paint.

 

C

[Bully 749]

Are y'all messing with me??? It's a dead heat in the poll.

 

C

[BlueLineFish 615]

That means you have to build one and buy one

[Old School 611]

Are y'all messing with me??? It's a dead heat in the poll.

 

C

 

No dead heat now.  Just buy an STI Spartan in 45acp.  It'll shoot better than you and rugged.

NO MIM parts and tight.  Excellent customer service.  Parkerized like a real 45.

And it won't break the bank.

[Bully 749]

No dead heat now.  Just buy an STI Spartan in 45acp.  It'll shoot better than you and rugged.

NO MIM parts and tight.  Excellent customer service.  Parkerized like a real 45.

And it won't break the bank.

Blah, blah, blah...

 

Does anyone know a good, commander sized 1911 with a steel frame they would recommend for customizing? If Springifield was still doing the Champions I would go with one. However they aren't so I am looking for something to work on if I do buy the gun. And before you say it, the Range Officer Compact is an officer sized frame, not what I want. I like the Lightweight Champion Operator but it's aluminum and I've decided it's not for me.

[Old School 611]

Blah, blah, blah...

 

Does anyone know a good, commander sized 1911 with a steel frame they would recommend for customizing? If Springifield was still doing the Champions I would go with one. However they aren't so I am looking for something to work on if I do buy the gun. And before you say it, the Range Officer Compact is an officer sized frame, not what I want. I like the Lightweight Champion Operator but it's aluminum and I've decided it's not for me.

 

Listen you disrespectful pup!

 

Oak Ridge Firearms is sitting on a Colt Commander or Combat Commander!

 

Go first class!

[Bully 749]

So, in contradiction to the poll results I'm gonna build one, again.

 

I'll post when I have some of the parts in hand.

 

C

[Recon Racoon 49]

I'm stuck between building a 1911 or buying an EAA witness in .40 s&w.

 

I really want to build a 1911, but I just don't know what tools I need and what tools would just be nice to have to make life easier. But when it comes down to it, I'd jump at a chance to build one.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Bully 749]

I'm stuck between building a 1911 or buying an EAA witness in .40 s&w.

 

I really want to build a 1911, but I just don't know what tools I need and what tools would just be nice to have to make life easier. But when it comes down to it, I'd jump at a chance to build one.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

For tools, you can do High-Tech and get a Bridgeport and a 4 axis CNC if you like. Or, you can use files, sandpaper, and stones to do the same work, albeit a bit more slowly. Dremels are NOT your friend. Many a 1911 has been ruined with them, so on the last one I did, I only used it in cases of extreme metal removal.

 

Fusion Firearms has kit builds where they fit the frame/slide/barrel/bushing for you. They are not the least expensive way to go but they are well fitted and will remove a lot of the anxiety for those that want the experience of a build without getting in too far. It's how I went. Now I want to go whole hog and fit everything myself.

 

Good luck with whatever you choose.

 

C

[Bully 749]

Frame is ordered!!!

 

Caspian/Foster is having a sale on frames. I am getting a Foster stainless steel frame cut to Commander specs with a beaver tail and plunger tube in the box (I plan to fit EVERYTHING on this gun myself) for well under 200 dollars. I'm pretty darn psyched.

 

Thanks to all that contributed.

 

C