Thread: I finally built and tested my 1911.

It took me 3 long months to aquire all the parts, but I finally fitted and assembled my 1911. I now understand why custom houses charge so much for their guns. It isn't just the cost of the parts, but the very painstaking process to fit the parts. I have come away with a great appreciation for the work that goes into building a quality 1911.

I started with an Essex s/s enhanced slide and G.I. frame.
The frame is cut for Novak Lo-mount rear and dovetail front, lowered/flared port,extended ejector, and front/rear serrations.

I purchased the balance of the parts from Brownells, they include:

C&S Tactical Match Trigger set. 4.5lb pull

Nowlin drop-in light trigger, and s/s extended tactical mag catch.

Ed Brwon Drop-in Match Barrel and pre-fitted Bushing.

Novak Low-mount fixed rear tritium with matched front tritium sight set.

Ed Brown Hardcore s/s Slide Stop, FPS, firing pin, recoil spring guide(blued), s/s recoil spring plug, and s/s rebuild pin/spring kit.

Wilson Bulletproof s/s Extractor, extended tactical thumb safety, and drop-in s/s beavertail grip safety.( this safety doesn't require cutting the frame)

Masen s/s arched checkered MS housing.

Wolf 18.5lb progressive recoil spring and extra power FP spring.

Mec-gar 8rnd magazine.

I spent a week fitting these parts with the help of both Kuhnhausen shop manuals and a dvd featuring Bill Wilson and Ken Hackathorn. I also did a complete dehorn job on the gun using 400grit paper to break all the sharp edges.

Then it was off to the range for a shakedown. I was using 230gr wolf ball ammo. My gun was printing 5 shot groups of 2-2.5in @ 25yds. I had no failures to feed, eject, or fire at all. I put 100 rds through it and then took it down to inspect for any abnormal wear and found none. I cleaned it up and relubed it with Gun Butter.

After I get about 1000rds. through it to break it in well, I am going to send it off to Robar for a complete NP3 job.

It was a very satisfying first build. I am planning my next build using Caspian parts as a base. I'm hooked

Photos will be uploaded after I borrow the wife's new digital camera (her x-mas present)

here are some photos







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