80% 1911 Builds

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  • Biggfoot44

    Ultimate Member
    Aug 2, 2009
    32,884
    Aluminum frame 1911 patterns are a known quanity , with the long history of Colt Commanders .
     

    Drmsparks

    Old School Rifleman
    Jun 26, 2007
    8,441
    PG county
    aluminium framed 1911's shoot like 40 cals- more felt recoil, kinda snappy as opposed to pushy if that makes sense. Steel frame is better for shooting, aluminum better for carrying.
     

    mhemling33

    Active Member
    May 7, 2013
    780
    Forest Hill
    Stealth arms is definitely the company to consider for your first build. They give you a one mess up gaurantee so pretty much you screw the frame up you can send it back for a replacement.

    Sarco parts kit gives you a perfectly good gun but quality isn't the best. Stealth Arm's full kit it really nice and required so much less fitting but you pay for the quality.

    I am not sure if the discount codes still work so think it is time for me to push them for a new one. Since I am looking to do another build, I might have to give them a call today! I'll make a thread if they decide to make a new discount.

    Here is a link to two of my builds.

    https://www.mdshooters.com/showthread.php?t=192972

    https://www.mdshooters.com/showthread.php?t=170353
     

    Rockzilla

    Ultimate Member
    Feb 6, 2010
    4,516
    55.751244 / 37.618423
    Definitely not your cheapest option. Sarco sells cheap parts kits. I have about $800 in jigs/stones.

    Sounds about right, right in there with you, got a bunch of steel frames laying around. A bunch of other stuff collected and in boxes.

    Have bought from these:
    https://1911builders.com/ <<-- this were good when purchased a while ago
    don't know about now.
    https://thebuffalo.us/product-category/80-percent-1911/
    http://vadertactical.com/ <<-- have a few, but doesn't have any at this time
    https://www.fusionfirearms.com/80-1911-government-frames
    https://www.atomicengraving.com/product/1911-80-checkered-frame-stainless/

    And check out "mosinvirus" on youtube he does some great work for what he has to work with. if they are still available.
    or search for him on Calguns forum.

    And for the life of me I can not think of "the man" who did 45 build courses his name is so popular

    http://www.klstottlemyer.com/prints-drawings-etc.html
    he has some shop manuals for 45 1911 ....plus some others

    have fun and good luck.... one day soon I hope to get all my builds done

    -Rock
     

    WeaponsCollector

    EXTREME GUN OWNER
    Mar 30, 2009
    12,120
    Southern MD
    I highly recommend Stealth Arms 1911's. To build your own handgun without any licensing and registration is priceless. Polymer80 is great for Glocks, and a lot easier to build.
    Once you have all the parts it should take roughly 5 hours to build an 80% 1911(maybe more depending on how much fitting you have to do) and 2 hours for the Glock.
    A table vice is the most important thing to have, and a drill or dremel. You don't even need a drill press if you're careful.
    www.polymer80.com
    www.stealtharms.net
     

    Allen65

    Ultimate Member
    MDS Supporter
    Jun 29, 2013
    7,063
    Anne Arundel County
    I was told no. I took mine to a gunsmith for a minor repair and was told they don't work on the ones with no s/n.

    Just etch a number on the frame or find another smith. It's not illegal for a licensed smith to accept a non-numbered firearm for work; S/Ns weren't even required for commercially-manufactured guns in the US until 1968.
     

    jrumann59

    DILLIGAF
    MDS Supporter
    Feb 17, 2011
    14,024
    Sounds about right, right in there with you, got a bunch of steel frames laying around. A bunch of other stuff collected and in boxes.

    Have bought from these:
    https://1911builders.com/ <<-- this were good when purchased a while ago
    don't know about now.
    https://thebuffalo.us/product-category/80-percent-1911/
    http://vadertactical.com/ <<-- have a few, but doesn't have any at this time
    https://www.fusionfirearms.com/80-1911-government-frames
    https://www.atomicengraving.com/product/1911-80-checkered-frame-stainless/

    And check out "mosinvirus" on youtube he does some great work for what he has to work with. if they are still available.
    or search for him on Calguns forum.

    And for the life of me I can not think of "the man" who did 45 build courses his name is so popular

    http://www.klstottlemyer.com/prints-drawings-etc.html
    he has some shop manuals for 45 1911 ....plus some others

    have fun and good luck.... one day soon I hope to get all my builds done

    -Rock
    I like the look of the 1911 builders jigs and cutters. Their videos make it look almost idiot proof.
     

    Mark75H

    MD Wear&Carry Instructor
    Industry Partner
    MDS Supporter
    Sep 25, 2011
    17,174
    Outside the Gates
    I know there is one reputable 1911 smith on MDS who will look at your gun and tell you what you did wrong, but he will not perform work on an 80% so he cannot legally be accused of completing/manufacturing the gun. It is a legitimate concern
     

    jrumann59

    DILLIGAF
    MDS Supporter
    Feb 17, 2011
    14,024
    I know there is one reputable 1911 smith on MDS who will look at your gun and tell you what you did wrong, but he will not perform work on an 80% so he cannot legally be accused of completing/manufacturing the gun. It is a legitimate concern

    I can see the logic but if the gun is finished but fails function testing I would not consider that an incomplete gun. But that is me and each person has their threshold.
     

    Magnumite

    Ultimate Member
    Dec 17, 2007
    6,564
    Harford County, Maryland
    It's because of paranoia, which is not unfounded.

    'Tis true. This is a case of discretion being the better part of valor. It is only a matter of time before this 80% thing becomes spot light news. They started that about half a year ago with a completed 80% being used in a crime. I personally don't see the difference but that is main stream "news" and politicians.

    Mosinvirus does some very nice work. I have been debating the 80% thing...but mostly for the jig to more easily cut the frame bridge for barrel timing and link down clearance adjustments.
     

    Rockzilla

    Ultimate Member
    Feb 6, 2010
    4,516
    55.751244 / 37.618423
    Just take your time, your not out to set any records for the build, if in doubt start over, you can remove metal but it's hard to put back. A lot of the jigs take out the "duh" part. Good stones, files, good calipers, basically good tools. 1911's aren't that hard to build, easier with all the jigs, most time will be involved with fitting the parts, blending, barrel fitting, lugs etc.

    Bob Marvel ..... now comes to mind

    -Rock
     
    Last edited:

    CrabbyMcNab

    Ultimate Member
    Feb 1, 2009
    2,474
    Question, looking at the stealth arms site, I can get an 80% bobtail commander kit and jig for about $1500 with the current 15% off sale. I can get a Dan Wesson stainless commander bobtail for $1400

    Not overly concerned with the “off the books” of the 80%, but this is a hard decision on which to go with. I’ve already caved into the rediculous HQL nonsense for previous purchases. What do you all think?
     

    teratos

    My hair is amazing
    MDS Supporter
    Patriot Picket
    Jan 22, 2009
    59,775
    Bel Air
    Question, looking at the stealth arms site, I can get an 80% bobtail commander kit and jig for about $1500 with the current 15% off sale. I can get a Dan Wesson stainless commander bobtail for $1400

    Not overly concerned with the “off the books” of the 80%, but this is a hard decision on which to go with. I’ve already caved into the rediculous HQL nonsense for previous purchases. What do you all think?

    Go with the Dan Wesson or find cheaper parts....
     

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