I've been on a kick to find a decent used 1911 that was affordable. HAH!!! The closest I came to affordable was an Argentine 1927. Internals were good, but the exterior of the gun was rough. Very rough. Looks like it was used as a hammer more than once. That and I would have to swap some parts to make it lefty friendly. By the time everything was brought up to what I needed it to be, I would have had enough into the gun to buy a new S&W 1911...
So this brings me to reading the thread by bbarer found here: http://www.northeastshooters.com/vbulletin/threads/156497-Budget-1911-400-or-less!!
Well...that got the cogs turning. First off was coming up with funding for this project. Up on the chopping block went my CS9. Neat little gun, but it sat in the safe more than anything else. After selling that, I got the orders from my fiancee that I could NOT go over my budget. I had $450 to spend, not a dime more(for now).
After some searching, reading, more searching and more reading, I pulled the trigger on ordering a 1911 build kit (minus the frame). While its nothing fancy, this kit will get the job done. In fact, its the same kit bbarer used for his build. Next comes the frame. I took a quick ride out to Remsport and picked up an over-run gov't frame in carbon steel. Its got an undercut on the trigger guard, and what looks to be 25lpi checkering on the front strap. Since I need to meet or come in below my budget, I chose to blue the frame myself with what I had laying around. Two applications of Formula 44-40 did the trick. I am hoping to eventually get the frame done in OD Green Cerakote. I think it will look darn good with the Parkerized slide & small parts that are in the build kit. One last thing...I had to order an ambi thumb safety since I'm left handed. I chose the one sold by Cylinder & Slide due to the two levers are equal in size. I can't stand the ambi thumb safeties that have a huge lever on one side and a half a lever on the side I need to use.
I have the frame, and I'm waiting on delivery of the rest.
Anyway, on to the numbers:
1911 build kit (less frame): $210.00
Walnut grips: $13.95
Remsport gov't frame: $165.00
C&S ambi thumb safety: $54.99
Build Total: $443.94
And if I was a righty (less ambi safety): $388.95
Not bad, not bad.
I will be updating this as I build the gun. Here's some pics of the frame. First its in-the-white, and the last two pictures is the bluing I did.
So this brings me to reading the thread by bbarer found here: http://www.northeastshooters.com/vbulletin/threads/156497-Budget-1911-400-or-less!!
Well...that got the cogs turning. First off was coming up with funding for this project. Up on the chopping block went my CS9. Neat little gun, but it sat in the safe more than anything else. After selling that, I got the orders from my fiancee that I could NOT go over my budget. I had $450 to spend, not a dime more(for now).
After some searching, reading, more searching and more reading, I pulled the trigger on ordering a 1911 build kit (minus the frame). While its nothing fancy, this kit will get the job done. In fact, its the same kit bbarer used for his build. Next comes the frame. I took a quick ride out to Remsport and picked up an over-run gov't frame in carbon steel. Its got an undercut on the trigger guard, and what looks to be 25lpi checkering on the front strap. Since I need to meet or come in below my budget, I chose to blue the frame myself with what I had laying around. Two applications of Formula 44-40 did the trick. I am hoping to eventually get the frame done in OD Green Cerakote. I think it will look darn good with the Parkerized slide & small parts that are in the build kit. One last thing...I had to order an ambi thumb safety since I'm left handed. I chose the one sold by Cylinder & Slide due to the two levers are equal in size. I can't stand the ambi thumb safeties that have a huge lever on one side and a half a lever on the side I need to use.
I have the frame, and I'm waiting on delivery of the rest.
Anyway, on to the numbers:
1911 build kit (less frame): $210.00
Walnut grips: $13.95
Remsport gov't frame: $165.00
C&S ambi thumb safety: $54.99
Build Total: $443.94
And if I was a righty (less ambi safety): $388.95
Not bad, not bad.
I will be updating this as I build the gun. Here's some pics of the frame. First its in-the-white, and the last two pictures is the bluing I did.
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