1911 pistol build or buy?

j427x · 12-09-2010, 10:15 AM

a pal of mine has got the hankering for another 1911. no real reason other than to buy or build another 1911 for 2011!

anyway 1911s are inexpensive compared to what you could get them for years back and to top it off -- even parts 7 kits are expensive.

sarco has a kit for $250 and then add a $89 frame + shipping were probably looking at a bit over $350 for the fun of building one.

well the basic RI 1911a1 is $349 --so it is a tough call for the money involved.

what is wanted here is a reliable and functional pistol that is reasonably accurate and true to its heritage. it don't have to be anything super duper or fancy. which would be better build or just buy one?

**555th** · 12-09-2010, 01:32 PM

Unless you wanted something more custom, I'd just buy one.

j427x · 12-09-2010, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 555th

Unless you wanted something more custom, I'd just buy one.

that is what i am thinking too.

railbuggy · 12-09-2010, 03:37 PM

Buying could be cheaper.And you can take it back if there is a problem.

**Coils** · 12-09-2010, 06:02 PM

I'd say buy unless he wants something custom.

[486] · 12-09-2010, 06:24 PM

More on topic: Build one if you've got the skills. Buy one if you don't.

bubbamauser · 12-09-2010, 06:33 PM

Buy one, unless your machining from a casting your assembling anyhow.

buy one complete let your son, daughter or friend disassemble it and throw it in a bag. put it back together, you have the same project cheaper.

just my opinion

rapidrus · 12-09-2010, 09:46 PM

I want a good 1911 had a R.I. in my hand and decided to wait and go better. I like guns all guns but it just had walmart sort of feel. my 2 cents

Lunyfringe · 12-10-2010, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bubbamauser

Buy one, unless your machining from a casting your assembling anyhow.

buy one complete let your son, daughter or friend disassemble it and throw it in a bag. put it back together, you have the same project cheaper.

just my opinion

I built one from a Foster/Caspian frame & a parts kit I got from GB... it was nowhere near this easy- most of the parts needed fitting... but I learned a lot about how they fit together!

I'd say if you want one that works, buy one... if you want a project to learn from, then build it.
Mine works, but I learned far more from it than I've shot it so far...

moleman · 12-10-2010, 10:20 AM

With most guns now being made on cnc equipment, they're (for the most part) of better quality than from years past. For a 1911 I'd go with store bought. I'm down to one 1911 right now a kimber stainless gold match. If I were in the market for a second one, I'd look at either the RI, springfield GI, or a colt 1991. I had a 1991 and after replacing the trigger, mainspring housing and sear it proved to be an excellent shooter and is amoung the few guns I regret selling. IIRC I had over 40k rounds though that colt with no failures to feed other than once when the floorplate of a cheap gunshow mag fell off. It would even feed empty cases which is good to help see if someone is flinching.