I recently came into a STI 2011 frame for a very low price, and after hearing some good things, I decided to bite. Full disclosure that this is my first 1911/2011, so I'm coming into this with no experience and ready to learn. My brother has a factory Rem 1911, and has worked it a little, but I'm going to be web-learning most of the way.
Here is what I am starting with:
Im open to those with experience on where to start. For slide I'm considering STI or Caspian, but open across the board. Please let me know if I'm being dumb, and parts won't work together. I'm looking at doing the work myself, and would prefer not to farm too much (if anything) out. I have a number of general gunsmithing tools, albeit not many 1911 specific ones. I'd love to hear what others would recommend for slide, barrel, sight cut on slide, and in general where I should start. I know there's a reason that top smiths charge what they do, and many would probably scoff at me for trying this as a self-build, but I'm trying To make this my own custom if that makes sense. It realize it won't likely be on par with a top shop, but I'm going to do my darn best to get there. I'd love to hear opinions on parts, options, good readings, and even caliber (leaning towards 45, but also 9 is an option). This will not be used for competition, this is solely a sidearm when hunting or for plinking.
Ill keep updating as I make progress and steps forward!
Here is what I am starting with:
Im open to those with experience on where to start. For slide I'm considering STI or Caspian, but open across the board. Please let me know if I'm being dumb, and parts won't work together. I'm looking at doing the work myself, and would prefer not to farm too much (if anything) out. I have a number of general gunsmithing tools, albeit not many 1911 specific ones. I'd love to hear what others would recommend for slide, barrel, sight cut on slide, and in general where I should start. I know there's a reason that top smiths charge what they do, and many would probably scoff at me for trying this as a self-build, but I'm trying To make this my own custom if that makes sense. It realize it won't likely be on par with a top shop, but I'm going to do my darn best to get there. I'd love to hear opinions on parts, options, good readings, and even caliber (leaning towards 45, but also 9 is an option). This will not be used for competition, this is solely a sidearm when hunting or for plinking.
Ill keep updating as I make progress and steps forward!