[Ken Sham]

I have a Caspian slide and frame set, along with a Kart barrel, and enough parts for a complete 1911. I was debating if I should make that into a do it myself project.
It would be my first attempt at any gunsmithing. What tools would I need to get to be able to do any 1911 related stuff by hand?
Also, what are the best books/manuals for 1911 gunsmithing for a beginner?
Not going to bother with a mill or any other really expensive equipment, so no sight cuts for now.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Ken Sham on 2001-11-13 13:49 ]</font>

 

[John Lawson]

If you have a Brownells catalog, you can answer that question for yourself. Buy a set of gunsmithing hand tools and purchase additional tools as the need arises. There is also a listing of every gunsmithing book you will need for your project.

 

[GrandmasterB]

Hi Ken,

You can do this! I did. See this thread for the results http://www.pistolsmith.com/viewtopic.ph ... forum=12&8

Buy some good files if you don't have some already. Some fine needle files are good for small parts and a big flat file will help with fitting the trigger pad and possibly the mainspring housing, etc.

I'd recommend dial calipers and/or a micrometer to help you measure. Feeler gauges are nice too.

As for books, Kuhnhausen's are the best. You can get them from Brownells or http://www.gunbooks.com . Also, Patrick Sweeney's Gunsmithing book is good too, but covers lots more than just the 1911. His book is available on Amazon.com.

Patrick Sweeney's Book

After you have read everything, get to work! You'll start to see what you can do with the tools you have and where you might need additional tools. For me, I had to buy a Brownells barrel lug hone to hone the locking lugs in the slide to give the barrel clearance. I also bought a 3/16 swiss parallel round file to cut the barrel's lower lugs. I didn't know I would need these tools when I started, but they worked great when I used them. Also, depending on the parts you start with, you may need sear and hammer jigs, etc., for that great trigger job. Or, you can get a "drop-in" trigger with the Nowlin or Cylinder&Slide kits. It's all up to you.

Just take your time and have fun with it. I think building your own 1911 is a very rewarding experience.