Frame Up Custom Build

[Boats]

Sorry, this is a bit long...

I mentioned a while back that I was going to start a custom build and was trying to decide whether to try to do it myself or farm it out.

Well, in the end I wasn't confident enough in my own abilities to try it myself, given the cost of the parts. I got lucky and found a local guy who has done many. He actually lives just around the corner from me and is an active duty Navy Chief to boot.

So he's doing the work and I'm watching over his shoulder as I can.

I'll do the 2nd one myself after taking the Cylinder and Slide 1911 custom build course in March.

I hope to document the build as best I can here.

Here's a partial build list:

Remsport Commander frame in carbon steel
Caspian Naked Slide, Novak cut, in carbon steel
Wilson Combat Match Barrel
EGW Beavertail Grip Safety
Gold Dot front sight, plain black rear sight

Most of the other internals are EGW and WC, with some STI, EB, and Cylinder and Slide thrown in as well.

The only parts not yet received are the slide (it's shipped), and the Novak thumb safety (it's backordered).

So, it's a Commander, bobtailed pistol. It's going to be blued, and have a very minimalist flavor. It will be a working, carry gun.

Here's a couple of pics of the work so far:

The grip safety has been fitted and is being blended and shaped.


The mag release is being fitted and shaped.


More to follow...

[Roverron]

Nice! it'll be very cool personal piece once it's completed.

[NAMVET72]

glad you found someone close to where you live that will build your Dream 1911. Also you are very lucky that he will let you document it and take pics of it to post on here.
So far it looks really nice keep us informed please........ Can't wait to see it when it is done.......

[AutoMag]

Good deal Tom, I hope it all works out well!!!

[jmlutz]

Originally Posted by AutoMag

Good deal Tom, I hope it all works out well!!!

What he said!

[Lonestar grips.]

i love build threads, this is going to be one cool Commander!

[ColMike]

Tom,
Great project! I look forward to more updates, specially the range report.

[Boats]

Well, Navman sent me an email today. It said:

Hey tom. Come on over.

So Sean (who is home for the weekend) and I went over with a bottle of scotch. Glenlivet 15yo as a matter of fact.

We never had a chance to pop it.

Here's what he had for me:



Those grips are by Sarge, courtesy of my very generous and good friend . He sent them to me a couple of months ago and said I couldn't say anything about them until I had a picture of them on my pistol. Thanks, Doc!

I also have a pair of 's camel bone grips scrimshawed by our own Jason. I should have them in a day or two. Pictures coming, & Jason!



Everything on this pistol is custom. Here is custom front checkering by Navman. I've learned to like the flat triggers. This one is tuned to about 3.5#.

It's meant for carry, so has been carefully dehorned by Navman.



The rear of the slide has been serrated and the MSH and grip safety are nicely stippled. The rear sight was custom milled from bar stock by Navman.



All the internals were selected by Navman and I. To be fair, I knew what I wanted for frame and slide, and Navman recommended the rest with some help from me. I learned a lot from the process. Navman is really patient and helpful.

It's a WC barrel, guide rod, and bushing on a Remsport forged carbon steel frame and a naked Caspian carbon steel slide. Most of the internals are WC and EGW with a few others thrown in. The front sight is 14K gold bead, which my old eyes pick up quite well. The gun points beautifully.

Finish is Ionbond.

The pistol is incredibly tight. I'll be taking it to the range tomorrow, but Navman tells me it shoots to POA at 15yds.

Photos cannot do this pistol justice. Other than a woman, it's the most beautiful thing I have ever held.

Range report with dirty pictures as soon as I can get some rounds through it.

Tom

[BadOscar]

WOW that is just extraordinary, very nice .

[NAMVET72]

Now that is what I would call a Classic Custom Built 1911,