First Build, Frist 1911!!!!

[redefined]

January 1st 2010 I purchased my first 1911, with many thanks to DannyK for turning me on to the 1911 platform. By nature I tinker with things, Danny being a local friend of mine was aware of this while suggesting firearms to me, my pocket book hates him now! After shooting the gun as is for a few months I decided to slowly work into things and replace parts one at a time, well that was the plan at least. I shot DannyK’s pistol a handful of times and fell in love.

So I decided to start with a new trigger. Well that means I need the full ignition set, so while in there why not do a grip safety and thumb safety right? It all needs fitted together anyway. The madness never ended but boy did I learn a lot.

If the work was not done by myself I have listed next to the item who performed the services. I tried to do as much as I could without having a horrible looking weapon!

Special thanks to DannyK, Dave Erickson and all of the guys here on the forums. Danny I would not have even attempted all of this without your help. Thanks for pointing me in the correct direction with things, letting me borrow your thousands of dollars in tools, and even working on my gun with me!

Dave Erickson, what can I say? Top-notch work! Thanks for the countless emails and phone calls discussing what would be best for the look I wanted to achieve while staying in my budget. I felt that Dave really was there to help, not just to make money. He suggested spending a little less money with him by not doing some cuts to make sure the rest of the gun would be finished. The suggestions and information Dave provided was priceless. Thanks Dave!!


Well enough blabbing, onto the parts list and pictures!!! This thread will be very picture heavy as photography is another hobby/job of mine. Next time I need to take more detailed pictures during the build process. All of the build images were taken with a cell phone :bawling:

Thanks again to everyone involved! Oh yeah, including my wife who shares my love of cars and firearms. Thanks!!

Full dehorne of all new parts along with the slide and frame.
Cylinder & Slide Pin Set
EGW Grip Screw Bushings
EGW Firing Pin Stop
EGW Ejector
EGW Extractor
EGW Spring Plug
EGW Barrel Bushing
Ed Brown Extended Tactical Style Safety
Ed Brown Hardcore Slide Stop - shortened
Berryhill Custom Short Serrated Trigger
Berryhill Custom Ultimate Ignition set
Smith & Alexander Beavertail Grip Safety
Wilson Combat Checkered Mainspring Housing
Dawson Precision Rail mounted and silver soldered - MUCH help from DannyK (90% of the soldering was done by Danny).
Dawson Surefire Adaptor for x300
Wolf Springs (Plunger, Firing pin, Recoil, Sear)
Heinie 1 Dot Tritium Ultra Low-Mount SlantPro Ledge Rear Sight
Novak Dovetail Mount Tritium Front Sight
VZ Operators II Black Grips

Machine work:
Novak cut slide for sights - Dave Erickson
20lip Frontstrap checkering - Dave Erickson
Countersink Slide Stop Hole
Flush, angle, and polish Barrel end.

Finish:
Cerakote over a fresh coat of parkerizing. Tungsten Grey is the main color featured along with accessories done in Graphite Black. Both the Cerakote and Parkerizing were done by myself and DannyK, I sprayed he hung :biglaugh:


This pistol started its life as a Springfield Mil-Spec - Bone stock!

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4037/4344501450_a11387005b_b.jpg

Installing Berryhill Ignition parts

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y238/redefinedWRX/Guns/Springfield%20Mil-Spec%20Build/IMG_0111.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y238/redefinedWRX/Guns/Springfield%20Mil-Spec%20Build/IMG_0112.jpg

Handful of other parts installed, but not dehorned

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y238/redefinedWRX/Guns/Springfield%20Mil-Spec%20Build/IMG_0139.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y238/redefinedWRX/Guns/Springfield%20Mil-Spec%20Build/pieces.jpg

Blending that tail!

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y238/redefinedWRX/Guns/Springfield%20Mil-Spec%20Build/Tailblend.jpg

[redefined]

Fresh back from Dave Erickson :rock:

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y238/redefinedWRX/Guns/Springfield%20Mil-Spec%20Build/IMG_0151.jpg

Smooth that MSH

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y238/redefinedWRX/Guns/Springfield%20Mil-Spec%20Build/IMG_0158.jpg

Make it all flush

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y238/redefinedWRX/Guns/Springfield%20Mil-Spec%20Build/rearblending.jpg

Not ideal, but it worked great! Dawson rail install

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y238/redefinedWRX/Guns/Springfield%20Mil-Spec%20Build/raildrilling.jpg

Thanks again DannyK for the silver solder job!

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y238/redefinedWRX/Guns/Springfield%20Mil-Spec%20Build/railsoldered.jpg

Time for some paint!!!

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5162/5288560902_d4c55be249_b.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y238/redefinedWRX/Guns/Springfield%20Mil-Spec%20Build/IMG_5325.jpg

[redefined]

Finished Product

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5166/5302274854_589e012ae0_b.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5282/5301679481_af78fd0836_b.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5047/5301678485_8c1f6bb505_b.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5122/5301677383_fd2fa998e1_b.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5010/5301675683_b0f96a496e_b.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5210/5301674459_225fb59b91_b.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5250/5301672937_7dc9b4ca1c_b.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5288/5301671089_84cb4424fe_b.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5289/5302261196_e54921d6ef_b.jpg

[Rezarf2]

Let me be the first to say if it runs as good as it looks you knocked it out!

What finish is that cerakote?

[SpankMonkey]

Nice job. It looks great.

[redefined]

Let me be the first to say if it runs as good as it looks you knocked it out!

What finish is that cerakote?

Thanks! I have been going and doing test firing between modifications but have yet to run her after paint/parkerizing and final assembly. Actually lost the hammer plunger pin some point during the painting process so waiting for a new one to show up before I can go run her hard!!!

Cerakote over a fresh coat of parkerizing. Tungsten Grey is the main color featured along with accessories done in Graphite Black.

[Dave Berryhill]

...After shooting the gun as is for a few months I decided to slowly work into things and replace parts one at a time...

That's the best way for a beginner to build their first 1911 IMO. If you start with a functioning pistol and make one change at a time, it's much easier to diagnose problems when they occur than if you start with a bare slide and frame with a box of parts.

Great job, especially for your first build!

[Jason F]

Wow- GREAT job! That's a stunning looking pistol for sure. And the pride from having done it yourself- that can't be measured.

Way to go guys!

[Ventura]

Excellent and inspiring.

[VooDoo6Actual]

wow, nice first build.

Definetly inspiring.

[300WM]

Damn, if that is your first, what can 1911 fans expect next?

[User Name]

I have wanted to do what you have done for years. Yet lacked the courage. Wonderful job!

[SeriousStudent]

That's really nice, a very big tip of the hat for having both the guts and skill to do that.

How do you like the Dawson rail? Does it lock up the X300 good and tight?

And who are you going to have build a holster for it? Or have you thought about molding your own Kydex?

Again, very good work, sir. Your pride of ownership is well-justified.

[redefined]

Damn, if that is your first, what can 1911 fans expect next?

I've considered doing a ground up CCO build. Not sure though. For the time being I'm going to just enjoy this one.


I have wanted to do what you have done for years. Yet lacked the courage. Wonderful job!

Just do small steps, read a lot, read more, keep reading, and work slowly! haha


That's really nice, a very big tip of the hat for having both the guts and skill to do that.

How do you like the Dawson rail? Does it lock up the X300 good and tight?

And who are you going to have build a holster for it? Or have you thought about molding your own Kydex?

Again, very good work, sir. Your pride of ownership is well-justified.

Love the Dawson rail. I went with it over others due to its 'look'. It's smaller, thinner, more sleek looking. A lot of the others are bulky. The Dawson does require a Dawson adapter as well to run the x300. The adapter stays attacked to the x300 at all times. It hooks in nice and snug and has a quick release grip on both sides. Couldn't ask for better quality. Most people I've seen just attach it with the supplied screws. My buddy attached his like mine and that's why I did it this way with the silver solder. I think once done this way it looks like it belongs there instead of just a piece attached with screws.

Thanks guys!

[DDgunslinger]

Very nice 1911

[rburris]

Very cool! Nice work!

[rushca01]

Very nice work.

I bought the Novak rail and haven't installed it yet but I am rethinking my decision and going with the dawson rail instead after seeing yours.

[redefined]

Thanks guys!

To answer a previous question about the holster. I am on the wait list for RGrizzle to build me a custom. Can't wait!!!! Silly waiting lists, guess I have no choice heh :big_boss:


Very nice work.

I bought the Novak rail and haven't installed it yet but I am rethinking my decision and going with the dawson rail instead after seeing yours.

Yeah, the Dawson is by far my favorite. It's a pricey little bugger by the time you add in the adapter but I think it's well worth it!

[NoBody]

Beautiful work and very well done. Have you been to the range yet? How is it shooting?

[David Thomas]

Very nice!

I like that 1911.

[redefined]

Beautiful work and very well done. Have you been to the range yet? How is it shooting?

Tomorrow! Will report back with results. I had been shooting her in between modifications so I'm expecting a clean bill of health tomorrow at the range. She passes all safety checks right now too so that's a good start. Thanks for the compliments.

[redefined]

*****Range Update!!!*****

Put 100 rounds through the pistol today with great results!

80 rounds were with Wilson Combat magazines and was 100% flawless. I couldn't have ask for anything better.

20 round were with a Chip McCormick 10 round magazine. In the second mag I had to FTF's. The first 2 of the second magazine were the FTF. The next 8 went smooth along with probably 3-4 more full Wilson mags after that.

Overall great day! :rock:


First round

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y238/redefinedWRX/IMG_20110101_114825.jpg

First 10 rounds

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y238/redefinedWRX/IMG_20110101_115352.jpg

[Timbonez]

Redefined, that is a beautiful yet very functional 1911. 10 round magazines seem to be hit or miss with reliability, but I'm glad you had better luck with the wilsons. Keep shooting and let us know how it goes. What distance were you shooting at in the pics?

[redefined]

Thanks Tim. Yeah I have heard that about the larger capacity mags, good ti knows though. Those were shot at 15

[rushca01]

To the OP

How did the silver solder react to the parkerizing? Did it park or not?

[redefined]

To the OP

How did the silver solder react to the parkerizing? Did it park or not?

Seemed to take it just fine!

[SeriousStudent]

You may want to try the Chip McCormick Power+ mags, if you seek a 10-rounder. I had pretty good luck with those.

There are also some good threads on the 10-8 forums regarding extended mags. If you have already seen them, my apologies.

I really did love carrying and shooting a 1911. But finicky mags was one of the reasons I left them at the house.

I'm glad you had a good range session. Please keep us updated on your pistol, this thread is fun to read.

[redefined]

You may want to try the Chip McCormick Power+ mags, if you seek a 10-rounder. I had pretty good luck with those.

There are also some good threads on the 10-8 forums regarding extended mags. If you have already seen them, my apologies.

I really did love carrying and shooting a 1911. But finicky mags was one of the reasons I left them at the house.

I'm glad you had a good range session. Please keep us updated on your pistol, this thread is fun to read.

Yeah this one is a Chip Power + mag. The only reason I have it is for 'home defense' as I'll never carry it. I love my Wilson 8rnd mags.

I might check out the 10-8 forums though, thanks!

[NavyDavy55]

That is one sweet looking finish on that gun. Great job!!!

[DBH]

Very nice. I think you did a great job!

[TRUST8383]

Great job all around! I think the finished product looks fantastic!
I actually have one of my carry guns getting cerakoted in Tungsten Grey right now. (only the slide though)
Hopefully it turns out as well as yours did?

You've given me some nice ideas for my TRP! Thanks for posting. :)

[redefined]

Great job all around! I think the finished product looks fantastic!
I actually have one of my carry guns getting cerakoted in Tungsten Grey right now. (only the slide though)
Hopefully it turns out as well as yours did?

You've given me some nice ideas for my TRP! Thanks for posting. :)

Haha, glad I could help! Send me a link to some pictures once you get it back, I'd like to check it out.

[Thomas M-4]

Very nice and inspiring.

[tr1kstanc3]

Great job! Now I want another 1911. :haha:

[RetiredCO]

Well done !!!!

[836byK9]

Looks very nice... factory like. I just received my Wilson Combat frame and slide the other day. This gave me some ideas. Thanks for the post! Looking forward to some of your next builds. I say next because if you're like me building guns is like eating Pringles. Once you pop... you can't stop.

[redefined]

Looks very nice... factory like. I just received my Wilson Combat frame and slide the other day. This gave me some ideas. Thanks for the post! Looking forward to some of your next builds. I say next because if you're like me building guns is like eating Pringles. Once you pop... you can't stop.

Not sure how I missed these last few posts, oops.

Nice! I was looking on their site and couldn't find their 'parts' if building one. Could you shoot me the link to them? I ask because, like you said, next week I'm ordering all of my parts for my CCO build. As of right now the plan is to do a Fusion frame/slide. I'd run Caspian but unless someone tells/shows me a big diff in them vs the Fusion stuff the price will pull me over to Fusion.

[loupav]

Wow. Looks Great.

Thanks for sharing.

[novak1911freak]

Awesome work!!!