I know this is stupid, but what does the plunger tube do?

[tostado22]

I believe the Kuhnhausen manual is a must have. I haven't built my own 1911 yet but have been planning on one for a while.

You have the same idea I do as far as practicing on broken or used guns. I have a SA Loaded that wasn't in the best shape when I got it. It has been a great learning platform. Jerry Kuhnhausen's book has been a great help.

Good luck with your build and keep us posted!

[abanks8245]

This. After a decade or so of shooting 1911s, and getting some tips and advice from a few smiths, I did some minor work and tweaking on a few 1911s. I'd never consider building one unless it was at a course such as what LAV, or C&S put on.

I had the pleasure of taking Mr Vickers 1911 Pistolsmiths course this year and still feel I want/need to take it again. Just to review or better yet refresh on things discussed in the class, which is a metric ton of info and I still have my notes that I refer to periodically, If you/anyone are serious about learning about the 1911 platform this would be a great way to learn, the correct way, from a true expert in the field .

[WillBrink]

I had the pleasure of taking Mr Vickers 1911 Pistolsmiths course this year and still feel I want/need to take it again. Just to review or better yet refresh on things discussed in the class, which is a metric ton of info and I still have my notes that I refer to periodically, If you/anyone are serious about learning about the 1911 platform this would be a great way to learn, the correct way, from a true expert in the field .

Was just used as an example for the OP. I have since transitioned to the M&P platform, the first polymer wonder pistol with the ergos and other attributes to make me drop my beloved 1911s as primary platform. Sold my custom 1911s, kept the one from S&W Performance Center that although not the most refined 1911 to be sure, built like a tank and was had a far below retail due to my short stint as a adjunct instructor for S&W.

Focus and $$$, I'd much rather take a general pistol course or carbine course with a top tier instructor at this time.

[Magic_Salad0892]

I appreciate the advice you guys, and you're right I should totally take a Vickers class, or a C&S class for it. (But I can't get time off work, among other stuff. I think it'd be easier for me to learn as I go along. Maybe.)

I'm well aware of how much work it is to properly build, and fit a 1911. Especially with what little experience I have right now.

But I'm going to press on, and learn everything I can. I'll keep reading threads on here, and studying before I move on to the actual build.

Also, thanks LAV, I'll try and find the Wilson videos. (... even if they do have mullets...)

[Ttwwaack]

In a Vickers 1911 class is Larry standing there with a fire house drowning you for 5 days. Come on, looks like you could take another sip.

I took it a few years ago. Had a great time and learned alot. I just started my sixth assembly (LOL). Taking #6 and 7 for some mill time at a friends this week for the addition of some Chen mag suites. Took about 14 and 16 hours to hand checker @ 20 LPI. 6 has a few wandering verts that you have to really look for and 7 is perfect. The Springfield Custom Shop and 2 bills is starting to look a hell of alot easier. I still have a chance to FU Chen's main spring housings for both builds.

Its not a quick assembly but more a labor of love. It's a great pass time in the winter to keep idle hands busy.

ETA: Since your in the neighborhood I can give you some help with info, jigs and and tools. Hit me with a PM I'm here till mid-late March.

[Ready.Fire.Aim]

Sometimes you get lucky. My Springfield 1911's plunger got real tight and was tough using the thumb safety. I was going to take it apart and try to free it up, then read this thread. I took it to a 1911 smith instead of screwing it up. I have no problems taking and fixing all of the other guns in the pile, 1911's mystique makes them a little more intimidating.

RFA