Custom 1911 Base Guns.

[VA_Dinger]

I'm considering getting another custom 1911 built later this fall. It's come down to making a final decision on what base gun to use. Whatever pistol I use the final product must have weapon mounted light capability. Right now I have settled on a SA Mil-Spec with Dawson rail combo as the starting point, but I'm open to other suggestions. I do have one problem with the Mil-Spec - it does not have front cocking serration’s. I consider them to be a “Must have” on any 1911 I ever buy or have built. They are either going to have to be added or a base gun found that has them already. A couple of guys that I trust have suggested using everything from a SA Mil-Spec Operator to various Colts.

I'm interested in hearing your opinions.

[cohiba]

Dinger,

Of course I'm going to say use one of the Colt series 70 repros. They have nice forged small parts so you would not have to gut it if you didn't want to. My new one might be ready by next Friday. Its my first with a light rail. I used the Caspian weld on but much modified. I'm going to use a SF X200B.

I'll e-mail you about the other stuff. Sorry, bad week at work.

[subzero]

Dinger: you should come by Casa de Tom and check out my YoBo 1* stainless built on a Mil-Spec. I have some observations I'd rather not share with the general public.

[rob_s]

If you like front cocking serations, why not start with the Colt Gunsite? Get the front strap high-cut, add your rail, and there's not much else it would need.

http://coltsmfg.com/cmci/Gunsite.asp

[DocGKR]

As I am sure you are aware, at this point the best bet for an out of the box 1911 is a Nighthawk, as both Hilton and LAV have given them their stamp of approval... Next best would probably be a SA TRP Pro.

For a basic gun, Hilton has several recommendations on his website http://www.10-8performance.com/ and there have been several discussions over on 10-8 about base 1911's.

Personally, I have been using SA Milspecs for recent builds; Colts w/o firing pin safeties are also a great choice.

[Derek_Connor]

You know my vote brother - Springfield.

[Dave Berryhill]

If you want a true custom pistol built then it's best to start with a basic 1911 such as a Springfield Armory GI or Mil-Spec or a Colt Series 70 or 1991 and have your gunsmith do the modifications that you desire. The problem with using a Colt Enhanced or Gunsite or a Springfield Loaded is that the work that has already been done by the factory, such as Novak-style sights and beavertail grip safeties, isn't done that well. You'll typically find gaps under the rear sight or between the grip safety and frame.

Functionally they might be the same but cosmetically they usually aren't. Sometimes they don't function the same either. It all depends on what you want and what you are willing to pay. The Nighthawk is certainly a very good option.

As for rails, the Dawson is a good choice if you don't plan on having a light attached all the time. You can use the pistol without the light in many holsters. With a pistol having an integral rail, few holsters will fit it without the light attached.

[Hydguy]

In one of the threads in the ARFCOM HT fourms, you talk as if you are close with Larry Vickers, and as I recall, he prefers the SA guns for his custom work.

Talk to him and see if he still feels that way. He is one of the best (if not THE best) in the biz right now...

[dubb-1]

I always leave it up to the gunsmith to choose his canvas...

[Linea_de_Fuego]

I'm considering getting another custom 1911 built later this fall.

I wonder what additioinal costs will be needed for these mods?

A couple of guys that I trust have suggested using everything from a SA Mil-Spec Operator...

This starting point appears to get the most bang for the buck. No pun intended.

Also, most of the builds that I see are carbon steel rather than stainless.
Are there issues with stainless that makes carbon steel the better choice?