As in the title, I've recently bought a Rock Island Armory 1911 in .45 ACP. I enjoy "building" my own guns, and want to start working on this one, as I can afford to, but is there a method to the madness I should follow? I mean, are there certain parts I need to acquire and install before others? An obvious example would be don't refinish then decide I want to add checkering, etc. Also, what components NEED to be installed/fitted by a 'smith? I would think that sights are an obvious answer, but what about the others? Eventually I may have it all gone over, fit/polished, etc, but I'm just talking about immediate future. Thanks in advance guys, all input is appreciated.
Gunsmithing Bought a Rock Island 1911... Now what?
- Thread starter kellogg2185
- Start date
Re: Bought a Rock Island 1911... Now what?
The beauty of 1911's is that really not much has to be done by a gunsmith. Sights may or may not require a smith, if they're dovetailed in they definitely don't. I'd suggest shooting it allot and deciding for yourself what to change. If its a GI model, I'd change the sights immediately, tighten the frame slide fit, then trigger job and hammer, followed by grip saftey, and ambi thumbsafety, then any other ergonomic issues. Shoot it some more and go from there. There's lots of reading, actual books and online about 1911's, something about 100 years of being changed makes for allot of resources. Good luck, they're great pistols and projects
The beauty of 1911's is that really not much has to be done by a gunsmith. Sights may or may not require a smith, if they're dovetailed in they definitely don't. I'd suggest shooting it allot and deciding for yourself what to change. If its a GI model, I'd change the sights immediately, tighten the frame slide fit, then trigger job and hammer, followed by grip saftey, and ambi thumbsafety, then any other ergonomic issues. Shoot it some more and go from there. There's lots of reading, actual books and online about 1911's, something about 100 years of being changed makes for allot of resources. Good luck, they're great pistols and projects
Re: Bought a Rock Island 1911... Now what?
I'm assuming it's the basic model since you did not specify.
First off, don't buy a "drop in barrel", there really isn't one...Well, not that's any good. If you do the bbl yourself you'll need some tools...files for the upper luggs, lower lug cutting tool, a bbl locking/locating tool)
Bushings can be a pain. I'd go with a Briley so you don't have to worry about bbl fitting...it's a ring bushing. I've used these for years and never had a problem...just don't fit the ring too tight or it will break.
Things that are do it yourself depends on your skill level. The thumb safety will need to be fit to the sear and sometimes frame. It's not hard but if you don't know what you're doing, you'll trash the part.
Hammer and sears can be purchased as drop in but the factory stuff can be worked if you know what you're doing.
When you start with trigger work, pay attention to the finger spring. This can make or break a trigger job
Grip safeties are relatively easy to fit but it too can be screwed up...arm cut too short. If you go with something like an Ed Brown you'll need a jig to cut the radius of the frame.
Triggers are relatively simple. Top and bottom of the shoe and the bow needs to be fit. (fit the bow first- turn it around and put it in backwards to start...at least it's how I do it)
Sights are simple but you'll probably want a smith to cut the frame for bomar, novak etc and a dovetail front sight.
I thing most people would start with a grip safety and flat mainspring housing, grips and thumb safety.
I used to build these things for a living, let me know when you start, I'd be glad to help
I'm assuming it's the basic model since you did not specify.
First off, don't buy a "drop in barrel", there really isn't one...Well, not that's any good. If you do the bbl yourself you'll need some tools...files for the upper luggs, lower lug cutting tool, a bbl locking/locating tool)
Bushings can be a pain. I'd go with a Briley so you don't have to worry about bbl fitting...it's a ring bushing. I've used these for years and never had a problem...just don't fit the ring too tight or it will break.
Things that are do it yourself depends on your skill level. The thumb safety will need to be fit to the sear and sometimes frame. It's not hard but if you don't know what you're doing, you'll trash the part.
Hammer and sears can be purchased as drop in but the factory stuff can be worked if you know what you're doing.
When you start with trigger work, pay attention to the finger spring. This can make or break a trigger job
Grip safeties are relatively easy to fit but it too can be screwed up...arm cut too short. If you go with something like an Ed Brown you'll need a jig to cut the radius of the frame.
Triggers are relatively simple. Top and bottom of the shoe and the bow needs to be fit. (fit the bow first- turn it around and put it in backwards to start...at least it's how I do it)
Sights are simple but you'll probably want a smith to cut the frame for bomar, novak etc and a dovetail front sight.
I thing most people would start with a grip safety and flat mainspring housing, grips and thumb safety.
I used to build these things for a living, let me know when you start, I'd be glad to help
Re: Bought a Rock Island 1911... Now what?
If you want to build it and do it right then you'll need a number of tools and jigs.
Theres a fairly good 1911 builders course available on dvd that would be a start.
Pretty much everything will have to be fitted in some way or the other.
If you want to build it and do it right then you'll need a number of tools and jigs.
Theres a fairly good 1911 builders course available on dvd that would be a start.
Pretty much everything will have to be fitted in some way or the other.
Re: Bought a Rock Island 1911... Now what?
Excellent advice above ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ !
A 1911 is NOT "plug n' play" like an AR - even some MSH are not drop-in and require fitting. Grips are about the only "bolt-on" accessory, assuming the frame and bushings are dimensionally correct. Good quality tools are a must.
The best advice is order this:
Jerry Kuhnhausen's "The Colt .45 Automatic - A Shop Manual", Vol 1 (Brownell's has it listed). It will give you an idea what is involved in "smithing" a 1911.
Kevin
Excellent advice above ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ !
A 1911 is NOT "plug n' play" like an AR - even some MSH are not drop-in and require fitting. Grips are about the only "bolt-on" accessory, assuming the frame and bushings are dimensionally correct. Good quality tools are a must.
The best advice is order this:
Jerry Kuhnhausen's "The Colt .45 Automatic - A Shop Manual", Vol 1 (Brownell's has it listed). It will give you an idea what is involved in "smithing" a 1911.
Kevin
Re: Bought a Rock Island 1911... Now what?
Thanks for the advice/suggestions guys, I appreciate it. My main disadvantage is living in an apartment, with no place for anything other than basic power tools. I guess I was being overly optimistic thinking I could go about most of it like I did my 870, hahahaha... I guess I'll just start buying the parts/upgrades I want, and once I have them all together, bring them to the 'smith to have it assembled/fine tuned. In the meantime, looks like I'm grip shopping, hahahaha... I like the Operators II by VZ grips, anybody have these?
http://vzgrips.com/gun-grips/1911-pistol-grips-1/operators-ii-2
Thanks for the advice/suggestions guys, I appreciate it. My main disadvantage is living in an apartment, with no place for anything other than basic power tools. I guess I was being overly optimistic thinking I could go about most of it like I did my 870, hahahaha... I guess I'll just start buying the parts/upgrades I want, and once I have them all together, bring them to the 'smith to have it assembled/fine tuned. In the meantime, looks like I'm grip shopping, hahahaha... I like the Operators II by VZ grips, anybody have these?
http://vzgrips.com/gun-grips/1911-pistol-grips-1/operators-ii-2
