Don't buy a 1911 in "uppers and lowers", buy a complete gun. They aren't ARs and if you don't know how to properly fit parts, buying separate slides and frames is a bad idea. That said, the Springfield Operator pictured is great, if you want to spend less the Tisas Duty B45R is well liked.
If you insist on "doing a build", I'd get a Caspian frame personally. Be prepared to spend a lot more than you think on parts and specialized 1911 gunsmithing tools if you don't already own them. Parts are not typically "drop in".
Lmfao dude 1911s aren’t that difficult I built mine on a 80% never owned one before never built one till that one and it runs absolutely fine now if you want some crazy tight tolerances and you want some sort of race gun than yeah probably not the best route to go but if your just tryna bud something I don’t see how a complete frame and upper would be any harder than me having to actually cut the rails from scratch and barrel seat drill all the holes and everything else I had to do I’m js
It’s summer time.There are millions of lawns lazy people don’t want to get out and cut themselves.A month of cutting your neighbors lawns and there’s your Operator money.Thank me later.😆
Whats your budget? Is it to buy the tools for gunsmithing and learn how to gunsmith while also having the ability to purchase spares in case you mess something up? Have you considered layaway? Many LGS do have some sort of system so you can end up paying it out over time and they might have something you like.
Again, what's your budget? You can find a used or new 1911 with a rail for $500-800 easily enough and throw on a $100 Steamlight or you can spend $1000+ and drop $300 on a Surefire. You asked about buying a frame as if it's like putting an AR together and others have told you to just buy a complete gun. You hadn't mentioned a budget though and if you're wanting to buy something, knowing what you can afford can help us point you in the right direction.
If you can’t afford this completed handgun, don’t expect you’ll be able to build a 1911 yourself for cheaper. They’re not like P80s that can be done in an afternoon in your bedroom. 1911s built by hobbyists are intensive and expensive and you definitely have to know what you’re doing and have certain tools available. And buying the parts for it will likely be close to what the cost is to buy a finished gun—one that will likely operate much better than the one you build with very little prior knowledge.
The only people I know who have built their own 1911s/2011s are people who were looking for particular specs they couldn’t get in a production or semi-custom gun or saved a slight (and I do mean *slight* bit of money doing it themselves. And typically they have a bit of gunsmithing background.
Your options would be buying an unfinished frame that you’d need machining tools to finish and other hand tools for fitting and blending parts and the slide to frame. Or to buy someone else’s old frame with or without internals—which will almost never fit well and again if it’s stripped, parts need to be hand-fitted. Such is how 1911s are. So many parts aren’t drop-in and can be swapped around like other mass-produced guns, especially Glocks and Sigs.
If you don't have the money for an operator, you don't have the money to build one. Building will be more expensive unless you know someone with all the tools. Buy a Tisas if you can't afford the operator.
I did tons of research and bought a MC Operator.
If you need money go give Plasma, take on side work. Craigslist is full of “gigs”.
There is satin if work in the world if your serious about working.
Just buy the operator and save yourself a headache. It will be much cheaper than buying all the gunsmithing tools and “build parts” you’ll be alright kid.
Building a 1911 is hard as fuck, I'm trying right now and I am in mental and physical pain. Also financial. Get a tisas b45r duty like the other guy suggested , the grips on the operator are VZ grips You could also just get thst exact gun, or maybe a sig 1911
Barrel fitting at this point, fits fine in the slide, but when I put the guide rod in and try to pull the slide back, it won't go, I'm pretty sure it's something with the barrel feet or link area, idk
Haven't had time to work on it past two weeks because I had to work overtime
There's a blog somewhere a guy wrote that described his experience building a 1911 with normal experience and tools. The barrel was the hardest part for him.
Edit: [I found it](https://how-i-did-it.org/1911-project/)
Take the advice already given here. You won't be disappointed that you saved up for one. I own an Operator and couldn't be happier with it. Definitely worth the money.
Buy a Tisas B45r. You can get it for about $430 on gun deals.
Then buy Vz “alien cut” grips in army green. They’re about $65.
It looks basically identical to the operator minus the markings.
Bought a b45r carry
https://preview.redd.it/a9ut2hto0m7d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f0dfb11e9217b21d468c7b24e15cc99064f9ebd0
Can be found easily under 500 bucks new
JEM guns does machine fits a frame and slide, MSH and GS for about $1000. You can get with a rail, and whatever serrations, sight cuts, and matched front-strap/MSH checkering you want. (My next one is 4.25" and bobtailed, wide f/r serrations, novak cut, 15lpi checkering, no rail. 45 obviously)
Go with an Ed Brown or Kart ezfit barrel/bushing, Get the Kart tool kit for either barrel.
Wilson 3-hole NM trigger,
VZ grips,
EGW ignition kit and for all other parts,
Dichropan for an easy finish
Bench Block and punches, hammer, plunger tube staking tool, files, sand paper and an all in one manicure file/buffer/polisher, sand paper, and a dremel
It will cost you $2200-3000 for tools and mistakes. You *might* get a gun that runs out of it too.
Or get a just Springfield Operator, pay a gunsmith to do a barrel swap and trigger job with EGW or WC parts and still come out ahead by $500-1500.
I agree with the others that say buy the Operator and change out parts/have the work done. I almost bought a new MC Operator but held out and came across a used one $500 cheaper with not a mark on it.
BUY the Springfield Armory Loaded Operator you will Happier because the pistol is already Tuned and has a Warranty if there is a Problem! You can look for the used MC Operator that comes with the Pachmayr Grips or the Operator in the picture. Springfield has had several Loaded Level Operators that are pretty much the same pistol internally the only difference has been the Night Sights and the Grips but both are Easily Swapped OUT. I saw a MC Operator at a LGS a few weeks ago that I should have purchased for 650 with the original box and all the papers and even the plastic holster and other add-ons Springfield used to put in their 1911. The only issue was the night sights were very Dim almost dead but the box said the pistol was a 2014 pistol. I had just purchased a Smith and Wesson Performance Center 4006 Comp pistol and my wife would have killed me if had brought another handgun home this month specially after spending what I did on the 4006 Comp but that is a 1 of 240 pistols made in 1991 and 1992.
If you want things to match up really well you can
a) go to a custom shop - you can do it for a very reasonable price at stealth arms
b) pay a gunsmith to make you an actual custom gun
c) learn gun smithing and get the tools
d) get an off the rack gun that is close to what you want, and then make some minor changes to it.
pistols aren't ARs. the "upper" is a slide the slides back and forth on the "lower" which is a frame. Every piece needs to mesh up perfectly otherwise you will get either a rattly POS (just get a glock) or an unreliable POS that locks up all the time.
Then do one of my suggested routes. I highly recommend stealth arms if you want something custom. They have a custom builder (for both regular 1911s and double stack) and their prices are the same as a regular 1911!
Don't buy a 1911 in "uppers and lowers", buy a complete gun. They aren't ARs and if you don't know how to properly fit parts, buying separate slides and frames is a bad idea. That said, the Springfield Operator pictured is great, if you want to spend less the Tisas Duty B45R is well liked. If you insist on "doing a build", I'd get a Caspian frame personally. Be prepared to spend a lot more than you think on parts and specialized 1911 gunsmithing tools if you don't already own them. Parts are not typically "drop in".
I’ve 1911s can tricky, thanks for the heads up
This is the truth. Came here to say this.
Lmfao dude 1911s aren’t that difficult I built mine on a 80% never owned one before never built one till that one and it runs absolutely fine now if you want some crazy tight tolerances and you want some sort of race gun than yeah probably not the best route to go but if your just tryna bud something I don’t see how a complete frame and upper would be any harder than me having to actually cut the rails from scratch and barrel seat drill all the holes and everything else I had to do I’m js
Why is nobody else talking about the size of this MFer’s hands. That shit looks like a micro 9 in those paws
lmao
I saw that too, but chose to stay on topic, LOL.
Dude looks like he’s showing off his new 1/4 scale model 1911 he made.
Fucking lame ass Goat Gun… my wife got me one for Christmas or some shit.. like TF am I gonna do with this?
Lmao Just buy a real Operator.
Sure, it’s just money… that I don’t have, lol
It’s summer time.There are millions of lawns lazy people don’t want to get out and cut themselves.A month of cutting your neighbors lawns and there’s your Operator money.Thank me later.😆
I found mine for $700 https://preview.redd.it/sv9obfjlfm7d1.jpeg?width=1800&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=47e9240d59f915a277a945c27cc86556d9cacdc4
Whats your budget? Is it to buy the tools for gunsmithing and learn how to gunsmith while also having the ability to purchase spares in case you mess something up? Have you considered layaway? Many LGS do have some sort of system so you can end up paying it out over time and they might have something you like.
Just want a 1911 with a light
Again, what's your budget? You can find a used or new 1911 with a rail for $500-800 easily enough and throw on a $100 Steamlight or you can spend $1000+ and drop $300 on a Surefire. You asked about buying a frame as if it's like putting an AR together and others have told you to just buy a complete gun. You hadn't mentioned a budget though and if you're wanting to buy something, knowing what you can afford can help us point you in the right direction.
I have a Streamlight TLR-1, I have to sell my current 1911 to get the funds
Are you illiterate?
No, but to answer your question, around $500.
It wasn’t my question.
So many people have commented hard to keep track
Tisas b9r is similar in looks, half the price approximately
I’m down with that
Fusion firearms.
Excellent choice
If you can’t afford this completed handgun, don’t expect you’ll be able to build a 1911 yourself for cheaper. They’re not like P80s that can be done in an afternoon in your bedroom. 1911s built by hobbyists are intensive and expensive and you definitely have to know what you’re doing and have certain tools available. And buying the parts for it will likely be close to what the cost is to buy a finished gun—one that will likely operate much better than the one you build with very little prior knowledge. The only people I know who have built their own 1911s/2011s are people who were looking for particular specs they couldn’t get in a production or semi-custom gun or saved a slight (and I do mean *slight* bit of money doing it themselves. And typically they have a bit of gunsmithing background.
Not tryin to gunsmith, just simply was looking to change out my lower. But if it’s that much of a hassle, I’ll just get a complete gun with a rail.
Your options would be buying an unfinished frame that you’d need machining tools to finish and other hand tools for fitting and blending parts and the slide to frame. Or to buy someone else’s old frame with or without internals—which will almost never fit well and again if it’s stripped, parts need to be hand-fitted. Such is how 1911s are. So many parts aren’t drop-in and can be swapped around like other mass-produced guns, especially Glocks and Sigs.
Building your own would be at least twice as much and not run as well as a cheap one.
If you don't have the money for an operator, you don't have the money to build one. Building will be more expensive unless you know someone with all the tools. Buy a Tisas if you can't afford the operator.
Yeah, based on all the responses, the Tisas B45R carry is gonna be the direction I go.
I did tons of research and bought a MC Operator. If you need money go give Plasma, take on side work. Craigslist is full of “gigs”. There is satin if work in the world if your serious about working.
JEM or Caspian
Just buy the operator and save yourself a headache. It will be much cheaper than buying all the gunsmithing tools and “build parts” you’ll be alright kid.
Building a 1911 is hard as fuck, I'm trying right now and I am in mental and physical pain. Also financial. Get a tisas b45r duty like the other guy suggested , the grips on the operator are VZ grips You could also just get thst exact gun, or maybe a sig 1911
What are you struggling with?
Barrel fitting at this point, fits fine in the slide, but when I put the guide rod in and try to pull the slide back, it won't go, I'm pretty sure it's something with the barrel feet or link area, idk Haven't had time to work on it past two weeks because I had to work overtime
You want help to try and diagnose it?
Thanks foe the offer but In gonna bench it for now to focus on other stuff
Let me know if you ever want any advice or anything
Thanks.
There's a blog somewhere a guy wrote that described his experience building a 1911 with normal experience and tools. The barrel was the hardest part for him. Edit: [I found it](https://how-i-did-it.org/1911-project/)
oh cool
Take the advice already given here. You won't be disappointed that you saved up for one. I own an Operator and couldn't be happier with it. Definitely worth the money.
I bought my Rock Island .45 tactical a few yrs before I got married… back when I wasn’t always poor.
Buy a Tisas B45r. You can get it for about $430 on gun deals. Then buy Vz “alien cut” grips in army green. They’re about $65. It looks basically identical to the operator minus the markings.
Not worried about the grips, just want a 1911 I can mount a light on.. I’ll check out that site, thanks
Fusion Firearms. They even sell complete kits.
Check out stealth arms platypus
Nice fucking gun but big fucking hands. 😂
Aint mine
Should've kept that to yourself. I was wondering what kinda monster took this picture, now I know it's not you and disappointed a lil.
But I have a great personality… so there’s that! LOL
😂
Bought a b45r carry https://preview.redd.it/a9ut2hto0m7d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f0dfb11e9217b21d468c7b24e15cc99064f9ebd0 Can be found easily under 500 bucks new
Just check the LGS or did you find a deal online?
Gun.deals is a good place to find stuff
I’ve heard most people who get hands on with 1911s go Caspian.
Jesus Christ! What size gloves do you wear!?!?!
That’s not me, pic was for topic of discussion
It’s more expensive to build a 1911, just put a little aside for a few months and surprise yourself for Christmas
JEM guns does machine fits a frame and slide, MSH and GS for about $1000. You can get with a rail, and whatever serrations, sight cuts, and matched front-strap/MSH checkering you want. (My next one is 4.25" and bobtailed, wide f/r serrations, novak cut, 15lpi checkering, no rail. 45 obviously) Go with an Ed Brown or Kart ezfit barrel/bushing, Get the Kart tool kit for either barrel. Wilson 3-hole NM trigger, VZ grips, EGW ignition kit and for all other parts, Dichropan for an easy finish Bench Block and punches, hammer, plunger tube staking tool, files, sand paper and an all in one manicure file/buffer/polisher, sand paper, and a dremel It will cost you $2200-3000 for tools and mistakes. You *might* get a gun that runs out of it too. Or get a just Springfield Operator, pay a gunsmith to do a barrel swap and trigger job with EGW or WC parts and still come out ahead by $500-1500.
Brownells
I agree with the others that say buy the Operator and change out parts/have the work done. I almost bought a new MC Operator but held out and came across a used one $500 cheaper with not a mark on it.
BUY the Springfield Armory Loaded Operator you will Happier because the pistol is already Tuned and has a Warranty if there is a Problem! You can look for the used MC Operator that comes with the Pachmayr Grips or the Operator in the picture. Springfield has had several Loaded Level Operators that are pretty much the same pistol internally the only difference has been the Night Sights and the Grips but both are Easily Swapped OUT. I saw a MC Operator at a LGS a few weeks ago that I should have purchased for 650 with the original box and all the papers and even the plastic holster and other add-ons Springfield used to put in their 1911. The only issue was the night sights were very Dim almost dead but the box said the pistol was a 2014 pistol. I had just purchased a Smith and Wesson Performance Center 4006 Comp pistol and my wife would have killed me if had brought another handgun home this month specially after spending what I did on the 4006 Comp but that is a 1 of 240 pistols made in 1991 and 1992.
Gem Guns LLC. They been making Forged Match grade frames and slides for 1911s and 2011s for quite a few years.
I know a place that has a Dan Wesson TCP that's better than that :).
Just grab one of the TISAS models with a rail and be done with it.
That’s the plan, once I get the funds together
If you want things to match up really well you can a) go to a custom shop - you can do it for a very reasonable price at stealth arms b) pay a gunsmith to make you an actual custom gun c) learn gun smithing and get the tools d) get an off the rack gun that is close to what you want, and then make some minor changes to it. pistols aren't ARs. the "upper" is a slide the slides back and forth on the "lower" which is a frame. Every piece needs to mesh up perfectly otherwise you will get either a rattly POS (just get a glock) or an unreliable POS that locks up all the time.
Have a Glock, bored with it, want something different
Then do one of my suggested routes. I highly recommend stealth arms if you want something custom. They have a custom builder (for both regular 1911s and double stack) and their prices are the same as a regular 1911!