I keep reading about "getting a base gun" for a custom project, and I take this to mean at least some people buy a new gun and send it off. Maybe I'm mistaken and this doesn't happen much - don't really know anything about it. So do people do this and, if so what is the reason? Why wouldn't...

Who / how many have chosen to take their Wilson as use it as a base gun for a custom build be it full house build or just to send it off to a smith to make it that much better? I picked one up in a trade last year and I am considering the potential of using it this way.

Been looking around locally and online for a base gun for a possible custom build, but either not finding what I want or not at a price I'm excited about paying (I.E., full New retail or full NIB collector mark-up retail.) Ideally would want a 90% +/- condition cared for used and otherwise...

I bought this Norinco 1911 with the intent of using it for a custom build, but decided to go with a 9mm instead. It comes with the box, manual, and two magazines. I have not fired it and don't know the round count, but it doesn't appear to have been fired much at all. $550 shipped CONUS, please...