Caspian vs. Fusion Firearms vs. Others ETC.

11371 Views 42 Replies 18 Participants Last post by dandyrandy, Feb 7, 2022

SolidCustom

Discussion Starter · Dec 7, 2018

I am starting my first 1911 build soon, and I had a question which I know is going to have different responses. I am wondering which manufacturer to buy my frame and slide from, and there are pros and cons to both. I want a full size frame, preferably with a checkered front strap that isn't 80% and comes in the white with no finish. I have heard Caspian is higher quality, but Caspian does not offer a full size frame with the checkered front strap. Fusion Firearms has a full size frame with checkered front strap, but I have heard their parts require a lot more handfitting. I am not opposed to doing the work to build my gun, I just want to know amongst all the various manufacturers what would be the best choice for me? Are Les Baer match frames and slides worth the extra money? What about 1911 Builders, or STI? I am open to any recommendations. Thank you.

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ACP

· #2 · Dec 7, 2018

Caspian will do a variety of front strap treatments

https://www.caspianarms.com/receiver/modern-receiver-carbon

You have to select "Change Options" to play with the different configurations.

Walt with Caspian is great to deal with on the phone as well and can send a proposal of work over to you after talking over your needs on the phone.

Reactions: 2

Heretical45

· #3 · Dec 7, 2018

Caspian does offer it as an option. Send them an email to confirm but in their drop down selection it shows 20, 25, and 30lpi.

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Kyle Burt

· #4 · Dec 7, 2018

Jem is pretty hard to beat in my opinion. www.jemguns.com

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WWB

· #5 · Dec 7, 2018

Check out a JEM frame it’s a better frame then both mentioned IMO.

Reactions: 5

38

· #6 · Dec 7, 2018

Yep climbing aboard the Jem frame train here's one.....

Metal Tool Steel Kitchen utensil Knife

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Reactions: 5

awp101

· #7 · Dec 7, 2018

JEM

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SolidCustom

Discussion Starter · #8 · Dec 7, 2018

Interesting, I am looking into these JEM components now. They seem to offer a lot of options. Look good too, and the quality is good? This might be who I use.

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WWB

· #9 · Dec 7, 2018

Imo the they the best frames available..

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SolidCustom

Discussion Starter · #10 · Dec 7, 2018

WWB said:
Imo the they the best frames available..

I see they offer a Stainless frame, but I don't see a stainless slide. Do you think if I call them they might offer a stainless slide? I want to build Stainless just for the increased corrosion resistance.

azpoolguy

· #11 · Dec 7, 2018

I would only consider Caspian over JEM for a price savings for your first build. The JEM is better product. But I also like Colts and Springfields to build on.

For some inspiration. My Caspian/ Fosters build waiting for me to get my new garage space set up.

Gun Tan Trigger Gun accessory Beige

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Reactions: 4

SolidCustom

Discussion Starter · #12 · Dec 7, 2018

WHEELS said:
Yep climbing aboard the Jem frame train here's one.....
View attachment 186635

Is that a Jem slide along with that frame?

EvolutionArmory

· #13 · Dec 7, 2018

Whatever you do, don’t pick the Baer frame. You’ll poop your pants when you install your mainspring housing and see that the holes don’t line up or that it takes all day to fit the trigger because you have to remove like a 1/8 of an inch to get it to fit.

Or when you go to put your slide stop in and it won’t budge on a .200 slide stop.

Reactions: 1

SolidCustom

Discussion Starter · #14 · Dec 7, 2018

EvolutionArmory said:
Whatever you do, don’t pick the Baer frame. You’ll poop your pants when you install your mainspring housing and see that the holes don’t line up or that it takes all day to fit the trigger because you have to remove like a 1/8 of an inch to get it to fit.

Glad you said that, because I was looking at Baer. At this point I am likely going to go with Caspian or Jem. I am trying to decide between Stainless and Carbon steel now, because it doesn't look like Jem offers a Stainless slide...

ZoidMeister

· #15 · Dec 7, 2018

SolidCustom said:
I see they offer a Stainless frame, but I don't see a stainless slide. Do you think if I call them they might offer a stainless slide? I want to build Stainless just for the increased corrosion resistance.

I would give them a call, or write to Elliott. JEM makes frames and slides for a LOT of custom gun smiths and manufacturers. They do accomodate "off menu" requests as well. It can't hurt asking. Elliott's email address is: [email protected]

Here is another JEM frame build BTW. Slide by Colt . . . . .

Gun Product Firearm Photograph White

Gun Firearm Trigger Gun accessory Ammunition

Gun Firearm Line Trigger Black

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3

Reactions: 5

SolidCustom

Discussion Starter · #16 · Dec 7, 2018

ZoidMeister said:
I would give them a call, or write to Elliott. JEM makes frames and slides for a LOT of custom gun smiths and manufacturers. They do accomodate "off menu" requests as well. It can't hurt asking. Elliott's email address is: [email protected]

Here is another JEM frame build BTW. Slide by Colt . . . . .

View attachment 186659

View attachment 186661

View attachment 186663

Very nice! I guess that is the skip line checkering? Yeah, I will call. They may be able to do the slide serrations I want done there as well. That would save me sending the slide off somewhere else.

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38

· #17 · Dec 8, 2018

SolidCustom said:
Is that a Jem slide along with that frame?

No the slide is from guncrafter industries but Jem makes slides like what you want.
A lot of stuff they do doesn't make it on the website.
Good luck.

Reactions: 2

EvolutionArmory

· #18 · Dec 8, 2018

SolidCustom said:
Glad you said that, because I was looking at Baer. At this point I am likely going to go with Caspian or Jem. I am trying to decide between Stainless and Carbon steel now, because it doesn't look like Jem offers a Stainless slide...

You don’t have to go with Jem for a slide. I use Jem frames and Caspian slides.

Caspian slides are very good.

Reactions: 5

ZoidMeister

· #19 · Dec 8, 2018

EvolutionArmory said:
You don’t have to go with Jem for a slide. I use Jem frames and Caspian slides.

Caspian slides are very good.

@SolidCustom ^^ This guy would know. ^^

Reactions: 5

SolidCustom

Discussion Starter · #20 · Dec 8, 2018

It looks

EvolutionArmory said:
You don’t have to go with Jem for a slide. I use Jem frames and Caspian slides.

Caspian slides are very good.

It looks like the caspian slides are nice quality, but is there a comparable option that does not have rollmarks?

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