[BlindSpirit63]

I’m sure this question has been asked before but I haven’t noticed it anywhere so I’ll take a shot.
First off, I’m not on here all day so I will reply as I’m able when I have time to be online.

Ive been building my own 1911’s for awhile now, at least one if not more from 9mm , 38 super, 45acp and 10mm. Waiting on a slide frame set from JEM now for a 10mm commander build as my latest project.
Most of the proper tools have been obtained over time plus more always being purchased, someday a mill perhaps is the plan.
I build strictly for myself and not for sale of course, in fact I almost enjoy the building more than I actually get out and shoot it seems😂
I feel I’ve gotten a lot better of course as I’m constantly learning and soaking up as much knowledge as possible, especially from the many talents presented on this forum alone.
Some absolutely amazing gunsmiths on here no doubt!!!!!

I came to idolize or love the 1911 way back when I was just a young un from seeing them in the many movies back in the Dirty Dozen days and finally bought my first Colt in 2010. I have since been thru many and now have a couple of Les Baers among my collection as well.

Ok, enough rambling, what I’m getting at and I apologize for taking the long way around but do any professional gunsmiths ever take the time to go thru and critique a build from someone who would like to make darn sure his builds or build is actually built right as far as proper timing and parts fit and whatnot?
Sure, all my builds work just fine but there’s always that thought in the back of my head, what could I have done better?
The blending of course is something I’m always improving but I’m more worried about proper lockup and timing for longevity issues that don’t always show themselves till later on down the road. I know I’m not perfect but I try to do my best and I’m always willing to do better as I believe in craftsmanship and doing it right or not doing it at all.

Was just a thought I had this morning as I’m having my coffee getting ready for the day.
Id appreciate any insight into the subject as I’m open to any and all responses. I will check back periodically so please do not think I’m ignoring you if I don’t reply right away.
Thank you all for your time as I do appreciate it and have gained a great deal of knowledge from this and other forums out there. I chose to join 1911 addicts in the end and glad I did!!!
Great day to all!!!🇺🇸

 

[azpoolguy]

Yes they do. I live close to three of the best 1911 smiths currently working. They have been a huge help to me in answering questions and looking over my work. We have spent many hours discussing build philosophies, barrel fit, hand checkering , machine work and Cerakote.

My advice to you is to find a smith close enough to drive to. Build a relationship with that smith. Have them go over your work.

Notice I said build a relationship first. Do not just be a taker and suck up their time.

 

[BlindSpirit63]

Yes they do. I live close to three of the best 1911 smiths currently working. They have been a huge help to me in answering questions and looking over my work. We have spent many hours discussing build philosophies, barrel fit, hand checkering , machine work and Cerakote.

My advice to you is to find a smith close enough to drive to. Build a relationship with that smith. Have them go over your work.

Notice I said build a relationship first. Do not just be a taker and suck up their time.

Thank you and yes I understand exactly what you’re saying.
Im in the Kennewick, WA area so I’ll have to check around though from previous searches I haven’t come across much.
I appreciate your advice. Part of my p is I don’t go to public ranges much if ever , out in the boonies usually so might have to start hitting the closest public range so I could meet some other people of course. Might definitely help. I tend to be a loner and sometimes that has its disadvantages.
Anyways, thanks again, that was the answer I was looking for, appreciate you taking the time.

 

[Texduramax]

My advice to you is to find a smith close enough to drive to. Build a relationship with that smith. Have them go over your work.

Notice I said build a relationship first. Do not just be a taker and suck up their time.

Could not have said it better myself.

Perfect advise

 

[BlindSpirit63]

Could not have said it better myself.

Perfect advise
[/QUOTE

I agree, im not comfortable hitting someone up for valuable information until I actually get to know them. Not fair to them and I do understand that. I wouldn’t want someone doing that to me.
Treat others as you wish to be treated is how I look at it, all about respect. Something that is seriously lacking in way too many these days.

Thanks!!!

 

[azpoolguy]

I tend to be a loner and sometimes that has its disadvantages.

I do all my work by myself but at some point there are learning times on 1911s that have to be done face to face. Before the internet or a couple books I would have never been able to get to where I’m at on building 1911s without standing in a gunsmith shop for hours on end as an apprentice. The internet has definitely cut the learning curve down but there are still times that that one on one time with the gunsmith at his bench cannot be replaced.

 

[BlindSpirit63]

I do all my work by myself but at some point there are learning times on 1911s that have to be done face to face. Before the internet or a couple books I would have never been able to get to where I’m at on building 1911s without standing in a gunsmith shop for hours on end as an apprentice. The internet has definitely cut the learning curve down but there are still times that that one on one time with the gunsmith at his bench cannot be replaced.

Yes I do believe you’re exactly right, even just watching videos does not compare to real life being there seeing it for yourself. I’ll definitely start getting to the public range so I can start meeting more people.
I appreciate you taking your time and sharing some of your experiences. This is what I was needing to hear.(read).
Also, I sent an email to Chambers Customs about their build classes they used to hold, possibly down the road they will do some again so that’s one plan I have. My friend stopped by earlier with his father in law, come to find out he owns a mill, should’ve seen my wheels spinning then😂😂.
Thanks again and you enjoy your day!!!

 

[BlindSpirit63]

I do all my work by myself but at some point there are learning times on 1911s that have to be done face to face. Before the internet or a couple books I would have never been able to get to where I’m at on building 1911s without standing in a gunsmith shop for hours on end as an apprentice. The internet has definitely cut the learning curve down but there are still times that that one on one time with the gunsmith at his bench cannot be replaced.

Just wanted to say thanks again for your advice and for taking the time to offer it, definitely helps.
Also I came across your thread where you showed your build that’s pictured in your profile .
That is one beautiful build you crafted, I love it!!!! Would you mind telling me more about it? I’d love to hear and see more for sure. I’d be willing to send you my email if you’d rather have that otherwise, just let me know.
The JEM slide ordered along with the frame was ordered with the rmr cut as I’ve wanted to try one so figured I would with this 10mm build. Almost wish I’d gone the double stack now, I’m really intrigued by what you came up with, very impressive!!!!}
Excellent job sir, thanks again.

 

[azpoolguy]

Just wanted to say thanks again for your advice and for taking the time to offer it, definitely helps.
Also I came across your thread where you showed your build that’s pictured in your profile .
That is one beautiful build you crafted, I love it!!!! Would you mind telling me more about it? I’d love to hear and see more for sure. I’d be willing to send you my email if you’d rather have that otherwise, just let me know.
The JEM slide ordered along with the frame was ordered with the rmr cut as I’ve wanted to try one so figured I would with this 10mm build. Almost wish I’d gone the double stack now, I’m really intrigued by what you came up with, very impressive!!!!}
Excellent job sir, thanks again.

Here is a link to the full build thread. Let me know if you have any other questions.

The 2011 Build

I just got a message from JEM that my frame shipped. I’m still gathering some other small parts and deciding what to do with a couple other projects so this one might take awhile as it’s the beginning of summer and my day job is going crazy for the next 4 months. I tried shooting a slide...

www.1911addicts.com

 

[BlindSpirit63]

Here is a link to the full build thread. Let me know if you have any other questions.

The 2011 Build

I just got a message from JEM that my frame shipped. I’m still gathering some other small parts and deciding what to do with a couple other projects so this one might take awhile as it’s the beginning of summer and my day job is going crazy for the next 4 months. I tried shooting a slide...

www.1911addicts.com

Thanks very much, appreciate you sharing that link. I just saw this but cannot wait to go check it out.
You have a great weekend!!!

 

[JimMuscles]

I just finished my first build. It was really extensive. I would love for someone to tell me how to improve.