1911 parts compatibility

jethro

What is the cheapest 1911 style .45 that uses standard parts, like triggers and the such with only minimal fitting issues.

I know the old llamas were not supposed to be interchangeable, but how about the new guns? Is there anything cheaper than the rock island? Just curious, because I would kind of like to have an cheap pos to learn to work on them with.

Thank you,

Mike

cpermd

Used Norinco usually.
Sometimes a SA.

CP

Wehrmacht_45

Rock Island, High Standard, Charles Daly, Shooters Arms are about the cheapest 1911 guns you can buy. They are all made in the Philippines, and all but the Shooters arms are made by the same factory. They are not of the best quality like a Springfield, but they are something you can butcher without feeling bad about.

perry shooter

I agree with cpermd but you might want to also look at used essex or a used G.I that has very little finish left Be aware that you don't want to Buy a pistol that has had some jack leg with a Dremel tool has ruined the slide and frame. Also be aware that not all brands of frames and slides have the same quality control some are very soft and have pin holes misplaced. My suggestion is to buy a quality frame and slide and not modify these two parts then get some cheaper fire control parts for your first try at pistol smith . pay attention to how the hammer /sear/ safety interact. so you don't end up with an unsafe pistol.

Wolf.

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perry shooter said, quote:pay attention to how the hammer /sear/ safety interact. so you don't end up with an unsafe pistol. Underline that text in your head and be careful! You rarely get a "steal" so be wary of an unusually low priced gun.

Years ago, before I started working on my own guns, I bought a used .45 auto with an Essex frame, Colt slide. I later found, while going over the gun, that the grip safety worked but the external frame safety did not. It engaged and sounded like it worked, but it didn't. This gun, while not a tack driver, was fairly accurate, but I always had this little voice telling me to be careful with it. I was just never comfortable with it, given the safety issue and not knowing what other problems were going on inside the gun. I sold it cheap and told the buyer the safety problem and my concerns, advising that it be detail stripped and inspected.

A gun like the one I had could get you or someone else hurt.

DENWA

I have a Rock Island Armory. Its a really nice 1911 for the price. Put a new match barrel, trigger, safety, full lenght guide rod, etc etc etc and you'll have a really nice 45.

If you just want to shoot then leave it alone and you'll be just as happy.

Sink about $400 in accessories into a $400 dollar pistol and you have a $400 pistol... But a 1911 is everyone's favorite play ground!

scrubberguy

jethro:
All 1911's are supposed to be made to mil-spec.

Having said that let me suggest you buy a complete pistol and of as high a quality as you can afford.

I wll suggest the Taurus to fit your needs! the other philippine made units have issues with QC. that they shouldn't have but do. Fighting out of spec dimensions will only teach you frustration!

I will also suggest you stay away from "buys" at dealers or gun shows! It really boils down to the old "to good to be true" theory!

Until you have some "stick time" figuring out issue's with a good gun don't tackle a "problem child"!

The same thing applies to after market parts for the 1911! The cheap stuff usually requires way to much fitting or won't work at all with other after market parts.

I hate to say it but pay up front once and you won't have a basket full of junk you can't (or won't) give away.

I'll close with another of my grandads faverite sayings: if you don't have time to do it right the first time, how are you ever going to have time to do it over?[8D]

jethro

Thanks for all of your responses! I already have a "loaded" longslide Springfield that I shoot, but was just wanting to mess around with a cheap one to learn a few things about.

Mike