Firearm parts and pieces.

[The Chief]

Have been out of the "repair and rebuild" gig for so long and so many laws controlling the population have been passed, thusly would like to request some information.

Rebuilding an old 1911 .45ACP. Need parts. Is there an "open source" for us "non-dealers".

Also, I thought the slide/barrel assembly was controlled-FFL. I have one being shipped directly to me by Midway????

Oh, what I need most is the mainspring (not recoil spring) and some of the pins.

Thanks in advance.:icon_smil

 

[TXHusker05]

Well Chief I don't know much about finding parts for one, but you might go to this forum:

http://forum.m1911.org/index.php?

If it involves anything resembling a 1911, they have a post about it somewhere. If there isn't a post already, make one and someone will get to you. They are an extremely helpful group over there, they helped me with a few problems I had with my Kimber. One of the admin is named John, he is from Greece... he is a walking 1911 encyclopedia.

 

[xmid]

There is also a 1911 forum on www.ar15.com you can buy just about anything for a 1911. There are even kits to build your own, but don't attempt that unless you have gunsmithing experience. I thought about it, and it ended up being much more trouble than it was worth. Chief, if I were you I would pick up a copy of "Shotgun News" and flip through there for the part you want. You may have to go to a Books-a-Million of something to find one in the DC area, considering the way they are with guns. You can also buy the American Gunsmith Institutes manual for the 1911. They should have just about anything you could possibly do to a 1911 in there.

 

[feddoc]

TX offers good gouge with that forum.

Here is another one that might prove useful.

Oh, it is the receiver which requires an FFL.


http://subguns.com/boards/semimsg.cgi

 

[metro]

I always buy all my parts, GI-style or not, from Wilson Combat. Good quality stuff, every time.

Also, the only FFL-controlled part of a handgun (in all cases I know of) is the frame/receiver, since it's usually the part stamped with the serial number. For the frame, you usually have to have it shipped to an FFL holder/dealer. That's the part they consider to be "the gun".

 

[A4sForever]

Also, the only FFL-controlled part of a (firearm) is the frame/receiver, since it's usually the part stamped with the serial number. ......

That's entirely correct ... the rest are "parts" ... and we are not talkin' full auto "parts", I assume. 'Cause they are a no-no, unless you live in the proper jurisdiction and jump through all the bureaucratic hoops ...

 

[The Chief]

Thanks for info. Parts on the way. Wish me luck!!

 

[The Chief]

I really dislike folk that ask for advice then turning around and give advice on the same subject, but alas it seems that is what I am doing.


Decided to go with a Caspian slide and barrel for my 1911 rebuild. Great prices and a huge huge discount for military folks. Seemed like very nice folks, former military, very helpful. They are www.caspianarms.com.

Again, thanks to all for you great help. Beers on me at Vienna Inn, tonite at 6:30.

 

[A4sForever]

..... Beers on me at Vienna Inn, tonite at 6:30.

Wow !!! A modified AW "Bosses Night" ???

Too bad the flights are full ....

 

[The Chief]

Well, I had to select Vienna Inn. Kinda redneck joint. But more importantly down the road about 3 blocks from Follin Lane, NFCU Hqtrs. Must stop by there and load up on the $$$. Actually tonite is the US Chamber of Commerce nite, as I owe those guys, big time. Else no more contracts!

But if you change your mind, drop by - this Bud is on me.

 

[The Chief]

Thanks for all of your help/advice. Here is project results.

Piece was declared “un-repairable” by 3 local gunsmiths. Factory said they could/would not repair at any $$ amount.. Determined to do it myself, would like to meet his tailor, they all said. I bought a new slide from Caspian had it “blued”, new set of springs from Midway, new sights from Novak, new barrel from Storm Lake. Stripped, cleaned, inspected each part and buffed frame to a mat silver, 300 rounds and it works flawlessly. Think it looks great as well.:icon_smil

 

[A4sForever]

Lookin' good, Chief. It shows what can happen with a "craftsman" taking on a project. Unfortunately, most (all?) of the factory shops and most gunsmiths today are mere R&R specialists.

No real skills or creativity. BZ.

 

[The Chief]

Thanks. Was surprised the factory would not refurbish it. Next effort is to build a southpaw 1911. Collecting parts as we speak. Have a barrel with reverse twist, need a slide. Funny story re the frame (FFL item) a practical demo on why gun control laws are so mis-guided.

Congrats on retirement. Highly recommended I retired three times and know not how I ever managed to find enough time to go to work. Am also struggling to finish my book, uhhh reading it! All the best!

 

[ChuckMK23]

Novak or Wilson Combat sights?

 

[metro]

They look like Wilson's to me, as they have that little bit that doesn't contact the slide...which is it, Chief?

Nice looking piece, by the way. Like the reverse two-tone.