I have contracted a disease - 1911itis - The Firearms Forum

mesinge2 · 02-22-2010, 09:09 PM

I have contracted 1911itis. I purchased my first 1911 two years ago, and now I have 8. I have 4 Colts (3 governments and a Defender for carry), a Charles Daly, a Para GI Expert, a Thompson, and a Kimber SIS full size.

I said to my self I have to calm my 1911 spending, but:

I shoot them better than any of my other autos. I started with the straight thumbs method the range officer showed me and it WORKS.

I just won a local competition at my range with my Colt Combat Elite.

While there I saw an ad for the new Bobtail with an Officer's frame and a commander's slide.

Help me, I am headed for a relapse.

JLA · 02-22-2010, 09:51 PM

wait til you build your first one

It gets much worse

Double D · 02-23-2010, 07:31 AM

I can think of alot of worse diseases. Rock on!

JLA · 02-23-2010, 08:30 AM

yeah, you could have glockitis (runs and hides from glocknut)

Double D · 02-23-2010, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JLA

yeah, you could have glockitis (runs and hides from glocknut)

TheGunClinger · 02-23-2010, 05:31 PM

No cure for you. I got the same disease and only have three of them. I am, and always will be lusting for more. And more.... By the way, where are the pics??

Eddie N · 02-23-2010, 05:38 PM

I must have it, too. No 1911 yet, but want one sooooo bad.

mesinge2 · 02-23-2010, 07:01 PM

The problem now is that I want one in 10mm, 38 super, 9mm, and 400 Corbon.

JLA · 02-23-2010, 07:45 PM

dont forget .460 rowland, .357 sig, .40 s&w, 9X25mm dillon, and .50 GI. Just to name some more

mesinge2 · 02-23-2010, 07:59 PM

Thanks, JLA.

I'll never be cured...

P.S. Also, the Para double stack 14+1 45s

mesinge2 · 02-23-2010, 08:02 PM

Another problem is accessories for them.

I just ordered these grips for my Combat Elite (http://www.hoguestore.com/index.php?...roducts_id=771).

I'll post pics when they arrive.

JLA · 02-23-2010, 08:08 PM

I know, its terrible. I really wanna build one in 9X25mm dillon. Once i finish the rowland, itll be next. The dillon is a crazy fast round. 124 gr bullet at 1700 fps from a 6 inch bbl. I was thumbing through one of my 1911 magazines and ran across an article about Wayne Novaks personal gun collection, and the dillon was there, and would put 8 of those screamers into an inch at 25 yds.

mesinge2 · 02-23-2010, 08:16 PM

I plan on adding an arched mainspring housing, Trijicon night sights, and an ambidextrous thumb saftey to my Combat Elite in the near future.

I purchased a Thompson (Auto-ordinance) with a arched mainspring housing that fit my hand better than any other 1911, before that I had never held one with an arched housing.

But the Thompson it too pretty to shoot or carry; I mean look at it:

Attachment 34376

Attachment 34377

mesinge2 · 02-23-2010, 08:20 PM

I also just refinished my first 1911, a Charles Daly Empire EFS:

Attachment 34378

P.S. Sorry for the cell phone picture

JLA · 02-23-2010, 08:49 PM

Very nice... Very nice indeed

gdmoody · 02-24-2010, 12:11 AM

I too have just a mild case of it. I only have three 1911's right now but seem to keep being pulled to them every time I visit my local shop.

mesinge2 · 02-25-2010, 04:56 PM

And the Symptoms Continue, my grips arrived:

http://www.thefirearmsforum.com/showthread.php?t=74726

Attachment 34443
Attachment 34444
Attachment 34445
Attachment 34446

Eddie N · 02-25-2010, 05:27 PM

Some of you are talking about building them. Are complete kits available? If so, where do you get them? Been looking, but not sure what to look for. Mostly see black powder stuff.

JLA · 02-26-2010, 09:49 AM

eddie, you can get everything you need to build a 1911 from brownells. There arent kits per se, but you can buy already mated frame and slide combos. Fitting the frame and slide is the most tedious and time consuming part of a build up. BUT, most of your already fitted sets are only offered by the BIG names like LES BAER and STI, so they command a premium price. A naked frame and slide from LES BAER runs about 650 bucks for the pair. Fitting isnt hard, its just a very precise process that requires alot of stopping and checking to do properly. Aside form mating the frame and slide, proper barrel fitting is the next time consumer, Most everything else on a 1911 is minor fit and fire away. Google building a 1911 and you should get a link to brownells tech site with a list of parts needed to build a basic stock 1911.

Eddie N · 02-27-2010, 04:34 AM

Thanks for the info, JLA. Looks like to build one costs more than to buy one. I'd sure like to try it, though.

JLA · 02-27-2010, 05:45 AM

if you build one with premium parts, then yes they are about twice what an entry level gun would cost, but if done properly the gun will be on a level only the highest dollar 1911s will compare to. I just finished assembling my first build from scratch, I have customized lots of factory guns and made them better, but his was my first comlete build. I have right at 1200 invested in the pistol and once finished it will compare to 2500 guns built by wilson combat and les baer.

Check out this link, http://www.wilsoncombat.com/p_460.asp It is essentially the same gun I have just finished. The only thing I did was go with a compensator to reduce recoil and a different finish.

Eddie N · 02-27-2010, 02:55 PM

So my next question is, and I think I know the answer, is, what special tools, if any, would I need? I do like working with my hands and would love to custom build something. That is, if it doesn't get way too complicated. Not worried about the cost if it turns out as good as you say. (Visions of a custom 1911(or...) dancing in my head)

JLA · 02-27-2010, 04:44 PM

I would recommend a good dial caliper, preferably one that measures to the .0001" but a good .001" will suffice. A set of quality needle files, A dremel tool or rotary drive of similar design. Many different bits to use with the dremel (buffing wheels, buffing compound, grinding stones and cut-off wheels) A good set of hollow ground screwdrivers (should be on the work desk of all gun-owners) forceps for small parts, some valve lapping compound (220 grit), small hammers, punches (steel, brass, and nylon), a fairly large rubber or rawhide mallet (i like rubber), 40X bore cleaner. Thats about what you would need to build a 1911 from aftermarket parts without too much headache. I can go into detail but that would require a thread unto itself

Good luck my friend

Eddie N · 02-27-2010, 08:39 PM

Once again, thanks for the info. Think I'd like to buy one, first, though. Just for comparison. Then to get the bucks for yet another project.

The other major project being... well there's a photo of it somewhere in here.
BTW, those are some very nice looking guns above.

02-22-2010, 09:09 PM	#1
mesinge2 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Central Florida Posts: 538	I have contracted a disease - 1911itis I have contracted 1911itis. I purchased my first 1911 two years ago, and now I have 8. I have 4 Colts (3 governments and a Defender for carry), a Charles Daly, a Para GI Expert, a Thompson, and a Kimber SIS full size. I said to my self I have to calm my 1911 spending, but: I shoot them better than any of my other autos. I started with the straight thumbs method the range officer showed me and it WORKS. I just won a local competition at my range with my Colt Combat Elite. While there I saw an ad for the new Bobtail with an Officer's frame and a commander's slide. Help me, I am headed for a relapse. __________________ NRA Certified Instructor "A strong body makes the mind strong. As to the species of exercise. I advise the gun. While this gives moderate exercise to the body, it gives boldness, enterprise, and independence to the mind ... Let your gun therefore be your constant companion of your walks." 1785, Thomas Jefferson. -->

02-22-2010, 09:51 PM	#2
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,318	Re: I have contracted a disease - 1911itis wait til you build your first one It gets much worse __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

02-23-2010, 07:31 AM	#3
Double D TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: North Florida Contributor Posts: 8,075	Re: I have contracted a disease - 1911itis I can think of alot of worse diseases. Rock on! __________________ I own a bunch of scary guns. You want em? Come and take em..... Liberalism is a serious, non curable, mental disorder... NRA LIFE MEMBER Oath Keepers Member NRA Certified Instructor 30 Yr CC permit holder.

02-23-2010, 08:30 AM	#4
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,318	Re: I have contracted a disease - 1911itis yeah, you could have glockitis (runs and hides from glocknut) __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

02-23-2010, 05:31 PM	#6
TheGunClinger Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: SW Florida Contributor Posts: 2,382	Re: I have contracted a disease - 1911itis No cure for you. I got the same disease and only have three of them. I am, and always will be lusting for more. And more.... By the way, where are the pics?? __________________ New England Patriots Rule Next year.

02-23-2010, 05:38 PM	#7
Eddie N Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Colorado Contributor Posts: 1,192	Re: I have contracted a disease - 1911itis I must have it, too. No 1911 yet, but want one sooooo bad.

02-23-2010, 07:01 PM	#8
mesinge2 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Central Florida Posts: 538	Re: I have contracted a disease - 1911itis The problem now is that I want one in 10mm, 38 super, 9mm, and 400 Corbon. __________________ NRA Certified Instructor "A strong body makes the mind strong. As to the species of exercise. I advise the gun. While this gives moderate exercise to the body, it gives boldness, enterprise, and independence to the mind ... Let your gun therefore be your constant companion of your walks." 1785, Thomas Jefferson.

02-23-2010, 07:45 PM	#9
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,318	Re: I have contracted a disease - 1911itis dont forget .460 rowland, .357 sig, .40 s&w, 9X25mm dillon, and .50 GI. Just to name some more __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

02-23-2010, 07:59 PM	#10
mesinge2 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Central Florida Posts: 538	Re: I have contracted a disease - 1911itis Thanks, JLA. I'll never be cured... P.S. Also, the Para double stack 14+1 45s __________________ NRA Certified Instructor "A strong body makes the mind strong. As to the species of exercise. I advise the gun. While this gives moderate exercise to the body, it gives boldness, enterprise, and independence to the mind ... Let your gun therefore be your constant companion of your walks." 1785, Thomas Jefferson.

02-23-2010, 08:02 PM	#11
mesinge2 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Central Florida Posts: 538	Another problem is accessories for them. I just ordered these grips for my Combat Elite (http://www.hoguestore.com/index.php?...roducts_id=771). I'll post pics when they arrive. Last edited by mesinge2; 02-23-2010 at 08:03 PM..

02-23-2010, 08:08 PM	#12
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,318	Re: I have contracted a disease - 1911itis I know, its terrible. I really wanna build one in 9X25mm dillon. Once i finish the rowland, itll be next. The dillon is a crazy fast round. 124 gr bullet at 1700 fps from a 6 inch bbl. I was thumbing through one of my 1911 magazines and ran across an article about Wayne Novaks personal gun collection, and the dillon was there, and would put 8 of those screamers into an inch at 25 yds. __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

02-23-2010, 08:16 PM	#13
mesinge2 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Central Florida Posts: 538	Re: I have contracted a disease - 1911itis I plan on adding an arched mainspring housing, Trijicon night sights, and an ambidextrous thumb saftey to my Combat Elite in the near future. I purchased a Thompson (Auto-ordinance) with a arched mainspring housing that fit my hand better than any other 1911, before that I had never held one with an arched housing. But the Thompson it too pretty to shoot or carry; I mean look at it: Attachment 34376 Attachment 34377 __________________ NRA Certified Instructor "A strong body makes the mind strong. As to the species of exercise. I advise the gun. While this gives moderate exercise to the body, it gives boldness, enterprise, and independence to the mind ... Let your gun therefore be your constant companion of your walks." 1785, Thomas Jefferson. Last edited by mesinge2; 09-29-2010 at 10:35 PM..

02-23-2010, 08:20 PM	#14
mesinge2 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Central Florida Posts: 538	Re: I have contracted a disease - 1911itis I also just refinished my first 1911, a Charles Daly Empire EFS: Attachment 34378 P.S. Sorry for the cell phone picture __________________ NRA Certified Instructor "A strong body makes the mind strong. As to the species of exercise. I advise the gun. While this gives moderate exercise to the body, it gives boldness, enterprise, and independence to the mind ... Let your gun therefore be your constant companion of your walks." 1785, Thomas Jefferson. Last edited by mesinge2; 09-29-2010 at 10:35 PM..

02-23-2010, 08:49 PM	#15
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,318	Re: I have contracted a disease - 1911itis Very nice... Very nice indeed __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

02-24-2010, 12:11 AM	#16
gdmoody Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Northeast Georgia Contributor Posts: 6,334	Re: I have contracted a disease - 1911itis I too have just a mild case of it. I only have three 1911's right now but seem to keep being pulled to them every time I visit my local shop. __________________ NRA Endowment Member GeorgiaCarry.Org Member Retired US Army Postal Worker Personally, I carry a gun because I'm too young to die and too old to take an ass whoopin'.....author unknown (but obviously brilliant)

02-25-2010, 04:56 PM	#17
mesinge2 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Central Florida Posts: 538	Re: I have contracted a disease - 1911itis And the Symptoms Continue, my grips arrived: http://www.thefirearmsforum.com/showthread.php?t=74726 Attachment 34443 Attachment 34444 Attachment 34445 Attachment 34446 __________________ NRA Certified Instructor "A strong body makes the mind strong. As to the species of exercise. I advise the gun. While this gives moderate exercise to the body, it gives boldness, enterprise, and independence to the mind ... Let your gun therefore be your constant companion of your walks." 1785, Thomas Jefferson. Last edited by mesinge2; 02-25-2010 at 04:58 PM..

02-25-2010, 05:27 PM	#18
Eddie N Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Colorado Contributor Posts: 1,192	Re: I have contracted a disease - 1911itis Some of you are talking about building them. Are complete kits available? If so, where do you get them? Been looking, but not sure what to look for. Mostly see black powder stuff.

02-26-2010, 09:49 AM	#19
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,318	Re: I have contracted a disease - 1911itis eddie, you can get everything you need to build a 1911 from brownells. There arent kits per se, but you can buy already mated frame and slide combos. Fitting the frame and slide is the most tedious and time consuming part of a build up. BUT, most of your already fitted sets are only offered by the BIG names like LES BAER and STI, so they command a premium price. A naked frame and slide from LES BAER runs about 650 bucks for the pair. Fitting isnt hard, its just a very precise process that requires alot of stopping and checking to do properly. Aside form mating the frame and slide, proper barrel fitting is the next time consumer, Most everything else on a 1911 is minor fit and fire away. Google building a 1911 and you should get a link to brownells tech site with a list of parts needed to build a basic stock 1911. __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

02-27-2010, 04:34 AM	#20
Eddie N Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Colorado Contributor Posts: 1,192	Re: I have contracted a disease - 1911itis Thanks for the info, JLA. Looks like to build one costs more than to buy one. I'd sure like to try it, though. Last edited by Eddie N; 02-27-2010 at 04:36 AM..

02-27-2010, 05:45 AM	#21
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,318	Re: I have contracted a disease - 1911itis if you build one with premium parts, then yes they are about twice what an entry level gun would cost, but if done properly the gun will be on a level only the highest dollar 1911s will compare to. I just finished assembling my first build from scratch, I have customized lots of factory guns and made them better, but his was my first comlete build. I have right at 1200 invested in the pistol and once finished it will compare to 2500 guns built by wilson combat and les baer. Check out this link, http://www.wilsoncombat.com/p_460.asp It is essentially the same gun I have just finished. The only thing I did was go with a compensator to reduce recoil and a different finish. __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

02-27-2010, 02:55 PM	#22
Eddie N Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Colorado Contributor Posts: 1,192	Re: I have contracted a disease - 1911itis So my next question is, and I think I know the answer, is, what special tools, if any, would I need? I do like working with my hands and would love to custom build something. That is, if it doesn't get way too complicated. Not worried about the cost if it turns out as good as you say. (Visions of a custom 1911(or...) dancing in my head)

02-27-2010, 04:44 PM	#23
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,318	Re: I have contracted a disease - 1911itis I would recommend a good dial caliper, preferably one that measures to the .0001" but a good .001" will suffice. A set of quality needle files, A dremel tool or rotary drive of similar design. Many different bits to use with the dremel (buffing wheels, buffing compound, grinding stones and cut-off wheels) A good set of hollow ground screwdrivers (should be on the work desk of all gun-owners) forceps for small parts, some valve lapping compound (220 grit), small hammers, punches (steel, brass, and nylon), a fairly large rubber or rawhide mallet (i like rubber), 40X bore cleaner. Thats about what you would need to build a 1911 from aftermarket parts without too much headache. I can go into detail but that would require a thread unto itself Good luck my friend __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

02-27-2010, 08:39 PM	#24
Eddie N Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Colorado Contributor Posts: 1,192	Re: I have contracted a disease - 1911itis Once again, thanks for the info. Think I'd like to buy one, first, though. Just for comparison. Then to get the bucks for yet another project.The other major project being... well there's a photo of it somewhere in here. BTW, those are some very nice looking guns above. Last edited by Eddie N; 02-27-2010 at 08:41 PM..