The 45 Build begins COMPLETED

[Bob_VT]

I mentioned in another thread that I picked this up. Something to keep me busy until the weather gets better.

My first build from scratch

 

[Bondo]

Re: The 45 Build begins

Re: The 45 Build begins

Ayuh,... Cool Bob,... My 1st pistol was a .45ACP...
It was built from junk parts by an Armorer, on a new AMT aluminum frame...
I spent the next several years up-grading it to New,...
Switched out the frame from the AMT aluminum to an AMT steel frame, newer Colt slide, new barrel,+ bushing, better safety, mag release, etc..
Probably had as much Fun rebuilding it as I did putting several thousand rounds thru it...

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: The 45 Build begins

Re: The 45 Build begins

Well, I made some great progress. I got the ejector and plunger tube staked and grip bushings. I "tried" to assemble the lower end however I got a bad thumb safety so I ordered a new one.

The best part was the fitting of slide to frame. I lapped them together and now the fit is smooth as glass.

So basically I am on hold pending more parts and sights...... It is coming together nicely.

 

[Bondo]

Re: The 45 Build begins

Re: The 45 Build begins

It is coming together nicely.

Ayuh,... Sounds Good Bob,...

'course the Real Fun starts as soon as you drop the hammer on the 1st live primer,....

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: The 45 Build begins

Re: The 45 Build begins

You'll shoot your eye out with that thing!

 

[BoatBuoy]

Re: The 45 Build begins

Re: The 45 Build begins

When I saw the title of this thread, I thought you'd found an old Harley 45 box job.

 

[i386]

Re: The 45 Build begins

Re: The 45 Build begins

Cool Bob. I just knew it was a pistol when I read the topic. Is it any cheaper to build one or just nice to pick and choose the components. I knew one could build an AR-15 from parts, but not a .45. I'd love to have both, but I'd have a a heck of a time getting my wire to endorse either.

 

[Jeff-in-PA]

Re: The 45 Build begins

Re: The 45 Build begins

Looks good Bob. I purchased a Springfield 1911-A1 about 15 years ago and did a little tweaking too.

Polished the feed ramp, beveled the ejection port, new hammer, trigger and competition sear ( nice crisp 4-1/2 lb trigger break since it's a carry gun ).

Was going to tighten the slide/frame but my gunsmith friend said it's a lot of work for just a little gain ( on my gun since it fit so well to begin with ). Added the wrap around Hogue grips and it shoots great.

Jeff

 

[WizeOne]

Re: The 45 Build begins

Re: The 45 Build begins

I lapped them together and now the fit is smooth as glass. .....

What did you lap with? Wouldn't this proceedure increase slop in the slide?

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: The 45 Build begins

Re: The 45 Build begins

I used a candle and smoked the rails to keep checking my progress..... then once I had proper contact then I lapped it. There was a minor bit of high spot removal.

Lapped with a tiny dab of water based valve grinding compound followed by a tiny dab of fine cut rubbing compound.

I wanted a smooth contact finish.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: The 45 Build begins

Re: The 45 Build begins

Cool Bob. I just knew it was a pistol when I read the topic. Is it any cheaper to build one or just nice to pick and choose the components. I knew one could build an AR-15 from parts, but not a .45. I'd love to have both, but I'd have a a heck of a time getting my wire to endorse either.

No.... it is NOT cheaper at all......however, you can put into it what you want. Trust me for the money I could have purchased a Kimber or STI off the self for less. For a "decent" shooter RIA makes a fairly inexpensive starting gun that can be modified.

An AR can built cheaper from parts too.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: The 45 Build begins

Re: The 45 Build begins

Jeff - yes tightening the rails is a whole new world. There is an old book called Pistolsmithing by George Nonte Jr that has some great information in it. Keep an eye on ebay and you can get one at a good price.

Probably your next accuracy investment should be a match bushing. You will have to fit it to the barrel and frame but, it is worth the work.

I went as far as I could with my 45 and packaged it up and shipped it to my brother for Cerakote finishing and final tune up. I just re-ordered the sights yeaterday too. I am going with an adjustable rear sight and a fiber optic front post.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: The 45 Build begins

Re: The 45 Build begins

Well a quick update ..... my brother has yet to cerakote the gun it seems as if his business is booming...... I did get a Bar-Sto barrel for the project and I am going all out.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: The 45 Build begins

Re: The 45 Build begins

Ended Full Cerakote finish on all parts

Wilson Extended Safety Ed Brown beavertail grip safety

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: The 45 Build begins

Re: The 45 Build begins

Fully adjustable rear sight

Fiber optic front sight

BarSto Match barrel with full length guide rod

 

[thefairlaneman]

Re: The 45 Build begins

Re: The 45 Build begins

When you rest that thing up beside some thugs nose and he feels the cold steel the answers he gives you will be 100% honest as he booboos in his pants. I like anything "old school"

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: The 45 Build begins

Re: The 45 Build begins

Kinda like a steel forged lie detector

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: The 45 Build begins

Re: The 45 Build begins

I thought some better pictures in the sunlight would be better

 

[JRJ]

Re: The 45 Build begins COMPLETED

Congrats on a nice job. I like it

 

[Jeff-in-PA]

Re: The 45 Build begins COMPLETED

Very nice Bob. I hope it shoots as well as it looks, it should be a tack driver.

Jeff