Selecting 1911 Pistol Frames – Key Things You Must Know

The 1911 is a dinosaur. It has been around for more than one hundred years and individuals owning and using them simply adore them as much as the first generation of shooters that ever picked the 1911. They are dependable, long-lasting, and timeless, and when complemented with the .45 ACP for which they were originally designed, they give unimaginable stopping power.

Although 1911 is a dinosaur it did not disappear. It is a dinosaur that will not go extinct. In this sense, it is a dinosaur that is still alive as it doesn’t compromise or make way for newer models. The same features that made a - 1911 functional about a hundred years back still result in a magnificent pistol today. That’s why many pistol owners choose to build their 1911s from parts and kits. 

The primary piece of the kit, and the only part that is regulated as a firearm, is the 1911 frame. You will have to buy the frame separately as that piece is deemed a firearm by the ATF. Nevertheless, not all pistol frames are created equal. When you set off to pair the cheapest 1911 frame to another “parts kit’’ or “build kit”, you need to be cognizant of some factors such as:

1911 frame size

 The frame size that you finally buy will also impact the parts that will be compatible with it, as included in a build kit or a parts kit. To put it simply, there are 3 sizes in which 1911 frames are manufactured. These are government frames, commander frames, and officer frames. The largest one of course is the government frame - a fully assembled “1911 Government” pistol has a 5.3-inch barrel. On the other hand, the 1911 Commander has a 4.25-inch barrel and the 1911 Officer, the subcompact frame of the assemblage, consists of a 3.5-inch barrel.

The caliber of the build

If you’re buying the cheapest 1911 frame & all the parts separately, you must be sure of the caliber rating of each part of the build. For instance, your firing pin and barrel must be caliber or cartridge-specific. A lot of 1911 pistols are chambered in .45 ACP or 9mm Luger. A lot of parts for these distinct pistols won’t be interchangeable.

The Final Word

A lot of pistol owners enjoy the process of assembling their firearms from parts and build kits. And it is surely the most pleasurable form of recreation that at the same time is educational as well. You won’t practically complete the process without learning everything related to how your firearm operates. This will make it easier for you to do repairs, adjustments, or replacements in the long run. Plus, it will also make it simpler and cheaper for you to upgrade parts. Firearm sales have recently snowballed, so it would be more cost-effective for you to build your own than to buy one. Moreover, assembling your pistol will bring you closer to the sport you enjoy, i.e., shooting.