10mm-Auto

Firearms => 10mm semi-auto handguns => Topic started by: g929 on November 29 2013 11:13:49 AM MST

Title: Which way to go for 10mm
Post by: g929 on November 29 2013 11:13:49 AM MST
Hello guys I'm new but i own a1911 and I would like to get a 10mm I was thinking of a ria or to get a frame and have it bilt from scrach what are your suggestion thank you.....
Title: Re: witch way to go for 10mm
Post by: sqlbullet on November 29 2013 11:15:14 AM MST
RIA gets great reports.  And their customer service has been top notch for those who weren't happy.

Last time I put the pencil to it, I couldn't buy decent parts to build for the price of a RIA.
Title: Re: witch way to go for 10mm
Post by: g929 on November 29 2013 11:31:01 AM MST
Quote from: sqlbullet on November 29 2013 11:15:14 AM MST
RIA gets great reports.  And their customer service has been top notch for those who weren't happy.

Last time I put the pencil to it, I couldn't buy decent parts to build for the price of a RIA.
I guess for the money is the way to go I don't like glock's
Title: Re: witch way to go for 10mm
Post by: The_Shadow on November 29 2013 12:00:49 PM MST
Well g929, welcome to the forum!  If 1911's are your preferred pistol you're not going to be happy with others so much because you have become accustomed to the single action trigger and ergonomics... 8)

However there are some trade offs...less rounds unless you get caspian frame...chamber support for some are lacking.
That said they can be great shooters if they suit you needs.  :)
Title: Re: witch way to go for 10mm
Post by: Intercooler on November 29 2013 12:08:43 PM MST
1006 or a Witness with 15+1.
Title: Re: witch way to go for 10mm
Post by: g929 on November 29 2013 12:11:20 PM MST
Quote from: The_Shadow on November 29 2013 12:00:49 PM MST
Well g929, welcome to the forum!  If 1911's are your preferred pistol you're not going to be happy with others so much because you have become accustomed to the single action trigger and ergonomics... 8)

However there are some trade offs...less rounds unless you get caspian frame...chamber support for some are lacking.
That said they can be great shooters if they suit you needs.  :)
thank you sir.. I know glock are well made but I just love the 1911 platform and the unfortunate thing is not lots of shops carry or sale ammo for this caliber which I think is coming back that's why in searching go costume or just by a ria...
Title: Re: witch way to go for 10mm
Post by: MCQUADE on November 29 2013 02:39:11 PM MST
What do you plan on using it for? Carry/self defense, fun, hunting. I've had an unjustified prejudice against 10mm 1911's for years. I had shot a friends many years ago and I was not impressed. However I am currently having the most fun I've had in a long time with a 1911 10mm. The Rock Islands are getting some very good reports and you can't beat the price. Mine is a Para Usa and it has functioned well thus far although it cost several hundred more than a RIA,
Title: Re: witch way to go for 10mm
Post by: g929 on November 29 2013 02:56:29 PM MST
Quote from: MCQUADE on November 29 2013 02:39:11 PM MST
What do you plan on using it for? Carry/self defense, fun, hunting. I've had an unjustified prejudice against 10mm 1911's for years. I had shot a friends many years ago and I was not impressed. However I am currently having the most fun I've had in a long time with a 1911 10mm. The Rock Islands are getting some very good reports and you can't beat the price. Mine is a Para Usa and it has functioned well thus far although it cost several hundred more than a RIA,
to be hones I just love the caliber and the background it has. ...
Title: Re: witch way to go for 10mm
Post by: MCQUADE on November 29 2013 03:30:42 PM MST
Then I'd suggest starting with a Rock Island, but I ain't never shot one. If you've got the money find a 3rd Gen S&W and blast away but they aren't a 1911. I bought the Para as sort of a test in order to save others money. Would I step up after 1,000 rounds and recommend it, yes. If it was a POS I would scream it from the mountaintop. Para's CS is also top notch now, but they had bad problems in the past. If I had 3 grand to blow I'd probably get a Nighthawk Custom Heine LS but that will never happen......
Title: Re: witch way to go for 10mm
Post by: StockIIBoss on November 29 2013 04:38:38 PM MST
Rock Island is great for the 10mm. Seen 'em, shot 'em, and they're pretty nice. My preference, though, is to have more handling options, if you will. The RIA is cocked and locked, and low (aka 1911) capacity. The DA/SA's out there give you more options, such as double action, double action locked (if you're skeert), single action cocked and locked, half cocked, half cocked and locked. The Tanfoglio (EAA) also offers SAO handguns, which is cocked and locked only for carry, but if you're a 1911 style fan, this could be for you. I believe the 'Match' is the least expensive SAO they offer. Super nice pistol, though. The Limited (almost bid on a 10mm today), is also SAO. Talk about nice! It's the same as my Stock II with sight/scope bracket mount points, SA, and fancy magwell. Same sights. $1K or so at Bud's, which is only 100 bucks more than the Stock II. It's going to be hard to find anything nicer than the Tanfoglio Elite lineup if you're interested in 'looks' with the reliability. There are also the Tanfo competition pistols for $2K+, like the Eric Gold, etc. The competition lineup are pretty much 'purpose' guns, so unless you're interested in competition, they may just be a blinging waste of money. I'll never have one, but when I pass a page that shows them I always stop and drool just a bit. LOL. Then there's the freaking Glocks. Danged reliable things keep getting in the way of bling! But... and as reliable as they may be to fire each and every round, they're not really all that accurate. You'll find the Glock aficionado's end up with different barrels for much better accuracy. What's that Youtube guy, er, Hickok45, he's the first to admit that changing the barrel is a must. He has a video showing the difference of the standard Glock 10mm barrel to the Lonewolf 10mm barrel. Much better, at least with the 230g Double Tap hardball bullets he was shooting.

The Tango elite series 10mm's have bulled cone barrels with conical rifling and mine happens to be very accurate across the range of weights. I've used 135, 155, 180 FMJ's and HP, and 220g, all from Underwood. I also use Armscor 180g 10mm for target and plinking  and they have never failed. You sure can feel the difference in the loads, though. The Underwood is a very consistent full spec load and the Armscor is, well, not... 


 
Title: Re: witch way to go for 10mm
Post by: g929 on November 29 2013 06:10:44 PM MST
Quote from: StockIIBoss on November 29 2013 04:38:38 PM MST
Rock Island is great for the 10mm. Seen 'em, shot 'em, and they're pretty nice. My preference, though, is to have more handling options, if you will. The RIA is cocked and locked, and low (aka 1911) capacity. The DA/SA's out there give you more options, such as double action, double action locked (if you're skeert), single action cocked and locked, half cocked, half cocked and locked. The Tanfoglio (EAA) also offers SAO handguns, which is cocked and locked only for carry, but if you're a 1911 style fan, this could be for you. I believe the 'Match' is the least expensive SAO they offer. Super nice pistol, though. The Limited (almost bid on a 10mm today), is also SAO. Talk about nice! It's the same as my Stock II with sight/scope bracket mount points, SA, and fancy magwell. Same sights. $1K or so at Bud's, which is only 100 bucks more than the Stock II. It's going to be hard to find anything nicer than the Tanfoglio Elite lineup if you're interested in 'looks' with the reliability. There are also the Tanfo competition pistols for $2K+, like the Eric Gold, etc. The competition lineup are pretty much 'purpose' guns, so unless you're interested in competition, they may just be a blinging waste of money. I'll never have one, but when I pass a page that shows them I always stop and drool just a bit. LOL. Then there's the freaking Glocks. Danged reliable things keep getting in the way of bling! But... and as reliable as they may be to fire each and every round, they're not really all that accurate. You'll find the Glock aficionado's end up with different barrels for much better accuracy. What's that Youtube guy, er, Hickok45, he's the first to admit that changing the barrel is a must. He has a video showing the difference of the standard Glock 10mm barrel to the Lonewolf 10mm barrel. Much better, at least with the 230g Double Tap hardball bullets he was shooting.

The Tango elite series 10mm's have bulled cone barrels with conical rifling and mine happens to be very accurate across the range of weights. I've used 135, 155, 180 FMJ's and HP, and 220g, all from Underwood. I also use Armscor 180g 10mm for target and plinking  and they have never failed. You sure can feel the difference in the loads, though. The Underwood is a very consistent full spec load and the Armscor is, well, not...   
good information but like you just sead I'm not gona compite with it I'm gana go with ria for now before my permit expires and ill just take it from thair......
Title: Re: witch way to go for 10mm
Post by: The_Shadow on November 29 2013 06:34:26 PM MST
I fixed the Quote's ending...to have it be just what was quoted and your statement excluded.
Title: Re: witch way to go for 10mm
Post by: denclaste on November 29 2013 06:45:39 PM MST
My RIA's have been rock solid. So far they've eaten everything I've fed them. All I've done is a 28#mainspring, 18#recoil spring, and EGW flat bottom FPS. EAA did not impress me at all. Problems from the get go. Dumped after I pigbellied the first 20 rounds thru it. EAA has arguably the worst customer service in the industry. In 1911's, bang for the buck, RIA. If you have the funds Dan Wesson; full custom: Guncrafters, Wilson Combat, Nighthawk, and others. My G20 is ok, but for EDC and range use it's all 1911"s. Good luck on your search. As long as its a 10mm IT WILL BE FUN.
Dennis
Title: Re: witch way to go for 10mm
Post by: pacapcop on November 29 2013 08:21:38 PM MST
The Stock II is marketed as a comp/carry pistol. Id say anything past those Stocks and Limited models pretty much go to comp pistols and from this forum concealed carry and range practice are a dominant theme. Id say price wise they can't be beat for what one gets. That being the Elite Series/Limited and Stock models. I heard success with current steel model full size as well. Accurate pistols. One day we will have a CZ 10mm, hopefully optional decocker feature. 
Title: Re: witch way to go for 10mm
Post by: Intercooler on November 29 2013 09:10:41 PM MST
I'm shooting my Limited 10mm tomorrow and can't wait. It's a ton of fun!
Title: Re: witch way to go for 10mm
Post by: macc283 on November 30 2013 01:04:54 PM MST
Kimber also has 4 1911's in 10mm now as well
Title: Re: witch way to go for 10mm
Post by: Intercooler on November 30 2013 01:16:57 PM MST
   What really would be great for you is to get up with a group of 10mm owners and shoot them all first.... Glock, Witness, 1006, some 1911's first. You may end up with most of them anyway if you are like most of us  :o
Title: Re: witch way to go for 10mm
Post by: StockIIBoss on November 30 2013 02:06:15 PM MST
Intercooler, how'd the shootin' go?
Title: Re: witch way to go for 10mm
Post by: Intercooler on November 30 2013 02:45:49 PM MST
Great as usual. My Witness pieces just run and do it well!
Title: Re: witch way to go for 10mm
Post by: MCQUADE on November 30 2013 03:17:26 PM MST
Quote from: Intercooler on November 30 2013 01:16:57 PM MST
   What really would be great for you is to get up with a group of 10mm owners and shoot them all first.... Glock, Witness, 1006, some 1911's first. You may end up with most of them anyway if you are like most of us  :o
Well, like Meatloaf sang back in the day, three outta four ain't bad.  ;D
Title: Re: witch way to go for 10mm
Post by: pacapcop on December 01 2013 02:56:14 AM MST
I really never heard complaints with Tanfoglios pistols with the Match series on up. The few extra dollars go a long way.
Title: Re: witch way to go for 10mm
Post by: g929 on December 01 2013 07:25:45 AM MST
Quote from: Intercooler on November 30 2013 01:16:57 PM MST
   What really would be great for you is to get up with a group of 10mm owners and shoot them all first.... Glock, Witness, 1006, some 1911's first. You may end up with most of them anyway if you are like most of us  :o
that a good idea but hear in nj don't know to meany ppl for that and every ware I go they ask way a 10mm wich I think is  well you know....... ;D
Title: Re: witch way to go for 10mm
Post by: pacapcop on December 01 2013 06:57:15 PM MST
Jersey. Feel for ya bro.
Title: Re: witch way to go for 10mm
Post by: g929 on December 01 2013 10:17:02 PM MST
Ok guys I spend all day looking for a ria in 10mm I only fown a couple and I think they been over price a bit now I'm thinking of staring from scrash I get it the way I want so what you guys think for frame?? Les bear gaspian sti....
Title: Re: witch way to go for 10mm
Post by: 475/480 on December 02 2013 03:32:57 PM MST
STI or Caspian gets my vote . Either one should shoot very nicely.


Sean
Title: Re: witch way to go for 10mm
Post by: denclaste on December 02 2013 07:02:33 PM MST
Ask whoever will be building it for you what frame they prefer to build off of. Some of the custom builders are pretty set in their ways. Choose someone who specializes in building 1911's and check out their reputation. You are going to put big money in this project and you want something you love and will love to shoot. Double stacks are not common so if you go that way be extra sure of your builder. Best of luck.
Dennis
Title: Re: witch way to go for 10mm
Post by: g929 on December 02 2013 09:38:06 PM MST
Quote from: denclaste on December 02 2013 07:02:33 PM MST
Ask whoever will be building it for you what frame they prefer to build off of. Some of the custom builders are pretty set in their ways. Choose someone who specializes in building 1911's and check out their reputation. You are going to put big money in this project and you want something you love and will love to shoot. Double stacks are not common so if you go that way be extra sure of your builder. Best of luck.
Dennis
hey thanks dennis I'm more of the traditional type but whoo you recommend for this......
Title: Re: witch way to go for 10mm
Post by: gandog56 on December 02 2013 11:14:49 PM MST
Good place to get quality parts like a frame and such is Fusion Firearms. But since I have the mechanical inclination of a rotten orange, I just had them custom build one for me. A 10mm long slide Hunter.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/Gandog56/CappieHunterTradXlElite-3.jpg)

http://www.fusionfirearms.com/ (http://www.fusionfirearms.com/)
Title: Re: witch way to go for 10mm
Post by: ctrout on December 03 2013 05:53:39 AM MST
I built mine on a Caspian and I love it.  Beautiful gun. 
(https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/76533_427766417272895_753842704_n.jpg)
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/1456690_601945989854936_1585509628_n.jpg)
(https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1451446_601945876521614_1409567605_n.jpg)
Title: Re: witch way to go for 10mm
Post by: g929 on December 03 2013 06:42:16 AM MST
Quote from: gandog56 on December 02 2013 11:14:49 PM MST
Good place to get quality parts like a frame and such is Fusion Firearms. But since I have the mechanical inclination of a rotten orange, I just had them custom build one for me. A 10mm long slide Hunter.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/Gandog56/CappieHunterTradXlElite-3.jpg)

http://www.fusionfirearms.com/ (http://www.fusionfirearms.com/)
that's a nice pice... looks very solid
Title: Re: witch way to go for 10mm
Post by: g929 on December 03 2013 06:45:35 AM MST
Quote from: ctrout on December 03 2013 05:53:39 AM MST
I built mine on a Caspian and I love it.  Beautiful gun. 
(https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/76533_427766417272895_753842704_n.jpg)
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/1456690_601945989854936_1585509628_n.jpg)
(https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1451446_601945876521614_1409567605_n.jpg)
and this one too can you share whoo bilt it and what parts you have in it thank you nice gun
Title: Re: witch way to go for 10mm
Post by: g929 on December 03 2013 08:36:26 AM MST
Quote from: ctrout on December 03 2013 05:53:39 AM MST
I built mine on a Caspian and I love it.  Beautiful gun. 
(https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/76533_427766417272895_753842704_n.jpg)
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/1456690_601945989854936_1585509628_n.jpg)
(https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1451446_601945876521614_1409567605_n.jpg)
and this one too can you share whoo bilt it and what parts you have in it thank you nice gun
Title: Re: witch way to go for 10mm
Post by: denclaste on December 03 2013 03:43:42 PM MST
g929,
One of the guys I shoot with has a Fusion and a Guncrafters; another has a Dan Wesson RZ 10. Check out the DW RZ10 if you want to save a little. Personally, I'd die quite happy with one from any of the high reputation makers. Whoever you get don't be surprised if build time is quoted in 8-12 months. Just the nature of the beast at this time. Building from scratch can be quite fun; waiting is not fun. Just remember, in building a 1911 its all important to have the barrel fitted exactly and the bushing totally matched to the gun for greatest accuracy. Have fun and take your time.
Dennis
PS: Slabsided long slides are really nice  :D
Title: Re: witch way to go for 10mm
Post by: g929 on December 03 2013 05:47:54 PM MST
Quote from: denclaste on December 03 2013 03:43:42 PM MST
g929,
One of the guys I shoot with has a Fusion and a Guncrafters; another has a Dan Wesson RZ 10. Check out the DW RZ10 if you want to save a little. Personally, I'd die quite happy with one from any of the high reputation makers. Whoever you get don't be surprised if build time is quoted in 8-12 months. Just the nature of the beast at this time. Building from scratch can be quite fun; waiting is not fun. Just remember, in building a 1911 its all important to have the barrel fitted exactly and the bushing totally matched to the gun for greatest accuracy. Have fun and take your time.
Dennis
PS: Slabsided long slides are really nice  :D
great thanks time is not a problem I just don't wana loose my permit but this is a good idea thanks...
Title: Re: witch way to go for 10mm
Post by: ctrout on December 03 2013 07:04:16 PM MST
Quote from: g929 on December 03 2013 08:36:26 AM MST
Quote from: ctrout on December 03 2013 05:53:39 AM MST
I built mine on a Caspian and I love it.  Beautiful gun. 
(https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/76533_427766417272895_753842704_n.jpg)
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/1456690_601945989854936_1585509628_n.jpg)
(https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1451446_601945876521614_1409567605_n.jpg)
and this one too can you share whoo bilt it and what parts you have in it thank you nice gun

I built the gun.  It was my very first full build.  I think that I am about $1600 into it as it sits right now.  I got bored with my Para P16-10mm so I decided to start another project. I ordered this frame and slide with every custom option that I wanted and left nothing unaddressed. Even the serial number is custom and has great meaning to me. It consists of my initials, my branch of service, and my Air Force Specialty Code. I am building this gun to commemorate my career which will be coming to a close soon. Enjoy!

With my military discount it came in right at about $800. That's with the hand fitting, integral plunger tube, 25LPI front strap, sight cuts, beavertail radius, custom S/N, AF logo, beveled slide, and tungsten carbide treated frame and slide rails. Caspian offers a significant discount for active duty folks, not just the token 5-10% that many places do. They essentially sell to us at wholesale. I could have afforded full price but it would have taken me just enough longer to save for it that I probably would have gotten discouraged and never went for it. This price really was the sweet spot for me.

I decided to go with a local smith (T.L. Moyers) to fit the Kart barrel rather than increasing my costs by shipping it off.  He's pretty busy with the manufacturing side of his business but he made time for me and did the fitting and chambering in about 10 days.  Nice tight bank vault lock-up and the chamber is now cut to 10mm depth. 

After the barrel was fit, I had  another small amount of cash available to order another batch of parts.  I spent one night fitting everything and it went Soooooo well.  I only fit the parts as needed to get the weapon functioning.  Cosmetic fit will be adjusted once I have everything on hand.  15 minutes on a single cut mill file and the trigger fits like a glove.  I got one of the Cylinder & Slide drop-in trigger kits (3.5 pound) and it truly was drop-in.  Perfect trigger pull with no work required whatsoever.  The mag release took only a few strokes with a ceramic stone to have it operating smoothly. 

The EGW flat bottom FPS took the longest time to fit because there was quite a lot of extra metal at the upper corners that was keeping the piece from seating completely into the slide, thus keeping the firing pin from operating freely.  The FPS took probably 30 minutes to fit.  I went slow at first, five or so strokes on the file, maintaining the proper radius on the corners, then install.  Once I saw how much metal had to come off, I sped up the process with more file strokes and fewer trial fits until I got close, then I went back to fewer strokes and more trial fitting until I got it right.

Next came the thumb safety.  Fitting for the sear engagement was similar to what I did for the FPS.  I went very slow until I got a feel for how fast the metal was coming off.  It took a bit of time but it doesn't allow the sear to move even a little bit.  The other side of the safety, that engages the round cutout of the hammer, only took about 20 strokes with a jeweler's file to fit.  Finally, fitting the groove that accommodates the width of the frame probably took the most time using a jeweler's file again.

I ran out of money before I had all the parts so I cannibalized from 2 other 1911s to get this one functioning.  I borrowed the MSH from my Norinco.  It already had a 25# mainspring installed because it's a 45 Super so the spring rate was appropriate to controlling the unlock timing and slide velocity of my 10mm handloads.  I had to borrow the grip safety from my Kimber Compact Stainless and it functioned correctly with no alteration although it was a horrible cosmetic fit to the frame. 

Since this gun will be a bobtail, I have not ordered the MSH yet.  It, along with the mainspring, is the last part I need to be completely finished with the build.  I will order the jig to cut the frame and the 25LPI checkered housing together when I get the cash (probably shortly after Christmas).

Upon first test firing it, it would not cycle and was single shot only.  I found a problem with the barrel link.  The slide stop hole had either been elongated while cutting the lugs or it had been manufactured incorrectly.  Either way, I changed the link and took it out for another test run and it fed my 180gr XTP handloads at 1150fps and the Winchester 175gr Silvertips with only one failure to go completely into battery.  I believe that this issue was due to the close tolerance of the hard fit barrel and will go away quickly with some break-in.  I have since fired probably about 200 additional rounds of my full power handloads and another handful of the Winchesters without a single malf.

At some point I also got my grip safety in and hand fit it to the gun.  This part has so far been the most time consuming.  I had to take quite a bit of metal off the tang even though it was pre-radiused by Caspian.  This probably took the longest.  After the radius was right, I was able to install the thumb safety to keep it in the gun for the blending.  Blending the top went very well and pretty quick because it was easy to maintain a nice radius with a Dremel tool and then with a piece of PVC wrapped in 600 grit paper.  the hard part was blending the back into the frame without changing the bevel on the frame itself.  I touched it a time or two with the files but only I am aware that it's not perfect (well, I guess you all know now too).  Unless I told you to look for it, you may never notice the blemish.

Parts:
Adjustable rear Novak style sight, Caspian P/N S24ND
Serrated .190" front sight, Caspian P/N S23NS
Cylinder and Slide drop-in trigger pull set (hammer, sear, disconnecter, sear spring)
20lb recoil spring, Wolff stock no 41920
Ed Brown match grade extractor
Ed Brown Hardcore slide stop
Ed Brown NM trigger
Ed Brown stainless pin kit
Ed Brown tactical style extended safety
Wilson Combat two-piece guide rod
Wilson Combat Bullet Proof firing pin
Wilson Combat Bullet Proof mag release
Wilson Combat Shok-Buff
Kart Barrel, 5" 40 S&W cut to 10mm
VZ Grips Operators II black/grey
VZ grips Turbo Blackwash grip screws

Title: Re: witch way to go for 10mm
Post by: g929 on December 04 2013 09:12:46 AM MST
Quote from: ctrout on December 03 2013 07:04:16 PM MST
Quote from: g929 on December 03 2013 08:36:26 AM MST
Quote from: ctrout on December 03 2013 05:53:39 AM MST
I built mine on a Caspian and I love it.  Beautiful gun. 
(https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/76533_427766417272895_753842704_n.jpg)
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/1456690_601945989854936_1585509628_n.jpg)
(https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1451446_601945876521614_1409567605_n.jpg)
and this one too can you share whoo bilt it and what parts you have in it thank you nice gun

I built the gun.  It was my very first full build.  I think that I am about $1600 into it as it sits right now.  I got bored with my Para P16-10mm so I decided to start another project. I ordered this frame and slide with every custom option that I wanted and left nothing unaddressed. Even the serial number is custom and has great meaning to me. It consists of my initials, my branch of service, and my Air Force Specialty Code. I am building this gun to commemorate my career which will be coming to a close soon. Enjoy!

With my military discount it came in right at about $800. That's with the hand fitting, integral plunger tube, 25LPI front strap, sight cuts, beavertail radius, custom S/N, AF logo, beveled slide, and tungsten carbide treated frame and slide rails. Caspian offers a significant discount for active duty folks, not just the token 5-10% that many places do. They essentially sell to us at wholesale. I could have afforded full price but it would have taken me just enough longer to save for it that I probably would have gotten discouraged and never went for it. This price really was the sweet spot for me.

I decided to go with a local smith (T.L. Moyers) to fit the Kart barrel rather than increasing my costs by shipping it off.  He's pretty busy with the manufacturing side of his business but he made time for me and did the fitting and chambering in about 10 days.  Nice tight bank vault lock-up and the chamber is now cut to 10mm depth. 

After the barrel was fit, I had  another small amount of cash available to order another batch of parts.  I spent one night fitting everything and it went Soooooo well.  I only fit the parts as needed to get the weapon functioning.  Cosmetic fit will be adjusted once I have everything on hand.  15 minutes on a single cut mill file and the trigger fits like a glove.  I got one of the Cylinder & Slide drop-in trigger kits (3.5 pound) and it truly was drop-in.  Perfect trigger pull with no work required whatsoever.  The mag release took only a few strokes with a ceramic stone to have it operating smoothly. 

The EGW flat bottom FPS took the longest time to fit because there was quite a lot of extra metal at the upper corners that was keeping the piece from seating completely into the slide, thus keeping the firing pin from operating freely.  The FPS took probably 30 minutes to fit.  I went slow at first, five or so strokes on the file, maintaining the proper radius on the corners, then install.  Once I saw how much metal had to come off, I sped up the process with more file strokes and fewer trial fits until I got close, then I went back to fewer strokes and more trial fitting until I got it right.

Next came the thumb safety.  Fitting for the sear engagement was similar to what I did for the FPS.  I went very slow until I got a feel for how fast the metal was coming off.  It took a bit of time but it doesn't allow the sear to move even a little bit.  The other side of the safety, that engages the round cutout of the hammer, only took about 20 strokes with a jeweler's file to fit.  Finally, fitting the groove that accommodates the width of the frame probably took the most time using a jeweler's file again.

I ran out of money before I had all the parts so I cannibalized from 2 other 1911s to get this one functioning.  I borrowed the MSH from my Norinco.  It already had a 25# mainspring installed because it's a 45 Super so the spring rate was appropriate to controlling the unlock timing and slide velocity of my 10mm handloads.  I had to borrow the grip safety from my Kimber Compact Stainless and it functioned correctly with no alteration although it was a horrible cosmetic fit to the frame. 

Since this gun will be a bobtail, I have not ordered the MSH yet.  It, along with the mainspring, is the last part I need to be completely finished with the build.  I will order the jig to cut the frame and the 25LPI checkered housing together when I get the cash (probably shortly after Christmas).

Upon first test firing it, it would not cycle and was single shot only.  I found a problem with the barrel link.  The slide stop hole had either been elongated while cutting the lugs or it had been manufactured incorrectly.  Either way, I changed the link and took it out for another test run and it fed my 180gr XTP handloads at 1150fps and the Winchester 175gr Silvertips with only one failure to go completely into battery.  I believe that this issue was due to the close tolerance of the hard fit barrel and will go away quickly with some break-in.  I have since fired probably about 200 additional rounds of my full power handloads and another handful of the Winchesters without a single malf.

At some point I also got my grip safety in and hand fit it to the gun.  This part has so far been the most time consuming.  I had to take quite a bit of metal off the tang even though it was pre-radiused by Caspian.  This probably took the longest.  After the radius was right, I was able to install the thumb safety to keep it in the gun for the blending.  Blending the top went very well and pretty quick because it was easy to maintain a nice radius with a Dremel tool and then with a piece of PVC wrapped in 600 grit paper.  the hard part was blending the back into the frame without changing the bevel on the frame itself.  I touched it a time or two with the files but only I am aware that it's not perfect (well, I guess you all know now too).  Unless I told you to look for it, you may never notice the blemish.

Parts:
Adjustable rear Novak style sight, Caspian P/N S24ND
Serrated .190" front sight, Caspian P/N S23NS
Cylinder and Slide drop-in trigger pull set (hammer, sear, disconnecter, sear spring)
20lb recoil spring, Wolff stock no 41920
Ed Brown match grade extractor
Ed Brown Hardcore slide stop
Ed Brown NM trigger
Ed Brown stainless pin kit
Ed Brown tactical style extended safety
Wilson Combat two-piece guide rod
Wilson Combat Bullet Proof firing pin
Wilson Combat Bullet Proof mag release
Wilson Combat Shok-Buff
Kart Barrel, 5" 40 S&W cut to 10mm
VZ Grips Operators II black/grey
VZ grips Turbo Blackwash grip screws
hey looks real good and thank you for sharing and thank you for your service AIRMAN.....