Thinking about trying my hand at gunsmithing

Gunsmithing, as in building. I've customized and accurized a few pistols before. I've done bolt jeweling, strap cuts, trigger jobs, and other minor frame/slide machining, etc.

Now I think I'm ready to move on to tabletop building. No "manufacturing" per se, but something to keep me occupied until global warming kicks into high gear and I can hike 12 months out of the year (it could happen!). Any experiences... good / bad / indifferent? I want to make a modern Govt. 1911 from 80% into high-functionality heirloom hip jewelry. Something to be a centerpiece for my collection and a favorite custom shooter. Rather than blowing $5,000 on a boxed presentation grade weapon from Ed Brown, Wilson, or others: I'd like to be able to point at it, and say "I made that one".

I've poured over Rhoderus's site, but it seems all the listed frame suppliers are out of stock (tanneryshop), withholding stock (dlask), or have been shut down by the BATF (kt-ord). Any up-to-the minute suggestions on where to buy a quality 80% frame? I'm no stranger to ordering parts over the phone, with money orders, from old fellows who never heard of the "interwebs".

Speaking of ordering things, I'm going to call Grizzly today and pick up a micro mill to replace my arcane homemade POS from the '40s. It's fairly straight, but you have to move the stage with shim-and-block! (I wouldn't ever make a firearm part with it.)

Thanks!


Andrew

 

BATF

Has been targeting small builders and smith's. I would stick to repairs and upgrades. You know what happened to JT arms. They are looking for anything not done right.

 

Good luck Andrew. Post some pics of some of your work if you can.

 

I only want to build one pistol for my collection. would the batf have a problem with that? I'd assume there's some sort of flaming-hoop form to fill out.