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i have a RIA 5"
and would like to get some things for it sights beaver tail hammer sear etc etc
let me know if you have some stuff you dont use just collecting dust i have grips for it thats all i have bought so far

Don't want to rain on your parade but, all of those parts require fitting and it's not a job someone can just jump in and do. Most beavertails require modifications to the frame and hammers and sears are tricky to even the experienced. If your gun has a staked front sight a special tool is required to change it or. you'll need to have the slide milled for a dovetail sight

ok i know about the filling part im aware the gun may be out of commission for some time wile i figure it out but i like to do things myself as much as i can
as for the sights where can i get the tool for it i think the rear sight comes out they are GI sights but the front is on there i was thinking of putting one of those red dot things on it with epoxy or something info with parts would be great too

Lunchbox, I would suggest that you purchase several volumes on 1911 smithing. It will give you an idea of what you are about to attempt. I do not want to disuade you from tackling this sort of project but without some smithing guidence you may irreparably damage your frame or slide. There are some things that an amateur smith can do and there are some things that should be left to a professional. Just my $.02

sbb wrote:Lunchbox, I would suggest that you purchase several volumes on 1911 smithing. It will give you an idea of what you are about to attempt. I do not want to disuade you from tackling this sort of project but without some smithing guidence you may irreparably damage your frame or slide. There are some things that an amateur smith can do and there are some things that should be left to a professional. Just my $.02

what can an amateur do and what should a pro do can i get a break down

From your previous posts I must assume that you have a high degree of mechanical apptitude. You will know your limitations better than anyone. If you want a good starting point I would sugges you purchase Jerry Kuhnhausen's book "The Colt .45 Automatic, a shop manual". The book was written several years ago and is still a great generic reference today. Wilson Combat has a couple of volumes published as do other custom gunsmiths. Every book that you can read is of benefit. You may want to try your public library for gunsmithing books. After reading you should be able to determine those tasks you may comfortably perform. There are also many great videos available. Take your time and develop your skills. Most of my errors were made when I did not pay attention to details and worked too fast. I hate to loose a good firearm to my ignorance. Best of luck.

sbb wrote:From your previous posts I must assume that you have a high degree of mechanical apptitude. . Best of luck.

im a mechanic

im off to get some books
the most important things first is hammer and dove tail
then thumb safety and sights
i would like to get it refinished due to the poor finish RIA uses but thats later
i have a precision measuring device and drimmel i will read up first before i do anything but the parts could still be purchased

Tip #1: Don't go near your 1911 with the Dremel!!!!

Tip #2: Don't go near your 1911 with the Dremel!!!!

Tip #3: Don't go near your 1911 with the Dremel!!!!

More guns have been ruined by amateur gunsmiths with Dremel tools than you can shake a stick at.

Brownell's and Midway are sources for parts, tools, and books. Wilson makes a beavertail safety that is drop in, sort of. Several parts makers sell prepped sears and hammers that are drop in, sort of.

I have been fooling with 1911's for over 40 years and there are some things I leave to the professionals.

There is a series of articles on Brownell's website telling how to build a 1911 you might want to read them.

ok no drimmels i will find a file a fine file

Dremels don't kill guns, people do!


BTW, I love my Dremel tool and would be lost without it.

HighVelocity wrote:Dremels don't kill guns, people do!


BTW, I love my Dremel tool and would be lost without it.

People with Dremels along with files, stones, and even sandpaper kill guns. Metal, too easy to take off too hard to put back on.