DIY gunsmithing or Do I Really Want to Risk Screwing Up My Gun?

[NYECOGunsmith]

Originally Posted by Jim Fuller

Again more jewels of wisdom from Nye co. gunsmith. We didn't have much for tools when we started out and by some standards we still could use more machinery. But just as Steve said things can still be done, maybe not as fast but as long as you get the proper end result you've done good.

Thank you Sir, you are too kind.

[NYECOGunsmith]

Originally Posted by HA-Y-N 702

One needs only to go to the Khyber Pass, Darra, Pakistan, to see handmade firearms of all makes and models. Even ammo is reloaded with basic hand tools!

I've actually watched the building, from beginning to end, of AK's in that very location. And they do reload with basic hand tools, and raw materials. They do all that as well as construct ammunition completely from scratch. Its something to watch 6-10 year old boys take basic hand tools, some brass sheet metal, and slowly form it into a case that will function in a AK. They don't make the primers, but they can form the case by hand from sheet brass. It doesn't take a multi ton high speed forming press, dies, electrical power and technology.
It just takes some thought and a whole lot of patience, along with a lot of perseverance and sweat.
HMMM, that last sounds a lot like gunsmithing!

[daveinvegas]

Well, this was fun.

Here's the left side of the grip safety after blending it with the frame.

I still have to do the right side.

[NYECOGunsmith]

Originally Posted by daveinvegas

Well, this was fun.

Here's the left side of the grip safety after blending it with the frame.

I still have to do the right side.

Looks great!
Just make sure any time you do any work on the grip safety, thumb safety, frame in that area, etc. on a 1911 that you run through all the standard 1911 safety checks afterwards, a couple of times each. I also generally take a very soft ball of cotton and go over the area looking for burrs. If the cotton ball snags, remove the burr. That will prevent the hand getting bitten, and the burr from somehow interfering with the operation of the grip or thumb safety.
I've seen both occur, so I'm a bit paranoid about checking the work repeatedly when I'm done.