[73Driver]

I am an admitted, hands on, "I want to know how and why something works" kind of guy. Would you wan to fly with a pilot that wasn't?

My desire was to locate a 1911 kit that I could learn the inside of a 1911 and have a great gun when I finished. I also wanted to build this gun under the watchful eye of a gunsmith I trusted so I didn't have a doorstop when I finished.

I arrived at the shop at 0918 CDST this morning to start the build. Within about 30 minutes we had all the parts out on the bench, sorted and inspected. Our (three 1911 shooters with almost 30 guns between us) observation was that this was an awesome kit and was going to a joy to work with. The slide to frame action was like it was sliding on glass and NO lateral or vertical movement. The barrel and bushing had NO slop.

The trigger job and reliability work took the better part of three hours, I didn't know that polishing so many parts could help with the trigger but, I now see how they inter-relate. 600 grit sandpaper was used on most parts and gave a mirror finish reducing drag between contacting parts.

After the hammer was installed I found out that the 1911 can be disassembled in about three minutes. I was able to get to this time after the 41st (I AM NOT kidding, this is why I couldn't take pictures) time we removed all parts to file one part down six or seven strokes, reassemble and test. "I can always remove more, I can't glue it back on." I will hear this in my sleep tonight!!!

We were able to finally put the sights on and adjust them at 1705 this afternoon. I was able to put most holes in the bullseye (1 inch) at about 18-20 feet by the time we were done. This was an awesome weapon.

Observations:

Pros-wonderful kit, well fit parts, easy to construct. The hardest part of the fitting was compleated at Fusion. This allowed us the time to work on the details.

Cons-for some reason the disconnector never worked correctly. We were able to get the gun to run when we substituted another disconnector for the one that I purchased. This happens, no worries. I purchased 2 magazines with the kit, neither would lock the slide back when empty. As a matter of fact, the magazine lip would not even contact the slide stop to make it operate. This too happens, and I will order some Cobra Mags tomorrow.

Overall-I can't be happier and my gunsmith, myself, and the small group gathered by Miller time are planning on a "group" longslide 10mm build this summer.

Sam

 

[longtooth]

I dont have the time to build but reall like hearing the good stories.
Congrats on a quality firearm & a good time with friends.

 

[MarshallDodge]

That sounds like a nice build. :shades:

 

[El Pistolero]

Sounds really great Driver, congrats on the new build.

The slide to frame action was like it was sliding on glass and NO lateral or vertical movement. The barrel and bushing had NO slop.

Don't he do a really sweet job in this regard? It's an amazing fit.

 

[Snagglepuss]

One day I will be bold enough to do a build. Until then I love reading posts like yours.

Happy time to you, my friend

Snag

 

[Bud White]

We need some pics no excuses

 

[Draven451]

Driver,

Great story - Thanks for sharing. Please post up some pics when you get a chance.

 

[wwIIBuff]

Sounds great

 

[3jaw]

I purchased 2 magazines with the kit, neither would lock the slide back when empty. As a matter of fact, the magazine lip would not even contact the slide stop to make it operate.

I was wondering if you had to file the underside of the slide stop to get it to go in the frame? I ask this because I just received a Fusion frame and slide and the slide stop "window" in the frame is located too far up and my slide stop won't go in when the slide is on the frame. I have tried 5 different slide stops, 4 of which are from operating guns, and none of them will fit. I have 2 choices: I can file the bottom of the slide stop to get it to fit or I can file the bottom of the slide stop window in the frame. I will probably file the frame. Otherwise, the magazine follower may not come high enough to engage the slide stop to lock the slide back on the last round. I emailed Bob at Fusion about this (and some other concerns) and he said that some of the published dimensions (i.e. the ones in the Kuhnhausen book) were "outdated" and that they had updated them.

You might want to go back and check your frame and see if this is the case. I would also like to hear from any other people building pistols from Fusion frames and slides and see if they are having the same problems.

3jaw

 

[73Driver]

Slide stop problem

3jaw,

I have an extra slide stop from Fusion that looks like it is for a 9mm. The bottom shelf (contact point for the magazine) on the new slide stop is lower. After a little investigation by my gunsmith, he determined that it looks like a 45 cal slide stop was originally fitted. I have not yet been in contact with Bob to confirm demensions, but when we install the new slide stop it operates correctly locking back on an empty mag. But, the slide jams a little. This new stop is .002 lager diameter pin and we are going to have to replace the link and recut the bottom lugs. Such is the learning process. :thinking:

Pictures will be posted later this afternoon. :notworthy:

Sam

 

[73Driver]

SWEEEEEET Gun

First off let me say that I called Bob this afternoon and explained my problem. He took the time to explain the situation and what I needed to do to fix it. He needed 5 minutes to describe the fix, it took me 20 minutes to do the work. On the left is the original slide stop and on the right is the better part.

The pin on the correct stop was .002 too big causing the top lugs to jam into the slide, so after correcting that the way Bob told me to, everything works the way it should.

Here are the promised photos:

My plan is a high polish on the slide and frame flats, then blue the entire gun. Range report tomorrow.

Sam

 

[Snagglepuss]

Looks beautiful, good luck with the shoot tomorrow. Of course, a range report is expected.

 

[Bud White]

Looking great but im still not sure what ya did to the slide stop pin by the pics

 

[73Driver]

Bud,

Sorry I was not more descriptive. The firing pin stop on the left appears to be a 45 acp slide stop. The magazine follower would not engage the stop, the stop did not extend vertically far enough down. The slide stop on the right, being slightly taller does engage the follower. The problem was that the pin that traverses through the link was .002 inches too large on the right pin. This caused the upper lugs to lock not just engage the slide lugs. It would take an excessive effort to unlock the the slide, allowing it to move aft. By reducing the radius the upward movement of the barrel was reduced allowing correct engagement of the barrel / slide lugs. All is well with the universe...my Fusion works as advertised. :smile:

Sam

 

[73Driver]

Range report

Put another 100 rounds through the weapon this afternoon. There were zero failures of any kind and no slide problems. The accuracy was VERY consistent (more so than I :nuts and I was getting a 3 inch group at about 7 yards. Any "flyers" were my fault and I felt the push or jerk as I squeezed the trigger and knew it was going to be off.

I went back to my gunsmith for a little finish work on the thumb safety and it is as smooth as silk:shades:. We also did a little more trigger work and have the trigger down to about 3 lbs 14 ozs, no creep, and a crisp break. :dancingbananna:

 

[proudpapa]

Congrats on your build 73Driver. What was it like working with parts from Fusion? Here shortly I'm going to be undertaking a build for a commander chambered in .40 S&W. It will be built entirely of Fusion parts and I'm just curious to know.

 

[73Driver]

proudpapa,

All the parts from Fusion were excellent parts. The gunsmith who watched over my build, has told numerous people that the slide to frame fit on my kit was "the absolute best fit he has ever seen." The costumer service was excellent, I talked directly to Bob one time to clear up an issue I had, he was very helpful and friendly. The only part I didn't by from Fusion was the main spring housing, I wanted it to match the chain link look of the front strap so I had to go with an Ed Brown from Brownell's.

Enjoy the build.

Sam

 

[servarw]

Thanks so much for a great report. We have worked hard to make these kits enjoyable for you to build a great quality 1911. We are always here to help you with tech help as you know. Many item on the modern 1911 are not made exactly as the old mil spec styles. Believe me there are all very good reasons for this. The end result is a great modern day 1911 and we see many of you doing a great job. I have had some of you send you pistols in for finishing and the detail work many of you have done is very good. I must commend many of you for some very good works on your kits.
Thank you,
Bob
Fusion:smile::smile::smile::smile:

 

[3jaw]

Many item on the modern 1911 are not made exactly as the old mil spec styles. Believe me there are all very good reasons for this.

Bob,
Just out of curiosity, could you elaborate on this? Not trying to stir anything up, just genuinely interested.

Thanks,
Greg

 

[73Driver]

finished the kit

I deceided to blue the gun just to complete the full circle of "gunsmithing" my first kit. It took about three to three and one half hours to polish the flats on the slide and frame before I blued it. It was a little tight after it was blued but seated itself quickly. The gun it FANTASTIC and a real tack driver, I could not be happier.

Sam