A word of advice

[Sheepdog]

Great point Dave.

[eugunieum]

I agree totally! I know how to use a mill and a lathe, can weld, and have a toolbox full of gunsmithing tools. I know my limitations and will not try to exceed them. I can put new sights on a 1911, but no way I am going to try and cut the dovetail.

Thanks,
Mark

[GoldenVolt]

But I bought the Colt .45 Automatic shop manual.........
Doesn't that make me a pistol smith?

There are Gun Smithing classes you can take and build your own 1911 for about the same money the guy on the 1911 Forum sunk into his project. After the week long class......... You have a finished working 1911 that you made yourself with proper instruction.

If I ever have the opportunity, I would love to be in a class like that.