Custom Pistol Build Thread

[frontsight]

I really enjoy creating custom builds based on real-steel counterparts, and take a lot of inspiration from what other airsofters have built.

 

I can't seem to find any dedicated pistol threads here; so I'm starting a thread where we can share some customized pistols.

 

Curious to see all of your cool custom pistol builds, so feel free to show off some of your one-of-a-kind handguns!

 

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I'll kick it off with a recently finished build. Based it off a "bowling pin" 1911 that's used in competitive shooting circles. -> https://www.thearmorylife.com/bowling-with-a-pistol-a-guide-to-pin-shooting/

 

These types of handguns are usually older, base model 1911's retrofitted with all the modern upgrades such as adjustable sights, and ridiculous compensators. Did some research and found that this was a style of 1911 popularized in the 70's~90's by people like Bill Wilson (Wilson Combat). Think of it as what resto-modding older cars are, just for guns.

 

Started off as a basic MEU with a guarder slide and frame, but now complete with a commander-style hammer, tung oil finished wood grips with custom cutouts, and compensator. I've also upgraded all the internals such as the BBU and sears/disconnectors. Pretty much done at this point but I might throw on a ridiculously long inner barrel to match the length of the comp.

 

Otherwise, looks as massive as it does in the pics and shoots like a dream

 

 

 

 

Tried reverse-crowning the barrel while waiting for the comp to arrive. A gunsmithing technique where the barrel is cut inwards at an angle, used to increase accuracy. Pretty sure doesn't work on airsoft outer barrels but still, looks cool as hell 

 

Real steel pin-shooting 1911:

Edited March 25, 2022 by frontsight

[k.a]

Beautiful, absolutely gorgeous.  I thought I was the only one into retro 1911's. Is it a comp ready barrel you got on there ? And is the hammer KM one or DA workshop ?

[frontsight]

Thanks! Had to troubleshoot a lot to get the parts to jibe together but really happy how it turned out.

 

The barrel is an AM comp ready barrel (16mm I think?), and the hammer I got from WIItech. Never heard of them so was a bit of a gamble but it turned out to be CNC'd and properly blued as well; would recommend them if you want a commander hammer

[frontsight]

The sharp edges from the thumb and grip safety on my TRP was chewing up the webbing on my supple medium sized hands, so I made a quick weekend project out of blending the grip safety into the frame.

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The guarder thumb safety for the V10 model has the correct design for a springfield style safety, but has a 90 degree edge which really digs in to the web of your hand. You can see the RS safety comes with a rather steep bevel to prevent this. I had initially ground this out a bit, but still wasn't enough for my sensitive hands.

 

Similar issues with fitting a hi-capa grip safety to a 1911 frame. The Nova grip safety is really good quality but just doesn't fit correctly with the Guarder frame.

 

Was originally going to mark the grip safety blue to make sure I didn't alter the shape of it too much. Unfortunately I got the wrong marking fluid, should have gotten dykem blue layout fluid but got the non-drying kind instead. Ended up smearing the blue everywhere

 

Blended the grip & thumb safety, both in the engaged position. Initial grind with half-round file

 

 

Removed file marks with sandpaper. Remnants of the blue smurf paste seen in the background

 

Finished results. Might clean up the uneven angles on the thumb safety a bit more, but pretty pleased how it turned out as it is.

Now the grip safety portion feels like grabbing on to a stick of butter.

 

 

Now I just need to decide a cerakote color to refinish...

What do you think? Should I go with the original bushed/bead-blasted two tone (left) or a overall satin stainless color (right)?

I don't think springfield offers this two-tone brushed finish on their TRP's, and only does this on their "loaded" models.

 

 

 

P.S. Tutorial for you handymen to try it out if you'd like

 

[Jacob Wright]

Mate that’s an amazing job!

[frontsight]

59 minutes ago, Jacob Wright said:

Mate that’s an amazing job!

Thanks!

 

If you have a 1911 that's going to be refinished I would highly recommend trying it out 👍 really makes a world of a difference

[Jacob Wright]

I’ve not had one for many years now, but seeing those photos has made me want another!

[PopRocket123]

Certainly not as extensive as yours but here's my mini mk23 I'm working on. It's a TM USP c with a 3d printed rail and suppressor mount. 

[frontsight]

1 hour ago, PopRocket123 said:

TM USP c with a 3d printed rail and suppressor mount

That looks awesome!!!

 

Can you also share when you have it printed? Really curious as to how it comes out. That thing is going to look killer 👍

 

[frontsight]

TRP in it's final form. Unfortunately had to sell it to balance out funds from a recent purchase. Took some pictures to remember it by before saying farewell😢

 

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Had stainless fever for a while and went buck-wild on creating an all stainless look. The full stainless furniture along with the TACTICAL billboard in all caps shows you mean business. The ambidextrous Tactical Response Pistol lettering jumps in your face just in case you missed what type of gun this is. Even the aluminum slide and frame are posing as stainless with Cerakote. You know you need the extra corrosion resistance - that salty grease from your chip butty lunch is severely corrosive on raw metal.

 

 

 

 

TACTICAL brass checks. The chamber says something about reading a manual. Who are they kidding? Real operators don't read books

 

Safeties blended & Cerakoted. Slide and Frame are H152 savage stainless, safeties and mainspring housing are H150 stainless. The safeties are slightly darker as per the real thing, but doesn't show up as well in pics.

 

Real-steel example of the TRP color scheme. Note the darker tone safeties and unfinished slide stop

Edited May 21, 2022 by frontsight

[Steveocee]

Following.

[frontsight]

4 hours ago, Steveocee said:

Following.

Honored! Glad that there's people who enjoy the content.

 

Please feel free to show off your own pistols as well! Really looking forward to some inspiration from other users too

[Steveocee]

Edited May 25, 2022 by Steveocee
I'm a moron

[frontsight]

@Steveocee Hey bud, is this some sort of teaser? I can't seem to see any of the images you uploaded😅

[Steveocee]

1 hour ago, frontsight said:

@Steveocee Hey bud, is this some sort of teaser? I can't seem to see any of the images you uploaded😅

 

No mate. Just me being a numpty trying to embed Google Photo's files. Try now 😁

[frontsight]

Those color combos are pretty sick! Could you let me know where do you get the limcat slides? I've been meaning to get in to a full-on Hi capa build but can't seem to find decent slides anywhere..

[Stratton Oakmont]

[frontsight]

That bottom one is really nice. Probably the aesthetic I'll be aiming for if I ever build one

5 minutes ago, Stratton Oakmont said:

 

[Stratton Oakmont]

It’s a Limcat steelcat open slide

Hair in photo belongs to this

 

 

 

it would be funnier if it was a pubic hair but unfortunately I’m not that amusing 

Edited May 25, 2022 by Stratton Oakmont

[frontsight]

Limcat slides seem to be the end-all for quality hicapa slides. Never had the chance to try one before.

 

Also, does the slide stop still function when you install those forward assist thingys (not sure what they're called)?

 

4 minutes ago, Stratton Oakmont said:

Hair in photo belongs to this

Didn't even notice until you mentioned 😁

Edited May 25, 2022 by frontsight

[Stratton Oakmont]

Thumb rest slide stop, and it stops slide lock back when used but as they are all short stroked it’s a moot point 

[Alimcd]

I was pleased with how these cheeky chappies turned out but your TRP is next-level

Edited May 25, 2022 by Alimcd

[Steveocee]

39 minutes ago, frontsight said:

Those color combos are pretty sick! Could you let me know where do you get the limcat slides? I've been meaning to get in to a full-on Hi capa build but can't seem to find decent slides anywhere..

 

Kyle @ Hi Capa Hub is where you want to go.

He's virtually taken over from Mike and his Elite site now and very often if you message can get in bespoke or one off stuff if you want to go super special. I know a build he's just done and my gosh it's like ticking every optional extra lmao

[Alimcd]

Kyle is definitely THE go to Hicapa guy in the UK.

 

Shit at Zorb football though, eh @Steveocee

Edited May 25, 2022 by Alimcd

[frontsight]

6 minutes ago, Alimcd said:

was pleased with how these cheeky chappies turned out

Jesus! Those are some unique builds; I have so many questions 

How did you get a patterned finish like that on the first gun? Is it hydro dipped?

How/who/where is it possible to fit wood grips on hi capa grips? 

 

 

7 minutes ago, Steveocee said:

Kyle @ Hi Capa Hub is where you want to go.

 

4 minutes ago, Alimcd said:

THE go to Hicapa guy in the UK.

I see. That's great there's someone akin to Mike from ESC, I initially contacted him for the Cerakote but was sad to hear he's now retiring.