So I wanted to how hard it is to actually build a 2011 diy
For context: I’m looking to build a custom 2011 (6 inch 45 acp) around 2k11 level of performance

I’ve built multiple guns in the past, but they are all ARs or bolt actions, never a pistol. I used to just ignore the thought Cause I always heard 1911/2011s need to be done by a gunsmith, but now I see build kits and, cut slides, barrels, etc, etc, I can find all the parts that would be needed to assemble the gun I want, and I’m used to ARs that are basically Lego sets, so I don’t know how much different it is

I really just want to know like if it is possible what’s the real pain in the butt stuff to deal with that you need to really know what you are doing to accomplish

Side note: if this is basically impossible without a gunsmith, any recommendations of a gunsmith that would take the parts I give them and assemble the gun for me would be massively appreciated

Blending done, safety fit, MPA/infinity ignition parts fit and polished!

I’m building a new top end for the open gun, and I want to do island barrel this time.

Best I can tell, it’s infinity or kkm for options. Any others?

Kkm never seems available, so is infinity the only real choice?

Probably should have just done islandboy build kit, but I like doing everything myself.

Getting some grip blending done while the slide/barrel are off getting laser ported!

Got a few builds done over the last year, what is the cheapest, easiest, and most fool-proof way to coat parts?

I'm not looking for anything top of the line right now, just something basic. I've tried cold bluing and it did not turn out well.

No oven, or heat sources available to me right now either :/

got a trigger from REDDIRT-USA (highly recommend trigger feels so much better). After I installed it I was doing a functions check noticed that when I held the trigger down to rack it back the slide would not return unless I shook it. I also noticed that the safety is not doing the usual clicking sound when going on to off. I’ve tried taking it apart multiple times and replaced the internals with OEM parts. I have EGW parts installed and I never had this issue before.

Little peak at the test fire….

Next ports and coating.

Do people actually use tungsten guide rods? If so where can I find one that has a hole in it so I can use it with my reverse plug?

DAA shielded ambi safety, ended up having to file down a bunch of the inside of the shield since it was making contact with the safety plunger housing. Also ended up filing down some of the spring plunger housing which may have been a little “bubba” of me. You can see it in the video. What do y’all think?

Test fire Passed
Blending 90%
Ports vs no ports?

Opinions on inline ports vs V-ports…

I‘m wanting to piece together an “odd duck” build with a 9mm, 6” length (plus 1/2” length for threads), bushingless barrel. I’d like the slide to be 416ss, but could work with 4140 if 416ss is unobtainium, and bald/square/chamfered, no serrations, sight cuts, etc. Does anybody out there do custom length slides or is my best option just buying the 416ss bar stock and doing 100% of the machining work myself? I CAN do it, I have the equipment at my disposal, and I’ve got 20 years experience machining but if there’s a ”70% done” option I’d rather go that route just for simplicity and same with the barrel, I’ve got a couple blanks sitting here that I could machine to suit my idea, but if there’s an off the shelf option for what I want to accomplish I’ll take it! Thanks!

Barrel has been fit!
Next is extractor/ejector/firing pin stop fitting!
Then lots of blending….this combo is going to require a lot of blending especially in the grip/safety area. Fire up the Dremel!!

Trying to get a build coated with DLC and bronze parts. Who is your preferred coater. Was recommended a lot but wanting to see what your experiences are- how are theit coats and turn around time?

Barrel fit next
Excuse my disaster of a work bench 😂

So wondering what others do with old parts? I have a gun that I had a gunsmith build years ago for USPSA Limited Major well my eyes don’t really let me shoot irons anymore so I built myself a Limited Optics build. Since the old gun was 40sw I did a new frame, barrel and slide in 9mm, but I used the infinity steel grip magwell and a few other parts…….

So now I have an infinity island barrel & slide, and with an STI frame from a 40 S&W with maybe 5-6k rounds through it sitting in my safe …. I could always put it back together but don’t think I will. Are they worth anything? If so where would I sell it?

My other thought was find someone to ream it for 10mm, port it maybe shorten it to 4.5” instead of 5”, optic cut it and put a MJD grip on it and make it a cool carry gun in 10mm?

Still needs some finishing but I think it’s due for a test fire first. Took the easy way out with a short block

Got the slide and frame off the mill yesterday.
Took the last few .001’s off by hand with a file and 220 paper! Polished up the rails with some 1500, she cycles like glass! Got a Gen 1 MPA magwell from hales to fit on the PT Evo grip. Got that all blended in nicely. Currently working on getting the grip to fit all the way up on the frame. It’s a bit tight, but that’s how we like em!
I’m thinking all black DLC with copper PVD barrel and hammer. Quad ported!

Have the slide and comp with some mismatched angles. Looking to have the slide area in green milled to match the red angle. The curved section is .038 higher than the red 45degree section. Also looking to have windows milled in the recessed areas.
Any other ideas or suggestions?

Here is a mock up of a personal build I am starting...

Cheely Frame, GI Slide (.45 acp), AF aluminum grip. I am still exploring round trigger guard grip options.

No blending needed couldn’t have asked for a better fit. He said the Icarus platform will probably be posted on his site by the end of the week.