yet another 1911 question

[HKing]

Sorry to flood the board with 1911 questions the last couple days. Bare with me as I get up to speed on the weapon.

So, here my question for the day. I have found a gun on another forum that is a "custom" 1911. It has a clark barrel and compensator and wilson trigger and hammer. as well as Pachmayer grips. The guy wants $650 for it.

My concern is the compensator. I know it adds about 1.5 inches to the length of the gun, making it a not so good candidate for CC. So, would it be worth buying the gun and doing a barrel swap or should I just keep looking?

Thanks

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[JD]

"Custom" meaning what? Custom done in my garage or custom done by a someone? For $650 I'm betting done in garage and I would pass not knowing who did the work and what their competence level is.

[sandman1212]

What is the frame model, Sights etc? no matter what the personalized items are, a AMT or other 1911 is still the same quality gun no matter what the upgrades are. JMHO

[gasmitty]

In accord with what JD says, "custom" is in the eyes of the customizer. A new barrel with proper gunsmith fitting will run you $200 or so. Comps are good on the range and in games, but NOT for defensive purposes. I'd pass this one up.

[HKing]

It has Bomar sights. I'm working on finding out the frame model of the gun.

[ExSoldier]

I advise against carrying any compensated gun for a matter of simple safety. If you must fire from a position of retention you stand a good chance of getting the particulate matter of the muzzle blast into your face and eyes and if the encounter isn't already over, it could make you lose.... If you like the gun, get it and swap the barrel.

[los]

PASS.

JD nailed it.

[ExSoldier]

Yeah, JD had a great point. If the work was done by WILSON COMBAT or one of the acclaimed custom 'Smiths like Jerry Tussey that's one thing, but if it was done by an amateur you're in trouble and the price... well if it seems too good to be true it probably IS.

[Seraph]

It might be swell, but unless the work was done for me, to my specs, it's not really custom. Moreover, I wouldn't sell one of my custom guns, so I have to wonder about why someone else would...

[BikerRN]

JD and ExSoldier have brought up valid points worthy of further consideration if this is to be a carry/defensive firearm.

Biker

[GM]

Be aware that I you get a garage “custom” firearm you will not know for sure what the person that played gunsmith really did to the gun. Furthermore, I consider that compensators are a very bad idea when talking about SD firearms.

[automatic slim]

In addition to what the others have said, you cannot simply swap barrels on a 1911. Any new barrel has to be properly fitted by someone who knows what they're doing, with the proper tools. A new barrel may also require a new bushing, if the old one fits too loose, which would add additional expense. Unless the seller can document that the modifications were performed by a known, qualified professional and you don't mind the added expense of a new barrel and bushing, plus the fitting costs, I would pass.
Why not buy a new factory spec gun and then modify it to your liking, which would save you money.
This deal you're looking at, a "custom" gun for $650 sounds fishy. a bare bones 1911 will run you $650. A true custom gun with the mods you mentioned should be going for $1000+, if done by a pro.

[HKing]

That pretty much settles that. You guys just confirmed what I was already kind of thinking. Thanks for the help.