Quality of Caspian Parts?

A

Anthony

New member
Hello Everyone,

I'm currently planning a custom built full sized 1911 for my fiancee. It is strictly for self defense and will be built by a trusted gunsmith.

Without going into detail, trust me when I say that I've concluded that the "custom from the factory" 1911s will not satisfy her tastes due to the aftermarket parts she likes best on my guns (modified Colts). It makes for a better feel for her hands.

This leaves us with having a factory gun modified or building one from scratch. In the latter case, I'm leaning heavily toward Caspian as I have heard some good things about them.

Does anyone have any experience with Caspian's slides and frames?

How do they compare to Colt's forged frames?

Do you prefer Caspian's barstock or cast receivers? Which is stronger?

Do you prefer Caspian's carbon or stainless steel?

Any opinions on how easily the Caspian slide would be to engrave?

Thanks for the input. It is greatly appreciated.

- Anthony
 
Anthony.....I have no personel experience with the Caspian frames and slides. But a trusted gunsmith, Ross Carter in Harrison Arkansas, seems to think they are the best. My shooting partner is having Ross put together two custom .45s on Caspian frames and slides. These pistols will use the cast frames. Ross carter says that "unless you are bulding a race gun and intend to do a lot of cutting and milling to reduce weight that the cast frames are the way to go." They are strong and a whole bunch cheeper. You can order your frames through an FFL and even get your own set of serial numbers. Shoot Safe.....CO

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Never saw a gun I didn't
like.
TFL End of Summer Meet, August 12th & 13th, 2000
 
I'll be frank - I dont have a lot of time under my belt flying with Caspians...
But all those that I have examined were above par. Quite nice slides.
I have not heard of any real problems with the Caspians. But I think with these I would my self choose the carbon steel versions.
Especially if this is going full out custom work... With stainless - its just very UTILITY.
I think a stainless frame with a blues slide would look very good and your girl would probably like that...
Especially with the feminine sounding name like Caspian.

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You might laugh in the face of FEAR... but unless your armed, its a nervous, unconvincing, little laugh.
 
When Gunslinger and I went to the Binachi Cup we met the rep. from Caspian and we invited him to TFL and he was planning on coming on but we haven't seen him appear yet, but at the Binachi Cup they had specials on their frame and slide for $150, I don't know if this is something you can still get, you might e-mail Caspian and ask them what rep. was Binachi Cup and see if you can still get that special. We told him when he signed on at TFL just put his user name as Caspian, don't know if he will or not.

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WHEN IT COMES TO FRIENDS THE SKY IS NOT THE LIMIT
TFL End of Summer Meet, August 12th & 13th, 2000
 
terridarri, that special was for a group of parts that they made for Mitchell Arms that they were awarded in the bankruptcy. I am not saying the quality is any different, but the sets are the way Mitchell ordered them and the optional work that Caspian offers on its regular parts would not necessarily be available on those sets.

Caspian's part are some of the best and I happen to prefer the bar stock frame over cast. Old fashined I guess. I want one of the damascus slides on a lightweight Commander style pistol (hopefully sometime around the end of this year). I agree with George on the looks of the two tone pistol, I had mine built that way. If she doesn't like two tone guns go with the stainless for a carry gun. If she doesn't like the silver color have it MoS2 coated in your choice of pink, green, blue, white, gray, or black. As far as engraving, IMHO it looks better on a blue carbon steel gun with gold wire inlay borders, but you said that it was 'strictly for self defense'. If you are just talking about an inscription it really doesn't matter because it will be the engravers problem not yours.
 
My 1911 is a carbon frame (checkered frontstrap, custom serial #) and slide from Caspian. I could have bought anything except titanium.

They make the finest parts available (but use a Bar-Sto barrel).

Go to them; you'll be satisfied. Really.

(my 1911 is at Robar for NP3; screw stainless)

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"All my ammo is factory ammo"
 
I had a 1911 built on Caspian parts (race ready frame,w/integral magwell,and slide.)I've been using it since 98' and I've fired approx. 10,000 rds through it .I've used it for several tactical classes,including a 5-day,3000 rd class,and I've had no problems with it.It's still as tight as the day I got it.The quality and service from Caspian are top notch!
 
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