• Category Archives 1911
  • Quick review of the Stealth Arms Phantom Jig

    This is awesome! 1911 receiver completed!

    http://stealtharms.net/1911-phantom-jig/

    I grabbed a kit from Stealth arms with a tactical 80% 1911.  After a bit of learning I made a 100% 1911 frame in about 2 and half hours with only a bench mounted vise and a drill press.  Still have to get all the parts and assemble but the work on the frame is done except for some final cleanup for finish.  The frame is a beautiful machine aluminum.   I’m thinking a bit of Cerakote to finish it off.

    Stealth Arms 1911 frame after using their jigs to finish it into a 100% receiver
    Stealth Arms 1911 frame after using their jigs to finish it into a 100% receiver

     

    I used a new old-stock para slide  from Sarco to test fit.  The serration on this slide feel about right for the tactical frame.  I think this will be the slide I use with an inexpensive .45 barrel I got from Midway USA.

    Para Black Ops slide fits right on the Stealth Arms receiver
    Para Black Ops slide fits right on the Stealth Arms receiver

     

    Next is fitting a beaver tail safety.

    Things I learned:

    • You need a very sturdy work bench.  Mine wiggles a bit too much.
    • Get soft jaws for your vise.  I marred the jig a bit.
    • I suggest removing the other unused cutter while working.  One of mine slipped out and bit the jig pretty hard.
    • Monitor the Cutter allen screw tension.  If it gets loose, the cutter heads can extend out when not desired.
    • Suggest getting a Rail file to remove any chatter marks you may have.
    • Barrel seat cut was a bit rough with chatter marks.  Needed filing and sanding.   In the future I will try milling for a ramped barrel.

    I will buy a couple more frames!  And I will also try a Steel Frame I have from Tactical Machine http://www.tacticalmachining.com/80-products/80-1911.html

    If that works, I may even try an expensive stainless frame from http://1911builders.com/collections/frames

     

    More to come as this things gets finished up.

    -Rob