Frame Kits 1911 / 2011
Frame kits for 1911 and 2011 pistols provide the foundational components necessary to build a custom firearm or undertake a significant upgrade. As the serialized "heart" of the pistol, the frame dictates the overall dimensions and serves as the mounting point for all other components, making its quality paramount for a high-performance build.
Building Your Custom Foundation:
A frame kit typically includes the serialized frame or receiver itself, and sometimes basic frame components like the mainspring housing, grip safety, or pins.
1911 Frames: These are usually a single, solid piece of machined steel or aluminum, forming the entire lower receiver of the pistol.
2011 Frames: The 2011 design features a modular system, with the serialized part often being a steel "frame insert" (or upper portion) that mates with a separate, un-serialized polymer grip module.
Key Considerations for Builders:
Legal Status: A serialized frame is a firearm and must be transferred through a Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer.
Gunsmithing Required: Building a pistol from a frame kit is not a "drop-in" process. It demands specialized tools, knowledge of 1911/2011 platforms, and often precision fitting by a skilled gunsmith to ensure safety, reliability, and optimal performance.
Ultimate Customization: Starting with a quality frame kit allows you to select every other component – from slide and barrel to trigger group and grips – for a truly bespoke competition or duty pistol tailored to your exact specifications.