First, get yourself a copy of....

by Cherokee , Medina, Ohio, Monday, August 19, 2013, 08:13 (4058 days ago) @ Sarge

I used that book back in the 80's and built 4 1911's, two in 38 Super and two 45's. I still have them today and they still shoot better than I can. I used nothing but hand tools and went slow, checking and rehecking and consulting the book all the way. I did use the best match grade parts available at the time. Fitting the barrel hood and lugs was the slowest because of their importance. Go for it, its a hoot to shoot somethng you put together - like shooting ammo you reloaded.