1911 Caspian?? 9mm?

[Redcoat3340]

LGS has 1911 Caspian in 9mm (see pic). Asking $799 but he's always high and we can deal, a lot.

Gun looks good, comes with 1 mag, two barrels (one ported and the other not, porting on slide). Fiber optic front sight, adjustable rear. Very nice trigger. Haven't taken it down, but probably will next week.

I did about 5 min. research and think Caspian only makes "parts" ala frame, slide, barrel?, and other parts come from ???? Ya need someone to but it all together, either a smith or...someone. (Is there a way to tell who built it?)

I like the gun, don't have any 1911s at this time, and nine is fine, I have 2 good carry 45s (CS9 and 4513) so this is for the range and fun.

What should I look for, what should I ask about, what should I know, please.

Here's a crappy pic.

 

[AJ]

Caspian has made pieces/parts for many, many years. At one time they did make entire pistols, but that was years ago. Caspian parts are extremely well made. Back when Colt made the best frames out there, Caspian was next on the totem pole. If the pistol has no signs of abuse to me the $799 would be a decent price.

 

[Abflyboy]

Caspian did assemble and sell complete guns for a short period of time but most that you find started out as a short block kit that someone fitted up and assembled. Usually they are not marked by the person who assembled but sometimes you can find a stamp somewhere. Hopefully you can ask who did the build and get an answer.

As for what to look for, see if there are any manufacturer markings on the barrel, check lockup, check slide to frame fit, make sure the pre travel adjustment isn't too tight. If the seller will let you field strip, inspect the obvious points for abnormal wear or cracks.

In my limited experience, it is sorta difficult to mess up a 1911 build but some people sure do get creative trying to make things work without proper tools.

Overall, if the barrel, slide, and frame all fit together very well to perfect, there isn't much else to worry about. Good ignition kit, proper springs for whatever ammo you are shooting (most 9mm 1911's are sprung way too heavy)

Personally, I tend to shy away from custom builds unless I know who did the work but if the price can be negotiated to whatever you think is reasonable AND it is in good working condition, go for it.

 

[VictorLouis]

I agree with both above. IIRC, Caspians are cast frames, and I know when I was in the service, I made at least two guns on their frames. Rounded them out with largely GI parts.

 

[stansdds]

Caspian parts are top notch and used to build custom and competition pistols. The one pictured appears to have slots cut into the slide, either to lighten the slide and/or for a barrel with ports cut into it. I'd say someone built or tried to build a race gun for some sort of action pistol competition. Check it carefully, the barrel may be severely eroded, there may be significant wear between the slide and receiver, the slide stop pin hole in the receiver might be wallowed out (usually happens with aluminum receivers). I am leery of used competition pistols, they might have been sold because they are worn out and not easily repairable, they might have proved to be unreliable, and sometimes the owner simply decided to quit or move on to another caliber. Unless you know who owned the pistol, you really don't know why it was sold.

 

[4barrel]

If I got to shoot it first--The rear sights look short cut<no milling> and has no warranty. I would rather spend my money on a new Kimber or Springfield. It's your money. The price is ok if it target shoots. Lots of people can put a 1911 together and make it fire. Keeping it in the 10 ring takes a pretty good gun.