Maybe youโre building a new 1911, or your current firearm is in dire need of an upgrade of its skeleton: the frame.
Whatever your need, we can help find you the best 1911 frames on the market that are also affordable enough to not break the bank. Weโll explain everything there is to know about 1911 frames and how you can tell good picks from wastes of time.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for 1911 Frames
- OUR TOP PICK: Caspian - 1911 Recon Receiver Carbon, Smooth
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Fusion Firearms - 1911 Lower Frame Assembly
- BEST BUDGET PICK: Brownells - 1911 Government Model Frame
Comparison of the Best 1911 Frames
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Upgrading vs. New Builds โ What You Need to Know
When it comes to 1911 frames, you can decide to do two things with them; start a new 1911 build or upgrade your existing firearm. Both options have advantages and disadvantages, but youโll have to decide for yourself which of the two is more convenient for you.
Upgrading
If you choose to upgrade your 1911 frame, right off the bat you can expect a decent amount of work. Because of the complicated process surrounding such an in-depth change to your firearmโs characteristics, you should visit a gunsmith if youโre not totally confident in your workshop and smithing skills yourself. In addition, an upgrade may require different parts than are currently integrated with your original 1911.
Therefore, itโs important that you make sure you have all the springs, screws, and smaller pieces you might need before enacting an upgrade. You may need to buy a 1911 parts kit in addition to a totally new 1911 frame.
New Build
On the other hand, you can build a new 1911. While this will likely be more expensive overall than simply upgrading the frame, youโll be able to make sure that everything works smoothly and add customizations and additions in the process of the build. This might be a more worthwhile choice if your 1911โs other aspects, such as the slide or barrel, need replacing soon anyway. You can sometimes save time by building an entirely new firearm.
How to Choose the Best 1911 Frame
Before we look at our favorite 1911 frames for the money, letโs examine some critical factors to keep in mind as we shop. These are aspects that will directly affect the 1911โs performance, so theyโre important to remember.
Material
Most 1911 frames are made from some kind of steel metal, such as stainless steel. However, you might want one with a different kind of material build, so check to see what each offering advertises. Certain frames have titanium or aluminum compositions to change weight or balance. You should also make sure that whatever material you choose works with your existing pieces if youโre upgrading.
Color
This is a personal preference, but most people like their weapons to look good. Double check the color before you buy so that it meshes with the rest of the 1911 parts. In this way, youโll end up with a cohesive, good-looking gun instead of a cobbled-together custom job thatโs kind of janky in appearance.
Caspian - 1911 Recon Receiver Carbon, Smooth
Style
This refers to the machined shape of the 1911 frame. Some are made to government specs, meaning that theyโll look like the traditional weapons favored by law enforcement officers or the military. Others look simpler or even quite different and unique. The difference is largely aesthetic and totally up to you.
Size
Finally, make sure your frameโs size meshes with your other pieces and that itโs going to be a comfortable fit in your hand when all is said and done. A frame thatโs too big for the other pieces is no good at all. Plus, you must also ensure that you can find a right 1911 holster for the frame you pick.
Review of the Best 1911 Frames
The following is a list of the best 1911 frames that are currently on the market. As you take a look at the features and characteristics, make a decision on which ones will be best for you and which ones may be considered โdealbreakersโ for you. Letโs start off with the the best 1911 frames on the market today:
Best Overall:
Caspian 1911 Recon Receiver
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
New users were very happy with the sturdiness and the structural integrity of this frame. They said it was easy to install and was well-fit for a good number of 1911 models. One user said that it does a good job withstanding consistent amounts of firing power. Not to mention, itโs very impossible to wear it down in extensive shooting sessions.
Why it Stands Out to Us
If you are looking for a frame that will be proven to last you a long time, then this might be what you need. These frames are heat-treated and undergo so many tests before they even hit the market. So if you come across something that passes quality tests with flying colors, you know itโs that dang good. Plus, itโs a frame that can accept various sights that you might plan on installing in the not so distance future.
The Caspian is a great example of a standard-issue government type of frame for a 1911. Itโs built with a lot of great functionality, such as a heat treatment over its surface that will allow it to resist heat and shock beyond that of standard offerings. It can also be modified to be either cast from carbon or stainless steel. If you are allergic to certain metals, stainless steel is the way to go.
It also has an accessory rail that makes setting up attachments or other modifiers very easy. This product is sized and machined with perfection to duplicate the look and feel of the classic, government-style frames that you can see in film or on real-life law enforcement officers.
This is large enough that your gunsmith can set a tight slide at its top, permitting exceptional performance. The color is a bit bland, so if you like a darker finish youโll likely want to put some paint on it before you start the integration process.
Altogether, though, this is an excellent product thatโs perfect for most customer 1911 builds or repair jobs. The government-style is most popular for a reason, after all!
Who Will Use This Most
If you are looking for a lightweight, super solid 1911 frame that will be great for overall support and even opening the door to some customization opportunities, then you may want to consider this frame as your go-to option. Youโll install this in a matter of minutes and turn your pistol into a high-quality force to be reckoned with.
Bottom Line
The Caspian 1911 Recon Receiver is one of the best quality 1911 frames that youโll find on the market for the purpose of adding on a frame of high quality that will last you a long time. This will be great for when you plan on using your pistol for the long term. It can withstand constant use for years or even decades. Thatโs how strong it is.
This is a great government-type frame that lets you choose between two types of finishes. It comes with a handy accessory rail for adding attachments later on.
Best for the Money:
Fusion Firearms 1911 Lower Frame Assembly
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
This was a great frame for anyone looking to make a complete upgrade to the lower half of their pistols. The install didnโt take too long and it improved the grip and allowed for more solid trigger protection for those who used their 1911 for quite some time. This was a great frame for those looking for a more โplug and playโ type of install rather than find something that would make the installation more complicated.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This frame doesnโt cover the entire frame. But it does cover the bottom half that supports the barrel, the trigger, and the grip. So if you want a solid frame that will handle some of your most vital parts of your 1911 pistol, then you may want to consider purchasing this bad boy and install it the moment it reaches your doorstep. By the time you install this, youโll be quite pleased with how much of an improvement you can get just by installing a solid frame.
The Fusion frame is made in the commander-style, so itโs an intermediate between the lighter, smaller officer-type and the heavier, official government-type. This item is machined from a solid bar and heat treated to permit excessive use and rapid firing without suffering any kind of a performance drop. It has a number of other features that make it worth your time and money.
The thumb safety has been extended to improve quick switching, which is an important consideration in tactical shooting situations. Thereโs an undercut trigger guard and many of the screws and smaller pieces you need to finish installing this frame on a 1911 are already included in their places.
This can rapidly speed up either a total 1911 build or a repair job, particularly if you are going from one type or size of frame to another. The price is a bit high, but the value you get out of the purchase is phenomenal. We feel that this frame is well worth the cost; itโs well-made and has a laundry list of great perks to make it worth your while.
Who Will Use This Most
This is a great frame for anyone who wants to install something that is sturdy but will not add on any weight to your pistol. You may find frames made from different materials and will weigh differently than others. But youโll be quite happy with this one for a number of reasons. Weโd be shocked if you didnโt see an improvement in your grip than anything else.
Bottom Line
If you want a frame that is superior in quality and will definitely stand out as the go-to option for anyone looking to provide excellent support for their 1911 pistols, then you may want to consider giving this frame a try. It will definitely give you a few good improvements compared to your current frame.
Although itโs a bit pricey, this commander frame has everything you need to finish installation right away. It comes with a number of extra features, such as a larger thumb safety and undercut trigger guard.
Best Budget Pick:
Brownells 1911 Government Model Frame
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Most of the new users were utilizing their 1911 for concealed carry and tactical purposes. Plus, it was the closest thing they could find to a frame that was best fit for government-issued 1911 pistols. So far, they had no complaints about the install and the overall quality. It was solid, very difficult to wear, and didnโt heat up in the slightest after various extended periods of shooting.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This 1911 frame is made from corrosion-resistant 4140 steel. So you know it will be considered one of the best frames in the business when it comes to resisting damage. So if the quality is high atop your list of priorities, then you know that this frame will be great for your 1911 pistol.
The Brownells frame is a government model that looks as tough and capable as it really is. Itโs all yours for a very decent price, too, lower than many other competitor offerings on the same marketplace. You can choose between carbon steel or stainless steel finishes depending on your preference or allergenic needs.
Either way, it is heat-treated to extend its lifespan and performance even when youโre firing a lot of shots in a short period of time. The holes for screws have been precision-machined to make sure that any installation is trouble-free and as easy as possible. An oversized rail will allow a gunsmith to install a slide for a very tight fit, further improving your results once installation is complete.
Due to its extreme precision-machining and durability, itโs highly recommended that you only install this frame with the help of a talented gunsmith. However, given all of the excellence it's sure to bestow upon your 1911, this is a minor flaw for a very affordable piece of equipment.
Who Will Use This Most
This will be an excellent choice for most of the 1911 users that are concealed carry users or those who are in law enforcement or the military who still rely on this pistol as their trusty sidearm. Regardless, itโs a frame that is built to last and is tough as our military might itself
Bottom Line
The Brownells 1911 Government Model Frame is a frame that is super strong and will be reliable for most concealed carry users for years and decades to come. This will considerably improve your grip and will even handle so many shots no matter how many times you pull the trigger. You can get improved quality in minutes with a frame like this.
Itโs an excellent, affordable option in the government-style with machined holes to promote easy installation with the precise help of a gunsmith. The rails are oversized to allow for a tight slide fit further in the process.
4. Caspian 1911 Officer Receiver
Pros
Cons
What Recent Buyers Report
Most of the new users were those who were law enforcement officers that rely on their 1911 pistols for everyday use (both on-duty and off-duty). They said it didnโt take them long to install this. Plus, it didnโt add any additional weight to the pistols. Overall, the new users say that it allowed for better control (leading to better accuracy) and more shock absorbency.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Once again, we take another look at a frame for the 1911 that will stand out as a high-quality option for those who hold it to a higher standard. And itโs also another one of those factory tested frames that guarantee that it wonโt fall apart on you nor will it ever in this lifetime. If you are looking for a law enforcement grade frame for your 1911 pistol that will give you years of faithful and reliable service, this might be what you are looking for.
The Caspian is an officer-type of frame, so this makes it among the smallest on our list. Youโll find that this type is great if youโre making a 1911 that you intend to conceal carry, as the smaller size will let it fit beneath clothes more effectively. Itโs still quite durable and heat-treated to promote high performance as its used.
You can pick between a carbon steel or stainless steel finish, but the color is a bit dull either way, so youโll probably want to paint it at some point in the creation or repair process. The rails are oversized to allow for tight fitting of a slide once all the other necessary pieces are in place, and itโs all very affordable for your wallet, too.
While officer frames arenโt as common as the other two styles, we feel that they have a definite place in the market and for a particular niche of 1911 users. If you find that an officer option is right for you, this is one of the best you can pick from any market.
Who Will Use This Most
If superior quality and looking for a frame that is perfect for the Officer sized 1911 pistols, then this is probably the only frame that can cut the mustard. You will be able to install this quickly and be able to give it a whirl at the range. Donโt be surprised if you are able to get a few good benefits out of it other than a pistol that is lightweight and able to withstand so many shots. Why not an increase in grip and control, which leads to better accuracy and precise shooting.
Bottom Line
The 1911 Officer Receiver is without a doubt one of the best 1911 frames proven to handle Officer-sized models. This will never fall apart on you nor will it last you only a couple years. This is the frame that once you tack it on to your pistol, itโs there to stay for good. Good luck trying to get it damaged.
This is one of the best officer frames on the market. Itโs affordable and you can choose between two types of finishes. The color will need to be painted over in most cases.
Types of 1911 Frames
There are three main types of 1911 frames you can choose from. Weโll overview these each individually so you can decide which you like the best for yourself.
Officer
These frames are around 3.5 inches long and are usually considered to be โcompactโ. Most of the parts that fit onto an officer-style product canโt be interchanged with other frames due to the size difference. This kind takes smaller magazine sizes, but might be a really great pick for concealed carry if you have the proper permit.
Commander
These 1911 frames are around 4.25 inches long from the barrel all the way through. Itโs a little smaller than the government model and can take normal magazine sizes, as well as a lot of different attachments. Because of its size, itโs often considered an intermediate choice between officer and government frame types.
Government
These 1911 frames are 5โ long, generally speaking, and their parts can be interchanged with commander-model frames. These take normal-sized magazines and can accommodate all of the attachments you might be considering. A lot of people like this style because it replicates the gun seen in pictures and movies most often.
Conclusion
With everything in this guide, you should be all set to finish your 1911 build or repair your tried-and-true sidearm. The right frame means everything to the operation and success of your gun, so make sure that youโve taken your time and selected the right product before you begin gunsmithing. Thanks for reading!
People Also Ask
The following is a list of frequently asked questions regarding the 1911. This should serve as a guide so you are able to get a better understanding of how they work (including the accessories associated with them). Here are the following questions:
What Makes a Pistol a 1911?
A 1911 pistol is based on some features and characteristics that make it somewhat unique compared to other pistols. One unique feature of the 1911 is the moving link that can be found at the bottom of the chamber. If you fire the pistol, youโll notice the slide moving back at a short length. Also, 1911 pistols will always be a single-action pistol (which means you never have to cock the hammer back).
Does The US Military Still Use The 1911?
Not since 1986. The 1911 was since replaced by the Beretta M 9 9mm pistol as the standard sidearm. However, some military personnel still use the1911 pistol as a sidearm (based on personal choice) thus not making it completely phased out.
What 1911 Is Closest To The Original?
The closest model that you can find to the original 1911 is the Rock Standard full-sized pistol. Not only is it the closest that you can get to the original, but itโs also actually one of the more affordable 1911 pistols on the market today.
