Building the 1911

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In this episode from Season 2 of Tac TV, Larry visits Naples, Florida where he meets up with one of the Co-Owners of Everglades Ammunition, Steve Bender. He puts together a week long class on the 1911. Starting with a box of parts, he teaches how to build a fully functioning 1911.
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[@riverwarts9084]

The fact Larry can take a group of 12 individuals, all kinds of personalities and skill sets and in just 7-days have 12 fully functioning reliable 1911's....is an incredible feat. His knowledge an teaching abilities have got to be top notch, because I can barely sit through an hour of teaching my children math homework.

[@MisoElEven]

If you have basic garage tools and some scrap metal or metal sheets you could make simple blowback submachine guns if you invest enough time and thought into it. Its why gun control will never work even if the government knew about every gun on this planet, you can make one out of materials that can be under normal circumstances considered trash.

[@whomagoose6897]

Larry's 1911 class is now on my bucket list. Looking forward to the parts fitting portions of the class. The 1911's you make in Larry's pistol class would a race gun like shooters use in IDPA and USPSA competitions. My current 1911 is mostly like the 1911 that I had as a 11C infantry ground pounder. Have an M-7 shoulder holster with embossed US to carry it. A classic gem.

[@damnoldguy]

American craftsmen working on an American classic,,, awesome! Getting training from LAV,,,priceless! Thanks for sharing your knowledge, keeping the skills alive LAV. God bless America!

[@oldmike7239]

The first handgun I ever shot was a 1911 and that was when I was in the navy stationed in the Philippines. All outside watches were armed with 1911s. Since then I’ve been hooked. I would love to take this class and build a custom 1911, and make it my next and last. This looks like a well organized and professional class, and as soon as the piggy bank says OK, I’m on my way.

[@illwill1090]

Do you guys have anything near Pennsylvania

[@richardanderson4916]

Larry Vickers...one of the few people I would like to meet before I die. American hero!

[@jamesbyrne4851]

Lost over 1k by signing up for this class. The training company that was hosting it went bankrupt and I didn't find out until I tried to cancel the reservation and get my money back (due to a scheduling conflict). Really great. Really glad I spent that money. And for those who are curious, the $2500 you pay does not include the parts for the gun. You get a detailed list of parts to bring to the class. $2500 is about half of the total expense.

[@DoinkyTungo]

😂 that's your fault

[@keithcordova4945]

Slightly disappointed the video didn't last 19 minutes and 11 seconds...

[@russg1801]

Actually, I'm MORE disappointed that MY 'pistol' didn't last 19 minutes and 11 seconds last night!

[@theshapeexists]

Russ G was it a kel tec?

[@danzbeard]

hahahaha

[@VickersTacticalLAV]

Keith Cordova 👍😎

[@Legitcar117]

Keith Cordova wasted opportunity...

[@brandonszymanski4797]

15:50 “You need to shoot a better group.” Bahahahaha

[@ShootAUT]

Let me guess: the parts + the 1 week course = $1,911.45

[@Panzer_Runner]

1911 .45 The price is right

[@mrmidnight32]

ChriZ GaGuRo knowing Vickers I’m sure it closer to $5,911.45

[@patrickmanasco5905]

I mean it is Naples so yes probably

[@Rubeneides246]

2,995.00

[@ogsniper743]

Yeah right maybe just for the parts lol

[@nakai_bee6024]

“You need to shoot a better group.” I would hate to be that guy. Lol.

[@cyclotechtwister1997]

@Nakai_Bee - Who said you weren't? Lol, jk.......

[@titanary68]

There is no monetary amount I wouldn’t give to have this legend of a man help me hand build my 1911. I own Wilson, Ed Brown and Kimber 1911’s but to hand fit you own with Larry’s help would just be epic. I’m getting ready to start a 2011 race gun build if you are available Larry lo

[@justinhuffman9324]

Wish i could find a class like that here in Tennessee.

[@chillpill7115]

there's one in chattanooga

[@lalalalalalalalala60]

Wish I could find a class like that here in the UK......

[@Exrevenant]

Hello there fellow Tennessean!

[@user-vs9qx1pm1n]

amazing project...well done

[@angeloperry6342]

First gun i got was a 1912 .45 my father purchased me. I now daily a 1911 Kimber acp and there are definitely it’s withdrawals. But with the knowledge you are giving, these guns can be just as reliable as any other on the market if not better!

[@ThePband]

Outstanding video - the best one yet. Kudos to you and your production crew.

[@johnmckinney1493]

Larry, I just got my slide, frame, and some of my parys from caspian and Walt and his daughter were a joy to work with. This is my first and will be building it under the guidance of a retiered gunsmith friend. I know my limitations

[@VickersTacticalLAV]

Great

[@Broken-Nation]

Larry is well spoken and he can articulate his words really well, that leaves no doubt in my mind that he is a good instructor.

[@Broken-Nation]

***** I really would like to tell you whats on my mind and let you have it all the way, but by doing so I'm no better than you. Thanks for the comment, Mr. KZbin English professor.

[@deathfromabove2250]

Glad to see my local gun shop being represented in the background! Go Surplus Ammo and Arms!

[@chipngo9758]

The most perfect explanation on how to gunsmith 1911. Kudos and thank you to Larry Vickers.

[@davefman1984]

This is pretty cool. Back when I built mine 15 yrs ago I used an online tutorial and was able to get some help from a local custom builder from Mars Armament. It was a great experience. Having the hands on guidance through the process is huge.

[@scudonepercenter]

Thanks for all your efforts, Larry. I really enjoyed watching this and I hope I can attend one of your classes. Some day. :)

[@crackerjack6454]

California NEEDS classes like this!! Should be almost Mandatory!! There's Far too many people that don't know Jack about firearms. There's a good reason America is the Land of the FREE!!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@rbm6184]

Great video. My first pistol was a Thompson Auto Ordnance 1911A1 Government model .45ACP brand new out of the box for something like $350-$400 in I want to say 1984 or around that time. Service grade pistol. I put a lot of work into that pistol. I really had no idea at the time when I got it that I had to work the pistol up. I found out the hard way when I first shot it. It did not run. My boss at the time was familiar with pistols and told me that I needed to work it up. I wore the slide and frame rails in just working the slide in front of the TV until it ran smooth. Then I went to a local gun shop and ordered a recoil spring and buffer kit and I dug through a box of spare 1911 parts until I found a barrel bushing and barrel lug that gave me a tight barrel fit. Put the recoil kit in when I got it and took the pistol to a well known and reputable local licensed gunsmith and he did a nice polish job on the feed ramp. It was by that point a very good service pistol. Probably should have kept it. Thanks for the memories. I have been toying with the idea of building a 1911 9mm but still vacillating about the work and cost ahead. Haha. Yes I miss not having a 1911. When Smith came out with the model 625 I knew a guy that had one and shot it combat course at the club. He was just as fast if not faster than the autoloaders in the major class. It was impressive. It was a big revolver but it was fast in the right hands and reloads were super fast with full moon clips. Then later I think Smith came out with the little 9mm revolver and I always wanted one of those for minor class combat but never got one. This was back during the wonder nine years when I was heavy into nines and I still kind of am even today. I still look at those Smith 9mm revolvers even today. Oh, major caliber and minor caliber club classifications also known as power factor. A lot of race guns at the club even back then. .45ACP and 9mm. I like them both equally. Lower recoil of the nine or any minor caliber just makes it easier to shoot and control than a major caliber.

[@sicknessuntamed]

Great class Larry, would love to take it if you made it to the Phoenix area, I would also love to show you a great piece if history, I happen to own a 102 year old 1911 that fires tight groups and looks great. Keep up the great work, need more like you.

[@jasestrong]

I would love a MSG LAV 1911 , your a great man MSG Vickers.

[@loganpollock1689]

Back in the early nineties when the price of 1911's started climbing (thanks to Clinton) I bought a bag of parts from a guy at a gunshow. I read some books about smithing the 1911 and I managed to get the pistol together in a day. It has a Colt slide and an Auto Ordnance frame but it shoots fine. Since it was used parts, I just had to stake a couple pins and get things together correctly.

[@PatriotPaulUSA]

Really Awesome Everglades did this with Larry Vickers too. I need more green backs to do this , I keep saving .

[@DashSVK]

I wish I could attend this class, it looks like one of the best classes I've ever seen overall, not only gun(smith) related classes...too bad I'm not a US citizen :/

[@billybobjojackmacoy8903]

the man's right, the AR platform is super easy to fit and build. I'm getting the parts for a 1911 as I can afford them and damn! you can overestimate your skills in a hurry but when you get two parts to mesh perfectly it's a 12/10 on the satisfaction scale.

[@johnknouse8846]

I would love to do this. There is nothing better than a quality 1911 in your hand.

[@yadabenyisrael4374]

Air Force Veteran and former Deputy Sheriff.....THIS is another reason why I love this Nation!!!!!!.....

[@KainzMusic]

This is a class I could definitely get into.

[@jimziogas8978]

Holy cow, I had no idea this platform needed this much love!

[@djarnoldo516]

Excellent video. I have a new appreciation for 1911s after watching.

[@futuresonex]

This is a class that I'd absolutely love to take!

[@nunyabiznis3595]

this video should be 9 seconds longer

[@user-dd9ow8ze6h]

why??

[@georgsarlin7894]

@@user-dd9ow8ze6h 19:11

[@user-dd9ow8ze6h]

@@georgsarlin7894 ahah got it

[@slysamurai86]

This would be an AMAZING EXPERIENCE!

[@ishnifusmeadle]

I so wish this po boy from the North could afford to go take one his classes. I'm betting there's one around new england, but I probably still would have trouble affording it. I love 1911s. Don't have one, but shot a few and fell in love. Desperately want to get a kit build to start my 11 collection.....maybe next season I'll n able to save enough....

[@CowboybubPercussion]

I sure as hell hope that KZbin doesn't threaten you're channel

[@notdylan561]

A big thank you for this video. I've been considering signing up for for this class and never thought I'd get to see what went on during the class. Looks great!

[@stoner27th]

this looks like so much fun, I would love to attend this.

[@cadeinscho6339]

I love the fact that my Atlas NYX grip safety is pined. manual thumb safety is more than efficient for me.

[@TheDrakanMaster124]

One of my favorite things about the 1911 is you can use black powder without really any problems and as a prepper it's amazing But the only thing is you have to clean a lot

[@rednecksniper4715]

My first handgun was a Yugo M57 Tokarev so it's in the 1911 family and it feels awesome in my hand

[@jpalmi]

Wow, this is awesome. I've really been tossing around getting into gunsmithing, as I see what good gunsmiths are able to do either modifying/customizing or building firearms. Plus nothing helps familiarize you with a firearm than giving attention to Every part of it. what better way than to have to modify/fit parts to assemble the firearm. Would love to take this class.

[@oldskoolhoss7534]

Id start my life over if i had larry vickers to teach me gunsmithing. no joke

[@salildarji3510]

This is "assembly" of prefab parts. It is not "gunsmithing" to quote his error at 0:32. "Smithing" -- a term descending from "blacksmiths" who build starting with the smelt then fabrication of the metal parts -- is A WHOLE OTHER LEVEL, which Vickers doesn't appear to have any actual expertise in. Any $2/hour Chinaman or Mexican can do "assembly." "Smithing" takes typically >1 decade just to advance to a journeyman stage if you're not specializing in just 1 part of firearms systems, if you can build a FULL semi-auto with ALL systems at a higher-than-apprentice level. Happy 4th.

[@pp3917]

Chad Manning .

[@marcusborderlands6177]

if you want to learn how to make legal homemade firearms, look at ecco machine. knows soo much more than Vickers ever will about gunsmithing.

[@fraymond3]

+Salil Darji that's purely semantics.

[@jakecoutcher1341]

ya this is a joke I’ve built way better 1911 for my friends and family that blow this crap away and all are Nickel plating and hand ingraved with custom everything anyone that knows anything about firearms can make a 1911

[@cavediverjc]

I would love to attend one of these classes... I have a good, solid foundation of firearm knowledge, but I suspect that Larry knows LIGHTYEARS more about weapons/tactics than I do. I'd love a chance to pick this guy's brain for a week! And not just his 1911 knowledge, but for his tactical knowledge as well.

[@mr.nobody68]

I'll never afford this 😭 "You need to shoot a better group" *I* felt attacked by that

[@CanadaHasGuns]

Always love to see 1911 vids. Great video

[@Falconsgang8988]

i dont have a 1911 (wish i did) but the thumb over thumb i would recommend to start with just watch the skin between ur thumb and index and dont ride too high. youll feel alot more confident and itll be SO much easier

[@Covertosprey]

This is awesome I am learning a lot just from your videos. This is just amazing

[@TomahawksNShotShells]

Holy cow LAV! Dude you lost weight! Looking good brother!

[@mikel9162]

I've owned a lot o f1911's. The only one I haven't been into to mod. is a Les Baer TRS. Pure perfection. Owned a Wilson back in the day when he used Caspian frames. Odd color, but a fine gun. I would love to try out one of his new X-9s. Getting a little old, and a 9 might be in my future. Would love a lighter weight. Mr Vickers, I am a medically retired , 45 year custom KnifeMaker. One of my close friend was an instructor at ft. Benning for SF. Hewas the NCOC here at Ft. Hood over the Bradley Project when they first arrived. I'll just about bet you knew him. He nickname was Kit Carson. He too became a well known Knifemaker, and a finner fellow you never met. KnifeMaker

[@nicholasallan9248]

im a glock guy but this makes me want to build a 1911

[@joeyquiroga3102]

Dont blame you glocks are ugly

[@sfcoawol6273]

I find it funny, I'm a 1911 guy but my next build is actually a glock.

[@michelleadams6999]

Yes sir same here i can't wait to learn good luck sir

[@652barry]

Glock is definitely more reliable

[@Spartan265]

@@joeyquiroga3102 Nah bro. Glocks look dope. Don't get me wrong though the 1911 is my favorite gun of all time. But Glocks are cool as fuck as well.

[@pete7389]

Larry, you put out some good videos but this was probably my favorite. Is that a Philly/ S. Jersey accent I detect?

[@VickersTacticalLAV]

Ohio accent modified by living in North Carolina for 20 years

[@ceounicom]

Peter Choi Bob Uker says: "...And that one was *just* a bit outside...."

[@andrewjames5671]

***** theirs a such thing as an Ohio accent huh? Must not get that in the N.E. part of Ohio.

[@billjenkins9822]

Nice

[@mkrump9403]

+Vickers Tactical Your lessons seem to be a must. (I`m just a gamer experimented.) Arma 3 etc.

[@JoeDeLeonA]

The 1911 was my first love, so to speack... have had a buch of'em over the years. Then slowly but surely I turned to the "dark side" and finished a Glockahoolick. And in .40 to boot, mind you! I don't even own a single 1911 today... I know, I know. It sadens me some too... :>) On the other side, I still think a good 1911 is a piece of art (at least it is to me...). Not what I would carry but love to look at it and still enjoy shooting it.

[@1demochad1]

I'm just gonna say it...I LOVE LARRY!!!! there i said it.

[@corax2012]

That would be a fun class! As far as functionality, my para was good out of the box from a tool perspective. Very reliable.

[@triggerjob1394]

Excellent video. Wish I had an opportunity like this years ago when I was learning!

[@SavageTactical]

Larry thanks for the vid man. I might have to look into your 1911 class.

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

I considered this, but it seems like it would be a very expensive proposition right now. My P80 was a radical upgrade from a stock Glock for the same money as stock, but the 1911 doesn’t work out the same it seems. Maybe i’m shopping in the wrong places? I can get a Decent 1911 for $799, so if I can do it near that or make it better for a little more, i’m in. There is certainly a ton of joy in doing it yourself, especially as an auto mechanic.

[@PiroFyre]

My very first handgun was a 1911 I built from an 80% frame. I bought a cheap kit and half of the parts fit in it so had to order those same parts again off someone else. As well as it works, trigger doesn't feel great and it feels cheap altogether. Would love to have a class in making a much higher quality 1911.

[@luisecobian3691]

Did you use a sarco kit

[@PiroFyre]

luise cobian Yes, I bought the Sarco kit since it was dirt cheap.

[@nostromo4269]

I never thought that I might inadvertantly put the thumb safety on while firing. Thanks Mr. Vickers.

[@patrickmanasco5905]

I lived in Naples Florida for years and never knew.... need to go

[@harrycallahan5345]

Very great Job Larry 🤘

[@JC-tb6si]

I totally love this idea. 1911 are classical and they're great firearms.

[@KeanonGilliamSlang369]

I'd love to take that class even though I have no gunsmithing or tool skills. Love 1911's

[@waynecastleman1363]

Hey Keanon, I've get some skills but taking a class like this is a cool factor of 10 . I'm back at work now and wondering why I didn't go to Gun Sight Academy for the 3 day class. And to have a class like this and build your own 1911. 💪👍 Stay strong !

[@KeanonGilliamSlang369]

@@waynecastleman1363 It's definitely a great skill to have! You'll get to doing one of those classes one day. 👍

[@waynecastleman1363]

@@KeanonGilliamSlang369 Well hope so. I sure build a nice peanut butter sandwich 😋

[@KeanonGilliamSlang369]

@@waynecastleman1363 LOL

[@superfarful]

"Your real close and you need to shoot a better group" lmao that guys like thanks larry

[@p3rcUtime]

i like 1911 acp .45 it's a nice, elegant and secure pistol.

[@zxtuner4lyfe]

wow, this is amazing, did not know this class existed. would absolutely love to take this, so awesome but probably limited to people in the gun business

[@adamcuttler9665]

Larry your awesome! Keep up the good work.

[@pedrotome9119]

Hi, everyone! Long ago ('n' maybe too long from now) I got a plastic 1911-A1 Gov't model, with a ''silencer'' and a fancy box. It was stolened. Lost but never forotten, even in a country where this kind of things are either unknown and badly regarded. Today, after some fourty years and so after, even under the impossibility of legally owning this battle horse, I can never quit of learning the much I can about it and all that's related to...

[@victorh7675]

You're the man Larry!

[@BrunoLopes8686]

Nice video! What an amazing initiative!

[@dogbuggy32]

super cool larry

[@wandersonalves9444]

One of the world's best job right there, this is something I'd do for rest of my life :)

[@craighannaleck4340]

Been awhile since i've seen you and the boys at Bragg. Cool video. You may remember me I was CW Mastcaster bullitts and usually showed up at a match with Mike Holland

[@chipngo9758]

Amazing gun. Gob bless John Browning.

[@diegomanuel5065]

dang in my own backyard, i can't believe I missed this opportunity. when will you be down again?

[@BackwoodChong]

It’s prolly wrong but growing up I always called them the lemon squeeze cuz u gotta squeeze the handle like a lemon for it to fire. I would love to have a micro 1911 chambered in 9

[@evilcowboy]

He puts these things together like how John Browning would have put them together and doing it by eye allows for better craftsmanship. While it is true machining parts to a precision within so many thousandths is a good method of building a gun you will never get the real fitting and artistic touch that this guy instructs. Even though some think machining is more precise (which it is) there are parts that are machined that need a human being to fit it together. A good example of this is when an engine builder laps the valves in a head. Although the head is machined on a mill and several cuts are made to it to get its final shape the valves still need to be lapped by hand so you can ensure each valve has a good seal and is matted perfectly to the valve seat. The 1911 is no different and must be hand fitted to achieve this level of craftsmanship. I admire the willingness to teach others this type of work and to do it in such a constructive manner. He does not belittle the people for not knowing something there are a lot of people who teach who go out of their way to belittle their students. This guy is a top notch instructor.

[@adenisongomes9903]

Excelente profissionais,meus parabéns.

[@jackmazza5742]

Looking Trim Larry.

[@patrickmedarac7253]

Thank you for the info LAV

[@llean3535]

Lame Ass Vehicle?

[@danielramos803]

Great job with the video .. I got to try this project

[@scottydoo330]

Ok you got me I’m subscribed. This is awesome

[@teddysgunshop2318]

wish i had the time and money to do this with larry he is amazing.

[@jamesrobertson6255]

When I sell my old car, I’ll be looking for this class! I want to attend!

[@kentac1911]

I would love the chance to attend this class! Hooah!

[@russg1801]

I love 'beaver tail travel!'

[@TurnAGundam]

Don't know if these classes are still available, but if you ever make it out to the Southern California area, I'd love to take that class, if possible.

[@stateofoklahomashallnotbei5469]

My 80% 1911 came out amazing and it looks like I had to do more from start to finish..

[@fattywithafirearm]

This looks like an awesome class. If I can afford it I would like to one day take this class.

[@kentowens2179]

Nice video!

[@Geospec]

I would have loved to learned from Larry when I built mine

[@bakerron504]

Great class.. I hope to get in one sometime..

[@thecourier3152]

My favorite handgun

[@kendrickjohnson7345]

Ever come to Michigan?

[@joelyboyblue]

So sweet, want to take this class

[@okiecustompew]

I would love to take this class! it would be a great experience and real useful knowledge!