Description

1911 Custom Build Class Information

Deep River Customs, a manufacturer of high quality 1911 pistols and parts, is now hosting a 1911 custom build class at Montgomery Community College Gunsmithing School.  

1911 Custom Build Class

This course provides students with instruction on the theory and specific steps necessary to complete their own custom 1911 handgun.  The class consists of lecture, demonstrations, and hands-on training from a full-time professional gunsmithing instructor and professional gunsmiths.

Emphasis is placed on the design and function theory of the 1911 style handgun as a basis for a logical approach to custom pistolsmithing practices.  Rather than simply memorizing a series of steps, students will be encouraged to “think their way” through problems based on a thorough understanding of the firearm. 

Students perform vital operations such as fitting of the slide to frame, precision barrel fitting for utmost accuracy, modifications for reliability, trigger work, fitting of grip and thumb safeties, fitting of sights, and shooting for accuracy and reliability.  Theory necessary for understanding of each of the mechanical interactions that make each of these steps possible will be stressed throughout the course.  Students will leave armed not only with a complete custom 1911 pistol, but with a greater understanding of what makes this design tick, as well as knowledge of the tools and operations necessary to produce a one of a kind masterpiece.

The Course of Instruction Includes ( but is not limited to):

• Operation of the 1911
• Sequence of the build
• Precise slide to frame fitting
• Match grade barrel fitting
• Changes required for different pistol uses
• Which parts affect accuracy & reliability
• Use of various tools to improve skill and quality
• Trouble shooting by cause and effect
• Variations of the 1911 design
• Specific information on each part of the 1911

Many details of the 1911 pistol will be covered and it will be to your benefit to take notes.

Minimal Tool Requirements

The class is designed to make it easy for the student to fly or drive in without spending a lot of money on tools and without hauling or shipping a tool box across the country. Although there are a few things to you will need to bring along, everything you need to build the pistol will be available for use on your individual workbench at the school.

Requirements to bring to class

• Dial caliper
• Outside micrometer ( digital or analog )
• Safety Glasses & Ear Protection
• Opti-visor with a loupe
• FFL copy ( if you have one )
• 100 rounds minimum ( available for purchase locally )

Frames & Slides

The frame will be sent to you, if you have an FFL, or your FFL before class, unless you are a resident of NC, in which case you can opt to pick up your frame in class.

The government model frame is checkered ( 25 lpi ) and the government model slide has rear cocking serrations, a “hidden” Bomar buried and protected rear sight cut, and a Novak front cut.  All of the other main components are made out of high grade bar stock or tool steel.  Pistols are Government Model 45ACP in stainless steel.

Slide and All Other Components

Included in the cost of the class are the slide and all other components for the build, provided to students the first day of class.  All of the kits are of of the same quality and same manufacture in order to provide uniformity and cohesion in training.  This allows the instructor to provide you with the benefit of his years of experience in the time allotted for the class.  The goal is to finish up with a true custom pistol that you have built, with the additional benefit of learning how to resolve issues with other types and brands of pistols and parts.

Finish Options

Finish options are available at an additional cost after the completion of the course. Finishing, other than possibly bead blasting, is not an option in the class due to time constraints.

1911 Custom Build Class Tuition and Deposit Requirements:

The cost of the 7 day 1911 Custom Build Class is $4050. This includes:

• instructional material
• all pistol components (not including finish options)
• use of tools and equipment needed to complete your custom pistol
• technical support through Deep River Customs and/or the instructors after the class
• the course fee does not include food, lodging, or travel expenses

A non-refundable deposit of $1,500 is due within 2 weeks of enrollment.  The remaining $2,495 is due no later than 60 days prior to the commencement of the class.

Cancellation

Should circumstances prevent your attendance, you may opt to attend a subsequent class upon notifying Deep River Customs.  We will work with you to allow you to attend the class.  The fee to re-enroll is $250.  This fee applies if we received your deposit and ordered parts.  If you’ve paid the entire class fee and subsequently have to drop the class, Deep River Customs will send you the frame, slide, and all build parts you would have received in class, if you decide not to enroll in a later class.

In the case of a late cancellation, we will attempt to fill your slot.  If we’re able to do so, you’ll receive a refund of the remaining payment you’ve made, minus a $250 cancellation fee.

Presently, each class will have a maximum of 10 students.  If we cancel the class,  your options are to attend a subsequent class or receive a refund of your deposit.

Sending your deposit indicates you read, understood, and accepted this cancellation policy.

Video recording devices are not allowed without permission from Deep River Customs.

Instructors for the 1911 Custom Build Class

Mark Dye, Program Director, Montgomery CC Gunsmithing Program

Mark developed a strong interest in firearms from a very early age. This passion has been the driving force in his career and pastime choices.

Mark began training in machining at age 16, always with a keen eye on becoming a gunsmith.  In 1996, he enrolled in Montgomery Community College Gunsmithing School, graduating in 1998. Upon completion of his studies at MCC, Dye began his career in gunsmithing at Clark Custom Guns in Louisiana.  There he specialized in 1911 handguns. In 2003, Mark left Clark’s to work for Bowen Classic Arms in Tennessee.  This shop specializes in high-end custom revolver work. He continued his tenure there until 2011.  During his time at Bowen’s, Dye also ran a small business specializing in building handguns for competition shooters.  In 2011, he returned to Montgomery Community College to accept a teaching position.  Mark continues teaching, and assumed the role of Program Director for the Gunsmithing Program in 2015.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Mark Dye is also a Master Class USPSA shooter, and an active competitor in a number of shooting sports. He also holds a patent on a trigger system for 1911 style handguns.

Mark lives near Asheboro NC with his wife, Nicole, and son Luke.

Dr. James Amburgey, Professor of Engineering, UNC Charlotte

Dr. James Amburgey is a tenured engineering professor at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte where he teaches courses and performs scientific research. He holds Master of Science and Doctoral degrees from Georgia Tech in Atlanta. Dr. Amburgey owns and operates a private company dedicated to firearms research and product innovations. His company holds a Class 7 FFL that allows him to manufacture firearms for research and development purposes.

Dr. Amburgey is currently writing a textbook on building and modifying the Model 1911 pistol. He has recently applied for patents on new 1911 parts and a computerized apparatus to troubleshoot and test firearms. In the process of writing his textbook, he collaborated with many elite gunsmiths and gunsmithing companies from across the US, and he will share this knowledge and his insights into the best techniques for building accurate and reliable 1911’s during the courses he teaches at Deep River Customs.

Deep River Customs Staff

Veteran-owned Deep River Customs is a firearms manufacturer and custom gun shop specializing in 1911 and 2011 pistols.  Deep River Customs is a full service custom shop, making custom built pistols, along with performing modifications, enhancements, overhauls, repairs, and tune-ups.

Ronald Sewell, Gunsmith and Co-owner, Deep River Customs

Hugh Sherron, Gunsmith and Co-owner, Deep River Customs