Rick, thanks for your input. I have a number of Colts but all are in my view to valuable to use and shoot as I plan. I have come across a fellow wanting to sell a Essex frame for $250. (He says he considered building a 1911 some years ago and never got around to it. Appears to be an early Essex frame made in Island Pond Vermont, serial number in the 7000 range. I have enough 1911 parts,including a military Colt replacement slide, to build a entire gun. Every time I come across a early Colt Frame(pre 80's series) they are asking almost as much as a complete Colt 1991 A1 model... Still debating if I want to do this or not. If I do I will be into the gun for around $400.

Happy New Year!!