Back in ~1978, while in high school, I built a 1911 using a vega frame, no name slide, and the parts I could afford. Later, it got a Sarco drop in barrel w/ comp, a dwyer group gripper guide rod, drop in wilson beavertail, pachmyer wrap around grips, etc. the family nicknamed it "frankengun"

I had been considering the high end semi customs, i.e., wilson, baer, nighthawk or brown, and following the discussions of "whose is best"

Rather than dropping ~$2500 into a name brand, I decided to see what my local smith could do. 1/2 hour away is "Jo-Jo's Gunworks" - so I dropped in, talked with Jody for a while, and left frankengun for some much needed love.

the "to do" list included:
Install / blend 30 LPI S/S checkered mainspring housing w/ magwell (Ed Brown)
30 LPI checker frontstrap
Undercut triggerguard
Cut end of frame to match end of slide fit
Re-bead blast/polish frame
Tighten slide to frame fit
Install S/S beavertail grip safety w/ memory groove (Ed Brown)
Install S/S extended slide stop (Ed Brown)
Install S/S extended safety (Ed Brown)
Install STI long polymer trigger, sear, disconnector and trigger job
Install S/S Wilson Combat skeletonized ultralight hammer
Install Kart barrel, link and Jo-Jo’s bushing
G-10 grips w/ relieved access to mag release
S/S hex head grip screws

I probably should have gone for the sight replacement and slide refinish, but left that for another trip.

So, for about the cost of a Springfield TRP, I got a vast improvement on what I originally had.

http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq157/brt1963/IMGP0937.jpg
http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq157/brt1963/th_IMGP0928.jpg

Looks great! JoJo's is a hell of a shop. I had a barrel cut down by them. Real nice guys.