I built my own 1911. I know what your thinking, a custom bubba kitchen table build. It took me almost a year but I only used premium parts and took my time. I had a lot of help from some pro's on the 1911 forum. I then sent the gun to long time top tier 1911 smith Chuck Warner and asked him to put some finishing touches on the gun (stuff I can't do) and to check my work and give me a report card to to speak. He checked the gun over and gave me a passing score. The gun was actually safe. Got the gun back from Chuck and now it's my baby. It was a learning experience and I learned a ton about the 1911.
Finished prior to testing
http://i49.tinypic.com/2m2x5s6.jpg
Test shoot day, talk about excited
http://i48.tinypic.com/i6b8zd.jpg
First shots
http://i45.tinypic.com/33f7pj7.jpg
Back from Chuck
http://i46.tinypic.com/2mruxir.jpg
http://i49.tinypic.com/2r22f0n.jpg