Mike, I don't understand all the broohaha about MIM parts. Are they fragile, more prone to breakage due to not really having a grain flow, more like a fiberglass boat made with the chopped glass method?

Yeah, is it that serious? Right after posting I started looking at the SA Loaded model and got tempted. $300 to $400 less than a heritage...that's a bunch of ammo...less time to save and get into the gun too. I like the looks of the SA 1911s too...

Here is some info

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metal_injection_molding

Most MIM parts are more pourious and not as well bound together at the molecular level. Metal ha a crystalline structure and forged and roled stock is better structured and denser. There for stronger than material that is MIM.
Surfaces that rub or parts that take stress need to be strong. I'm not getting anything with MIM parts if I can help it. I'm not saying they are all bad. Glock M&P and more have good reputations and use MIM parts. But some guns IMHO are better serviced by other parts. The big advantage in the DW 1911 is the parts that are MIM in other brands are TOOL STEEL. Much tougher and better suited for the job. It's just like knives. Yeah a knife out of cheaper steel can work. But there is a reason We buy Kin knives.

I've selected Nighthawk components for my Rudius build... problem is I don't have the machining skill necessary to complete the 80% lower on my own, and nobody with a Machine shop who could walk me through the process...

Oh, and I'm still waiting on the 2500$ for the Nighthawk components too...

What machines do you have access to?

A dremel

If you get some duct tape and a flat head screwdriver you should be good to go. :p

If I was building a Glock, maybe...

With 1911's, I have to remember to chant at the proper time, dance, and spin around until I'm dizzy, while scratching an itch on a llama's [censored] (speaking of, where can I get a Llama?), AND operate the drill press with my left pinky toe, or the end product will run like a clock with a gear missing...

Have you looked into the jig?

http://aresarmor.com/store/Item/AA-1911-J

I thought about it, but I couldn't validate spending as much as I did for the Frame on a jig that I'll only use once. Unless I decide to pick up a few more frames and build more than one in the future, it just feels like a waste of $$$ :\

Sell the jig when you're done!

You'll lose some money but it might be worth it. It would definitely be a cool project.