So I'd like to build a gun.

I'd rather not buy the requisite tools to rivet an AK.

I've also always wanted a 1911.

Are they difficult to assemble from scratch?

I'm looking at kits sans-frame for $210

Picture:

http://www.sarcoinc.com/images/c45097.jpg

1911s are hard to fit. Even people who think they know what they're doing end up with guns that empty themselves. There's a reason that a hand fitted 1911 costs $2000+.

I would love to learn to build one from someone who knew what they were doing, though. I think I could build some bad ass 1911s if I had the right training. :D

I built one and it wasn't terribly difficult, it did take a LOT of hours of filing, sanding and fitting though. I bought the Sarco kit but ended up replacing half the parts as I went. I used an Essex frame and Slide and would recommend them if you are wanting something cheaper. Not that the parts were bad or anything, I just wanted different stuff.

If you are just wanting a 1911, you would probably be money ahead to just buy a Taurus Pt1911, or a Rock Island or any of the cheaper 1911's.

Here is some reading for you to do if you want to go through with it...

http://how-i-did-it.org/1911-project/index.html
http://www.blindhogg.com/gunsmithing.html
http://www.m1911.org/technic_forum.htm
http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/GunTech/NewsletterArchive.aspx?p=0&t=1&i=505

Everyone recommended to me to pick up these books...
http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=13805&title=JERRY%20KUHNHAUSEN%20THE%20COLT%20.45%20AUTO MATIC
http://www.brownells.com/aspx/NS/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=13815&title=JERRY%20KUHNHAUSEN%20THE%20U.S.%20M1911/M1911A1%20PISTOLS%20A%20SHOP%20MANUAL
I'll be honest with you though, you can do without them because all the information is on the net somewhere.