Island Boy KitFAQ
Everything you need to know before orders open. Read this first.
We built the Island Boy Kit to solve a real problem: island barrel builds are intimidating, expensive to machine, and time-consuming to fit correctly. We've done the hardest parts for you — pre-fitted hood, cut bottom lugs, matched island rib — so you can focus on the build, not the tooling. Here's every question we've heard answered in one place.
The kit ships with everything you need to complete a 2011 build — minus the trigger group and grip panels (available as separate LPWS add-ons).
| Barrel | LPWS Island Barrel — 9mm, Pre-fitted hood & bottom lugs |
| Slide | LPWS Chiraq Slide — matched to island rib, no decking required |
| Frame | LPWS 2011 Frame |
| Guide Rod | EGW Guide Rod & Reverse Plug Recoil Spring |
| Firing Pin | EGW Firing Pin (SKU 10072) + ISMI Premium Firing Pin Spring |
| Firing Pin Stop | EGW Drop-In Firing Pin Stop (Series 70) |
| Extractor | EGW GI Extractor (Improved) Stainless Steel |
| Ejector | LPWS Ejector |
| Slide Stop | LPWS Slide Stop |
| Instructions | Comprehensive downloadable fitting guide included |
Currently, the Island Boy Kit is offered in 9mm only, with a 5-inch Government profile.
A 4.25-inch Commander version is in development and will be released at a later date. If you prefer the Commander format, stay tuned — we'll announce it to the community first.
The Island Boy Kit comes in three configurations. All porting is done at the barrel — not the slide.
Our recommendation: If you plan to run this at the range or in competition, go Performance or Extreme. If this is a carry or defensive build, Standard keeps it clean and reliable.
EGW (Evolution Gun Works) is one of the most respected names in 1911/2011 internal components. Their parts are used by custom shops across the country and have a long track record in competitive shooting. We chose EGW specifically because the 2011 community already knows and trusts them — no guessing on part quality.
The ISMI firing pin spring is also a community staple — stiffer and more consistent than OEM springs on most production 2011s.
Fitting an island barrel to a 2011 slide normally requires:
- Precision lathe work to cut the bottom lugs
- Specialized lug cutters ($150–$400 in tooling alone)
- Hood fitting to achieve proper lockup
- Decking or machining the top rib to match the slide profile
Most home builders don't own this equipment. Most gunsmiths charge $400–$800+ in labor just for this portion of the work — before any other parts.
With the LPWS Island Boy Kit, the hood length and bottom lugs are already fitted. The island rib is factory-matched to the Chiraq slide profile. You skip the machine work entirely and go straight to slide-to-frame fitment, which is manageable with standard hand tools and the instructions we provide.
You do not need a lathe, lug cutters, or a milling machine. The heavy machine work is done.
What you will need for slide-to-frame fitment:
- Basic hand tools (punches, mallet, screwdrivers)
- Fitting files or sandpaper for minor frame-to-slide rail fitment
- A bench vise (helpful but not required)
- Patience — this is a precision build, not a Glock field strip
Recommended experience level: Intermediate. If you've built or detailed-stripped a 1911 before, you're well-prepared. If this is your first firearms build ever, watch a few 2011 assembly videos first and take your time with the instructions.
The kit does not include a trigger or grip panels. These are intentionally left out so you can choose the components that fit your build and preferences.
LPWS offers compatible add-ons:
- LPWS Kill Switch Trigger (F-Series) — available separately on our site
- LPWS Chiraq DS1911/2011 Metal Grip System — available separately on our site
We recommend Atlas Premium 2011 magazines for the Island Boy Kit. They are purpose-built for the 2011 platform, consistently reliable, and our first choice for both function testing and long-term use.
We recommend starting with 2–3 Atlas Premium mags during your function-testing phase to identify any feed ramp fitment adjustments needed before your final finishing.
The kit ships in a raw machined state intentionally. Here's why that's actually a feature, not a flaw:
- You choose your finish. Cerakote, DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon), PVD, or black oxide — each has different properties, aesthetics, and price points. Locking you into one finish would take that choice away.
- You choose your colors. The Chiraq slide is a canvas. One build goes flat dark earth on OD green. Another goes all-black DLC. Another goes two-tone with burnt bronze. Your build, your identity.
- Finish after function testing. You want to verify the build runs correctly before spending money on a finish. Fitting and testing first, finishing second is the right order of operations.
Pricing varies by shop and complexity, but here's a general guide:
| Cerakote (single color) | ~$100–$180 for a complete pistol (slide + frame + barrel) |
| Cerakote (two-tone) | ~$180–$280 depending on masking complexity |
| Cerakote (pattern/camo) | ~$250–$450+ depending on design |
| DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) | ~$250–$400 — extremely durable, low-friction, matte black |
| PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) | ~$200–$350 — premium look, available in multiple colors |
DLC is our personal favorite for 2011 internals — it's the hardest coating available and reduces wear on high-contact surfaces like the barrel hood and rails.
The kit includes a serialized 2011 frame, which is legally classified as the firearm under federal law. Federal law requires that firearms be transferred through a licensed FFL dealer — they receive the package, verify your ID, run a NICS background check, and transfer it to you.
This is the same process as buying any complete pistol online. Your FFL will charge a transfer fee (typically $25–$50). Budget for this when planning your build cost.
Due to state and local regulations regarding build kits, frames, and "ghost gun" laws, we cannot ship to the following jurisdictions:
- California (restricted — contact us if you are active LEO)
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia (DC)
- Hawaii
- Illinois (Chicago / Cook County specifically)
- Maryland (verify roster status before ordering)
- Massachusetts
- New Jersey
- New York
- Rhode Island
- Washington State
If you are in a restricted state and believe you qualify for an exemption, contact us before placing an order. It is your responsibility to know your local laws.
Current lead time is 60 days from order date to ship. This is a precision-built kit — components are fitted and inspected before they leave the shop. We do not rush this process.
You will receive shipping confirmation with tracking when your order ships. If your order will be delayed beyond the stated lead time for any reason, we will contact you directly.
| Base Kit (Standard / Non-Ported) | $1,778.12 |
| Performance Option (3-Port) | $1,843.12 (+$65) |
| Extreme Option (6-Port) | $1,878.12 (+$100) |
| FFL Transfer Fee (at your dealer) | ~$25–$50 (not included) |
| Surface Finishing | ~$100–$400 (not included — your choice) |
For comparison: having a gunsmith source and fit an island barrel alone — without a complete kit — typically runs $400–$800 in labor, before parts. The Island Boy Kit pre-fits the hardest work and includes all the components you need to complete the build.
The Island Boy Kit Is Coming
Orders open in the next 30–45 days. Sign up for email notification on the product page and we'll let you know the moment orders go live.
Notify Me When Orders Open →All frames must be transferred through a licensed FFL holder. Know your local laws before ordering.