Technical Brief // Island Boy Kit

Island Boy Kit
FAQ

Read this before orders open. Every question, answered.

9mm 5" Government Pre-Fitted Island Barrel Chiraq Slide Orders Opening Soon

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.

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).

ComponentDetails
BarrelLPWS Island Barrel — 9mm, Pre-fitted hood & bottom lugs
SlideLPWS Chiraq Slide — matched to island rib, no decking required
FrameLPWS 2011 Frame
Guide RodEGW Guide Rod, Reverse Plug, & Recoil Spring
Firing PinEGW Firing Pin (SKU 10072) + ISMI Premium Firing Pin Spring
Firing Pin StopEGW Drop-In Firing Pin Stop (Series 70)
ExtractorEGW GI Extractor (Improved) Stainless Steel
EjectorLPWS Ejector
Slide StopLPWS Slide Stop
Community AccessInvite to the LPWS Founders Group for fitting help and build support

Currently 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. We'll announce it to the community first.

Three configurations. All porting is done at the barrel — not the slide.

Standard
Included

Non-ported. Maximum reliability. Best for defensive use or shooters who prioritize zero point-of-failure.

Recommended
Performance
+$65 // 3-Port

Measurably flatter tracking and faster follow-up shots. The sweet spot for most shooters.

Extreme
+$100 // 6-Port

Maximum recoil mitigation. Built for competition and high round-count training.

⚑ Tuning Required
// LPWS Recommendation

Competition or range use → go Performance or Extreme. Carry or defensive build → Standard. Still learning the 2011 platform → Performance is the safer starting point.

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 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 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 Island Boy Kit, the hood length and bottom lugs are already fitted. You skip the heavy machine work and go straight to final fitment, manageable with standard hand tools and the instructions we provide.

No lathe, lug cutters, or milling machine needed. The heavy machine work is done.

LPWS will provide a complete suggested tool list with your order confirmation so you have everything in hand before your kit arrives.

Recommended experience level: Intermediate. If you've built or detail-stripped a 1911 before, you're well-prepared. First-time builders should watch a few 2011 assembly videos before starting.

// Pro Tip

Read the included downloadable instructions fully before touching any parts.

No — intentionally. These are left out so you can choose components that fit your build and preferences.

  • LPWS Kill Switch Trigger (F-Series) — available separately on our site
  • LPWS Chiraq DS1911/2011 Metal Grip System — available separately on our site
// Note on Sights

The Chiraq slide is not cut for dovetail sights. Plan your optics and sight setup accordingly before ordering.

We recommend Atlas Premium 2011 magazines. Purpose-built for the 2011 platform, consistently reliable, and our first choice for both function testing and long-term use.

Start with 2–3 Atlas Premium mags during function testing to identify any feed ramp fitment adjustments before your final finishing.

// Read Before Selecting Extreme

The Extreme 6-port requires you to tune your recoil spring weight and ammunition combination. The large port diameters bleed gas aggressively — if paired with an incompatible spring or underpowered ammo, the firearm may not cycle reliably.

If you know how to tune a 2011 around a specific load and spring combination, the Extreme 6-port is a serious performance upgrade. If you're still learning the platform, the Performance 3-port gives meaningful recoil reduction with more forgiving tuning requirements.

// Not Sure?

Reply to your order confirmation email and Carl will talk through your specific setup personally before the kit ships.

// Pending — Carl to Complete Before Launch

Specific spring weights, buffer options, minimum power factor, and confirmed loads will be added here before the page goes live.

  • Spring weight — start at standard weight, work up in 2lb increments until the gun cycles cleanly
  • Ammo floor — run standard pressure or +P loads during function testing; subsonic loads will not cycle reliably
  • Function test protocol — minimum 100 rounds before declaring the build finalized
  • You choose your finish. Cerakote, DLC, PVD, or black oxide — each has different properties, aesthetics, and price points.
  • You choose your colors. The Chiraq slide is a canvas. Flat dark earth, all-black DLC, two-tone burnt bronze — your build, your identity.
  • Finish after function testing. Verify the build runs correctly before spending money on a finish. Fit and test first, finish second.
// LPWS Recommendation

Work with a factory-certified Cerakote applicator. We are vetting trusted local shops and will list recommended finishers on this page before the first kits ship.

Rather than a general price guide, LPWS will provide a curated list of vetted surface finishing companies with experience on 2011 components — shops that understand fit tolerances and coating thickness requirements.

The list will be posted on this page before the first kits ship.

The kit includes a serialized 2011 frame, legally classified as a firearm under federal law. Federal law requires 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.

Your FFL will charge a transfer fee (typically $25–$50). Budget for this when planning your build cost.

// Important

Do not ship this kit to a non-FFL address. Identify your receiving FFL before placing your order and provide their information during checkout.

Due to state and local regulations regarding build kits, frames, and applicable laws, we cannot ship to:

California Connecticut Delaware Washington D.C. Hawaii Illinois (Cook County) Maryland New York Rhode Island Washington State

If you're in a restricted state and believe you qualify for an exemption (e.g., active LEO in California), contact us before placing an order. It is your responsibility to know your local laws.

60 days from order date to ship. 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 is delayed beyond the stated lead time, we will contact you directly.

ConfigurationPrice
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)
// Value Context

Having a gunsmith source and fit an island barrel alone typically runs $400–$800 in labor before parts. The Island Boy Kit pre-fits the hardest work and includes all components needed to complete the build.

// Coming Soon

The Island Boy Kit
Is Coming

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