Speaking of beautiful 1911 work

[tarosean]

If nothing else, I'd like to have one of his mag wells added
View attachment 821853

He just came out with a shooter installed version..

https://store.chencustom.com/product_p/si-mag.htm

Course I like the cut N weld one better.

 

[9mmepiphany]

I saw that when they came out. $120 is a very good price for the quality of workmanship you're getting on that one.

My 1911 has a S&A (before Chen's came on the market) blended into the frame and it just isn't the same as a cut-n-weld one

 

[tarosean]

My 1911 has a S&A (before Chen's came on the market) blended into the frame and it just isn't the same as a cut-n-weld one

Nope but it's a lot cheaper on the ol pocketbook.

 

[Walkalong]

He just came out with a shooter installed version..

https://store.chencustom.com/product_p/si-mag.htm

Course I like the cut N weld one better.

Sweet. Much better than the old S&A ones, which weren't bad.

 

[Zerodefect]

 

[WC145]

I saw that when they came out. $120 is a very good price for the quality of workmanship you're getting on that one.

My 1911 has a S&A (before Chen's came on the market) blended into the frame and it just isn't the same as a cut-n-weld one

I bought one of the stainless versions a few weeks ago when Stan ran his introductory offer. I put it on a Colt Competition and the fit is outstanding, near perfect, a very good quality part.

I have a Colt ORM 1991A1 Commander that Marc Krebs built back in the '90s. It's got a Heinie XX mag well, which is similar to Chen's design but predates his by a number of years.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

A different approach on engraving.
View attachment 821808

Is that El Chapo's gun?

 

[1976B.L.Johns.]

I had to quit "liking" as there is just too much eye candy!
And I prefer revolvers over pistols!!

 

[tarosean]

Is that El Chapo's gun?

I am not a drug kingpin, least last time I checked... lol

Yes I know its an acquired taste. But I grew up in New Mexico which is a mishmash of cultures so it struck a cord.

 

[George P]

I had to quit "liking" as there is just too much eye candy!
And I prefer revolvers over pistols!!

Just for you:

 

[1976B.L.Johns.]

Thanks , George P, nice!
But now we are off topic

 

[Zaydok Allen]

I am not a drug kingpin, least last time I checked... lol

Yes I know its an acquired taste. But I grew up in New Mexico which is a mishmash of cultures so it struck a cord.

Ah, that makes sense and I see the connection to your past. Cool.

I grew up in a city with a LOT of Irish bars, and I'm of Irish decent. I'd like to get a gun engraved with Celtic knot work.

 

[tarosean]

I grew up in a city with a LOT of Irish bars, and I'm of Irish decent. I'd like to get a gun engraved with Celtic knot work.

Guncrafter has done Celtic themed too. (They made the Dia De Muertos pistols.)

Different engravers to illustrate the individual styles though. Mark Swanson did the Celtic Dragon and Jim Downing did the day of the dead.

 

[Nature Boy]

I had to quit "liking" as there is just too much eye candy!
And I prefer revolvers over pistols!!

I’m wearing it out

 

[WVsig]

Surprised no one has mentioned Ted Yost, John Harrison, Don Williams or Jim Garthwaite in this thread.

Don is currently building me a 1911 on a Colt 70 series. I have a BHP at Mr. Yost’s shop as well. I own a Garthwaite BHP and am on Harrison’s wait list but I am not sure he will ever get to me. His output has really slowed down the last few years.

Ted Yost



John Harrison



Don Williams



Jim Garthwaite

 

[WVsig]

If nothing else, I'd like to have one of his mag wells added
View attachment 821853

I am getting one of his Gen 2 Magwells installed by Don Willilams on the following build. I spoke with Don extensively about them and he highly recommends them. He says the machining on them is some of the best he as ever seen. The ones I have seen in person are stunning. I am not getting his signature grip texture but that feature is also a work of art on a work of art.

• Deluxe Trigger Job with Harrison hammer, sear, disconnector and trigger
• Smooth out and Dehorn
• Bevel Magwell Machine cut @ 15
• Stan Chen Gen 2 Magwell Checkers @ 30 LPI
• True, High Cut & Checker Front Strap @ 30 LPI
• Machine French Cuts on Slide
• Machine Ball Cuts on Slide
• Flattern & Serrate Slide Top in Ghost Arrow Pattern
• Furnish & Install EGW Slide Lock
• Furnish & Install John Harrison Beavertail Grip Safety
• Furnish & Install EGW thumb safety
• Furnish & Install AW Custom sights with U notch and Gold dot front sight
• Craig Spegel grips fit to Stan Chen Magwell
• Finished in Black Ionbond

I think that when you start to get into true custom guns not semi-custom guns you are entering a world of highly personal and subjective criteria. I like the idea of thinking about a build. Thinking about what I want it to look like. How I am going to be used it and how that use should dictate its function. I personally do not do custom builds with tons of flash to them. I want a working gun. I put function before form but form follows closely behind.

This is one of the reason I love working with Don Williams. He built me a Browning Hi Power on an alloy frame a few years back. He will take the time to talk with you about what you want. He will give you straight up advice on what "needs " to be replaced vs what you "want" to be replaced. He builds a beautiful working man's gun at a price that is not much higher than a off the shelf Wilson or Guncrafter. The difference is that you end up with a one of a kind gun. A personal expression of you and the builder you choose. There is a great pride and sense of satisfaction on the process of creating a functional piece of art. IMHO

 

[WC145]

Don't know where you guys stand on old school customs but this is my King's Gun Works 1948 Colt Commercial Gov't. It's an "Al" Capone build from the '70s. It's got S&W K-frame sights, a Colt Series 70 Accurizer barrel and collet bushing, barrel positioner, lowered and widen ejection port, front strap checkering, etc.. The pictures don't do it justice.

 

[9mmepiphany]

It's got S&W K-frame sights

My first duty gun had K-frame sights installed. Back then it was either them or BoMars.

It was on a Colt Commander which had all the worked needed back then to make it reliable for carry...this was in the late 70s

 

[bannockburn]

WC145

Ahhh, a vintage custom classic! Very nicely done!

 

[tarosean]

Surprised no one has mentioned Ted Yost, John Harrison, Don Williams or Jim Garthwaite in this thread.

add Luke Volkmann, CT Brian, Jeremy Reid, Chris James and a few others too.


My problem is I would want something from each of them..
Chucks Bullnose
Stans checkering and Magwell
Lous Small parts and GS
Joes Barrel fitment
Brandons square trigger and ball mill

So Id probably be looking at decades of wait time.. lol

 

[SwampWolf]

My first duty gun had K-frame sights installed.

Mine too-it was the only way to go back in the day if you wanted quality adjustable sights on a 1911 pistol that weren't unduly large and bulky. The best ones I have seen now are the ones SIG installs on some of their 1911 pistols (the models TTT and STX to name a couple).

 

[TN Outlaw]

My goodness! My new favorite thread.

I need a cigarette......and I don't even smoke.

 

[Nature Boy]

Mods, please lock this thread. I can't take much more......

 

[horsemen61]

I love a fine 1911 that’s for sure

 

[Walkalong]

I can't take much more......

You'll take it, and like it.