The difference between a gunsmith and 1911 pistolsmith

[redcliff]

I've got a couple pistols over with Dave Severns to do some customization on.

One of them is a pre-80 series Combat Commander which is one of my favorite shooters. I asked him to tighten the slide to frame fit from the typical loose Colt fit and install a new hard-fit Kart match barrel and bushing, as well as some other work. It had already been modified in the past with a beavertail gs and serrated slide and checkerred front strap.

I thought you all might like to see how well a good pistolsmith can fit a used slide/frame together after installing a match barrel. The barrel hood is what determines where your slide ends up at when the slide is closed, so it's necesary to match the slide to frame when you install a custom barrel.

Even though the grip safety isn't properly held in place he sure made that previous installation by a decent gunsmith look bad.

I have a feeling this one is gonna be a shooter....

[mrkurtz]

That is the most seamless looking 1911 I have ever seen. Looks like one piece of metal with some light etching on it. Very nice.

[JanG]

i wish i could do that

[Cyc Wid It]

But, but, but, my RIA is just as good, and a Ruger 1911 is the best!

Looking good Redcliff, you have another gun with Dave too right?

[Q619]

Very nice! You getting the Hard Hat treatment too? I've had work from John Harrison...been wanting to try out Dave too! How far out was the wait for you?

[redcliff]

Thanks for the nice comments guys, yes the slide to frame fit is pretty amazing in my eyes. Dave actually apologized that the fit on the rear frame rails isn't quite what he would of liked, but they had been beat on by a gunsmith years ago in a tightenning attempt apparently and he wasn't able to bring the profile of the frame rail quite back where he would have preferred it. He is however very happy with the new barrel fit and the slide fit, and he e-mailed me yesterday he had worked a bit on correcting the beavertail fit without me even mentioning it beforehand.

Cyc wid it, I also have another pre-80 Combat Commander with him, which is a compensated pin gun I used to shoot in competition in the early 80's. It had a small cosmetic crack in the dust cover from extensive shooting with probably not enough recoil spring changes; I've learned a lot over the last 30 years and take full responsibility for that. It's been rewelded beautfully and many other changes are being made.. something new, something old. As my first 1911 I have a lot of sentimental attachment to it and all the trophies it helped me win, so I'm spending more on it than it's worth but I think the end-result will be interesting.

Both of the pistols will have Hard-Hatted slides and Metalloy finishes on the frame, I'm fond of two tone 1911's. I have a Hard-hatted slide on my CBOB and it is a great finish that refuses to show wear. It is definitely my finish of choice now and very similar to tenifer as used on Glocks.

The wait time has been long but not unreasonably so for a smith of his calibre; I dropped off 3 pistols in November, received the CBOB back in April, and hes been doing work on the other two pistols as he is able; they seem to be towards the top of the list now as he has been doing quite a bit on them lately and I expect completion in 60-90 days. I can't say enough good things about Dave; he is a first-class gentleman, a conscientous businessman and a very nice guy, as well as being highly skilled and knowledgeable.

[FARRIER]

Wish you had the before and after! Thanks for sharing your experience.

[redcliff]

Very nice! You getting the Hard Hat treatment too? I've had work from John Harrison...been wanting to try out Dave too! How far out was the wait for you?

John Harrison does amazing work! I'm sure you're very happy with it I thought about sending my pistols to him, but I liked being able to drive over and discuss my projects in person with Dave and get his input.

[Q619]

John Harrison does amazing work! I'm sure you're very happy with it I thought about sending my pistols to him, but I liked being able to drive over and discuss my projects in person with Dave and get his input.

He definitely does and I AM very happy with the work done! I'd definitely go with a smith of Dave's calliber over anyone else if he were within driving distance....if for nothing more than to see his shop and chat in person!