Whatever happened to Valtro?

[SnWnMe]

I remember Jardine coming out with this line many years ago. Seemed to be so much vaporware in the end but someone did say he was too busy filling out orders for "the war".

[Bill Steele]

There are Valtro's out there. I held one at Bullseye in SR one day. I think they wanted like $4-5K, maybe a little more can't remember, nice gun, didn't last long on the market.

[Cyc Wid It]

Unless you're LEO/.mil/.gov or already own one of his products, you're S.O.L. when it comes to Jardine stuff. Oh, except his gun lube I think.

[Sam]

The website was last updated in 2003...

Wasn't the semi custom line going to be built in Italy?

[offrdmania]

Jardine is the only importer, I talked to him a few times back in 2005, he has an office over in Milpitas. I bought a Valtro shotgun from him. The 1911's are very scarce. They are made in Italy to his specs, when they come here they are basic and no better than a Rock Island but then Jardine does his work to them and be prepared to spend 4K-5K for it when its all said and done. Not sure if he is still importing them though. The finish work is beautiful on them.

[xtalpimp]

How do these Valtros compare with other high end 1911s? $5000 is a lot of money for one pistol. Are you better off going with another brand?

[zfields]

Shot one that a guy had at bullseye. Damn nice gun.

[offrdmania]

How do these Valtros compare with other high end 1911s? $5000 is a lot of money for one pistol. Are you better off going with another brand?

You arent paying $5000 for the gun, you are paying $800 for the gun and $4200 for Jardines blue printing

[NSR500]

John Jardine builds an excellent gun.

[teflondog]

How do these Valtros compare with other high end 1911s? $5000 is a lot of money for one pistol. Are you better off going with another brand?

I'm not impressed with my friend's Valtro. The trigger pull is around 4.5 lbs, which feels like crap compared to my Ed Brown's 3 lb trigger. But he insists that his gun has better quality and craftsmanship.

[bug_eyedmonster]

I'm not impressed with my friend's Valtro. The trigger pull is around 4.5 lbs, which feels like crap compared to my Ed Brown's 3 lb trigger. But he insists that his gun has better quality and craftsmanship.

If your friend is unhappy with his gun, I'd have him contact John. He will make it right, and make sure your friend walks away with a smile on his face. I've seen a 1911 worked on by John that was intentially set with a heavier trigger, mainly because it was a duty gun. Please keep in mind that John builds guns with a purpose. He tailors guns to their respective shooters, based on what the gun will be used for. If you do plan to have a gun built by him, expect to be asked hundreds of questions. I've had the honor of having a couple of guns worked on by John, while it's not easy, it's well worth it. I'm not a leg humper, but I do respect the craftsmanship of a fine gun, regradless of who built it. =)

Jerry

[xtalpimp]

Does valtro 1911s have a following outside of the nor cal where he is from?

Im just curious as to the resale value if it is highly rated just around here.

Kinda like Bob Chows work in the past.

[Mr.1904]

I wouldn't want a 3 lb trigger on any gun I own.

http://vickerstactical.com/tactical-...r-pull-weight/

The article you posted has to do with duty pistols. Talks about "high stress situations". Range plinking is not a high stress situation. I'm pretty sure most people who compete have around 3 LB trigger pulls or lighter also. Correct me if i'm wrong.

[NSR500]

Yes, he does have a following outside of California. His rear sight is in use on the Chris Costa Nighthawk 1911.

[CrippledPidgeon]

If your friend is unhappy with his gun, I'd have him contact John. He will make it right, and make sure your friend walks away with a smile on his face. I've seen a 1911 worked on by John that was intentially set with a heavier trigger, mainly because it was a duty gun. Please keep in mind that John builds guns with a purpose. He tailors guns to their respective shooters, based on what the gun will be used for. If you do plan to have a gun built by him, expect to be asked hundreds of questions. I've had the honor of having a couple of guns worked on by John, while it's not easy, it's well worth it. I'm not a leg humper, but I do respect the craftsmanship of a fine gun, regradless of who built it. =)

Jerry

The reason why John ended his relationship with Valtro was because their quality control at the factory was crap, and he had to spend a lot of time fixing the guns before they hit market. At the time, you were buying essentially a custom gun in the sub-$2000 range. Now that he's stopped importing, and demand hasn't gone down, the value of his guns has increased significantly.

BE CAREFUL. NOT ALL VALTROS IN THE US WENT THROUGH JOHN. After John broke from Valtro, the guns started entering the states through Canada. Before you drop your $5K, make sure that you're actually buying a gun modified by him, and not a later import. And I can't speak for him, but if you approach him with one of those later guns, you're probably going to have to wait in line with everyone else.