RIP John Jardine

[Gryff]

If you are an aficionado of high-end 1911s, then you know the name John Jardine. John was a gunsmith out of the SF East Bay, and gained a following with the release of his Valtro 1998A1 (which now sell for $8000+ if you can find them). I had the pleasure of meeting John several times at the Richmond Rod & Gun Club over the years.

Chris Costa posted this on his FB page yesterday:

John Jardine was a friend, a mentor, a teacher, a master craftsman of weaponry. Mostly known for his 1911s. He was full send in class. It didn?t matter what 3 letter agency, ninja force five unit you were at he would win the drill every time. Just some old guy in the shadows lol. Sometimes guys would ask me who he was and I would tell them that?s classified lol which would make it even worse. John was always helpful to so many of us in life. My friend, I now know who?s working on Jesus?s Sword. We all miss you and the industry has lost a great man

[wilit]

Ah bummer. He was a local and 1911 legend. RIP

[DrJeds44]

Amazing gunsmith. I have a full custom by him built about 20 years ago. Gonna have to dig it out of the safe and remember the man. His garage shop was amazing. Spent hours there talking 1911's with him.

[bruce381]

met John 30 years ago he always treated me with respect and class and would always help and offer advice. Would like to think he is fixing Gods guns now with his Uncle Armend. Those that do not know him missed out.

[bruce381]

Amazing gunsmith. I have a full custom by him built about 20 years ago. Gonna have to dig it out of the safe and remember the man. His garage shop was amazing. Spent hours there talking 1911's with him.

me too them that got to go to his garage are blessed many did not get the invite, think will shot my Jardine comander at Sat night steel shoot this sat

[9mmContagion]

Damn! What a bummer! He was a true artist! I’ve always admired his work, and listed for many of his pistols, but could never afford them. Rest in lean John!

[ORNGXTC]

I met him in the early 90?s after getting into pistol shooting. He use to travel around from gun show to show selling parts with a group and promoting his own work. He ended up building two 1911?s for me from stock GI?s I had. It was just incredible getting to know him and hearing his stories and from where he got his start.
Sad day.

[Hank Dodge]

So sad....
John was a mentor and a friend. He will be greatly missed.....

[DArBad]

Sad!

Sad to hear this. I had the pleasure of interacting with John Jardine at a gunshow held at Cow Palace in San Francisco back around 1993/94. I had to give him my Springfield Armory Standard for some massaging.

He lowered the ejection port, installed a thick Kings barrel bushing, tuned the extractor, replaced the stock trigger and did a trigger job. Took him around three weeks and I had to pick it up from his place.

Heard he was a nephew of the great Armand Swenson. RIP, Mr. John Jardine.

[Mike175gr]

Great gunsmith and rare breed

I met John though another big time shooter/instructor about 25 years or so ago and John was always very nice to me despite my lack of knowledge. Over the years he ended up doing two full custom 1911 builds for me along with a super nice shooting Browning HP in .40, He was always patient and very fair. The industry lost a significant icon with his passing.

[sigguy552]

I met him in the early 90?s after getting into pistol shooting. He use to travel around from gun show to show selling parts with a group and promoting his own work. He ended up building two 1911?s for me from stock GI?s I had. It was just incredible getting to know him and hearing his stories and from where he got his start.
Sad day.

Please share any stories you may recall to the best of your abilities.

[mikenpro]

John and I getting some work in at sac valley 1000 yard range before leaving for Wyoming hunting 2020,COVID. Year. We long range hunted antelope, John?s last antelope hunt in 21 his last time he hunted was a 910 yard kill shot on our buddy?s land in Wyoming. I ranged for him it was a sweet shot. He was using his 6.5x284

[midvalleyshooter]

I met John back in the early days of IDPA. He was always gracious and kind to me. I was a young hotshot running Tupperware. While John always had one of his latest custom projects. Usually a 1911 or BHP that was as much art work as a firearm. RIP John

[iano1]

This is really sad. I spent many hours talking to John in his garage and attending classes with him. He was a good man.

[Mute]

Sad news. RIP.