Colt "Black Army" by MARS

[David Thomas]

Many of you on this forum know or know of Steve Morrison of MARS Armament, who is a member of this forum. Over the past several months I have been exchanging emails and phone calls with Steve in an attempt to nail down the details of a 1911 that I wanted him to build for me. During this process, Steve lived up to his reputation of being a true class act. Before I ever sent him a dime, he took the time to answer my questions about the build and never seemed to tire of emails or calls even though it took time away from his work bench and his life outside of work. After I sent him the funds for my build the communication lines remained open, and I was privliged to be able to discuss not only my 1911 and other 1911's, but also various topics related to shooting, business, and life in general. Steve kept me informed on the progress of my build... Then one day I got an email from him with a rather large attachment:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/1918_Axiom.jpg

This 1911 is based on a Colt 1918 "Black Army" which is a variation of the WWI reissue that Colt released a year of so ago. This variation is supposed to be a reproduction of the 1911 Colt made in 1918 with a Black Oxide finish as opposed to the brushed blue of the earlier release of the WWI guns, which a had the WMK in the serial number instead of the current suffix "WWI." Since I am somewhat nostalgic, I opted for a build based on the 1918 Colt instead of the more popular choice of the new Series 70. I wanted a basic 1911 with the essential modern refinements such as Heinie sights, beavertail grip safety, a medium tactical thumb safety, medium lightweight trigger, and of course quality parts properly fitted. The features Steve offered in his package named the "Axiom" fit the bill perfectly with the only real addition being the flush muzzle crown.

The features Steve offers in the Axiom package are as follows:

All parts inspected and hand fit
COLT forged frame and slide
COLT cold hammer forged barrel
COLT Commander hammer
MARS tool steel sear
MARS heavy duty, fitted firing pin stop
MARS solid aluminum or STI carbon fiber trigger
MARS forged plunger tube bonded to frame
MARS reliability package w/long life, corrosion resistant spring kit
MARS Gen 1 Integrated Lanyard Attachment Point mainspring housing
Novak cross dovetail front sight with tritium insert and white outline
Heinie Slant pro low mount rear sight with widened notch
Custom contoured thumb safety
High grip beavertail with memory pad- (grooves/no grooves)
Beveled magazine well
Smooth, reliable trigger pull
Dehorn of sharp edges for carry
Parkerized finish per U.S. MIL SPEC DOD-P-16232F Type M
Includes COLT factory box, manual, lock and 2 magazines



Although I have not fired any rounds through it yet, I could not be more pleased with the end product so far. I cannot wait to take this pistol to the range and have no doubt that it will perform as well as it looks. So, I thought I would share my excitement and some pictures.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/MARS1918axiom003.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/MARS1918008-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/MARS1918016.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/MARS1918006.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/MARS1918004.jpg

[HK45]

Very Cool!

[Verbal Kint]

Very nice. :cool:

[kaltblitz]

There is drool all over my keyboard! :p

I'd be more than proud to carry that gun on duty.

[Mark71]

Looks great! Let us know how she shoots.

[VA_Dinger]

Now that is one absolutely stunning 1911.

I love it.

[DocGKR]

Very Nice!

[Joe R.]

Wayyy cool blaster.

[Limey-]

Superb. Great choice for a basegun.

[RSS1911]

That is just beautiful. Enjoy it.

[Paulinski]

Came out very nice.

It appears that many people choose WWI Repros as bases for their build as of late.

[George Mac]

Very nice looking pistol. I could not agree with you more on Steve's work and customer service.

[David Thomas]

Thanks for all of the compliments.

I hope to get a chance to go to the range this weekend. I cannot wait.

[d90king]

Why did you decide to keep the barrel? John Harrison was not able to get the groups I was looking for out of the gun with the Colt barrel. John fitted a Kart and it made a big difference. Here's a pic of my build on the same gun......

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t5/d90king/DSC00238.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t5/d90king/18293363863.jpg

[David Thomas]

Why did you decide to keep the barrel? John Harrison was not able to get the groups I was looking for out of the gun with the Colt barrel. John fitted a Kart and it made a big difference. Here's a pic of my build on the same gun......



Very nice. I have a WWI (blued with the WMK suffix in the serial #) that I might use for a more traditional/retro build similar to yours.

While I would agree in principle that Fred Kart's barrels are better than Colt barrels (I have several Kart barreled 1911's), I do not think they are needed on every build. Why not give the Colt barrel a chance? A Kart or Bar-Sto could always be fitted later if needed.

[jtb0311]

It's beautiful.

[David Thomas]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/MARS1918axiom12-20-08013.jpg

[mike240]

Is this the same guy that shut down to work for SAW and now he is back on his own?

Nice nice pistol.

[SeriousStudent]

Such a beautiful, classic pistol! The phrase that comes to mind is "Everything you need, and nothing you don't."

I really do love the old Colt's. I have a 1954-vintage Colt 1911 sitting in the safe. It's never had a bit of custom work, but regularly out-shoots "custom" guns, even as poorly as I shoot.

Thanks for posting the photos, Mr. Thomas! :D

[jtb0311]

Were you able to get to the range yet?

[TehLlama]

Great work...

I'm now dead set on sending Steve my 1911 to dress up.

[f.2]

Beautiful build.

[The Dumb Gun Collector]

It's Toooo sexy.

[No.6]

Been emailing Steve about building a pistol over the past few months. Gotta agree, he's always prompt, full of answers and always willing to discuss the 1911 and wonderful ways to make it custom. He's really helped me to narrow it down to what I think may be the ultimate (for me at least) iteration of the 1911.

[David Thomas]

Were you able to get to the range yet?

Even though I do not like indoor ranges or public ranges for that matter, I had to break down yesterday and suffer through it. I much prefer to shoot at my private outdoor range at static and reactive steel. However, my schedule has not allowed me to get to my private range, which is 45 minutes away. Nevertheless, I had to put some rounds through my new 1911, so off I went to the dark, dusty, public, indoor range to punch holes in paper. Despite the setting, there was nothing depressing about shooting this 1911. I must say, this pistol flat out shoots and does it smoothly. It is hard to describe, but the normal ka-chug that one feels when the slide release is tripped and the slide slams home shoving a cartridge up the pipe is somehow missing (well maybe not missing but it is reduced) from this 1911. I can barely tell that a cartridge has been stripped from the magazine, yet with every trigger press the resulting loud noise confirms same.

I didn't measure any of my groups, but I am more than satisfied that this 1911 is more than accurate enough. I did not fire more than 200 rounds, but during this shooting session, I did not experience a stoppage or malfunction of any kind.

I have owned 2 Colt WWI repros, and I have handled many others. These guns come from colt very sharp. The gun I received from MARS is not, and the dehorning job Steve did may be my favorite aspect of this pistol. There is not a single edge or corner anywhere that has not been flawlessly smoothed, and I do mean flawlessly. However, the dehorning was not overdone.


Hopefully one day soon I can take it out and make some steel plates sing.

[arbninftry]

That is beautiful work!!

[Bolt_Overide]

very sexy, the man builds some nice blasters.

[David Thomas]

I thought I would update this thread and consolidate some of the pictures, which have been previously posted in the 1911 picture thread, here. Since my last post quite a bit of lead has been launched down range by this 1911 and it has been my daily carry for a little over a year and a half.

as of May 2009:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/trexandColt010-1-1.jpg


as of November 2009:http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/014-1-1.jpg

Night shoot in January 2010
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/017-2-1.jpg

March of 2010
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/015-4-1-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/022-3-1.jpg[/URL]


April of 2010:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/003-7.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/012-1.jpg


August 2010:
target from a 1st time shooter who shot my MARS 1911. Started on 22lr and switched to the 1911 after about 30 rounds of 22lr and some dry fire practice.

7 rounds of PMC 230gr fmj (sorry for the bad cell phone pic):
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/Mars8-11-10-1.jpg




This gun continues to be 100% reliable even when it is absolutely filthy like it was in the April 2010 pics above.
It is still my daily carry gun.

more to follow later...

[decodeddiesel]

Damn it dude, I told myself no more 1911s, but that is truely a masterpiece. Growing up 10 minutes from the factory in Connecticut I have always has a soft spot for Colts.

Can I ask, have you done a 2000 round challenge with her yet? I would love to hear the results. I guess I have it in the back of my head that no 1911 will make it through 2000 rounds with no cleaning and no lube without a hitch. Perhaps yours will/has?

The bottom line, Colt + MARS = amazing.

[David Thomas]

Damn it dude, I told myself no more 1911s, but that is truely a masterpiece. Growing up 10 minutes from the factory in Connecticut I have always has a soft spot for Colts.

Can I ask, have you done a 2000 round challenge with her yet? I would love to hear the results. I guess I have it in the back of my head that no 1911 will make it through 2000 rounds with no cleaning and no lube without a hitch. Perhaps yours will/has?

The bottom line, Colt + MARS = amazing.

thanks. I agree that Mars and Colt do indeed make a great combination.
My problem with the 2000 round challenge is that I do not keep up with round counts very well. I have no doubt it would make it even with dirty ammo like my reload or federal American eagle.

[MPK9Cop]

I would be afraid to carry a gun that nice!

[David Thomas]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/002-12-1.jpg

[snappy]

Your threads always make me drool David. Beautiful classic hi-fi pistol, (compliments to Mars), and that night shoot picture is amazingly cool! Keep up the good work! (er... good play).

[Norinco]

^^^ +1

David's posts are always amazing.

[David Thomas]

Thanks guys!!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/010-5-1.jpg

[R.E.Schoening]

Hey David, can you tell us a little about your grips?

- Rob

[David Thomas]

Hey David, can you tell us a little about your grips?

- Rob


Rob,

That is just a set of tan 401 Crimson Trace grips that I modified with a soldering iron/wood burner.

[eternal24k]

i love finding myself back in this thread. One of these days I am going to get a 1918 repro

[David Thomas]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/016-8-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/013-14-1.jpg

[SeriousStudent]

I love the mixture of old and new.

Very nicely done, sir.

[eternal24k]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/016-8-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/013-14-1.jpg

I was going to complain that you only posted a pic holstered and hidden. But it looks like you beat me to it. Fantastic looking pistol, can't wait for my ANVIII to get back from Steve, despite the fact its not going to be a full custom

[David Thomas]

I was going to complain that you only posted a pic holstered and hidden. But it looks like you beat me to it. Fantastic looking pistol, can't wait for my ANVIII to get back from Steve, despite the fact its not going to be a full custom

it stays holstered and hidden most of the time. That particular Nossar holster has worn clean through 2 pair of VertX pants so far.

[David Thomas]

took the Axiom to the range today to get a little dirty:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/dirtyAxiom-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/DirtyAxiom2-1.jpg

Hard to believe this gun's third birthday is rapidly approaching.

[BigJoe]

so your saying you like mars stuff? lol, looks good and awesome to see it getting used hard.

I cannot wait for my rail gun, will be home soon.

[David Thomas]

so your saying you like mars stuff?


I would say that is a fairly safe bet. I do have a fondness for reasonably priced 1911's that simply run and do not require pampering...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/Axiom9-20-11-1-1-1.jpg


I cannot wait for my rail gun, will be home soon. I know the feeling!

[Timbonez]

took the Axiom to the range today to get a little dirty:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/dirtyAxiom-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/DirtyAxiom2-1.jpg

Hard to believe this gun's third birthday is rapidly approaching.

Dave, what kind of maintenance have you done in the past 3 years on your AXIOM... parts changes?

[David Thomas]

Dave, what kind of maintenance have you done in the past 3 years on your AXIOM... parts changes?

almost 3 years... I guess December will be 3 years.

maintenance includes cleaning and recoil spring change. That is it.

I have changed the rear sight and the slide stop, but I do not consider either of those two changes to be maintenance. Rear sight was changed to try out the Warren and Axiom was the only option with Novak dovetail. Slide stop was changed to the Wilson Bullet Proof part, more for the shelf profile and ease operation than anything else. I still have both parts, rear sight and slide stop. I have also changed grips a few times.

Everything else is original including the extractor.

[David Thomas]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/019-2-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/030-1.jpg

[David Thomas]

Another trip to the range and things are getting dirtier...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/200-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/242-1-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/235.jpg

[BigJoe]

I love that you shoot the piss out of that gun, nice to see pics like that instead of it posed nicely next to a AR that doesn't have scratch on it over a plate carrier with 12 patches on it.

[zacii]

That's one of the nicest 1911s I've seen.

And the fact that it's no safe queen makes it that much nicer

[David Thomas]

Thanks, guys.

[decodeddiesel]

Glad to see your pistol is still going strong. Even with the crud, it is a damn fine piece.

[noops]

OK, this thread and the one by Dos Cylindros did it for me. I just picked up a Colt WW1 replica and off to MARS for Axiom love plus the golf ball treatment. This thread even has me considering Crimson trace for the first time (close to 40, starting to get "reading glasses" eyes).

thanks for the pics and reviews.

[David Thomas]

cell phone pics from the range trip:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/067-3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/062-1.jpg

[David Thomas]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/048-3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/019-3-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/036-5.jpg

[David Thomas]

hmmm... mixed bag:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/058-3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/075-3.jpg


bad cell phone pic:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/079-1.jpg

pick your carry ammo carefully:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/095.jpg


next day:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/023-5-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/005-21-1.jpg

[eternal24k]

hmmm... mixed bag:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/058-3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/075-3.jpg


bad cell phone pic:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/079-1.jpg

pick your carry ammo carefully:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/095.jpg


next day:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/023-5-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/005-21-1.jpg
Love me some dirty guns. Can't wait to hear from Steve...


How's the reliability been thus far?

[noops]

Man, can't wait to get my Axiom, sometime next year.

[eternal24k]

Man, can't wait to get my Axiom, sometime next year.

When did you order yours?

[noops]

I sent them a WWI Colt Repro about 1 month ago. They quoted a fairly fast turnaround (3 months), but I think it'll be a good bit longer than that. That's all good, I shouldna done it anyway, heh.

N

[David Thomas]

How's the reliability been thus far?

detailed report coming soon


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/021-6-1.jpg

[theJanitor]

the mark of a WELL BUILT 1911:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/023-5-1.jpg

[STS]

I sent them a WWI Colt Repro about 1 month ago. They quoted a fairly fast turnaround (3 months), but I think it'll be a good bit longer than that. That's all good, I shouldna done it anyway, heh.

N

I'd plan for a much longer wait than that. They have had my rail gun close to six months so far.

[noops]

Yeah, I figured. that's why I've got the nice new Berryhill Custom AFP to shoot. ;)

[Dos Cylindros]

I'd plan for a much longer wait than that. They have had my rail gun close to six months so far.

Yes, it will take at least a year unless things have changed. My Axiom (which I sold to STS) took 13 months from when I mailed it off to Steve. Prepare for a long wait.

[noops]

Yeah, no worries. Odd though that they'd quote 3-4 months for Axioms. Either they've shortened their workload, or that's a wee bit out of whack. Seriously, I don't mind waiting. Got plenty of guns anyway.

[noops]

Of course, Dos Cylindros, your gun was the inspiration for mine. You could save me the trouble by selling it to me.

[theJanitor]

Odd though that they'd quote 3-4 months for Axioms.


back in 08, he was stocking axioms for immediate delivery. I am kicking myself for not picking up one then

[Dos Cylindros]

Of course, Dos Cylindros, your gun was the inspiration for mine. You could save me the trouble by selling it to me.

STS has it up for sale in the equipment exchange area, get it now with no wait.

[David Thomas]

WWB is some NASTY stuff:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/083-1.jpg

1-R-1 drills with the Axiom (from holster):
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/054-3.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/055-4.jpg


some splash back next to live rounds:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/053-3.jpg

[David Thomas]

2,000 Round Challenge

RULES

* Shooter must use a single pistol (distinct brand, model, caliber, serial number) for the entire 2,000 rounds. Pistol should be properly cleaned and lubricated before the test begins. Any brand pistol, stock or modified (please list all modifications), any caliber.

* Shooter can take as long as necessary (days, weeks, months) to fire 2,000 rounds through the pistol.

* The pistol cannot be cleaned, lubricated, or maintained in any way during the entire 2,000 round test period.

* Shooter can use any type of ammunition: factory, remanufactured, or hand loaded. Shooter can use as many different brands, styles, bullet weights, etc. as necessary as long as all ammunition meets the SAAMI specifications for the caliber of the gun.

* Shooter must report ALL stoppages, malfunctions, and/or parts breakages that occur during the 2,000 round test regardless of cause. This includes any such problems that are deemed "shooter-induced" or "ammunition-induced."

* If a stoppage, malfunction, or breakage may be ammunition-induced, the shooter can follow this procedure (but must still report the actual results with the original test pistol): if the round still has a bullet, powder, and undetonated primer the shooter can attempt to fire the round in a freshly lubricated and cleaned pistol of different brand than the test gun. If the round fails to fire in this second pistol which is clean, lubricated, and not of the same brand, then although the original stoppage or malfunction must be reported it will not count against achieving the "2,000 Round Challenge" success criteria.

DEFINITIONS
Stoppage: Any failure of the pistol to go through its entire cycle of operation. This could include a failure to feed, fire, extract, or eject. A problem qualifies as a Stoppage if and only if the shooter is capable of fixing the problem without the use of any tools, without disassembling the gun in any way (magazine can be removed), and the pistol is in firing condition in less than 30 seconds. For example, a stovepipe or failure of the slide to go fully into battery would be Stoppages. Added 21-Jan-08: Failure to lock back after the last round in a magazine is fired, even if the shooter believes it was caused by an improper grip, is considered a stoppage.

Malfunction: Any failure of the pistol to go through its entire cycle of operation and which requires the use of tools, disassembly of any part of the pistol, and/or takes more than 30 seconds to resolve, but does not require any parts replacement. For example, a dislodged spring or a front sight that falls off the gun would be Malfunctions.

Breakage: Any failure of the pistol to go through its entire cycle of operation and which requires parts replacement (springs, pins, locking block, anything) to resolve. For example, a broken spring or chipped extractor would be Breakages.

___________________________________________________________

Pistol: Colt 1911 “Black Army” Repro with MARS Armament Axiom Package
Caliber: 45 acp
Ammunition: 51 reloads (200 gr SWC), 200 Win. White Box 230 fmj, 50 PMC 230gr. fmj, 1,650 CCI Blazer 230gr. fmj, 55 assorted hollow points including 200 gr. Corbon +p, 200 gr Hornady +p, 230 gr Hornady +p, 180 gr DPX, Winchester Ranger 230 gr. +p, and Winchester Black Talon

Dates of testing: 9/20-11/2 – 2011
Total rounds fired: 2,006
Stoppages: 1
Malfunctions: 0
Breakages: 0

Comments:
This is my daily carry and remained so throughout this test and today. The one stoppage occurred during a drill created by either Hackathorn or LAV simply called “The Test.” As I understand it and as I shoot it, the drill is as follows: shoot 10 rounds at a target (8” circle) from 10 yards starting from the holster in ten seconds or less. I was using a 10 round mag for this drill. (I know the drill can be modified for an 8 round 1911.) The particular magazine I was using is a Chip McCormick 10 rounder that dates back at least 7 years (never had springs replaced). The stoppage occurred on the last round in the magazine. The slide/cartridge pick up rail did not pick up the case at the case head and pinned the cartridge instead of feeding it. This stoppage occurred between 1,800 – 1,900 rounds fired. I used this 10 round magazine in the testing frequently up until this point and then set it aside.


Other than the magazine mentioned above, I mainly used Cobra Gen II and Wilson ETM mags, but used other mags throughout the test including Wilson 47D’s, Kimber, Colt, CMC power mags, and Cobra Gen 1 mags.

The assortment of hollow points is pictured above except for the DPX rounds.
I also found one reload that I loaded into the magazines and shot along with the HPs. These rounds were the LAST rounds fired through this gun. The picture of the giant muzzle flash was the absolute last round fired and believed to be one of the Hornady +P loadings. We had tried unsuccessfully up until that point to take pictures of the muzzle flash of the hollow points. That is the only muzzle flash we happened to catch on camera.

The first 50 rounds fired through the gun for this 2k challenge were my reloads with lead semi-wadcutters. I wanted to go ahead and get the gun good and dirty to start the test.

[David Thomas]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/045-3.jpg

A very special thanks to VZ Grips!! I LOVE these new grips.

[eternal24k]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/045-3.jpg

A very special thanks to VZ Grips!! I LOVE these new grips.

are those canvas frags?? :eek:

[eternal24k]

very impressive results on the 2k, and a true testament to the build quality. With those dirty pics I almost assumed you were doing all reloads! What did you use for lube prior to the test?

Congrats again

[David Thomas]

are those canvas frags?? :eek:

uh... no idea what you are talking about. I dont think they make those... but yeah, good eyes.




very impressive results on the 2k, and a true testament to the build quality. With those dirty pics I almost assumed you were doing all reloads! What did you use for lube prior to the test?

Congrats again

Thank you. I used Brian Enos' Slide Glide Lite. I am very pleased with how long it stayed slick and in the gun. The Win White Box with its nasty powder and dust really was the nastiest stuff I shot. With each round fired, unburned powder rained down from the muzzle.

[David Thomas]

old springs on the left. new springs on the right:

FP Springs:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/019-4.jpg

recoil springs:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/023-6.jpg

the culprit:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/005-22.jpg

[colinmc]

Dave, did you get the new springs from Steve? Or are they different from the ones Steve puts in?

I am about do for some new spring for my Axiom.

Thanks, Colin

[David Thomas]

Dave, did you get the new springs from Steve? Or are they different from the ones Steve puts in?

I am about do for some new spring for my Axiom.

Thanks, Colin

Not sure what Steve uses, but I keep Wolfe and Wilson springs on hand. Depending on the ammo, I use either 16# or 18.5. The new springs pictured are Wolfe springs.

For regular ball ammo I would use 16#.

[David Thomas]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/021-7.jpg

It is official, these grips are now my all time favorite. VZ and Ned have really come up with a winner. I put my Crimson Trace grips back on yesterday, but took them right back off and put the Frags back on.

[eternal24k]

rub it in :no:

[SilverTongueDevil]

Wick simple and totally reliable thanks for sharing such a fine wright up on fine gun.

[David Thomas]

Wick simple and totally reliable thanks for sharing such a fine wright up on fine gun.

Thanks.
I am glad you have enjoyed my posts.

[David Thomas]

Shot this 1911 at the 3 day Pat McNamara pistol/carbine course in College Station this past weekend.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/TMAC048-1.jpg

Zero issues despite swirling dust clouds the entire second day.

[KurtD]

Many of you on this forum know or know of Steve Morrison of MARS Armament, who is a member of this forum. Over the past several months I have been exchanging emails and phone calls with Steve in an attempt to nail down the details of a 1911 that I wanted him to build for me. During this process, Steve lived up to his reputation of being a true class act. Before I ever sent him a dime, he took the time to answer my questions about the build and never seemed to tire of emails or calls even though it took time away from his work bench and his life outside of work. After I sent him the funds for my build the communication lines remained open, and I was privliged to be able to discuss not only my 1911 and other 1911's, but also various topics related to shooting, business, and life in general. Steve kept me informed on the progress of my build... Then one day I got an email from him with a rather large attachment:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/1918_Axiom.jpg

This 1911 is based on a Colt 1918 "Black Army" which is a variation of the WWI reissue that Colt released a year of so ago. This variation is supposed to be a reproduction of the 1911 Colt made in 1918 with a Black Oxide finish as opposed to the brushed blue of the earlier release of the WWI guns, which a had the WMK in the serial number instead of the current suffix "WWI." Since I am somewhat nostalgic, I opted for a build based on the 1918 Colt instead of the more popular choice of the new Series 70. I wanted a basic 1911 with the essential modern refinements such as Heinie sights, beavertail grip safety, a medium tactical thumb safety, medium lightweight trigger, and of course quality parts properly fitted. The features Steve offered in his package named the "Axiom" fit the bill perfectly with the only real addition being the flush muzzle crown.

The features Steve offers in the Axiom package are as follows:

All parts inspected and hand fit
COLT forged frame and slide
COLT cold hammer forged barrel
COLT Commander hammer
MARS tool steel sear
MARS heavy duty, fitted firing pin stop
MARS solid aluminum or STI carbon fiber trigger
MARS forged plunger tube bonded to frame
MARS reliability package w/long life, corrosion resistant spring kit
MARS Gen 1 Integrated Lanyard Attachment Point mainspring housing
Novak cross dovetail front sight with tritium insert and white outline
Heinie Slant pro low mount rear sight with widened notch
Custom contoured thumb safety
High grip beavertail with memory pad- (grooves/no grooves)
Beveled magazine well
Smooth, reliable trigger pull
Dehorn of sharp edges for carry
Parkerized finish per U.S. MIL SPEC DOD-P-16232F Type M
Includes COLT factory box, manual, lock and 2 magazines



Although I have not fired any rounds through it yet, I could not be more pleased with the end product so far. I cannot wait to take this pistol to the range and have no doubt that it will perform as well as it looks. So, I thought I would share my excitement and some pictures.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/MARS1918axiom003.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/MARS1918008-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/MARS1918016.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/MARS1918006.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v441/DavidThomas/MARS1918004.jpg

that's nice

[David Thomas]

Yeah... it doesn't look like that anymore!

[tfltackdriver]

I was still saving my pennies for my Black Army (my avatar) when I first saw your custom job, David. Since I was a little kid, I've been fascinated with the Sgt. York story. I've gone on to publish work about his platoon's exploits, and I had always wanted a bone-stock M1911 and an M1917 rifle to boot. My first reaction to seeing yours was "BLASPHEMY!"
I finally bought myself my Colt repro for my birthday in 2009. It made a couple of trips back to West Hartford to correct QC issues and got a trigger job on the stock parts this summer. It now sports a 3.5-lb trigger, the finest fit and finish on any pistol I've ever owned and is damned accurate and reliable.
That is to say, the quest is on for another one, or perhaps an original, to serve as the safe queen. When that happens, mine is going the way of yours. Kudos!

[freightdog1911]

David, Still carrying the Axiom? How are the frags for carry? Triply enough the range?)

[David Thomas]

David, Still carrying the Axiom? How are the frags for carry? Triply enough the range?)

I have not carried my axiom in a couple of weeks.
I did shoot my Xtac, which also wears a set of VZ Frag grips, today. I love the frags.

[old grunt]

Beautiful pistol Dave. There is SOMETHING about a Colt for sure!While I carry my G19(Gen3)mostly, I'm going back to my Colt Gov't Series 70 I purchased new back in'84 outside Ft.Bragg. Don't know if it's nostaglia, but the older I get the more I gravitate toward the "tried and true" as far as guns go. The G26 and the Colt OM will "guard" the safe and the GM and the G19 will be sharing EDC duty. Throw in my Ruger SP101 as my "grab and go"/BUG and I think I have all bases covered. No need for the latest 'flavor of the month'....stick with what history shows works. Thanks for putting up with my rant!:D

[freightdog1911]

David, still drooling over your pistol, even though I have my own MARS Axiom!

[Vgex2]

What a beaut.

[Roodoodog]

Its great to see true artisans who's dedication to their craft is so clearly seen in their workmanship. Beautiful gun. Beautiful work.

[BigJoe]

i've got almost 2k through mine now. steve builds a hell of a gun.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j300/hardcharger_photos/b09025f3-1.jpg

[Richard Belott]

Very nice colt

[Pilot1]

Nice work on that 01918 Black Oxide. I'm keeping both of mine totally stock, and one is a safe queen, but the one I shoot is a very accurate and reliable 1911, even with hollow points.

I understand the nostalagia factor in wanting to carry one of these as they are just everything the 1911 should be and with modern materials and better sights, they are superb, functional yet highly interesting pistols. Here is the one I shoot, sorry for the crappy pic.

http://i330.photobucket.com/albums/l440/Pilot641/Knives/ESEE-4/ImportedPhotos00026.jpg

[rushca01]

David - any updates on this gun? One of my favorite guns on the Internet period. You have impeccable 1911 taste.