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View Full Version : A Classic Colt Carry Gun...


Jason Burton
07-25-07, 02:59
Anyone who knows me will tell ya’ that I truly love to build 1911s. I don’t think a day, or hour, or minute, or even second goes by that I’m not working with or thinking about 1911s in some way. Every build presents me with something new whether it is a challenge met, further knowledge gained, or the satisfaction of doing it even better than before. And, while finishing a gun is always fulfilling, every now and again there are the builds that are rewarding on more than just the usual merits of the conversion... this gun is one such instance.

http://www.louderthanwords.us/mediumfoto/picts/ulfls/25072007/21061313591.jpg

The gun started life as a ‘60s era Colt Commercial complete with the roll-marks we all love and some of the typical Colt “characteristics” that we’ve come to expect. ;) These often challenging “characteristics" always make for a rewarding sense of accomplishment when the shooting begins and your able to look back on the time spent turning a stock gun into something that can be used and carried for a lifetime to come. But, all of that aside, the best part of this particular build was knowing that the gun was going to a gentleman who, when he probably had much bigger priorities, went out of his way to contribute to and support LTW and our membership during one of our past efforts.

When his gun arrived at the shop some time ago there was a short letter with the piece outlining the owner’s basic desires and needs but giving overall control of the conversion to the builder. With no rush from the then overseas owner, occasionally Ted and I would banter back and forth about what was to be done to the gun but when the time came and I started filling, banging, scratching, and grinding I knew that only the best I had to offer would do, so this gun got it all... besides, with a Colt Commercial in front of me how could I do any less. From the frame and slide fit, to the hand-cut checkering, to the complete line straightening, Kart barrel, and right down to the polished blue finish this was certainly a gun and an owner who deserved the best... enjoy!


http://www.louderthanwords.us/mediumfoto/picts/ulfls/25072007/21061313582.jpg

http://www.louderthanwords.us/mediumfoto/picts/ulfls/25072007/21061313583.jpg

http://www.louderthanwords.us/mediumfoto/picts/ulfls/25072007/21061313574.jpg

http://www.louderthanwords.us/mediumfoto/picts/ulfls/25072007/21061313565.jpg

http://www.louderthanwords.us/mediumfoto/picts/ulfls/25072007/12237151421.jpg

http://www.louderthanwords.us/mediumfoto/picts/ulfls/25072007/12237151372.jpg

http://www.louderthanwords.us/mediumfoto/picts/ulfls/25072007/12237151373.jpg

http://www.louderthanwords.us/mediumfoto/picts/ulfls/25072007/12237151364.jpg

http://www.louderthanwords.us/mediumfoto/picts/ulfls/25072007/12237151365.jpg

http://www.louderthanwords.us/mediumfoto/picts/ulfls/25072007/12246985181.jpg

http://www.louderthanwords.us/mediumfoto/picts/ulfls/25072007/12246985172.jpg

http://www.louderthanwords.us/mediumfoto/picts/ulfls/25072007/12246985173.jpg

http://www.louderthanwords.us/mediumfoto/picts/ulfls/25072007/12246985164.jpg

http://www.louderthanwords.us/mediumfoto/picts/ulfls/25072007/12246985235.jpg

http://www.louderthanwords.us/mediumfoto/picts/ulfls/25072007/12246984961.jpg
Sam
07-25-07, 06:04
Jason:
That's a beautiful pistol. I like classic pistols and this gun is exactly what I would spec out. Congratulations to the owner.
RT ;)
John_Wayne777
07-25-07, 07:24
Gorgeous work.

There is nothing like a competently customized Colt 1911.
DrMark
07-25-07, 07:31
Wow.

Stunning.
Lumpy196
07-25-07, 09:28
I actually teared up.
UVvis
07-25-07, 10:01
Very Nice!

Not to criticize, but why the ambi safety?

The bushing and muzzle look awesome.
Lumpy196
07-25-07, 10:21
Not to criticize, but why the ambi safety?




Because its what the customer spec'd on his order?
10% of the world is left handed?
A certain percentage of the 90% thats right handed likes to be as close to efficiently ambidexterous as possible when it comes to weapons?


Just some guesses.
jmart
07-25-07, 10:38
That is a beautiful 1911. There's just something very "right" about these well executed models.
FlyAndFight
07-25-07, 11:54
A most beatiful pistol.

I'm curious to see a "before" photo as well.
signal4l
07-25-07, 12:16
Very nice. My one and only Gov. Model was built by Ted when he was at Gunsite. He took the time to answer my questions and did a great job. The gun has about 10,000 rounds through it and still runs fine. Keep up the good work.
Jason Burton
07-27-07, 00:29
Gentlemen, thank you for the kind words... they are much appreciated. :)

As for why the ambi-safety... the owner is indeed a lefty. The ambi and checkering were his only requests, he was good enough to leave everything else up to me. The gun is going to a man who really deserves, he's a true hero and I hope the gun serves him well for a long time to come.
Kisara
07-27-07, 01:24
Wow! Awesome photos; Awesome build; Awesome post. Thank you for sharing this!

Let me know when and if its ever for sale......
HankL
07-27-07, 07:39
That is a truly beautiful pistol.
uranus
07-29-07, 11:00
A work of art. Perfect design and craftsmanship.
Paulinski
07-29-07, 12:17
Outstanding. Congratulations.
Hawkeye
07-29-07, 15:06
I really like the muzzle treatment on that.
M4arc
07-29-07, 18:21
Stunning!

That is an absolute work of art.
SeaSoldier
08-04-07, 09:04
Damn Dude. Your work continues to amaze me and the bar keeps getting higher. That stainless pistol you brought back last visit was the nicest pistol that I had ever seen. I think this one is even better if thats possible.
dimmak
08-04-07, 11:08
Truly spectacular work, Jason....
I wish I had the talent to perform such high caliber worksmanship....
JohnJak
08-04-07, 13:14
You are my HERO.
Glockster35
08-04-07, 14:35
I looked at the pictures of the pistol before looking to see who posted them. While I was reading along, I was astonished that someone could build a gun so damn fine, then I scrolled back to the top and saw the name...and where he works.

Enough said! Yost and crew do damn fine work!
9MX
08-04-07, 16:38
very nice!;)
tinman44
08-06-07, 02:07
very nice weapon. i have a question, is the only way to get a colt 1911 to such standards is have it customized? and what would such a project run?
militarymoron
08-06-07, 09:23
that's a beaut.
Sam
08-06-07, 10:10
very nice weapon. i have a question, is the only way to get a colt 1911 to such standards is have it customized? and what would such a project run?

Call or email them for cost.


http://www.yost-bonitz.com/info/
Hersh
08-18-07, 23:03
That's a fine looking Colt!
Cameron
08-19-07, 09:51
Amazing!

I WANT A COLT LIKE THAT!


Cameron
ErnieB
08-21-07, 17:22
Jason,

Is that a medium length trigger? It looks a bit longer than a short.

What do you think of straight/flat triggers? I always wanted to try one.
Jason Burton
08-22-07, 01:44
Jason,

Is that a medium length trigger? It looks a bit longer than a short.

What do you think of straight/flat triggers? I always wanted to try one.

I've shot a gun fit with a flat trigger and, while it did feel different, the trigger didn't really do anything for me except, in my opinion, look worse. Some people certainly like the feel and find the look attractive... I'm just not one of them.

The trigger in the gun pictured here is a short. I personally think a short trigger is the overall best length and that most people are shooting guns equipped with triggers that are too long. The "long" trigger has sort of become an industry standard and I too used to be a long trigger user, but from what I've seen most people have much better control over the gun when it's fit with a short trigger. I think a short trigger gives the user much better charge of their last physical control for the bullet.