'Tuning up' a Colt Rail Gun.

[Chuck]

I think there are a few here that might enjoy this.

Stock front sight dovetail was an oddball size and it was
too close to the front of the slide.
I silver-soldered in a 416 dutchman and cut it for
one of my front sights.

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z228/pistolwrench19/ColtRailGun/14.jpg

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z228/pistolwrench19/ColtRailGun/12.jpg

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z228/pistolwrench19/ColtRailGun/9.jpg

This pic shows using a test indicator to center the front sight before drilling the
pin hole.

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z228/pistolwrench19/ColtRailGun/5.jpg

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z228/pistolwrench19/ColtRailGun/3.jpg

Stock rear sight was a Novak. The stock dovetail sloped about .005" from
right to left. It was slightly enough undersized that I was able to re-machine it
to fit a Tier One rear.

This pic shows using a test indicator to find the center of the original dovetail

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z228/pistolwrench19/ColtRailGun/6.jpg

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z228/pistolwrench19/ColtRailGun/6-1.jpg

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z228/pistolwrench19/ColtRailGun/7.jpg

Customer requested a carry bevel package. It was sharp!

Before and afters:

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z228/pistolwrench19/ColtRailGun/8.jpg

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z228/pistolwrench19/ColtRailGun/2.jpg

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z228/pistolwrench19/ColtRailGun/4.jpg

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z228/pistolwrench19/ColtRailGun/1.jpg

[Chuck]

Colt uses what I call a 'plunge-cut' high cut. I find
it uncomfortable and unattractive.
Here is my high cut merging with Colt's.

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z228/pistolwrench19/ColtRailGun/2-1.jpg

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z228/pistolwrench19/ColtRailGun/3-1.jpg

Roughed out with an 1/8" burr in a Dremel.

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z228/pistolwrench19/ColtRailGun/1-1.jpg

After files and sandpaper.

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z228/pistolwrench19/ColtRailGun/e.jpg

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z228/pistolwrench19/ColtRailGun/w.jpg

A lot of edges to break.

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z228/pistolwrench19/ColtRailGun/q.jpg

Done.

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z228/pistolwrench19/ColtRailGun/s.jpg

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z228/pistolwrench19/ColtRailGun/f.jpg

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z228/pistolwrench19/ColtRailGun/d.jpg

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z228/pistolwrench19/ColtRailGun/a.jpg

[Quick_1911]

Man that looks AMAZING, I need to get my Rail Gun worked over, the "carry package" really looks nice, I love the smoothed out edges and that textured front strap!

[VooDoo6Actual]

Impeccably executed !

[PatEgan]

That looks like a million bucks, just gorgeous. Great work, thanks for sharing.

Pat

[eternal24k]

Thanks for sharing,
the rail gun is looking more and more appealing, and your work looks fantastic as always.

ETA:
what is the height on your Tier One rear sight? And do you offer these for sale, I know you havent been taking any new work...

[snappy]

Very nice to witness the process. I handled a Rail Gun at SGC last week and it did feel a bit rough to me. That one looks fantastic! Thanks for the post.

[Vinh]

Absolutely phenomenal.

[SeriousStudent]

Mr Rogers, thank you for allowing us to peer into your world. It's a joy to view real craftsmanship.

It reminds me of the old saying "If only it could talk....."

Your pistols would be singing. :)

[glocktogo]

I do not like this at all.

Now I want a new Colt Rail Gun and custom gunsmithing to match. Unfortunately the discretionary fund is perilously low, so all I can do is drool and dream. :fie:

[Mark71]

Absolutely amazing work!

[wetidlerjr]

Colt uses what I call a 'plunge-cut' high cut. I find
it uncomfortable and unattractive.
Here is my high cut merging with Colt's...

http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z228/pistolwrench19/ColtRailGun/a.jpg

While not a "high cut" fan, you have made one that is very easy on the eyes. Outstanding work ! :D

[Norinco]

It’s glorious.....

[M4arc]

WOW!!!

That is absolutely amazing! Beautiful, beautiful work!

[.45fmjoe]

The owner of that Rail Gun is standing right next to me, drooling all over himself.

[Jason F]

Amazing as always Chuck, and like a previous comment, thanks for showing us the progression from stock to rough to finished. Very interesting.

And gosh this makes me kick myself hard for not sending my slide & barrel off for a flush & crown while I was out of the country two weeks ago. Would have been a perfect time to be missing my EDC and to have it in such a fine craftsmens hands. Doh!!

[RGoose]

Impeccable workmanship! It makes me want to buy an old beat-up 1911 and send it in!

[TehLlama]

I hope you're still in the business of churning out awesome when I have the disposable income to commission something like that.

Simply amazing.

[DeltaKilo]

Great work, brother!

[DrMark]

Beautiful!!

[DaBigBR]

Chuck,

Looks wonderful. I have always admired your work (I browse LTW quite a bit, too), and the work of all good smiths. Truly amazing what you guys can do and a lost and dying art as well. This pistol in particular looks like what the CRG should be.

[militarymoron]

Mr. Rogers...i wish you were MY neighbour.
beautiful work.

[duece71]

Very nice!! I would really like to have one!! Thank you for sharing!!

[Lynn Freshly]

Chuck,

That looks great. Did you have any trouble fitting a beavertail to the Colt factory cuts on the frame?

Lynn

[Chuck]

Lynn.
Factory grip safety.

[Surf]

Very awesome work Chuck! I just picked up a NIB Rail Gun for a very good price. First thing I thought was this thing has some pretty sharp edges. I definitely had some plans for it when I was looking it over, front strap, bushing and a finish job, but yours is absolutely beautifully done! Excellent work!