Montanadave sent me a PM asking for details on the Colt Rail Gun project that Chuck talked about in another thread. Dave wanted some details on the parts, components and modifications done to the gun. I thought the best way to do with without screwing up was to copy Chuck's own words taken from the original thread:


I has long wanted a Rail Gun, but had little interest in, or need of, the more exclusive model to achieve the same ends. Of course, I sort of went overboard in the process, and didn't exactly end up saving any money, but I'm certainly pleased with the end result.



Apologies for the underwhelming photography. The work was done on John Harrison's bench, and is simply extraordinary, just as you would expect.The rear unit is indeed a Harrison 004 night sight (single, deep-seated vial). The front is actually the standard Colt unit; however it was modified a bit, and sent off to Triijicon for a night sight tube, as well.

Finish-wise, it's a stainless gun that was just shot at about a 50-50 oxide/bead mix to matte it out a bit, yes. The work that went into it in terms of breaking the edges, surface prep and such was obviously more extensive, and done in conjunction with a fairly comprehensive customization/upgrade package. Not really a "standard" CRG any longer, but definitely the gun that I was looking for.

B Side view.



My intent was to put the gun through a thorough, but understated upgrade in terms of user features, so I opted for serrations on the front/rear straps, serrations along the rounds of the slide top, Wilson's Bulletproof ambi, Harrison's short trigger and slide stop, the usual ignition system upgrades -- all Harrison -- and a few other touches, like a round butt and flush-cut slide stop pin. Without going into the full build sheet (Custom Carry Package), this configuration basically resulted in a gun that is nicely-appointed, but still very purposed in terms of real-world usefulness. In other words, my idea of the ultimate evolution of the Old Warhorse.

It's got a X300U on it at the moment, and the combination pretty much exceeds all expectations. Great gun.

AC

This project came about in early September. Chuck always admired the work of John Harrison's but knowing John's long waiting list, he didn't think his dream was going to happen. One more thing was needed, a Colt Rail Gun. He searched high and low on the internet, with the help of our mutual friend Terry Peters of Texas, they located one. It was actually a slightly used CRG that Terry was selling on consignment. Terry quickly took it off the sale block and reserved it for Chuck. What Chuck didn't know was Terry was going to present the gun to Chuck as a gift. A gift for their long term friendship, for Chuck's service in the military and for an all around good guy fellow moderator at the 1911forum.

With a suitable base gun now secured, we needed the cooperation of John Harrison. Having been friends for over 15 years, I stepped in and arm twisted, blackmailed, begged John to do this one for Chuck. Actually it didn't take much persuasion on my part. As soon as I explained that it was for Chuck, John gladly took the project. He broke all the rules and probably pissed off many customers by moving Chuck's gun to the front of the list. He worked furiously and got the gun done in record time. It actually took longer to wait for the front sight to be sent off to get the tritium insert installed at Trijicon.

Chuck took delivery of the gun one day before my visit in November. We got to admire, fondle and dry fired the gun during our wonderful but too short a visit.

Hope you guys enjoy it. We miss Chuck very much.