I have owned BHPs with packages from Novak’s, Don Williams and my current Jim Garrthwaite. While I love my Garthwaite, it is not a complete package, missing stippling, and a Gold dot front site, but pretty complete other than that. It also has a hard fit Bar Sto barrel with a nicely done Crown. I picked it up in this condition, and sadly missed the opportunity to send it back to him to complete, prior to his passing. I did have a conversation with him about it though. Nice man.
Having said that, the one I loved most was a Novak’s complete custom in .40s&w, and included a 357sig conversion. THAT was my favorite(357sig), and was super accurate, I then called on Don Williams about building me a 9mm custom slide, so I could shoot on the cheap. He did a fantastic job as well with an Israeli surplus slide he had sitting around. I sent him the lower, and he hand fit it for me. All three did excellent work. My brother also has a Don Williams, and a complete Novak’s SRT. So I have quite a bit of exposure to several of the custom smiths, you couldn’t go wrong with any of the ones mentioned here, or above. I have a Ted Yost 1* 1911, and I would love to have him build me a BHP, but he really only does full house customs anymore, and that’s not what I would want. I would rather have a working BHP from him. BTW, I hate beavertails on BHPs! Just sayin’.
PS, I always chuckle when I think about putting down $2,500-$3,000 for a customGlock(or other plastic piece), then I think, for the same money you could have a real masterpiece, and consider how difficult that work is comparatively speaking.
Edit#2 to add: OP, great choice on Sokol. He does fantastic work as well. As good as any that have been referred so far!
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