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I acquired two custom built guns to add to my collection recently, both sold to me as Novak Customs, built by Wayne. The price was right and the markings on the Commander had the Novak logo, etc. The other gun was a 38 Super full sized and also built on a Colt frame, a bit earlier dated and marked on the inside of the slide. I bought both, as the price and condition of the package deal was very 'right.' I must have been blinded by the price of the package and especially the 38 Super (very reasonable) the condition (like it companion, virtually new) and the quality of the workmanship (superb) because I missed one very important point.

Ater taking them out of the safe and shooting them both recently, along with a 'new build' Novak built on a single stack Para frame, I started cleaning the guns and noticed something on the 38 Super that should have been apparent even to a fool like me. It was not a 5" but a Long Slide (i.e. six inch slide) with a Bar Sto barrel slightly protruding beyond the slide! Placed it alongside the 5" Novak/Para, it was very clearly not a 'normal' 1911 Colt.

Now, I don't recall a Long Slide 38 Colt, and the contour of the slide is identical to a 5" Government, but continues the extra inch or so forward as if extended. It could simply have been an extra section added on, or perhaps there were some long slides available or ?????

I called out to Novak, but Wayne was out and the smiths had no ideas on how it had been built or when. The serrations on the top of the slide are perfect and run full length to the slide. The finish and function are impeccable.

Anyone encountered one of these before? Anyone encounter 'extensions' on Colt Slides before?

Curious about a very nice gun. Any info would be appreciated. Dave

I spoke with Wayne about that gun when it was up for sale. He did build it, using a Colt slide made by famous gunsmith Jim Hoag. Wayne acquired a couple of Hoag slides, and built complete guns on them.
Drop me a line, and we can chat more about it.

Just sent you a PM. Thanks for the prompt reply. I will try to get some pics of these two guns posted. Both are very nicely done. Dave

Dave post some pics!!

_________________
Gary Eastridge
http://www.randgfirearms.com

Camera is 'down' will get some up asap. Dave

Just got off the phone with Wayne Novak. Yes he did build this, as one of two built in the 80s on a Colt Slide he got from Jim Hoag. It was built on a slide made by lenghtening a standard Colt Government slide. (I pulled the gun down and the marks on the inside are subtle but there -- and show that Jim's reputation for craftmanship is well deserved.)

Wayne was an absolute pleasure to speak to, provided me with the information on wanted on the background of this fairly unique bit of custom gun history, and all in all, I feel pretty good to have bought this.

Pics will follow later this week. Thanks for the help, "Old Lawman" and it was a pleasure to speak to you as well.

As my friend Terry Peters says, "stay safe and keep the brass flying." Dave