ltwguns.com

Fellas,

I originally posted this a few months back after selling the gun and buying it back in factory form, and doing the same again after it was built. It is now solidly back in my paws, and I'm extremely happy about it. I had to pull the post once, and it won't happen again.
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The slide polish, while it doesn’t show very well in my photos, is 400grit. As you can see, some of the deep scratches from the factory would not come out without risking losing the rollmarks, especially the pony. Now I know very well why we pay big bucks for a good-looking gun. The mechanical work is only half of it. Dressing out a gun takes a lot of time and patience.

The parts this gun now has that were replaced from the factory configuration are:

- Kart Match Barrel (barrel markings removed, flush crowned)
- NM numbered bushing
- Yost retro rear sight
- Novak dovetailed/pinned front, serrated
- Caspian firing pin stop, fitted
- Wilson #101 Heavy Duty Extractor
- Wolff Springs
- C&S match sear and disconnector
- Colt GI wide spur hammer, bobbed
- Colt 1911A1 Long Spur Grip Safety, pinned and rounded
- Greider Medium Solid Trigger
- Colt Factory Grips w/Emblem
- Ed Brown Hex Grip Screws and Mag Catch Lock
- Nowlin Plunger Tube
- Colt Grip Screw Bushings

Just as all of Dave’s guns, this thing shoots ridiculously well, cycles smooth, and has an unbelievable trigger. No BS, right hand on the Bible taking oath… there is ZERO take-up and barely perceptible reset. It breaks clean at 3#, but feels like 1.5#. The job he did on the hammer is outstanding. There is absolutely no way it can bite anyone unless they have 5 pounds of skin on the web of their hand. Keeping the wide spur just added to the flavor, and the way he radiused/relieved it is just awesome. Dave Sams is far and away the best gunsmith I have had the pleasure of dealing with. If you're in the mood for the best possible 1911 you can dream up, his number is (804) 375-3782.

~Jim Keeney















Note the deep scratches on the frame that couldn't be removed without taking out the rollmarks. This is the "period" coarse brushed finish that was on the entire gun. They just happened to be worse on the frame than on the slide. I darned near lost the pony on the slide.

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"I'd rather die on my feet than keep living on my knees." - Emiliano Zapata, Mexican Revolutionary

Nice to see these pics back. I always did drool over this one. I have an untouched, virgin WWI repro in my safe. You know how hard it has been for me to not start milling and grinding on it?

Jess

What Jess said (except for the part about it staying in the safe- I shoot mine).
I'm happy to see pics of this again. I kicked myself for not priniting them last time. Thanks for the second look.

I love that gun, and think it's one of the most interesting custom 1911s around.

I had traded for my WWI about a month before you posted the last pics. I had not really thought about doing anything to mine (beyond the King's Hardball sights it has) until seeing yours.
Then I was inspired.
But I don't know if that's good or bad.

I love that retro look. This is the type of 1911 that I'd really like to take to my next class. I can imagine the looks I'd get when I show up with a "plain" 1911 with no extended anything.

I also really am starting to like those retro sights. Are they pretty sturdy? They look like the can take a beating.

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Hard work pays off

I have a WW1 Repro and it is a very neat gun indeed. Mine is a great performer that works flawlessly with good barrel and bushing fit.

I love the carbonia blue finish also on the Colt guns.

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"The most effective armor is to keep out of range"-Italian proverb

CHECK OUT MY CUSTOM 1911 BLOG
http://thearsenalofdemocracy.blogspot.com

Nice seeing this one again.

Thanks!

That's beautiful work!

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Lynnie, NRA Life Member