Alot of custom pistols have been built by some great smiths, and others who have contriburted greatly to the "industry" of creating 1911 pistols. People like Armand Swenson, Charles Kelsey, Paul Liebenberg, Bill Wilson and Wayne Novak.
You could actually map out the accomplishments and contributions of these people and find yourself to the modern day custom 1911. Armand Swenson for the number of modifications he came up with that are still used today. Such things as bordering a slide, hand matting, serrating the rear of a slide, and on and on. Charles Kelsey was a master at new designs and fabrication. Wayne Novak changed everything with his sights, various designs and custom work. Bill Wilson made things easier by offering a full line of after market parts of good quality and availability that really opened up some doors.
But in my opinion Paul Liebenberg was the one who bridged the gap between one era to another. The Combat Special in my opinion is the defining pistol that brought together alot of work, sweat, time, knowledge and is a huge contributor to where we are today.
At the other side of the bridge? Smiths like you see here on LTW, Richard Heinie, Mark Morris, and still today Paul Liebenberg have paved the way to what would be considered the best the industry has ever had to offer. It should be that way. As time progresses, design features change, and the ability to manufacture various parts of the highest quality is now available like never before.
Howver, the principle is still the same. A smith takes a pistol, much like a painter frames a canvas, and starts to figure out what the gun is going to look like. The machine work and his ability with a file really defines a smith's actual capability.
Now that is really the hardest part. Making the gun run should not be a chore. They have been running for decades. But making them look perfect with attention to detail and deciding what modifications work with another is what makes them unique. Every smith is a little different in how they do particular modifications. But the great ones have a style all their own. No question you can pick out a gun built by Ned Christiansen or CT Brian. They are unique all their own.
While photographing the latest LTW Team Gun I was looking at three different styles and kept wondering why I liked the gun so much. It felt great in the hand, was slick as a used car salesman in Vegas, and wonderfully executed.
This one happened fairly quietly. Three LTW smiths...John Harrison, Chuck Rogers, and Ted Yost all individually worked on this gun. It was easy for me to pick out who did what. But it was with amazement that it all worked. All three smiths are known for their individual touches and modifications.
To me a gun like this along with the smiths I mentioned above represent what is possible today when you have experience and ability to do the entire job. I wish I had the dough stashed away to buy this one. It is a very fine example of what is possible.
Enjoy the snaps.
The ball end cuts on the front of the slide done by John Harrison actually gave this gun "balance" in my opinion.
On the bottom half of the gun you have two modern techniques. Chuck Rogers "golfball" treatment and a pair of pure carbon fiber stock cut by John Van Zyck. Both are durable and represent the best of what is currently available.
To match a blended and "golfballed" treated mainspring housing.
Perfectly cut crown and chisel bevel on the bushing.
Smoothed in grip and thumb safety by Chuck Rogers.
This one shows a heavily beveled slide with hand cut modifications on the slide stop and mag release, John Harrison did this work and it looks "right" on this gun.
"Feathered" arrow pattern and gold line front sight by Ted Yost. A new rendition of the flat topped and serrated slide.
Exactness in a sight cut is one determining factor of a fine 1911. Yost-Bonitz action components and sights in use on this gun.
Another shot of the completed project. Again between John, Ted, and Chuck this one works together to form a aesthetically pleasing and flawlessly functioning 1911 pistol.
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Heirloom Precision, LLC.
480-804-1911
"If everyone is thinking alike, someone isn't thinking."
- General George Patton Jr
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