ltwguns.com

Just seen this gun on Novak's web site.


http://www.novaksights.com/photo_gallery.htm#announce_

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Cheers

Those grips by Larry davidson are sweet!

Oh yeah the gun looks nice too:)

On the slide manipulation with safety up, I gotta ask.. why?

Looks like an answer looking for a problem. Same with the "answer."

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-Jim Linch

In reference to oregonshooters comment about the ANSWER.......

I'm sure a historian can set the record straight, but, I seem to recall reading somewhere, Mr. Browning originally designed the 1911 without the grip safety. But, army procurement officers (old calvary guys with their calvary style draw) wanted Mr. Browning to add the grip safety, and, he did so, reluctantly.

Bill,

That's the story as I remember reading it also.
But the Grip Safety works great IMO, why mess with success?

I guess if you want your gun to go bang without a proper grip, I can see the desire for one.

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-Jim Linch

I have two Series 70 Colts built by Novak's, one with a regular beavertail grip safety, and one with the Answer.

The Answer wasn't designed just to eliminate the grip safety; it also allows the frame to be shaped smaller. While it may not be apparent from pictures, a gun with the Answer feels distinctly smaller.

As for being able to cycle the slide with the safety engaged, several other pistolsmiths have done this modification. In theory, it allows a degree of safety in loading and unloading, similar to bolt action guns that have a three position safety. I'm not so sure I'm sold on it myself, and don't plan on having any of my guns in process modified this way. But hey, I've carried a 1911 since 1980.

OLDlawman,

Thanks for the info. That makes sense to me.

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-Jim Linch

A slight deviation here, but:
"What kind of guy is Wayne Novak?"

At SHOT this year he came to the LTW booth and we had a very pleasant group conversation. Then he asked me to get him an entry form for the raffle. As I turned to get it, he added, could I get him two. As I was getting them out of the envelope, he said something like, "Ya'know what, might as well make it ten". He bought one for everybody at his booth and a few for some guys back at the shop.

Pretty dang nice guy.

Wayne's one of the best. On the Next, I handled it at SHOT. Interesting. I'm an old fart, and I have no problems with the way a traditional 1911 works. But apparently there are a bunch of people out there who get an attack of the vapors every time you have to press the safety off to load, unload or presscheck.

The Next is a 1911 for them.

Yeah, I'm not feelin' it at all. If you're that bent out of shape, a 1911 is probably not the right gun for you.

I think I like the new rear sight. Everything else is wasted on me.

I just shot a gun this past week with "The Answer" on it. The feel is very solid, and I can see where those who automatically go for a really high grip, high enough that they sometimes lever up on the beavertail and don't quite engage the safety (somebody like my buddy, who's gun it was installed on), would feel more peace of mind knowing that the gun will still go bang for them. I don't have that problem, and probably won't order one of these, but I understand the thinking and I do like the way it looks.

I don't see much difference in the rear sight from other Novak models, is it just lower and sleeker? I'll have to compare the pics side by side.

Specialized

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Specialized

I think I would like to have something built up with the answer just for the sake of it.... I just dont think I want it done by Novaks shop....

I wonder if they are selling the pieces needed to other smiths yet?

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Kentucky Colonel, Tennessee Squire & Combat Leprechaun
"You won't rise to the occasion - you'll default to your level of training." Barrett Tillman

Other than one well-known pistolsmith, who shall remain nameless (and just as importantly, whose waiting list is over 5 years), it is my understanding that no one has been sold the Answer unit itself to be fitted.

It looks like the sight has a "step" at the front to allow use as a cocking surface.

IMHO to eliminate any safety on a firearm is a litigator's dream coming true.

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Cheers

what exactly is "the answer" ??

is it a solid beavertail safety? from the pics, it doesnt look like it would ever move to engage/disengage a safety.....