From time to time, a gun comes through the doors that reminds me of what came before the current crop of top builders you see on LTW. During the 1970's, if you wanted a high end custom gun of the time you either had a gun from the pioneer of custom guns Armand Swenson, or you ordered one of these, a Pachmayr Combat Special. There were various builders who went through the Pachmayr shop including Paul Leibenberg, and the man who built this one Bill Ives.
The ingenuity used today mimicks the spirit and craftsmanship the builders of the past created. In the 60's and 70's builders couldn't just order a Kart barrel and install it in the gun. Often times they went through a number of barrels until one fit up close and then they fit a new bushing, or in this case a slide stop made in the shop. Thumb safeties were no different. Armand Swenson who's thumb safeties still ride on some of the best guns built in the past were the gold standard for years. Wilson Combat has an ambi safety that is a very close replica of the older Swenson safeties.
This particular gun was built on a Series 70 NM Gold Cup. During this era I would imagine the Eliason sights were considered an upgrade. Obviously this gun could serve dual purposes of a match gun and a carry gun. What is interesting to me is some of the same things that are important in a custom build now, was as important 29 years ago.
Pictured below is the original build sheet, test targets and Bill Ives notes while building the gun. The condition of this gun is almost exaclty as it left the shop. The original owner obviously knows how to take care of his equipment. The high visibility insert in the front sight alos helps with sight acquisition. The grip safety really reminds me of something Paul Leibenberg would have done. That makes sense since he did some considerable work in the Pachmyer shop. His custom built beavertails of today have some resemblance to this one.
The trigger is as good as it gets. I didn't take this one apart but I would assume it uses an old Colt sear, which by even todays standards are good sears. This one feels like it breaks just above 3lbs. If not it is a very crisp 3.5lbs. The barrel crown is beautiful and it comes with a very nice carry bevel. During the 70's aesthetics took a back seat to function, which is the way it should be. However, most consumers today of custom guns want the best of both worlds, accuracy, aesthetics, and all the small touches that make the gun your own.
The bar has been raised in the past 30 years however, after taking a good look at this one, it would not disappoint in any capacity. I am glad someone was around building these thirty to forty years ago....If not, how would we have guys like Yost, Brian, Christiansen, Rogers, Chen, Williams, Harrison, and Bonitz doing things that create a whole website. I love the old builds, it reminds me that some day somebody will look at what we built today with the same fondness I looked at this one. Enjoy.
The everlasting Swenson thumb safety.
For quite some time, many considered the Gold Cup Colt's best production gun.
A couple snaps of the handmade slide stop.
The NM barrel fitted to this gun.....perfectly.
The test targets pictured with the gun. The barrel fit explains the groups indicated on the test targets.
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FAQ
) At first I thought the 2-piece construction was because it was a custom extended slide stop but the slide stop in the other photos was standard length. Was this done so an oversize pin could be used to tighten the barrel fit?