Thanks for the kind words!
I knew when I was designing this gun that it sure was not going to please everyone.
It was specifically built for those working in desert environs.
LEO’s working the southwestern border and those working overseas have indicated a preference for a tan color on weapons and gear. ‘Tactical Black’ is commonly referred to as ‘Target Designator Black’, not something they want for clothing or equipment.
The coating on the gun is ‘Cerakote’ Coyote Tan applied over a base of manganese phosphate (parkerizing). Ceracoat incorporates both ceramic and self-lubricating elements in the matrix, producing very good wear characteristics and reduced need for sand attracting oils or greases.
The Surefire X200B is coated with DuraCoat Coyote Brown. It is an ‘air-cure’ and does not require baking which would compromise the electronic and plastic components of the light.
It is attached to the gun using the excellent Dawson rail. The Dawson is very low profile enabling use with many holsters and enabling concealed carry, minus the light of course.
The ‘sand cuts’ are often misunderstood. Their purpose is not to act as evacuation channels but as sand traps or reservoirs. As the slide moves, sand/dirt that would have been trapped between the frame, slide and ejector is sheared off into the grooves. It remains there until the weapon is cleaned, but is no longer fouling the action of the slide. No part of any of the grooves is exposed to the outside environment when the gun is in battery. There is no possibility of them contributing to sand/dirt entering the weapon.
The grips are fabricated of micarta from
http://www.vzgrips.com. They are near indestructible and capable of withstanding CBW decontamination procedures.
The ‘Tier One’ rear sight is my own design and fabrication. It provides for one handed slide manipulation and accomodates tritium lamps. The semi-circular flat surrounding the notch provides a sight picture free of distractions and draws the eye naturally to its center. The notch is .136†wide by .120†deep allowing a fast yet accurate sight picture. It fits the very popular Novak rear sight cut.
Thanks for the interest! It's great being able to share my work with fellow 1911 enthusiasts everywhere.

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Chuck