Just as with past collaborations the Team-Guns finished thus far in 2009 have presented additional and unique opportunities for two LTW ’smiths to work together on what are always one-of-a-kind custom 1911s. And this project in particular was one I was very much looking forward to because it paired me up with Chuck Rogers for what was sure to be a distinctive build. Although this gun comes a bit later in the year than we had first planned we’re hoping this collaboration pleases the masses and just as before this Team-Gun will be offered for sale and present a rare chance for someone to own a joint effort build between two LTW ’smiths, something seldom seen outside of the charity guns.
The gun began as a bone stock Combat Commander in 9mm that was very generously donated to LTW by a board member and custom gun enthusiast. Like many guns from this era it had its fare share of factory installed warts ranging from a completely distorted trigger guard to a frame and slide fit so “generous” you could throw a cat through it. Over all it was a great place to start!
I began the project by re-fitting the frame and slide via welded-up frame rails and once happy with the result I sent the frame to Chuck for him to work his magic!
Chuck high-cut and trued the front strap and added his signature Golfball pattern as only Chuck can do. He then fit a mainspring housing and beveled the mag-well blending the rear portion into the main spring housing step for a cavernous opening. The main spring housing was also textured in Chuck’s Golfball pattern as was the palm-swell on the S&A beavertail grip safety that was also fit and blended by Chuck. Rounding out his portion of the build Chuck fit and contoured one of EGW’s machined thumb safeties.
Once the gun was back in my hands I fit a Schuemann Ultimatch barrel with an EGW barrel bushing and chambered the barrel for 9mm. I addressed all of the top end internals by adding a Wilson Combat extractor and ejector and an EGW oversized firing pin stop. I flattened and serrated the slide top in our Fluted-Arrow pattern after which I installed a dovetailed front sight and one of our Professional Grade rear sights as well as serrated the rear of the slide at 50lpi to match the PG rear sight. Once the ejection port was lowered and flared, the cocking serrations re-cut, and French borders added I moved to the bottom end of the gun where I fit a short trigger and installed a set of Harrison Design action components tuning them to just under a 4# pull. I serrated the under side of the machined slide stop and helped the old Colt out a bit my making the trigger guard round again as well as straightening the lines as needed. Finally the gun was de-horned and finished in a traditional two-tone of blue over hard chrome. The stocks are of course courtesy of LTW board member John VanZyck at VZ grips.
Once again we’re please to present yet another very special opportunity to own a pistol that represents a collaborative effort between two LTW makers and this gun is currently available for purchase
here...thanks!
Register
Login
FAQ
