ltwguns.com

Without question every gun we build at the shop is a true one-off custom endeavor but quite often we’ll get requests to reproduce pistols we’ve built in the past or build something that is at least similarly styled. It’s actually pretty cool because it not only gives us a solid reference of what the customer has in mind but it also allows us the challenge of besting previous efforts. But at the end of the day each gun is still a special project for the customer and there is always a way to make every project even more special or further personalize the gun. In this case that personalization comes in the form of a monogram on the dustcover that features the owners initials.

For this particular project the base gun was a WWI reproduction... and I can’t help but think how very nice it was of Colt to produce these pistols so that we could build on them when we can’t find original vintage Colts to make customs out of... just kidding, a little.



As is standard practice with our guns I started with a weld-up frame and slide fit followed by a Kart NM barrel, newly fit bushing, and EGW HD slide stop... these particular modifications and parts have proven again and again a solid foundation for a long term gun. Line straightening helps fix all crooked and goofy lines and perspectives that so often accompany base guns and once done the front strap is high-cut and treated to a carefully laid out 30lpi hand-cut checkering pattern. A matching hand-checkered main spring housing is fit and then modified to accept our lanyard loop. Swinging on an EGW machined thumb safety is an S&A grip safety and a long solid trigger sets off the tool steel ignition components. A lowered and flared ejection port, EGW firing pin stop along with a Wilson Combat Bulletproof extractor and ejector help ensure reliable function overall. A Gold Line front sight was fit and the rear of the slide was serrated to match the a PG rear sight that has been blended flush to the flattened and serrated slide top. As with so much of what we do a polished blue finish with nitre blued pins and screws we’re specifically requested by the owner... we’re always happy to oblige with these modifications and I for one never get tired of seeing that finish on our guns. Even with the myriad of finishes available and our willingness to offer hard chrome, DLC, or Black-T we still get more requests for a polished blued finish than anything else. It may not be the “perfect” finfish but it’s still proving functional day after day... but I could be biased.

Enjoy the pictures...

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Heirloom Precision
http://www.heirloomprecision.com

That is one sweet piece of steel. I call dibs on the DelFatti rig when you get tired of it .

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ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒE
Thunder Ranch THG & UR(x2), Gunsite 250C,
Yavapai Firearms Acad HG1(x2), HG2, & SG,
Shootrite Prvt Inst HG, NRA Life Member

Flawless, Jason. I'm at a loss for words. For once.

Jason: Real classy. The grips look like a great match, what wood ? Cocobolo?

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www.derrprecision.com

Jason...that is GORGEOUS . I really enjoy the understated beauty of your work, and the work of your fellow smiths' at Heirloom. Thank you very much for the photos.

do is see something on dustcover?

Very classy looking pistol and Great idea using the remade gun. I sure would like one like it. I'm saving.

That has to be one of my favorites - every individual detail compliments the others.

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I will never forget you Lou......February 21, 2009

John Ralston
5 SHOT LEATHER, LLC - Finely Crafted Custom Handgun Leather

http://www.5ShotLeather.com

I have a particular affinity for the WWI's and the Repro's. My 1911 NOT A1 serial number 191111 should have arrived at Heirloom this week and will be a year or two out. Bringing a 90 year old gun back to life. It will be worth the wait.

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Be safe and keep the brass flying

Terry Peters

Do your research but you get what you pay for front end or back end
http://www.pt-partners.com
@ptpartners_tx

Well, Mr. Burton, you never cease to amaze me. I've been so busy the last year at the shop, the internet has been but a glimmer in the far off distance. But of course, the first thing I have to do when I finally hit connect, was see what beauties you have built since I was online last. Man, I am a softie for the WWI guns with their beautiful lines. You sir, have again made a beautiful gun even more so. Another master piece for me to go back and use as an example of the perfection , I strive to achieve. Thanks again for setting the bar...man that is sweet!!!

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Jeff Hogan
Southwest
Custom Firearms
Albuquerque, NM
505-877-5357

I have a build going on one of these guns right now. They really make very cool base guns.

I have a Colt WWI Repro (the Carbonia Blue version) in my safe I have to decide what to do with it, more like who send it to for custom makeover. They are beautiful, especially the original rollmarks on the slide.