First of all, Tim here, retired Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer and current federal LEO. New here, but not new to firearms. I have a small gun collection that includes 45 1911s.
Earlier this year I drove about 2 hours to a gun shop to pick up a Detonics Pocket 380 to go with my Pocket 9. Being addicted to 1911s I just happened to notice they had a display case with one entire shelf of 1911s. They had an older (post WWII) Colt Government Model that I forced my self to look at. What caught my eye were the target stocks and oversized (thick) barrel bushing; so naturally I had to look at it; then I made the mistake of holding it for more then a few seconds; it compelled me to take it home with me.
What was intriguing about he pistol was the logo on the barrel bushing, trigger shoe, and logo on the main spring housing; it said "HARPE". I had no idea who Harpe was but I sure liked the pistol so we agreed on a price and I brought it home as well as the Detonics.
There isn't a lot of information about Jesse Harpe on the internet; but from what I've learned, he is a pioneer in building 1911 Bullseye guns. In addition to having a locksmith business he was a Smith and Wesson gun dealer in Tampa, FL. From what I've read he was an active gunsmith from the 1930s to the 1950s. The back of the grip and mainspring housing are checkered as well as the front of the grip; the barrel bushing is thicker then all the factory bushings and requires a bushing wrench to move it for field stripping the gun. The stocks are designed to create an enlarged mag well and he used a GI mainspring housing that he removed the lanyard ring from; the rear sight is an adjustable "Micro" and the front sight is custom cut. I've shot it once time at the range, more for function then accuracy; but the gun, in skilled hands, should be making very good, tight groups. Without further ado, here are some photos of it:
If any of you have any additional information about Jesse Harpe, or if you have one of his guns I'd love to see some pictures.
Register
Login
FAQ
