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A little over a year ago, I got the bug to build a retro 1911. I will admit that the retros I saw here and the picture of the Vickers retro gave me a nudge. I was also influenced by the Pre-War National Match Colts that popped up here from time to time. Opportunity presented itself in the form of a slightly used New Roll Mark Series '80 that I was fortunate enough to grab. Using that as a base gun, I decided to put together a Colt with a retro flavor that harkened back to the NM pistols of yester-year. While I was determined to do as much of the work as I could myself, I knew my own limitations. The barrel fit on this particular pistol was pretty darned good. I fitted a GI NM bushing and it got even better. The slide to frame fit was VERY loose for such a new gun. At the time, I had never tackled that particular project, so I left that to the Yo-Bo crew. In addition to the bushing, I replaced the serrated mag release, slide stop, hammer and safety with checkered parts, either GI or new tool steel. The Colt factory sear and disconnect were also replaced with tool steel parts. Needless to say, the plastic factory mainspring housing had to go, and it was replaced with a Baer flat serrated unit. The Colt plastic trigger was replaced with a Greider, which was matte-black coated after fitting. The factory sights, while functional, weren't quite what I was after, so I replaced the rear sight with a Yo-Bo retro and the front with a Bo-Mar stake on serrated match sight. At this point, I had done just about everything within my skill range, so I sent it to Ted for the following:

- Tighten slide to frame fit
- Serrate front strap
- Yo-Bo lanyard ring
- Trigger job
- Polish slide flats, bead blast everything else and reblue

In addition to what I asked for, they also ended up making a new small-tab thumb safety to replace the GI part I sent with the pistol since it was too far out of spec to use. All in all, I am very happy with how it turned out. If I can find some walnut 1911-pattern grips, I will swap out the McCormicks that are currently on it.

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Wayne Miller

Tres neat. What I have come to expect from Ted and the troops. Enjoy this outstanding gun. Dave

Cool gun !

Very nice blaster. I like how the grip safety is rounded, I bet it's comfortable to shoot and won't be biting you. Thanks for using my Vickers "Retro" to inspire your project, I'm flattered. Congratulations.

That is one classy looking gun.
Lou

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Alessi Holsters, Inc.
You'll never know it's there, until you need it...

Very cool. Good solution on the grip safety to make it look right, but not so painful. Maybe it's different in the pics, but I think the grips that are on it look "right".

I admit that when the Vickers and Heinie Retro guns appeared in the magazines, I wanted one like just everyone else. I added up the Caspian parts to make one, and it scared me away. Since then, I came into a Colt WWI Repro, and would use that for a base gun if I ever go farther (I kinda like shooting it as-is).
Thanks to you and everyone else for giving me ideas to dream about.

I'd leave those grips, they are a fine looking addition to that gun.

Wayne,

A beautiful classic!!!!

Jim

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"Those who would give up Essential Liberty to purchase a little Temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." Benjamin Franklin , 1759

Mossyrock - That is a beautiful "all business" looking 1911.

If you are still looking for some Walnut grips, Hogue makes a nice set of Walnut Double-Diamond grips that they market as GI reproductions.

This is the link:

http://www.hogueinc.com/getgrip/merchan ... 185&step=4

I have a pair and they are very nice.

That is Sweet, beautiful pistol !
Darren

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Darren P.Reeves
Custom Hand Engraving
Billings, Montana
1.406.861.2665
Without a gun, that flag you're waving may as well be white!