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I think Waldo is in this photo somewhere!
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Wow, that's really evil Mark. I was even standing on my tippytoes and pulling myself up for that picture!
Well, me and my ego find it great to be missed....thanks fellas. It was a real challenge getting myself to SHOT, but we made it and it was a great time. Since I have the mike, indulge me a few thoughts about the show........
First and foremost, what an honor and privilege to be a part of something as special as LTW. It was really moving to be there at the drawing for both raffles, and see the culmination of a year's worth of work by crafstmen, and generous support of both ticket buyers and industry contributors. The American Snipers and Cops 4Kids were super appreciative. The charity guns themselves were stunning to behold...it was interesting to see how pistols built on the opposite ends of the custom 1911 spectrum could come together so well by so many smiths. It is neat to be a part of something larger than yourself.
I continue to be humbled also by the character of these guys I call friends. These guys continually put the group's efforts, and the work of others, ahead of their own. All weekend long, I often heard any given smith say to a booth visitor, "thanks, but you really should see the awesome pistol that (fill in the blank other smith) brought. Here, let me show you......"
To the comments above.... it was a real pleasure meeting many of you, thanks for coming by!
Hmmmm.....someone mentioned grey goose, etc. To the best of my recollection, everytime someone else started buying rounds, I was getting grilled by different people about barrel fitting. I'm no paranoid black helicopter guy, but I think there was definitely a conspiracy going on....thankfully, the uh, happier I get, the more I think in metric instead of inches...
As to my stuff, I'll get some pics up soon. The Magwell Suites with integrally machined MSH were well received and in full production; you should be seeing them on more custom pistols soon!
Other highlights, no particular order:
I had a nice chat with gunsmith Bruce Gray, one of my early heroes for his work on both 1911's and Sigs. He's doing well, having moved to Oregon recently to avoid the CA bs. A super nice guy and gentleman. He was very gracious in sharing some TIG hints with me, which I can't wait to get back to the bench to try.
Aaron Harris of Smoking Hole Pistol Design. I truly admired his work in the late 90's that was brazen, bold, cutting edge, and showed agonizing attention to detail. As I started in the industry, I often wondered what became of him. Out of the blue, Aaron stopped by the booth Friday afternoon for a visit. As I understood it from our talk he took a breather to pursue other interests. He's been building guns for the last 10 months or so and it sounds like he's gearing up to come back with a roar. Though we really don't know each other, I believe there was a very natural affinity for one another. As we talked gunbuilding, it was clear that we have felt each other's pain in gunbuilding, as there are similarities in what we do/how we do it. He commented on how much the industry seemed to have changed in the last 10 years, and seemed really pleased to see the, as he put it, ahem, "love" that was present at the LTW booth. I wish him the very best and hope to see him resurface with great success.
Dave Williams and the Springfield Custom crew had a fine display of
very nicely built guns. My favorite was a longslide hogslayer that Dave personally built. Jason Chambliss is also a real champ and great gunsmith. Dave and Springfield's continued support of LTW is extremely appreciated!
The 1911 gunsmiths, and Chuck Larson himself, from Rock River stopped by a spell. Really good dudes that care alot about their work and it shows. Their pistols are well made and a great value.
Wilson Combat smiths came by for a few nice visits. Vic Tibbets, whose work I've long admired, is back at Wilson's and it was great to finally meet him. Wilson's guys showed us some very interesting new parts, beautifully made, that we are eager to try out. The pistols in their booths also looked very nicely done.
Wayne Novak was by the booth a couple of times, and continues to prove that he's a real class act in the industry. His booth was of course filled with fine work, and he is a real source of history and knowledge when it comes to 1911's. Of note, he had, all in one continuos piece, a grip safety/MSH/magwell!
Also, not 1911 related, but I'm glad I got to catch up a bit with Freddie Blish at the Aimpoint booth. We first met a few years ago at Gunsite, and he is a first class former Marine. Aimpoint is fortunate to have him on their team. The new Micro series looks awesome, and my carbine will be wearing one soon.
Well much more I can't think of right now, hope to see more of you guys next year!
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FAQ
THAT IS FUNNY! How about a front strap reconturing contest... you win and get some work done...Ned you'd win twice.