ltwguns.com

No doubt about it one of the greatest joys I have is photographing the work we do at the shop. I really do feel like I’m the luckiest guy in the world to have seen, shot, and handled what are doubtless some of the finest guns being produced.

And what’s more is the vantage point I have to observe the crafting of these guns... Steve and I make no bones about it, being taught and mentored by ‘ol Theo has been a sterling win fall for both of us. But sometimes even better than that experience is watching one of Ted’s guns come along through the build and re-construction process. Ya’ see, placing my bench behind Ted’s was a strategic move ... not only to I get to make goofy faces all day without him knowing but I also get to peer over his shoulder and spy on him as we both file, bang, grind, and scratch away on our guns. Sometimes the best lessons learned are the ones I get to watch evolve and the two guns pictured here were particularly good examples in lessons learned and observed.

Both guns, fair guns from a factory standpoint, were Colts in need... and, as with most cases, transitioning them to Signature Grade pistols is a trial of both functional and cosmetic repair. Dimensions corrected, function perfected, cosmetics made right again, and in one case repairing previous work is all par for the course. And while some may never notice the finite and painstakingly addressed details, when we get that call or email from an elated customer the final reward reminds us why we strive to never accept anything less than 100%.

Enjoy the pictures...

Signature Grade on a Colt Commercial















Signature Grade on a Colt Series 70

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Heirloom Precision
http://www.heirloomprecision.com

As we say here in Missouri, "Them sure is purdy!!"
Really work of which to be proud. Extraordinary execuition.

Best regards, Jeffro

just amazing work, especially like the mainspring housing/frame blend on the big letter 70.

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www.mattlamey.com

Never gets old seein' Ted's stuff. Classic cool.

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Best regards,
Brady Miller
www.monkeyedge.com
The Finest in Custom Knives and Gear

Two beautiful pistols from a Master Craftsman.. Outstanding Mr. Ted..

Regards..

Walt..

Outstanding, truely outstanding work. I can't decide which one I like more.

The slide stop pin on the 2-tone is as tastefully executed as I have ever seen! Beautiful work all around...

I would just like to publicly thank both Ted and Jason for the fine work they put into creating this Colt Commercial and for the excellent customer service they provided throughout and after the completion of the build. This has been something I have wanted for a long time now and I knew right away who I would like to handle the build. It was indeed an amazing transformation and something I know will be cherrished for generations as this will become a true family "Heirloom". Thanks again guys!

-=Jared

Both of these pistols are stunning. I especially like the commercial. Your line corrections and cosmetic fixes are nothing short of amazing.

I agree whoheartedly with Condition1 - the slide stop pin treatment on the Series 70 gun is very well executed. A simple, yet great take on an often overdone or overlooked modification.

Thanks for sharing.

~Jim Keeney

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"I'd rather die on my feet than keep living on my knees." - Emiliano Zapata, Mexican Revolutionary

Having only owned factory direct 1911's, It's often hard for me to wrap my head around the amount of work and the clearly visible differences between the stuff you guys put out and what I've had sitting in my safe for so long. Outstanding work. That black/ivory combo is calling my name.

Stunning!! Why can't I win the lottery?

Ted, Jason and Matt; Outstanding project. When there are no restraints, craftsmen will continue to stun us with their artistry and precision. wow! Thank you for sharing the Signature vision.....

I want to see the pics of the custom Mercedes too

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God Bless
45Fundi

I love the Colt Commercial blued.

Regards,
Greyson

Mercedes aren't Colts.....They don't need customizing

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Heirloom Precision, LLC.
480-804-1911

Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.

TR

My relative had a Mercedes and he always said if it had a built-in spitoon it would be the perfect car. He had one of those plastic Copenhagen Cuspidors velcroed to his dash. Classy I know Maybe its a Texas thang

But we do know great guns in Texas and I'd trade a Mercedes for a Yost Signature Grade

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God Bless
45Fundi

I can arrange that...

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Heirloom Precision
http://www.heirloomprecision.com

I never get tired of looking at Ted's work. The execution is nothing short of perfection, whether it's a signature grade, or a gun with just a few modifications.

Having cut his teeth on some of the worlds best double rifles, and shotguns sure shows up here..
Outstanding!
Lou

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

Man, nothing gets more classic and professional than Ted's finest work and Louis F. Alessi commenting on them. Most people don't understand what certain individuals mean to an industry. You don't always have to belong to a club, or have some governing body make you credible. Your customers, friends, relatives, and people in the industry make you credible. This means you put your time in, fail, realize it, get better, and then reach a point in your career where you are just that....credible and accpeted as one of the best. Ted has taught me and Jason almost everything he knows and hopefully it sticks. We see it as a responsibility to keep the standards as Ted also taught us to do.

Additionally, Lou Alessi doesn't have a single enemy that is because he is a true gentleman and craftsman. I feel fortunate to live in a time and am able to realize that this forum and the builders along with many other smith and holster makers are doing the best work in the history of this discipline. Other great people will come but hopefully they will realize and remember the people who came before them. Ted, Lou, the LTW crew, guys like Paul Liebenberg, Armand Swenson, Bruce Nelson, and a whole cast of other people who find solace in standing in a somewhat cluttered and dirty shop trying to do the best work possible.

Lou it does me alot of good to see you posting again, legends come along very few and far between.

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Heirloom Precision, LLC.
480-804-1911

"If everyone is thinking alike, someone isn't thinking."
- General George Patton Jr

Thanks Steve, Your words damn near brought tears to my eyes!

After two major lung surgeries within two weeks, I'm finally back from the dead..

The doctors gave me permission to go back to work Monday, as long as I don't do anything too strenuous.
It will be good to get back, and I can't thank you enough for those kind words.
Luigi

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

We get to see a good dose of cool and classy pistols on this site but I think these two photo sets may just display the best of the best! Heirloom precision pistols, Delfatti leather, and a Mercedes to carry it all around in… too cool guys, just too cool!

I read on the H-P website you still hand checker frontstraps. True???

Absolutely, we hand checker everything.

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Heirloom Precision
http://www.heirloomprecision.com

Bravo!


Very nice work by the way. Only three other guns look as good as a really good 1911.

And those would be a Winchester 71, the 1903, and the AH Fox shotguns. Very, very nice.

I am still waiting for the right Colt to send to you guys. Trying to find a pre war 38 Super.

Jason,

You and Theo keep raising the bar. Great job. I hope I will be able to drool a little over some of these at SHOT.

Keep up the great work. One day I'll be able to say, I knew you when. I'm glad I got a 1* when I did. That will always be appreciated.

Regards,

Rob

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We sleep safely in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm. George Orwell