If the answer is “you approach her with extreme caution”, what is the question? In my case it was, “how do you explain to your wife that you intend to spend a few thousand bucks fixing a gun that isn’t broken?”
Softening the target with jewelry prior to sending in ground forces doesn’t hurt! As John Lyly wrote for 'Euphues' back in 1578 “The rules of fair play do not apply in love, war and custom Colt pistols.” Okay, I confess to making up that last part about Colt pistols.
After eyeballing, fondling and shooting several of a close friend’s unbelievable Harrison-built custom Colts, I knew my life’s work here on Planet Earth would never be complete without owning one. So with my friend’s help I contracted John Harrison to produce a full-house custom pistol based on the NRM Colt Commander (Model O4691). As John explained to me, and I now understand, he much prefers a plain-Jane base gun from which to begin his creation; much like an artist prefers a clean canvas over one that has been littered with someone else’s ideas.
My goal is to interweave parts/pieces of range reports into this thread as we touch on the highlights of John’s fine work. Unfortunately written words can only scratch the bluing on this fine pistol. I wish you all could have the opportunity to fully experience this incredible gun as I have.
Below are general layout photos. Note the straight lines, flat flats, 600 grit polish and Glenrock Blue finish. Excellent!
Wow, what a great butt! Sorry, I’ve been away from home for a while, let me rephrase that. Note the expert machine work on the lower rear extremities of the frame and perfectly matched mainspring housing with hand-cut checkering.
That is artwork and fully functional as well, aiding in the handling, comfort and speed of the gun. Additionally, John’s machined magazine well helps ensure quick, reliable reloads. Viewing the handmade, custom-fitted Walnut grip panels, John’s skills obviously are not limited to just shaping steel.
The high-grip cut and expert checkering really help me gain a solid hold on the weapon for enhancing speed-shooting drills---- and particularly useful with my freakishly large, beefy hands.
While we’re here, check out the countersunk slide lock pin and the Harrison custom trigger. I love the absence of an access hole for the travel stop in the trigger face found on more conventional custom triggers. John is just brilliant, what can I say?
Speaking of triggers, who says you can’t have it all---- the added security of the Series 80 firing pin safety and a clean-breaking, reliable 4 lb trigger? I honestly cannot feel any penalty in my Series 80 Commander trigger compared to my friend’s Series 70’s and earlier Colts with tuned triggers.
Ah, yes------ the high-cut back strap, fitted beavertail grip safety and slotted Commander hammer. What relief that brings from hammer-bite and adds extra comfort and speed to presenting and firing the weapon. John really knows how to tailor a gun to fit the individual.
Also note the rear of slide, machined perfectly flush with the frame and ejector---- and the expert fitting of Heinie’s SlantPro Straight Eight night sights. Heinie sights offer quick target acquisition, coupled with the flattop, serrated slide I shoot intuitively like a pro with this gun.
Below is a photo illustrating John’s expertise at flattopping, serrating the slide. Note his work installing, blending and serrating the dovetail front sight base to match the slide. Unbelievable!
Check out that muzzle-treatment! It sure is pretty, but I’d be perfectly happy not staring down that bore if/when stuff hits the fan!
On the subject of tailoring the gun to individual need, please note the wide-paddle thumb safety. It’s perfect for resting my size 14 thumb while mounting a classic two-handed, both-thumbs-forward, combat-style grip. This photo also offers one final look at the Heinie rear sight installation as well.
A classically styled handgun that is rock solid, lightning fast, pinpoint accurate and beautiful summarizes my return on investment in John’s work. I hope you enjoyed the tour----- and if any of you guys have a spare bedroom for rent, please let me know. I’m confident this thing with the wife will blow over in the next few months.
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