ltwguns.com

Many seem to have a problem with the Enhanced Colts as base custom projects. What are some of the "weaknesses" or "issues" with them over the standard round-top models?

Hoser, I don't know about anyone else, but I haven't heard of any LTW members having issues with them. The rib can be removed if wanted, and the barrel hood is narrower, but all that can be dealt with if wanted. Colt did a pretty ugly job of cutting the juncture of trigger guard to front strap, but that can be dealt with as well. other than that, they're just another Colt.

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Don Williams
http://www.theactionworks.com
http://www.ltwguns.com

Ditto. No problems with them that I've encountered.

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CT Brian Custom
'Blending Art With Firepower'

No problems here at all. I think they build a beautiful gun.



Don't put too much stock in the net ninja rumour mill.

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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

Here's an asthetic question. Do I have the rib removed or do I have it serrated?

Getting a S80 Enhanced Commander ready for a project.

PS - Ted that one does look nice.

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Jeff

That's why having a custom built is so much fun. Because YOU get to make those decisions.

Guess that wasn't very much help, was it.........

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CT Brian Custom
'Blending Art With Firepower'

Yeah, thanks for the help.

The idea of a serrated flat top is kinda neat and I like how it flows into the Heinie sights, but I can't picture serrations in my head.

I will also replace the fugly grip safety with a traditional one and put on a ring Commander hammer. The whole beast will be hard chrome when done.

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Jeff

Take a look on Chuck Rogers site at his pictures, he has a couple of flattened and serrated tops. They actually look really sweet, never thought of them before Chuck suggested it for a couple of guns of mine and after seeing his pictures I can't wait

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I won't be wronged. I won't be insulted. I won't be laid a-hand on. I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them. - John Bernard Books

You know... I saw the serrated top on a stock CZ 75 and loved it; when I sent the Springer off to Yost-Bonitz it was way up there on my list. I really like the way it looks, though I don't know how much real practical value it adds...

Well, that depends on the gun. In the case of an OACP or Defender sized gun, it allows you to use a taller front sight than the super-short stock one. In turn, this opens up your options on rear sights. Take a look at the OACP Ray Harms made up for SHOT.

On a Commander or 5" gun, I don't know if it makes a difference, but it sure looks good!

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Wayne Miller

The Enhanced slides are not any taller than the round top slides, they just look like it. I just reworked an Enhanced Commander slide and compared the thickness of the slides at the top between the two.

I assume Colt just makes the slides wider at the top to create the rib effect. I believe it's the same basic form as a Gold Cup and also believe the reason for narrowing the hood is to enhance the rib effect.

Here's some pics of an Enhanced Colt Government model in 9x23 that I built three years ago or so that has the "rib" intact, but "Enhanced" by some serrations and corner bevels.

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shop.HarrisonCustom.com
www.HarrisonCustom.com

The grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love and something to hope for.

As the very happy owner of the pictured 9x23, I can say that John did a masterful job of making the Colt "enhancements" fit into a cohesive 1911.

I like the serrated flattened rib as it seems to provide a good subconscious aiming reference when quickly bringing the gun into firing position. The serrations and edge bevels also help to hide the fact that the Colt rib is not exactly straight and/or true from the factory. Plus the serrations look pretty darn good.

The biggest difference that I notice is John's front strap "high cut" versus what Colt did. 9x23 is kinda snappy, but the higher grip afforded by the recut frame makes the recoil quite tolerable. When the 9x19 barrel is installed, there seems to be no recoil.

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Scott

Thanks. That does look sharp. The flat top needs something to spice it up a bit.

Just what I needed to see.

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Jeff

Jeff, I did one as Ted had done on his pictured gun, which was removed the rib, and then flattened and serrated it. Looked pretty nice when done. The gun was the stainless "golf ball" gun that Steve posted pics of a couple of weeks ago. That can give you an example of what else can be done to the slide top.

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Don Williams
http://www.theactionworks.com
http://www.ltwguns.com

Thanks Don. I remember the thread and went back to look at it again. I think I was too busy gawking to realise that was an Enhanced pistol beneath everything.

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Jeff