[Bob R]

I was able to pick up the delta elite I bought at auction today.

It is dirty, looks as though the "collector" never found time to clean his guns. Mechanically it is sound. It has the milled notch in the frame where they tended to crack, so it isn't a real early one. It is a pre-enhanced one though. It still has the plastic guide rod, so it probably wasn't shot much or it would have most likely broken.

Now that I have it, I will be bidding it goodbye soon, for about 3 years at this time. After discussing it with my wife, we decided we needed a heirloom gun to pass to our son. (and did that take some doing!!)

It will be going to Dane Burns in WA state for some serious retooling and enhancements. I have yet to figure out the exact mods I want done, but I have a few months to work on them, and then off to the races.

If you have never seen his work, here is a website to look over. http://www.burnscustom.com/

I plan on having a functional piece of art when all is said and done.

Externally, it will at the very least be hard chrome and elephant ivory grips, what else is still up in the air. Maybe a touch of engraving?

bob

[Sean Smith]

Maybe this will give you some ideas... :evil:

http://www.geocities.com/mr_motorhead/deltabcp.html

[Snake Eyes]

I checked out Burns' website...and his guns sure are nice.

The prices aren't.

Might I suggest you check out Ted Yost? You can find his website here: Yost-Bonitz Custom, LLC (http://www.yost-bonitz.com/)

I think his work is pretty dang nice, and it's about half the price. I think Mr. Smith has had some work done by Mr. Yost--maybe he can chime in.

Peter.

[Sean Smith]

I think his work is pretty dang nice, and it's about half the price.

Actually, that's not even close to true. The half price part, that is. Having had guns made by both gentlemen, the total cost for fairly comparable work wound up being pretty comparable. I'd guesstimate that Dane is about 10% more expensive on some items, about the same on others, and other times throws stuff in that other folks charge you for.

Some of his "basic" stuff is more expensive, but you have to scrutinize what is actually contained in the package before you go off the wall. For instance, comparing a trigger job price that includes a new trigger to a trigger job price that includes a new hammer, sear, and springs is comparing apples and oranges.

The main negative with Dane is simply the time factor... he's in demand and the waiting list reflects that.

[Bob R]

Thanks for the input Sean. I plan on sticking with Dane. It may cost a fraction more, but I feel the work is worth it.

Thanks for the review of your Delta Elite, some very good ideas there. My biggest decision will probably be which barrel to use. After that it is all pretty much the basic stuff that has to be done.

bob

[Sean Smith]

You might get some more ideas reading about the Delta Elite I got back from Ted. :D

http://www.pistolsmith.com/viewtopic.php?t=18404