My New Customized 1911

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CTGunner

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I look forward to hearing your comments, thoughts, and opinions on my latest addition to the 1911 lineup. I know that everyone likes different things but this is what I had been dreaming about for a long time. This 1911 started out as a stock Springfield Range Officer. The following Customizations were completed in about 6 weeks:

Full Cerakote, Front Strap Hand Checkered at 20 LPI, Custom G10 Grips (Very Slim), Front Trijicon Night Sight, Thumb Safety - Paddle Width Reduced, Basic Reliability Job.

This gun was very accurate and 100% reliable before the custom work was completed. I was a little concerned though when I picked up the gun at how tight it was. The coating really made the gun feel different. The Smith recommended that I just shoot a few hundred rounds to ensure proper functioning and said that I could expect a few hiccups. He also said that if there were any issues to bring it back and they would figure it out.

I took it to the range and put exactly 200 rounds of American Eagle 230 grain FMJ through it this morning. Since I was really testing for reliability I did it as fast as I could while another guy reloaded mags for me. I was alternating between Wilson Combat, Chip M, and the stock Springfield Mags. At no point did I add any oil. The gun got super hot, and my trigger finger actually developed a nice blister but I am happy to report that in those 200 rounds I had exactly zero failures of any kind.

I wiped the gun down and returned it to its case. I arrived home about 20 minutes later and did a basic field strip. The gun was still pretty hot. The bushing was a little difficult to remove but other than that it broke down nicely. I have to say that this is one of those rare occasions where the final product actually exceeded my expectations.
 

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Never cared for the painted color 1911's makes the gun look cheap although it will probably last, its supposed to be a good finish. I would have went with a satin hard chrome, or at least one of black super hard finishes. But to each his own, as long as you are happy with it thats the main thing.

Most of the sprayed on finishes are a simple back on paint, that is either just sprayed on or a electrostatic spray gun is used and then the paint is oven cured or air dried if the paint uses a catalyst to cure itself.

Powder coating really the toughest finish available and is electrostatically sprayed and then oven cured, problem is its to thick to be used on firearms.
 
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Very nice, whats a ball park figure on the price of the work if you don't mind? Is he a pretty well known smith.

Thanks. I sent you a PM with the details.
 
Just curious, why did you go with 20 lpi checkering?

Good question - Mostly because I like how it feels. It is really sharp and easy to hang on to.
 
Very nice work! But, the grips look kinda uncomfortable.

Nah. They aren't too bad. In one direction they are totally smooth. In the other they grip nicely.
 
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