The prices in those CDNN catalogs tough to resist. I remember the Griffon catching my eye when they were listed at $389, but when they lowered the price to $349 I couldn't resist. Hey, life it short! What the heck.
Worst case I'd hate it, but at that price I could sell it without taking to much of a loss.
I like forged slides and frames which the Griffon has. The Teflon finish looks decent. Not as pretty as a NRM blued Colt (what is) but it has a very no-nonsense functional look to it. If you look close you can see a few tool marks here and there so if you're into show pieces this isn't the gun for you. I'm indifferent to the ports on the slide. I'd rather have those than the front serrations which I really dislike.
I also noticed was the grip safety was loose, which was easily fixed with a little spring reforming. I like the rubber grips and the finger grooves fit perfectly. The mag button locked up the first time I tried it but I haven't had a problem since, probably a tiny burr (another easily fixed problem, FYI you need a "star" screwdriver to remove the mag button). Next was the trigger, pull was stiff and overtravel wasn't set properly, seems to be a common problem with Griffons. The trigger has an over-travel adjustment so once I found the right allen wrench it was easily adjusted. The trigger improved with a little careful stoning, a little more work and it'll be perfect. The slide is also a little on the loose side. I only put about 50 rounds of FMJ through it but so far but reliability has been excellent. I have a feeling this will be a very reliable pistol. Recoil doesn't feel any different than a full size 1911. Only real problem so far is it hits about 6" low! (what's up with that?) Don't think its me but I'll spend a little more time shooting it before I make any changes.
I'll check the barrel fit and lock-up next and test it for accuracy. Depending on how that turns out it may change my opinion but so far, for $350, I like it. A little tune-up to fit my personal tastes and I have a fun, reliable, forged frame/slide combat commander with night sights.
Worst case I'd hate it, but at that price I could sell it without taking to much of a loss.
I like forged slides and frames which the Griffon has. The Teflon finish looks decent. Not as pretty as a NRM blued Colt (what is) but it has a very no-nonsense functional look to it. If you look close you can see a few tool marks here and there so if you're into show pieces this isn't the gun for you. I'm indifferent to the ports on the slide. I'd rather have those than the front serrations which I really dislike.
I also noticed was the grip safety was loose, which was easily fixed with a little spring reforming. I like the rubber grips and the finger grooves fit perfectly. The mag button locked up the first time I tried it but I haven't had a problem since, probably a tiny burr (another easily fixed problem, FYI you need a "star" screwdriver to remove the mag button). Next was the trigger, pull was stiff and overtravel wasn't set properly, seems to be a common problem with Griffons. The trigger has an over-travel adjustment so once I found the right allen wrench it was easily adjusted. The trigger improved with a little careful stoning, a little more work and it'll be perfect. The slide is also a little on the loose side. I only put about 50 rounds of FMJ through it but so far but reliability has been excellent. I have a feeling this will be a very reliable pistol. Recoil doesn't feel any different than a full size 1911. Only real problem so far is it hits about 6" low! (what's up with that?) Don't think its me but I'll spend a little more time shooting it before I make any changes.
I'll check the barrel fit and lock-up next and test it for accuracy. Depending on how that turns out it may change my opinion but so far, for $350, I like it. A little tune-up to fit my personal tastes and I have a fun, reliable, forged frame/slide combat commander with night sights.
) and agree with you the Griffon has a lot of stuff going for it, that's why I bought one. The slide doesn't bother me to much but I know it would bother other folks. I thought I'd give them a heads up so they could check it out before hand if they're interested in getting a Griffon. 
