question about having a 1911 built

[VLDOTHGY]

I'll try and make a potentially long story as short as possible.

After trying the Kimbers, Springfields, and semi-customs like Wilson, etc, I decided to take the plunge and have a 100% custom 1911 made for myself. The deciding factor was having a buddy who was a armorer in the service who was going to do the hand fitting for me. Well, I lurked on the gun boards and read everything I could find on the subject of parts. I ended up with a Caspian frame and slide (frame to slide fit, sight cuts and checkering courtesy of Caspian), Heinies, Kart barrel, and CMC, Caspian, Wilson and Brown most everything else. My dream 1911. Well, due to factors that are beyond my control, I'm stuck with the parts and no one to put them together.

I don't have the tools, the skill, or the time and inclination to do it myself. So, rather than ditch the entire project, I am going to try and find a pistolsmith to handle the job for me. I know this isn't the ideal way to go about it, just dropping off a box of parts, but this is where I'm at. After quite a bit of lurking and reading, I've come up with the following 15 names;

Don Williams
George Smith
Hilton Yam
Ned Christiansen
Ted Yost
Vic Tibbets
Wayne Novak
Chuck Rogers
Neil Keller
Jim Garthwaite
Scott Mulkerin
Marc Morganti
Bob Hunter
Larry Vickers
John Harrison

I know up front that maybe half of these men either aren't taking any new work or the wait would be over 2-3+ years. But I guess it can't hurt to ask. So my main question is, how should I frame my initial contact? Just explain the situation and ask if they are accepting any new work and might be interested?

At what point would it be appropriate to ask for a cost estimate? How much detail would you go into concerning which parts I have, etc? Are there any other names that you would put on the above list? Anything else I should know before stumbling forth? I could use any part of the collective wisdom here...

Thanks, guys!

If anyone would prefer to discuss this via e-mail, mine is [email protected]

 

[John Forsyth]

You have a good list of names there. If you are really serious about this, I would call them on the phone, tell them your story, and see if they are interested. If the list in the order you want to talk to, start at the top and work down.

Most smiths do not like for you to send them a box of parts and not for the reason you might think. John Harrison is building my dream gun. He rejected the first slide and frame from Caspian and the first Nowlin barrel he recieved. All were replaced with ones that he deemed were appropriate. In your situation, what you have is what you have.

You have nothing to loose by picking up the telephone.

 

[Sean Smith]

Most smiths do not like for you to send them a box of parts

Truth. However, given your situation (builder backing out on you) I'm sure they'd work with you since your pile looks like a quality pile. Just tell them what happened & see how they respond. E-mail would probably be simplest way to start so you don't talk their ears off.

Since you don't want your wait to exend into geological time, I'd suggest trying Ted Yost or Don Williams first, last I heard they still had fairly reasonable turn-arounds.

 

[Kaylee]

alternately, where are you? There's quite a few truly gifted 'smiths out there that aren't nationally known. I know some folks that definately have their local favorites in a couple different locales.

I'd bet that whereever you are, a THR member knows a good guy in your area. Might save you some dough, not to mention shipping and transfer costs.

-K

 

[VaughnT]

Ted Yost rebuilt my 1991 after a local smith butchered it. This included major welding on the frame tangs so a beavertail could be properly fitted.

Of all that you named, he would be my first choice as he's a pleasure to work with and does exemplary work. His turnaround time might be a little different now that he's moved and taken on a partner, but his work hasn't suffered at all, I'm sure.

Ted's probably one of the best in the business and doesn't have the BIG name that means long waits. Drop him an email and he'll be glad to help you out.

As to how to address the issue, you're introduction here is perfect.

And make no mistake, this is the best decision you can make. It's exactly what I did, and I'm ecstatic.

 

[VLDOTHGY]

Well, I've taken the suggestions offered, added a couple of names to my list and sent some e-mails. Once I get a few replies I'll stop in and let you guys know the results.

Thanks again!

 

[inventory0297]

I'd strongly suggest you add CT Brian to that list.

www.ctbrian.com

His wait list is less than a year, a big +.

Like others have mentioned, don't just send whoever you choose a bunch of parts. Call them up and decide on a base gun/parts and exactly what you want done. A lot of them are pretty specific about what they will/won't do; they all have their little specialty areas. In the end you'll get the best result by letting the 'smith do his thing......

 

[VLDOTHGY]

I'd strongly suggest you add CT Brian to that list

Done!

 

[The Tourist]

I have all of my custom 1911 work done by Terry Tussey.

If you'd like to see the quality of his work, get hold of any magazine that has done a story on how he builds a compensator right into the slide. Incredible metal work and attention to detail.

He built me a complete custom Colt Government .380 ACP. Looks just like a miniature 1911. Every edge de-horned, 30 lpi on the front strap, 40 lpi across the rear of the slide, Novak low mounts, the entire inside polished.

He answers his own phone, and the crusty artisan is a blast to talk to.

 

[Tamara]

It's threads like this that inspire me to order a Caspian Ti frame with a personalized S/N to set back for future use.

 

[Berg01]

The only one that I have personal experience with is George Smith at EGW; they just worked on my CZ 75B (.40S&W) and did a beautiful job; Just be patient; EGW leadtimes are very long!