From 1911_Purview

Colt 80 series 1911 in .45 ACP by Matt Davis, who got his “coming up” in Richard Heinie’s shop. Before there was Henry, there was Matt…Dick’s protege who helped him dig out of a 5 year back log. There was a rumor at the time that Matt was as good as Dick. Now, having handled two of Matt’s guns, I can tell you I believe it. This beautiful gun is exceptionally well built on a fairly rare 80 series “Special Combat” Colt. This pony features a surgically welded up slide to frame fit with Nowlin match grade barrel, and of course Heinie sights and a Heinie magwell. It’s hard for smiths to shake the style of their mother ship. I think Volkmann used Ed Brown parts for years, Jim Milks still uses EGW parts, and Kings River Custom as best as I can tell came out of the gate using Wilson Combat parts. So of course Matt was using Heinie parts. Hell, he even put his initials and build number under the thumb safety– that’s purely a Dick Heinie move. When I received this gun, it was an excellent condition, but the finish was pedestrian at best. I dropped in my favorite carbon fiber trigger, had the lower chromed, and pulled a set of grips out of my drawer that I have had for years. Some time back, my buddy @custom_handguns had the foresight to have Hogue build a bunch of Heinie magwell cut grips. He sent me a set and said file them away–you are going to need them someday. Well, I needed them. Now is Matt Davis the best looking gunsmith to ever be featured on this page? That’s affirmative, with George Huening coming in a close second. I’m guessing old Matt did pretty well in high school.