From 1911 Purview
This 1977 “large letter” Colt in .45 ACP was made by Lou Williamson out of Hurst Texas. It isn’t really a high end custom by today’s standards, but it was made by a true American gunsmith, so it’s worth its weight in gold to me. Guns sometimes find me, and this one came to me by a cop in Indiana. It features S&W rear sight, Swenson Ambi safety, and some OG accuracy work. Lou was born in Rocky Mount, NC on September 14, 1928. At an early age, his family moved to Ahoskie, NC, where his father was Fire Chief and an amateur gunsmith. After graduation from high school, he briefly attended NC State College. Soon, however, in response to the needs of his country, he enlisted in the US Navy, serving as an electronics technician on the USS Providence. After an honorable discharge, and sparked by his father’s interest in guns, he enrolled in the Gunsmithing School at Trinidad State College in Trinidad, CO, where he received instruction from P. O. Ackley, a nationally-known gunsmith. Upon graduation, he was hired by Leonard’s Dept. Store in Ft Worth TX to come to put in a gun shop. This necessitated his move to Texas, where he resided for his remaining days. While a student in Colorado, he met his future wife, Betty McDonald. In 1953, Lou and Betty moved to the HEB area, where he established Williamson Precision Gunsmithing, where he worked with his son Scott, until his death in 2007. As Lou’s business grew, so did his reputation. His honesty was above reproach and so was his reputation as a gunmaker and gunsmith. His exceptional work resulted in the creation of many fine rifles, including rifles made for both Johnny Cash and John Anderson. By all that’s right, this gun should have “wrap around” Pachmayr grips, but (to me) black rubber is for sex toy’s not 1911s. So, skip line grips by the legendary Kim Ahrends. Lou left off the front strap checkering, so she ain’t getting Spegels.
Scattered Shots 