I post a lot of esoteric “one off” guns, made by men who were simply footnotes in history. They are mostly stupid, but the historian in me likes them. But, there are a handful of 1911s in my safe that were made legends of craft. Here’s the latter. Compensated Colt 70 series chambered in .45 ACP by master pistolsmith Jim Garthwaite…known simply as “the pistolsmith’s pistolsmith.” Jim worked out of a one man shop in Watsontown Pennsylvania, and his work was uniformly respected by everyone in the industry. Everyone. Simply stated–his guns are special. For years I have spent countless hours trying to understand why they are so special. What I have arrived at is this: His pistols were executed with restraint. Unlike some smiths, who incessantly chased a signature look or overdid it with elaborate cosmetic work, Garthwaite focused on exceptional trigger pulls, precise barrel fitting, reliability under hard use, practical sighting systems, artistic dehorning, surgical carry bevels, and superb ergonomics. In other words, everything you need and nothing you don’t. His guns are what you would expect from a pistolsmith who was one of the best shooters of his time. He knew what pointed well, what felt good in the hands, and what worked. So here it is, one of the best compensated guns I own, if not thee best. It’s all there— low mount Bomar, hard fit Barsto, hand checkering fore and aft, lowered and flared ejection port, and lustrous blueing. Grips by Craig Spegel, because we are not animals. The 6’8 legendary pistolsmith passed away in 2020 leaving a permanent void in the industry maybe forever. Jim’s guns were built, not assembled, and he moved the needle forever. RIP Maestro.
Scattered Shots 