This Colt chambered in .45 ACP was built by one of America’s finest metalsmiths, the legendary Pete Single. Pete is often described as “the man behind the man” because, during the golden era of custom 1911 pistolsmithing, he performed checkering, machining, and precision metalwork for many of the most respected pistolsmiths in the United States. While his craftsmanship can be found on countless famous custom pistols, complete guns built entirely by Pete are extraordinarily rare. You can’t simply call his shop and order one. In fact, if you pick up the phone and say, “I’d like you to build me a pistol,” the answer will almost certainly be no. That’s not how Pete works. If you’re fortunate enough to develop a relationship with him, there may come a day when he asks you if you’d like him to build a gun. That’s exactly how this pistol came to be. Calling this pistol “custom” is a massive understatement. It is filled with thoughtful details and ingenious touches that only Pete would think to incorporate—true Easter eggs you have to squint to see. One of my favorites is the ingenious front sight system: the barrel bushing retains a removable front sight, allowing it to be changed in seconds. The pistol was delivered with three interchangeable front sights, giving the owner the ability to tailor the sight picture to different lighting conditions or personal preference. Zoom in on the beavertail. This is far more than a custom 1911—it’s a mechanical work of art from one of the true masters of the craft.
Scattered Shots 