D.E. Watters

Patents for a New Kimber Hi-Cap, Optics Ready M1911

I went spelunking again in the USPTO database and found two recent patents awarded to Kimber. It looks like they want a piece of the market currently occupied by the Wilson Combat X9-series. Alas, the aesthetics are aimed at the current Gucci Glock plastic surgeon market. I’m suspicious that the stock panels are only heldContinue reading “Patents for a New Kimber Hi-Cap, Optics Ready M1911”

Patent for a New Heckler & Koch Bolt-Action Rifle

Engineers at Heckler & Koch’s Columbus, Georgia facility seem intent on offering a competitor to the Ruger Precision Rifle and the Barrett MRAD. Just this week, the US Patent & Trademark Office awarded US Patent #11,293,715. The patent drawings show a rifle with a rear locking bolt, hinged upper/lower receiver, folding stock, and a detachableContinue reading “Patent for a New Heckler & Koch Bolt-Action Rifle”

Greg Ferris “HZ-57” Modular Pistol

Today’s Throwback Thursday pistol is a mid-1980s build from San Antonio, TX-area gunsmith Greg Ferris. You may remember Mas Ayoob, Kerby Smith, and The Blue Press writing up Ferris’ two gunfights with local gang bangers who tried to rob his store. The first incident ended with one robber getting chewed up with 12 Gauge buckshotContinue reading “Greg Ferris “HZ-57” Modular Pistol”

John Nowlin Sr. Racegun Revolvers

Sorry for the belated start of Wheelgun Wednesday. Today, we have a couple of revolvers from the late John Nowlin Sr., a gunsmith better known for his semi-pistols and match barrels. First up is a Smith & Wesson Model 64 modified for Bianchi Cup/NRA Action Pistol competition. Second is a hard-chromed Smith & Wesson ModelContinue reading “John Nowlin Sr. Racegun Revolvers”

Mike LaRocca 10mm Revolver Conversion

For Ten-Millimeter Tuesday, we have a 10mm conversion of a Smith & Wesson Model 27-2 suitable for either pin shooting, USPSA Revolver, or ICORE competition. Mike LaRocca is better known for his street-worthy custom carry guns, but once upon a time in the 1980s, he did build comp guns. Prior to going solo, LaRocca hadContinue reading “Mike LaRocca 10mm Revolver Conversion”

Pachmayr “Combat Special” Combat Commander

Here is one you don’t see every day – a Pachmayr Combat Special conversion of a Colt Combat Commander. This one is kind of basic, with wrap-around Pachmayr Signature stocks and a Pachmayr rubber-coated mainspring housing. The Wilson #68 grip safety appears to have been added after the fact, as Pachmayr would have used oneContinue reading “Pachmayr “Combat Special” Combat Commander”

Clark “Pin Master” Compgun

For “.38 Super Saturday,” we have a former member of Pistol_Purview’s pistol collection. This one is a Clark Custom Guns “Pin Master” conversion from the mid/late-1980s. The Pin Master was a variation of the original Clark Bowling Pin Gun muzzle weight that was carved out with a 45-degree expansion chamber compensator. It resembled the muzzleContinue reading “Clark “Pin Master” Compgun”

Ross Seyfried’s Smith & Wesson “.44 Magnum” (5-Screw Pre-Model 29)

We have another “Forty-Four Friday” today, featuring Ross Seyfried’s Smith & Wesson “.44 Magnum” Five-Screw Pre-Model 29. Seyfried bought the revolver in the mid-1970s from Joe DeSaye. Action work was performed by the late Fred Sadowski of 300 Gunsmith Service. The revolver currently wears stocks made by Seyfried himself.

Early Heinie “Bobcat”

For Throwback Thursday, we have a rare, early “Bobcat” build from Richard Heinie. The styling is very Swenson-esque, and there is a certain level of crudity bestowed by the porous Essex frame.

Chuck Ward “Pin Puncher” Conversion

For this week’s Wheelgun Wednesday, we have a Smith & Wesson Model 29-2 .44 Magnum worked over by Chuck Ward of C. Ward Conversions. Ward liked to use Douglas barrels for his “Cadillac quality” builds, but he would use an Apex barrel in a pinch. The hybrid round butt backstrap/square butt frontstrap profile was oneContinue reading “Chuck Ward “Pin Puncher” Conversion”