Category Archives: Thoughts

1911_purview This 1954 Colt is a purpose built bullseye 1911 with a highly accurized NM slide, barrel, and bushing, by Ernest Blackburn (1951-2013). Ernie, from Bemidji Minnesota, was a devoted family man and outdoor enthusiast. He enjoyed bird hunting with his Gordon Setters, camping, canoeing, hobby farming, and flying his J3 Piper Cub. His bullseyeContinue reading “Ernest Blackburn Bullseye 1911”

1911_purview Up next in the Bullseye marathon is a 1979 Colt in .45 ACP by John Giles out of Odessa Florida. The legendary Giles was absolutely prolific in his production –making over 4000 guns between 1951-1983. He himself shot competitively (in the 1930s) for his employer the Goodyear Rubber Company. Giles is known best forContinue reading “John Giles Custom Bullseye”

This article was originally published in American Rifleman, May 1983 It is pretty generally agreed that the most difficult handgun to shoot is the .45 Model 1911. The soldiery from two wars, the U.S. Expeditionary Force of 1917-18 and the buckos who were in the last brouhaha of 1941-45, are in hearty agreement. When theContinue reading “Askins on the 1911”

1911_purview If you don’t like Bullseye guns, I would block this account for the next 30 days. Colt 70 series 1911 in 38 wadcutter by legendary Honolulu police armorer Thomas Shimoda. Look at this crazy ass gun—this is gunsmithing. The front strap checkering intertwined with stippling is stunning. The welded on feed ramp nubbin enablesContinue reading “Thomas Shimoda Custom Bullseye Colt”

Really tidy build by one of the more in-demand builders of the early 2000’s, Dane Burns.

1911_purview Colt 70 series in .45 ACP built by Kings Gunworks in Glendale CA. Kings was owned and operated by a paisan named Arnold Capone. Al was largely a self-taught smith. He apprenticed as a teenager for the Hoegee Company until the company’s doors closed in 1949. He opened his own shop in Monterey Park,Continue reading “King’s Gunworks Custom Series 70 Colt”

Really head-turning build by Ted Yost, this very early production Commander in 38 Super, topped with stunning grips, is the pinnacle of classy Carry.

1911_purview Nowlin 9mm target pistol in two tone. In the 90s John Nowlin Sr. established himself as one of the top builders of quality pistols and competition pistol parts. Like many in the industry, Johns foray into manufacturing was competitive shooting. He wanted to gain a competitive edge personally, and towards the end, he startedContinue reading “Nowlin 9mm Custom 1911”

Continuing the 22LR theme here’s a Springfield M1911 22LR ” Gallery ” practice .. this is the 2nd type and 1 of 25 made in 1919 .. this is Old Colt’s pistol you should visit their website to learn more about this pistol plus many more