Category Archives: Guns

From 1911_purview If you follow custom 1911s on social media, you have no doubt seen or heard this young man @1776_duck expounding his love for a newly acquired 1911 made for Ken Hackathorn by Dave Pegram. Well here’s another one. This 1978 Colt, with a NM slide and hard fit Kart barrel/bushing, is flawlessly checkeredContinue reading “Dave Pegram Custom 1911”

From 1911_purview OG Colt in full hard chrome by John Williams Jr. out of Fullerton CA. J-Dub had a custom gunsmithing business of some renown for 23 years from 1967-1990. He founded U.S. Optics Inc. in 1990. That’s his son John Williams III next to him — @ddcfirearms stepped down as CEO of US OpticsContinue reading “John Williams Jr. Custom Colt”

From 1911_purview Who was “Akuriz by Wilson.” The Custom Handguns page on Facebook (chocked full of old guys) failed me, so I’m reaching out to the universe. I’m probably going the wrong direction since you people are 30-40 years old…but here’s what we know: The smith’s initials were T.W. and his shop was in DallasContinue reading ““Akuriz” Custom 1911″

1911_purview Springfield Armory compensated 38 super by marine sergeant Lee Brown (Brown’s Guncraft) out of Bakersville California. Why did he mill out the rear of the slide to expose the extractor? Why do they lighten Porsches by using carbon fiber? Because heavy things move slower. Lightened slides cycle quicker. Lee had the best Afro inContinue reading “Brown’s Guncraft Custom 1911”

From 1911_purview This crazy 80 series pew stick was built by Clarence Alexander “Paco” Raville, who was a skilled machinist, gunsmith, engineer, and inventor based in Southern California. He is best known for founding Caraville Arms, a company that developed the innovative “Double Ace” conversion unit for 1911-style pistols. This aftermarket kit transformed the traditionalContinue reading “Clarence Alexander Raville Custom 1911”

From 1911_purview Right around the time I was graduating from high school, this Colt in .45 ACP was being made by Ikey Starks of Sports West out of Lakewood CO. Ikey co-founded Sports West with George Orndorff and the two of them crafted high end custom guns in the 70s and 80s. George was moreContinue reading “Ikey STarks Custom Colt”

From 1911_purview Colt 70 series in .45 ACP by Thomas David Walters out of Dallas Texas. Tex, as he was known to friends and family, discovered flying at an early age and dutifully served his country as a Navy pilot. In the wake of his military service, he flew for Delta Airlines for almost 25Continue reading “Thomas David Walter Custom series 70”