Category Archives: Guns

From 1911_purview Caspian in .45 ACP by professional shooter and gunsmith Tim Bacus. One thing that I have come to know is that when professional shooters morph into gunsmiths (Dettlehauser, Salyer, Eddie Garcia) they purpose-build guns into exacting instruments–not bespoke Colt treasures. So while Caspians may be ugly, they are straight, bulletproof, and easily madeContinue reading “Tim Bacus Custom Caspian”

From 1911_purview Combat Precision 1911 by Chris James out of Georgia. I prefer classic two tone Colts from yesteryear, but even kids know from video games that standing still will get you killed. So it doesn’t matter if we’re taking about cars, TVs, or guns, industry is driven by evolution and refinement. If Swenson gunsContinue reading “Chris James Combat Precision Custom 1911”

From 1911_purview Colt slide over Wilson Combat frame by Al Marvel, shod in desert ironwood grips by Jon Aho. Years ago, I asked Pete Single about his biggest influences. He rattled off all the usual names, and then I heard the name Marvel. I said, Bob Marvel…to which he responded, no Al Marvel. Big AlContinue reading “Al Marvel Custom 1911”

From 1911_purview Here’s a Colt 70 series chambered in 9mm by JT Timmons out of South Carolina. This is one of my favorite builds for a myriad of reasons, not the least of which is that it’s just unusual. You don’t see many of JTs guns in the wild, which by itself makes it specialContinue reading “JT Timmons Custom Series 70 Colt”

From 1911_purview Stainless 80 series Colt 1911 in .45 ACP by Marianne Carniak out of Troy Michigan. Marianne was trained by her father (legendary gunsmith and shooter Russ Carniak) and her grandfather, a machinist in Motown. After graduating college at Wayne State, she returned to Troy to help the family business. Russ passed away inContinue reading “Custom Colt From Marianne Carniak”

From 1911_purview 80 series 1911 Colt by custom pistolsmith David Clevinger out of Arvada Colorado. Dave wears many hats. In addition to being a custom pistolsmith, he is also a master engraver, a police armorer for Thornton PD, an accomplished (nationally ranked) power lifter, and a teacher at his Alma mater—the Colorado School of Trades.Continue reading “David Clevinger Custom Series 80 Colt”