Category Archives: Guns

From 1911_purview This is a 1979 Colt long-slide in .45 ACP by Bill North. Photo of Bill is from 1981 at the Fort Harmar range. When I first saw this gun I thought it was Hoagish. Hoag—because that was CLEARLY North’s influence when he built it. Let’s see, machined and welded up slide extension toContinue reading “Bill North Long-slide Colt”

From 1911_purview This little pocket rocket is a Caspian in .45 ACP with Colt slide (housing an Ed Brown pipe) by Tom Kister. Tom was one of the many talented gunsmiths at Kings Gunworks. After the legendary Paul Liebenberg left Pachmayr, he started Pistol Dynamics (circa 1987) in an old motel turned into industrial condosContinue reading “Tom Kister Custom Officers Model”

From 1911_purview Does it seem like a significant portion of the best 1911 pistol-smiths in the world (Yost, Burton, CT Brian, Lauck, Williams, Rogers, and Glenn) are hyper-congregated in the Phoenix Scottsdale area code? Well add Marty Enloe to that list. Marty was hired by industry legend Robbie Barrkman (a pioneer of Gunsite, who JeffContinue reading “Marty Enloe Custom 1911”

From 1911_purview his gun is a dream come true for me. Two years ago I worked up enough nerve to call the legendary George Huening to ask him if he would build me a gun. He said what do you want, and I said I’ll leave it completely up to you, but I would likeContinue reading “George Huening Custom Colt”

From 1911_purview The Pachmayr Combat Special was (and still is) one of those most iconic 1911s ever made. With an estimated 250 (ish) ever made, people have to die before they become available on the secondary market. This example has been fired only a handful of times. It’s my favorite gun. Swipe all the wayContinue reading “Pachmayr Combat Special”

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″