Category Archives: Guns

From 1911_purview For years I used to pour through Layne Simpson’s 1911 book, looking at old-school 1911s made by gunsmiths of yesteryear. Don Fraley of Advanced Weapon Technologies out of Russell KY was all over that book. His builds were well executed and interesting, so I became somewhat “focused” on adding one to the pile.Continue reading “Don Fraley Custom Colt”

From 1911_purview Springfield Armory in .45 ACP by carpenter Rich Dettelhouser (Canyon Creek Customs) out of Streator Illinois. Never heard of him? It’s because you are not a professional shooter. There are plenty of pistolsmiths building 1911s for hobbyists who shoot 150 casual rounds with their golf buddy every Sunday, and then go to brunch.Continue reading “Rich Detterlhouser Custom 1911”

Some thoughts on the original 1911 guide rod from custom_handguns on instagram. There is a very simple part on the 1911 that is maligned, misunderstood and IMO has never been improved on by modern technology. I have seen multiple failures leading to malfunctions and even frame damage caused by “aftermarket” solid stainless 1911 recoil springContinue reading “1911 Guide Rod”

From 1911_purview This little pocket rocket is a gun that I have wanted and chased for a long time. The first time I ever saw one was when a friend (and mentor) @custom_handguns procured one and schooled me. He primarily focuses on 1911s built by legends, and he typically tires quickly of anything but, soContinue reading “Radical Precision Custom Compact”

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”