Posted: 7/2/2013 6:36:33 AM EDT
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This is a long-term project I’ve been working on that is getting close to completion. It will be the second gun I’ve built for the owner and, as with the first pistol, this gun has an overall theme and style to be incorporated into the build.
One of the modifications that plays into the styling of this gun is a squared and checkered trigger guard. Although quite popular on custom 1911s of the ‘70s and ‘80s it’s not something that is seen as much on the custom builds being done today. Never the less, the squared and checkered trigger guard goes perfectly with the theme of this gun and the photos below show the basics of how I progressed through the modification. Stay tuned for a pictorial once the entire pistol is completed. Here you can see the pistol before the trigger guard modification. The “L” shaped piece in the photo is the trigger guard insert that I made. 
Machining the stock Colt trigger guard. 
Here the trigger guard insert has been shaped and sized and is ready to weld. 
Trigger guard insert welded to frame and ready for initial shaping. 
The initial blending and shaping of the trigger guard. 
After and bit more weld and some more shaping the trigger guard is ready to be checkered. 
The newly squared trigger guard hand-checkered at 40lpi. 
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The slide looks awesome. I love blued guns for some reason.
I'm not a fan of the squared off trigger guard. I guess I just don't get it. But it's not my money!!!! 
And yes, it is great work. True artists you guys are. I just finished reading the 1911 book by Patrick Sweeney for the 2nd time and I love the guns pictured in there that you guys did. They're so clean. I don't believe there is anything perfect this side of heaven. But those come close for 1911's. That Stainless Delta Elite is like, wow. |
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Thanks gents... this has been a very fun project for me and I'm looking forward to finishing the gun and seeing the final result as well.
Quoted:
Jason, is it a durability or an aesthetic preference to weld an insert in lieu of heating and bending? A bit of both... the durability part comes by way of insuring that the final shape of the trigger guard doesn't appear too thin and out of proportion and/or that during the heating and bending the guard doesn't become to thin or break through/away. By cutting a section away and welding a new piece in I am able to insure the proper aesthetics remain by keeping the guard even and uniform in thickness and contour while also providing enough material to checker. |
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Very similiar to how Armand Swenson did his. If I remember correctly he would cut a small section from the bottom of the trigger guard and straighten the part projecting downward. He then welded in a small rectangle of steel and pretty much came out with what you have.
By the way, outstanding work! 
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