Posted: 7/17/2005 4:08:44 PM EDT
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Gents, another thread prompted me to start this one. I've got one 1911 already, but have been considering picking up another 1911 (probably a SA milspec) and sending it to a gunsmith to have it made just the way I want it in the next year or so. Now, that other thread eventually turned into a pissing match. I'd rather this one didn't, so please refrain from any bashing or any hearsay or third party comments. So, let's keep this to firsthand experience only. Please just list your favorite gunsmith or shop, why they are your favorite, and any pics of their work if you have any. Thanks in advance. |
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There are so many good 1911 smiths, it hard to say which one the best. When I was looking to get work done on my 1911, I called several high end smiths. Most had several months backlog or frankly didn't want my business, I think most of the turn downs was due to the fact I was fairly new to 1911 and for the most part really didn't know what I wanted. I don't blame the smiths for not wanted to deal with me, but its not like I didn't have money to spend. To make a long story short I bought a Dan Wesson 10mm thur Severns Custom. I ask him to go over the weapon to make sure it would run 100%, he performed a reliability tune, trigger job, and function check. the weapon shoot like a dream, no problems no FTF, FTE, etc. Since my first inquire, Dave has work over two other DWs and we are in the process of designing a full custom 10mm longslide, so I guess I like his work. In addition Dave never made me feel like a newbee, always explained in great detail on what to expect and his suggestions always leaned to save money on not doing something I didn't need. Virgil Tripp is another person that has great turn around and has consistently pleased many many 1911 owners. I would not hesitate to use him. |
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I'd like to second V-Rod's comments on Virgil Tripp. He is the guy for hard chrome and does some decent machine work as well. His turn-around time is fantastic. I have a Pro Carry II over at Tripp right now. I'll be sure to post when I get it back. V-Rod, those are some fine looking DWs! |
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I can speak for all of the gunsmiths that came together for LTW. Their work is top notch, they are very kind, and each has his own style. www.louderthanwords.us Be well! [email protected] |
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V-Rod, perfect. This is exactly the type of info I'm looking for, and great pictures too. dubb-1, great link. Someone alluded to LTW in another thread, but I really didn't know what they were all about. Thanks...and they have some beautiful pistols too! All, keep em coming. Remember, I'm not looking for "the best" pistolsmith...just your favorite and why. Are they timely in getting the work done, is the piece a tack driver, will it run through 1500 rds with no malfunctions, do they have some special proprietary something that you just like. Thanks again! |
| I have been going to Joeseph's Guns in New Britain CT 860-223-3013 for years now. They have worked on my Kimber and my AR's. They are a family run business and they work out of their garage which has been converted to a machine shop/store. Give them a call they are always willing to answer your questions and even answer the dumb questions without letting you know you asked one. Really good guys. I found them along time ago when one of the retail gun store salesman told me on the side that when ever guns get dropped off for custom work they ship 'em over to Josephs. |
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Yost-Bonitz Their 1* Enhanced or 1* Elite built on a SA mil-spec has got to be the best all around value in a true custom 1911. Yost-Bonitz packages |
Helluva nice guy though.
Any particular reason you chose Mr. Fletcher J_E_D?
Is this based on personal experience? Reason for the ranking? |
I agree with you both. These pistols appear to be great packages and good looking guns. Very functional, which is what I prefer. I passed up a chance to buy a customized Browning Hi Power about 6 years ago from Ted Yost at a funshow in Tucson. Kinda regret it now. But, he was a helluva nice guy. |
I handled some of his work at a gunshow in Northern Virginia. I know a thing or two about building a 1911 and this guy knows what he's doing. After handling a couple of pistols he built I check with a couple of guys who have had work done by him. Both thought his work was on par with any major smith and considerably better than the mass produced assembly line "custom" pistols like Wilson. I'm not Wilson bashing. They run an assembly line and that's a fact. I like the idea of one man giving his undivided attention to MY pistol. I'm in the unusual situation of having both the time AND the money to have a custom pistol built. I get back to the U.S. in November. I dropped it off in May during a two week break. I think he'll have time to get it done and I'm not bothering him in the mean time. |
Is this based on personal experience? Reason for the ranking? I'm not ranking them, just listing them. In my opinion, they are some of the best 1911 smiths today. Of course, this isn't an exhaustive list, as I forgot to include Larry Vickers, and others. My preference is for combat 1911's, and I don't care for the target sights, and other fancy add-ons. The one's I've seen from these individuals makes a combat handgun look like art. They can do the signature grade, and comp guns too. |
Cool, thanks for sharing J_E_D. |
Understood, just a list not a ranking. Again though, have you had work done by them? Do/have you owned a pistol built by them? I can find plenty of lists of gunsmiths. No offense, but if you haven't had work done by them and can't relay any particular experince in dealing with them or their work, then you aren't really providing any valuable feedback. |
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I will give a huge thumbs up to Bill Rudder, in Butner, NC. I've had a few small jobs done by him, and his work has been flawless. The guy knows guns. It's a small shop, and he has a loyal following with competitive shooters in the state. He's got a couple of IPSC guns in his shop that he has built, other than that, most of his work is riding around on someone's hip. Most of the local PPC League shooters have action jobs done by Bill. I have a loyalty to him, because he has treated me very well, and taken very good care of me, whenever I've needed something. I know he would build you a gun exactly how you want it. You spec the parts, and he'll do it. He'll take a lot of time to make sure it's done right. And he will stand behind everything he does. I'd suggest giving him a call or if you're close, just drop by and speak to him about what you want to do. He'd probably leave you with enough money to buy a lot of ammo too. I plan on having him build a me an ESP gun when I finish grad school. A 1911 in 9mm. |
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Virgil Tripp @ Tripp Research Just got my 1911 back from them, top notch work & a quick turnaround too. 
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I've had a Colt Defender worked on by Mr. Williams after two other gunsmiths failed to get it working right. His solution to its problem was so elementary I was pretty shocked that the other two shops couldn't come up with it. Insightful guy, solid work, fair price. TheActionWorks Cheers |
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Don't forget that Don is an exceptionally caring individual--a true Good Guy! Be well! [email protected] |