Posted: 9/23/2007 8:21:01 PM EDT
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Picked up a Safari Arms Matchmaster yesterday. This thing shoots like a dream come true. I had one several years ago, but it had different markings on the slide. This one has no such markings, a different hammer, and trigger. Also different cuts on the slide and simply "SAFARI ARMS". Pics coming soon, but I'm wondering if anyone has any accurate info on these pistols. I know that OLY Arms is now affiliated with them, but I'm not sure when or where this one was built.    
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Ok, just got off the phone with Richard at Oly Arms. Very nice guy and informative. The gun, according to the serial number, is near 20 years old. Apparantly, it was ordered as a kit for a custom build. My hopes are that it was put together with someone with experience instead of Bubba. It shoots good, although it did fail to lock the slide back on the last round. It will lock the slide back by manually racking the slide however. What pics would you like to see? I can get them pretty up close and personal. Maybe you can help me figure out how "nice" it really is! edit: new pics         |
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I have a Olympic Arms longslide that I bought new in 2004. It's a two tone gun that they call the "Big Deuce". Mine has a rounded trigger guard and straight front strap. It has run 100% right from the box and is very accurate. I've read negative threads on this forum and others about Oly guns. I think most of those posters haven't had first hand experience with them and are going on here say. Oly 1911's are way under rated IMHO. I have Colt's, Kimber's and S&W's. My Oyl is as tight as some and tighter than others. If I could find another one I'd buy it. I also like the fact that they are series 70 style pistols. racezilla... I like yours. I don't think that hammer or mag release are OEM. I've seen some with the 3 hole triggers but most have solid aluminium. Enjoy your new find, Tomcatt |
Hey, thanks a lot Tomcatt!! I've looked around a little, and I agree with you on the hammer, mag release, and trigger. I just wish I could get a little background on it. Heck, I'd be satisfied if someone could tell me if it's a decent build or not. I personally wouldn't have a clue! I certainly don't have enough experience to judge that. |
Well....do you think it is safe to shoot? Are there not other barrels out there without "feet"? Do you think it's factory, or were they broken off or removed by previous owner? Thanks for the info!! |
I think the gun was bubba built. I'd not use that barrel. |
It looks like it has some weird over sized link. Can you post a picture of the barrel link from the front? |
The barrel should not travel into battery using the link to force the barrel up. Standing on the link is a no go. |
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I would use this unfortunate incident as an opportunity to make lemonade. I would consider looking into a Kart (or similar) barrel with match bushing and have a reputable smith fit them for you. Most importantly I would go over the rest of the parts on that weapon with a knowledgable observer (perhaps a good picture post here on your thread) and make sure you don't have anything else in here that doesn't belong. In particular, your hammer, sear, disconnector, thumb safety, and grip safety should all be checked out. If some of these parts suffer the same fate as your barrel you have some lemons... Bad news... you could be out a good $500 in parts and labor Good news (lemonade) you have a collectable custom that you can be proud to own and shoot through and through, and if this kind of pistol appeals to you, it's worth it. Part of the "good news" is that your previous owner has relieved you of any concerns to compromising the value by deviating from its stock condition, so you can feel free adding quality parts that make this a better pistol for your needs, and this can only enhance its value as a tool and investment. |
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Ok guys, I'm going to take your advice and place it back in the safe until I can find a good smith (and funds) to give it what it needs. I'm not in a hurry, or real need, for this pistol right now. It was purchased on a whim. Like I said, I had one many years ago and made a real mistake by letting it go. Didn't know when I'd see another one. <sigh>.....As well as it shot this weekend, I'll be putting her in the "project" area of the safe. Maybe I should take my time and really deck it out. It's my personal favorite of all the pistols I've owned. A lot of character. Too bad Bubba got his grubbies on it!! I can't tell you how much I appreciate all of the feedback. Eventually, I'll be back asking for advice to make this thing the real deal. |
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That looks like the wide link that Pachmayr and Karl Lippard experimented with. I had no idea Safari or anyone else for that matter was making use of it. Theres a little info here: www.josephbrazier.com/news/ |
Hmmm...that is interesting. The top barrel (picture with three barrels from your link) does look like mine. Heck, I don't quite know what to think about this..... edit: added pic from link 
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Sure does. Interesting. Can we get some more pictures of the Safari barrel? |
Pachmayr used to sell their wide link over the counter. I think that Brownells even carried it for awhile. |
Now we finally have some good advice. The link is fine and it works as designed as shown by your test firing. It amazes me that people here saw something new, did not understand it, and tried to spend $500 of your money to replace something that is NOT broken and does not need to be fixed. Would not surprise me if they came accross a Colt M4 carbine, and told you "I ain't never seen uh upper like that - it needs replacin with an A1 upper!" That link was, at the time, a technological advancement. It did not catch on. But its safe and inovative. Don't listen to those close-minded people who will try to tell you: "Since I am not familiar with it, then it must be BAD." One more thought: please post a photo of that gun on a site where folks know their history of old race guns like yours and can truly appreciate your find: www.brianenos.com Regards, CBR |
Very possibly, this is the case. I think, if I was the owner, I wouldn't feel bad shooting it but I would work toward fitting up a new barrel with standard feet and link as a back up. I am not sure it is absolutely necessary and I am sure it will last just fine, as is. Still, I would, in time, go to a standard set up. A nice Storm Lake barrel, I think. But as it is...I still shoot it and really wouldn't worry all that much about it. Though I am a tradistionalist, I like the look of the Safari....it is a shame that Oly has to engrave the damn things sooooooo deep. I am the first to complain about Colt's lack of depth in their striking....but SHEESH! Anyhow, the Safari has really pretty lines and is one attractive piece. |