ltwguns.com

Here’s one that I recently finished for a very patient customer in California...



This gentleman has been around 1911s for a long time and over the years we’ve been fortunate to work on a few other projects with him. He knows what he wants and likes in a gun and not too long ago he took delivery of a very special Signature Grade gun done by Ted. When it came time for a new project he wanted something that retained all of the detail and care you find in a Signature Grade but with a different look. There were some key features on his must have list... the gun had to have an ambi-safety, a very sensitive grip safety, a “white ball” front sight, VZ Operator II stocks, and be completely finished in black. After that his instructions were simple saying “build me something you’d be proud to put in your holster”... sounded good to me.

Starting with a new Colt Series 80 Government model the frame rails were welded and refit to the slide. A Kart barrel was matted up with an EGW barrel bushing and as with all of our guns only the best quality internals were used throughout. With an ambi-safety being a must have it gave me a chance to use one of the new Wilson Combat Bulletproof parts. The part is machined from solid bar-stock and uses a slightly different way to retain the right side lever than has been used in the past. Additionally, instead of the conventional “tongue and groove” joint that meets in the center of the pin, each half of the BP safety has what is essentially a pin split lengthwise. Both the left and right side backing plate have a corresponding section of the pin that runs all the way through the frame and mates up with the opposite side lever. When connected the end result is a "solid" pin secured on each side by a tongue and groove joint. It’s very stable and secure and the design indicates that if the right side lever were to break the left side could still function as a safety for at least a short period of time. If I had one complaint about the safety it’s that the paddles are too small right out of the package and don’t allow for much shaping or variation.

Swinging on the BP ambi-safety is an S&A grip safety held in place at the bottom by one of Stan Chen’s excellent main spring housings. The front strap along with the main spring housing were both checkered by hand at 30lpi and the flattened slide top was also serrated at 30lpi in a broader arrow pattern than we normally do. Atop the slide is our Professional Grade rear sight and the “white ball” front sight as requested by the owner and designed by Chuck Rogers.

A word about the Roger’s White Ball front sight... I had seen this on Chuck’s guns in the past and always thought it was an excellent way to have a white “dot” in the front sight. This front sight was one of the customers specific requests and we are much obliged to Chuck for allowing us to make and install these on our guns. Chuck really has a winner with this design and the white ball front sight proves a very smart application. It provides fast acquisition and index of the front sight via the large white ball while still allowing the shooter to see and use the top of the front sight when needed. The sight is as visible as one of the “big dot” sights but because the sight is still flat on the top (not round) it can still be used to achieve a conventional sight picture when the utmost accuracy is needed. This sight may just be the ticket for those who want a highly visible white dot without sacrificing accuracy.

Rounding out the gun was a coat of Black-T over the entire pistol and a set of VZ Operator II G10 stocks in of course black. Enjoy the pics!

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Heirloom Precision
http://www.heirloomprecision.com

I don't even have words that I can write on here without being banned from the site LOL. That is sweet!!! Another one to post on the wall with a caption " This is what you strive for everyday"...

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Jeff Hogan
Southwest
Custom Firearms
Albuquerque, NM
505-877-5357

Very nice

Love them grips!

Nice one, Mr. Burton. Very business like. That may be my favorite of the builds you've displayed.

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ΜΟΛΩΝ ΛΑΒE
Thunder Ranch THG & UR(x2), Gunsite 250C,
Yavapai Firearms Acad HG1(x2), HG2, & SG,
Shootrite Prvt Inst HG, NRA Life Member

That is one Very classy piece Jason1

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http://www.warnerpistols.com/
cvwinabq@live.com
Rio Rancho New Mexico

"I like double barrels....Aprilia, Ducati, and sxs rifles"

I really like the way the new Bullet Proof ambi looks. nice and small vice canoe paddles. That being said I prefer a Colt single side thumb safety on all my pistols. I'm thinking of adding this ambi on a MC Operator that the off side lever will be used minimally, but be there if needed. Also a nice place for the thumb to torque down on when firing support hand only. Any thoughts Jason?

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"Semper Fi"

Lots to see in a blacked out Colt...like this gun alot. Subdued perfection...nicely executed!

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https://www.graffcustom.com/

Great looking gun. I really like that front sight. I've been struggling with finding the perfect front sight, and while I don't think this is it for me, one of my requirements is a large enough white dot or outline that allows for fast sight acquisition. The problem is I also need something I can pick up quickly at night and so far the only ticket I've found there is tritium. Every white outlined tritium sight I've purchased has seen the white outline dissolve relatively quickly from cleaning solvents or time, leaving just the tritium and reducing my daylight sight picture acquisition. If Chuck figures out some magical way to make that big old white dot glow at night I'd be all over that on every gun I have. Great looking gun!

Life is short so while it lasts one should enjoy good wine and works of art. As to the latter once again thank you Jason and Ted.

Nice work Jason, as usuall! The owner must be proud! Very Clean!

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Kandros Customs Gunworks
www.kandroscustoms.com

Being a "lefty" myself, I really love that new safety.

The top of the slide looks like it could grab someone/thing really well.

Nicely done package.

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The further one goes, the less one knows. Loa Tzu

I really like the look of a black gun. Very nice looking piece of steel.

For some reason, I missed this one when you posted it up. Really a very nice build. I must say that I am really liking that white ball front sight. I may have to look into that on my next build.

Your work continues to amaze me.....saving pennies for an Heirloom Precision Custom is a long and painful process....

Beautiful! Love it!

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http://www.GibsonGunleather.com

Very nice and clean.

This pistol now has many rounds through it. It has not failed-not once. No matter what type of ammo being used or how long between cleanings. It just shoots every time I pull the trigger.

Jason, what a beautiful 1911! Do you sell your white dot and gold stripe sights to the public or are they reserved only for "full house" customers. Also, what is Heirloom's wait list time... I have a new Colt Commander looking for a pistolsmith?

Thanks,
Todd

I asked Jason about their sights before, and they are not available to the public. That white dot sight is from Chuck Rogers. I think the best way to find out lead times is to call Heirloom directly. They have a very cool system in place.

Good luck,

Great job Jason!

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No Piece, No Peace

Last time I talked to Jason, wait time was a little over a year. Not bad at all.

Very nicely planned and executed!