ltwguns.com

Here is the latest off my bench. It was dropped off several months ago, and seemed to have more issues than Reader's Digest. Accuracy and reliability were not its strong suits. The previous owner had subjected it to some pretty medieval treatments with a file. Thanks to George at EGW for welding up a few areas for me.

My customer wanted a no-BS gun that would be as functional on the range as well as look good with his coat and tie. He provided his list of preferences, and I provided the rest. Guns like this really drive home the fact that sometimes this is truly a "labor of love".







There are a few more pics and details on my website. Thanks for allowing me to share.

Dave

<><> Very nice---clean lines...

Where can a fellow get a pair of
grips like those for an Officers
model ???

========================

<><> Raspy <><>

Dave made those grips himself. They are bocote and as smooth as silk. The photos really don't do the grips or the rest of the piece justice. I know, because it's mine.

To say that this one was a basketcase when I gave it to Dave is being kind. The previous owner had done some backroom gunsmithing on this one, in a very Frankensteinesque manner. It was crude in all of its aftermarket work. The sights were loose. The barrel fit was extremely poor. The beavertail, if one could call it that, was especially sloppy. It was finished in a two-tone blued and hardchrome affair, which I didn't mind so much, but what I really wanted was a gun in "all business" black.

The directions for this build were simple. Make it simple and elegant, and make it work - everytime. I gave Dave a blank canvas and asked him to paint me a work of art. I think he succeeded.

I'm quite proud to have this gun showcased here among so many other fine pistolsmiths' work. Dave is very conscientious about his work. He wants to do it the right way, or it doesn't leave his bench. He's one heckuva guy to boot. I think Dave is off to a tremendous start.

I am assuming this is another example of George's E-treat finish as well?

Great pic.s , too. Thanks for sharing!

_________________
Redeemed

jmtgsx:
The finish is Brownells Oxynate7 bluing, done over a glass beading at relatively low pressure. The finish is very matte, and hopefully will hold up as well as can be expected.

Raspy:
Drop me an email or give me a call if you interested in a set of those grips. I would be happy to accomodate you.


Thanks for the kind words fellas, and providing me a place to share.

Dave

Nice pistol and NICE!!! GRIPS!

_________________
Kentucky Colonel, Tennessee Squire & Combat Leprechaun
"You won't rise to the occasion - you'll default to your level of training." Barrett Tillman

J Yagoda,
If you're interested in those grips, Dave can make 'em for you. He has several different types of wood sitting in his shop right now, including a couple of bocote blanks. Drop him a line.

I should mention how this fine pistol performs. I've only run around 350 rounds through it thus far, but my mandate to Dave has been upheld. No FTFs, FTEs, or failures of any kind. When I turned this gun over to Dave to work on, it was not uncommon for it to choke at least once in every magazine, regardless of magazine or ammo choice. Now, it seems to be up to snuff. It shoots to point of aim, and I couldn't be happier. It's actually made me a better shot!

_________________
A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing.
~ George Bernard Shaw

<><> Dave, Thanks for the grips---they
are just perfect...

A pleasure to do bussiness with you...

=============================

<><> Raspy <><>

I really like that pistol........it could be the brother of one Ted just delivered to me. Here's the true irony.....the blue Combat Commander I had originally came from a guy in Omaha where Dave is. Mine was stock in box with some wear, a terrible trigger, tiny sights and a battered and peened barrel. It now looks like the Commander in this thread but in hard chrome since I sweat and carry. I love carrying mine as I hope js1392 does his. Oh my grips look similar too but in walnut.

_________________
Bob

Smiths and 1911s are what it's all about!

S&WIowegan,
I'd be really interested in seeing a pic of your Commander. If you can, post one, do so! Otherwise you can PM me with it. I'm a nut for these things.

_________________
A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing.
~ George Bernard Shaw