I wanted to share this with all of you. Here are some pictures of a Commander that Tim built for me in late 2003. The pictures do not do Tim’s work justice.
I have been meaning to post this review for a few months now, but time just seems to get away. I think we all can relate to that.
The pistol is finished in Tim’s Master Grade Bluing. This finish gives the gun a beautiful matte black look that is complemented by the mirror-like polish given to the sides of the slide. The slide also has Tim’s trademark bevel on the bottom and recessed slide stop hole. In my opinion, these two items give the pistol incredible character and a distinguished, handsome look. Tim also added a subtle French border to separate the top radius of the slide from the flats. The slides top radius is matte finished and the top of the slide has been flattened and finely serrated at 40LPI for an attractive non glare sight picture. All sharp edges were delicately broken by old fashioned elbow grease and files. Tim did not forget about the business end of this pistol. The Bar-Sto barrel has a very nice crown and the stainless steel Bar-Sto bushing has been polished, beveled, and superbly fit.
The pistol wears a pair of Tim’s custom Bar-Dot-Bar Heine extreme low mount Slant Pro fixed sights. The sight picture these sights provide is nothing short of amazing-clean, crisp, and fast.
No part of the frame was overlooked, either. The edges of the slide stop were subtly rounded and the back end has been flattened and is visible in its recessed, chamfered frame hole-now a C. T. Brian trademark. Tim flawlessly hand checkered the front strap and mainspring housing at 25LPI. All diamonds are raised and then slightly broken to provide a positive grip without being sharp. The fitting and operation of the Ed Brown safeties is without peer-as is Tim’s trigger work. The Videki trigger features Tim’s four pinhole signature to further add to the pistol’s character.
As expected, the fit and finish of this pistol are extraordinary. The slide to frame fit is awesome-everything locks up like a bank vault and the slide moves like it is on rails. The safety snicks on and off with precision and the trigger feels so crisp and breaks so cleanly that I can’t begin to describe it. It must be felt to be appreciated.
The pistol has about 4,000 rounds through it now. It has been nothing short of perfect. No malfunctions, outstanding accuracy, great feel-simply awesome. I have enjoyed this pistol so much that I have asked Tim to build me one of his Sidewinders. In fact, one of my friends was so impressed with Tim’s work, we each ordered a Sidewinder!
My experience working with Tim on this project has been a pleasure. Tim was always available to answer a question or to offer his expert advice when I asked. In my opinion, Tim is a true master of his craft and one that values his customers. He strives to produce the finest work possible and will make sure you are completely satisfied with your C.T. Brian Custom.
Parts Used:
Frame/Slide - Les Baer oversize
Barrel -Bar Sto (custom made)
Barrel bushing - Bar Sto
Sights - Slant Pro, Brian front
Ejector - EGW oversized
Extractor - Wilson Bulletproof
Beavertail - Brown memory groove
Thumb safety - Brown wide/ambidextrous
Trigger - Videki
Hammer - Infinity
Sear - EGW
Disconnector - McCormick
Mainspring Housing - Brown (blank)
Slide stop - EGW oversized
Magazine catch - Brown extended
Guide rod - standard Colt
Recoils springs - Wolff variable rate
Grips- Kingwood
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FAQ
W! That's a nice one! Thanks for sharing.
How do you like the slide/frame combo?