ltwguns.com

What would be smarter???

I have a 1969 Belgium /Belgium in about 75% condition, should I use this as a base gun to build, or obtain a later one??? Should I have a match barrell installed?? I have heard that these early guns had much softer metal and would be subject to "Dings" much quicker then the newer guns??? any opinions??? tx.. geminidan ps..................or should I just go and buy what that is being sold as used, or from one of the Gunsmiths on here who might have one ready??

Your circa 1969 BHP is an excellent base for a custom build. ln reference to the match barrel, unless you can outshoot the factory barrel, save your $$ and spend it on ammo. Look here for the SRT package http://www.yost-bonitz.com/packages/SRT/, send her off, and wait very patiently. Of course, I'm more than a little biased, but I guarantee that you'll be very pleased that you did. Best regards, SRT

This all sounds well and great package on he SRT, about how long is the build time with Yost????tx Dan S.ps how do we know if the existing barrel has not been shot out, I have shot it and it is not where I am happy with it, and how much extra is a match barrel?? and when you see these used novaks for 2300.00 with no match barrel are you paying for a lot of cosmetics?? I have tried to buy a useed "SRT" but the two for sale were only in 40 mm, are there any 9mm yost around??.

Dan, I feel that if you are not happy with the accuracy on your current barrel, and you are planning on setting up a dream gun or carry gun for serious social purposes, then might as well spend the extra $100 bucks or so for a new barrel and be done with it. I think that the majority of YoBo's Hi Powers ARE in 9mm. You should also check Don Williams' website for his Hi Power packages...he is excellent to deal with and his work is second to none! I have pestered Don on several occaisions, and he always takes the time to answer questions patiently and fully. One of my best friends had several William's guns and man were they incredible.
As far as buying the used one...keep an eye out for a member on here named Gary Eastridge, his screen name is "gary*r&G" and he usually has some awesome guns for sale, and often ends up with YoBo guns on his site. I am buying one from him at this time and must say he is one of the easiest and most honorable people I have ever met to deal with! Good luck whichever route you choose, and the incredible members of this forum will be a great help to you I think.--John

_________________
"There is a true glory and a true honor, the glory of duty done, the honor of integrity and principle."--Gen. Robert Edward Lee

I thank you for your advice, I have done business with Gary and yes he is super honorable and a pleasure to do business with, I will call Don, and the Yost group to see if there is anything available now, Gary has a 40 yost that he is ordering a 9mm barsto for, but I do not think it will be available foe a few months, I know there are some for sale at Novaks, but I am having trouble figuring out which one to buy??? geminidan

Thanks for the kind words guys.

You wont go wrong with Don or the Yost crew. Dont forget Bill Laughridge @ C&S and Jim Garthwaite. I have owned BHPs by all the above and have had the pleasure of meeting all but Garthwaite. I would pick one then give them a call for their personal input.

Gary

_________________
Gary Eastridge
http://www.randgfirearms.com

Whoever you decide on to do your Hi-Power, you'll probably hear a similar caution - don't rush to the judgement that you need a match grade barrel. You'll often be very surprised at just how accurate the factory barrels are, but they have an awful hard time reaching their potential without the benefit of a good trigger and a decent set of sights.

_________________
Heirloom Precision, LLC.
480-804-1911

Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.

TR

Mr Yost!!! do you have any coming available and if not what is wait time??? Dan.

I may build a gun for SHOT, but probably not until then - too many folks waiting

Check with Terry Peters or Alaska Guns - They're dealers who have projects in line for delivery at regular intervals. They wait, so you don't have to

_________________
Heirloom Precision, LLC.
480-804-1911

Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.

TR

Mr. Yost offers good advice !

This is the test target that came with the Yost SRT Hi Power that I own. It was shot with the "factory" barrel at 50' ...

Trigger and sights make a huge difference.

_________________
I came into this world with nothing, and I still have most of it left!

When I had my SRT done, I stayed with the factory barrel even though I was never overwhelmed by it's accuracy. I did get it recrowned.
I figured I'd try it the cheap way first, and see if the trigger, sights, and recrowning helped. Then, if that didn't help, I could just get another barrel later.

One, some, or all, of those things worked, because it shoots great now.

I've come to the conclusion that the only reason to replace the factory barrel with a match barrel in a hi-power is because match barrels are cheaper than OEM barrels...

Go figure.

Well I guess I will keep looking to see what is out there, I know Gary has one coming, Novak has three on his sights, and anyone else who is looking to sell will be on here shortly.. I know that Terry also has a Novak for sale number 99 of 100, if it is strill available. I might send mine out and have it built or just wait.. 12 months minimum is a long time to wait, when the hunger and the $$$ is around... Geminidan

I originally had #99 built several years ago, and sold it to a gentleman in Arkansas without ever shooting it. Kevin Stump at Novak's built #99, and Terry eventually acquired it. He is a very reputable gentleman, and if you need a quick custom BHP fix, you can't go wrong with a full-house Novak 1 of 100 from Terry Peters.

The middle BHP pictured on the right side of the photo is #9 of Novak's original Special Ops 1 of 100 guns, built by Kurt Wickmann in 1995. Top left is one of my Yost SRTs. Beneath it is a T series custom by Don Williams. Although Master Yost's custom work is my personal favorite, they are all great BHPs.

Sorry about the quality of the pic. As evidenced by the photo, I'm no Steve Bailey. Fortunately, I shoot a handgun a heck of a lot better than I do a camera, which isn't saying much!

Best regards, SRT

What a beautiful collection, SRT! You are a fortunate man.

_________________
Redeemed