Posted: 10/29/2007 2:59:24 PM EDT
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The customer that had me do this gun is trying to sign up for a membership, but can't get it to work so I'll post some pictures and when he gets online, he can give you details. Here is a Caspian frame, one of the last ones that Caspian sold. I was pretty happy to have been able to pick this one up since they are not producing them for a while. The list of parts used are Kart Barrel and bushing, Doug Koenig Hammer, Cylinder and Slide sear and disconnector, 2 Ed Brown Extractors (one for spare that's fitted), Grieder Trigger, Miller Custom Mainspring Housing, Ed Brown Grip Safety, Ed Brown Ejector, EGW Firing Pin Stop, Miller Custom Front Sight, Heinie Rear Sight, Ed Brown Tactical Mag Release, Ed Brown Tactical Thumb Safe, Larry Davidson Half Hog grips. Options include the following.... I like to cut my own Cocking Serrations (beats cleaning them up if they get damaged in shipping and such), Lightening cuts, Checkered 25 LPI, Magazine Well Beveled and Polished, Finger Relief Under Trigger Guard, Ball Cuts on Slide, Serrate Rear of Slide, lower and Flare Ejection Port with Live Round Extraction Cut, Flat Top and Diamond Serrations, and my own Staggered Borders. Finish is Black T and Hard Chrome with Tripp Carbonized rails.      
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Wow, that's gorgeous. Why the dirt entry ports in the slide, though? |
That about sums it up for the majority of custom works showcased by all of our artisans, but they make "true customs," which cater specifically and uniquely to one individual's bizarre tastes. Even with the most outlandish exaggerations or additions, I find myself isolating an exaggeration or a cut and marvel at the artisan's skill and workmanship. What's great about these is you can see what works and does not for your eye (once in a while some unothodox embellishment might unexpectantly catch the eye and work with your own theme), and as always, it shows the artists creativity and talent. Of course much of this need not be said as most seem to get it, but I thought it bears repeating anyway. One thing I can't get over is how the weapon profiles like a fine BHP in the first picture. Maybe it's the combination of the ball radius, the staggered border and the geometry with the rear sights, but that caught my eye immediately. Excellent work. |
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Ya! What Pulpsmack said. Great work. I see influences from some of the top smiths currently practicing. Your staggered french cuts are very attractive and unique! Why did you choose a Brown's grip safety for use with a Caspian tanged frame? The overall 'feeling' of this gun is heavily influenced by the lightening cuts. You'll get some flack, for sure. Were those pics taken outside? On a FordTuff truck mebbe? Any problems with the frame's feed ramp? Or the size of the mag well? No more Caspian Titanium frames for this kid. Great job, Bob!  Keep them pics coming!!  |
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I took the pictures off the top of my car with the shop in the background. I thought the outside light was good and it gave me some crisp pictures. Not so much of a soft light and a fluid picture, just more crisp and bright. I put these pictures on my site and used them to post online. There is a FordTuff truck around, it belongs to my father  I have been heavily influenced by the best out there, there is no argument there. The Custom Shop leaders have some great ideas. I only hope that I can come up with something they would like to use as well. I have my staggered borders (not sure if I was the first - I haven't ever seen them on anyone else's), but anybody is welcome to use them. The owner of this gun has Ed Brown grip safeties in every gun he has, and didn't want to change his grip setup. I know Titanium is used in the builds to carry guns, but we have to remember, this guns is for an Illinois resident, and concealed carry is just a myth. The lightening cuts were of his choice. Not so much for function, but for a theme. Since the frame is light, so is the slide with the flat topping and ball cuts. I never did run into any problem with the feed ramp other than it appearded to be cut too shallow. The rounds nose dived into the frame, but some dremmil time and it was fine. Now it feeds great and runs fine. The mag well looked like it was machined off center, but again, with some dremmil time, it was A-OK. |
Never thought of it that way, but it's right on. I think the ball cuts combined with the staggered borders give the illusion of the slide getting "slimmer" ala BHP. I'm trying to figure out what I'm going to send to Bob next...well and how to get the money  .
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Well, one more at least... I just picked up another Titanium frame from Caspian. I called to order some Damascus slides for an upcoming build and asked about the Titanium situation. They happened to have one they forgot about or something and I was lucky enough to get it. Thank you all for the comments and emails... you are much appreciated. As far as the High Power comments, I would not have ever thought that, but it certainly does play tricks with my eyes now. Thanks for pointing that out. So far this gun hasn't been shot, we are waiting for a good day and the farmwork to be over with. My shop and range is located on a farm and when people are working around the area, we don't shoot for obvious reasons. For those that don't know already, FordTough1911 is my father, and he gets to see everything that comes in and goes out of my shop. He gets to see all the options and hold each pistol to see if he likes or dislikes the setups. Take care, Bob |
Since Dad lives in Illinois, it won't be used as a carry gun. It probably won't be shot a whole heck of a lot. We always give a thorough (well, I get to clean the guns, Dad usually makes popcorn) cleaning after shooting. They don't see a whole lot of carbon or gunpowder residue buildup so the cuts shouldn't hinder the pistol at all. I have these same cuts on my .38 Super race gun. I haven't shot competition with it yet, but I have the rig and magazines for IPSC. I have shot the crap out of that gun and to this day, since round 1, I have never had a jam or hiccup. I don't see these cuts making a difference at all with this particular gun. Bob |
I had all the internals Black T'd and had the barrel done too. It most likely will get scratched up after shooting it for the first time, so I'll most likely polish the finish off sometime, but for now, it looks cool the way it is. Bob |