Posted: 8/17/2010 10:17:27 PM EDT
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Without question every gun we build at the shop is a true one-off custom endeavor but quite often we’ll get requests to reproduce pistols we’ve built in the past or build something that is at least similarly styled. It’s actually pretty cool because it not only gives us a solid reference of what the customer has in mind but it also allows us the challenge of besting previous efforts. But at the end of the day each gun is still a special project for the customer and there is always a way to make every project even more special or further personalize the gun. In this case that personalization comes in the form of a monogram on the dustcover that features the owners initials.
For this particular project the base gun was a WWI reproduction... and I can’t help but think how very nice it was of Colt to produce these pistols so that we could build on them when we can’t find original vintage Colts to make customs out of... just kidding, a little. 
As is standard practice with our guns I started with a weld-up frame and slide fit followed by a Kart NM barrel, newly fit bushing, and EGW HD slide stop... these particular modifications and parts have proven again and again a solid foundation for a long term gun. Line straightening helps fix all crooked and goofy lines and perspectives that so often accompany base guns and once done the front strap is high-cut and treated to a carefully laid out 30lpi hand-cut checkering pattern. A matching hand-checkered main spring housing is fit and then modified to accept our lanyard loop. Swinging on an EGW machined thumb safety is an S&A grip safety and a long solid trigger sets off the tool steel ignition components. A lowered and flared ejection port, EGW firing pin stop along with a Wilson Combat Bulletproof extractor and ejector help ensure reliable function overall. A Gold Line front sight was fit and the rear of the slide was serrated to match the a PG rear sight that has been blended flush to the flattened and serrated slide top. As with so much of what we do a polished blue finish with nitre blued pins and screws we’re specifically requested by the owner... we’re always happy to oblige with these modifications and I for one never get tired of seeing that finish on our guns. Even with the myriad of finishes available and our willingness to offer hard chrome, DLC, or Black-T we still get more requests for a polished blued finish than anything else. It may not be the “perfect” finfish but it’s still proving functional day after day... but I could be biased. 
Enjoy the pictures... 
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Just out of curiosity sake, how much money in custom work is that? 2-3K? If you don't feel like blurting it out, PM would work One of these days I'm going to send you guys a 1911 of mine to work on. Whenever I see what you have to offer, I am always more than impressed.
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