View Full Version : Why you know who works on your guns
Okay, a little back story on this. I really good friend of mine who lives in Petal, Mississippi has a really nice full-size stainless Springfield 1911. A while back I added some upgrades to his receiver at his request (Wilson combat hammer, beaver tail, extended thumb safety, and speed chute - and yes, I've got the proper credentials to be doing said work). Well, he called me a few months back wanting to know how hard it is to get new sights put on his 1911. I advised him to have a certified gun smith do the work, especially since it requires staking of the front sight. I directed him to a website that had some Trijicon night sights for his gun and he was very happy with the purchase. Now, here's where it gets ugly. His cousin said he has a "guy" who is a small arms armorer in the Army that would put the sights on for him at no cost. He quickly jumped on the deal. Had he told me about this "guy" before he gave him the gun, I would've told him to run far and fast in the opposite direction - unless he is able to show proof of training that he knows wtf he's doing. I'm sure Bert will chime in on this, and agree 100%, you have to really check out who you are going to have work on your gun and get multiple references. If you don't, then crap like this happens. This is why if the work on my gun is outside my skill level, it will go to Bert - PERIOD.
Oh, and for the record, I'm going to Mississippi in a week to visit him. I'm dick punching the no-talent hack who did this to his gun.
http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i445/TangoDownPro/1911SlideA_zpsdc1eaf7e.jpg (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/TangoDownPro/media/1911SlideA_zpsdc1eaf7e.jpg.html)
http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i445/TangoDownPro/1911SlideB_zpsd83ee075.jpg (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/TangoDownPro/media/1911SlideB_zpsd83ee075.jpg.html)
http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i445/TangoDownPro/1911SlideC_zps4092d262.jpg (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/TangoDownPro/media/1911SlideC_zps4092d262.jpg.html)
http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i445/TangoDownPro/1911SlideD_zps79a42303.jpg (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/TangoDownPro/media/1911SlideD_zps79a42303.jpg.html)
http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i445/TangoDownPro/1911SlideE_zpse2e5010a.jpg (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/TangoDownPro/media/1911SlideE_zpse2e5010a.jpg.html)
http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i445/TangoDownPro/1911SlideF_zps37aa6301.jpg (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/TangoDownPro/media/1911SlideF_zps37aa6301.jpg.html)
This is just freaking appauling. Now, I've recommended to him that this so called jack-hole of an "armorer" purchase him a new slide and sights to go with it. He's going to let me know in the next couple days if the moron is going to make good on it. I'll definitely post "updates".
I've got $5 that says it has a tailight warantee
I think burt would accept mail in guns?
Not sure if those vice marks on the side of the slide are going to "buff out" my friend. I'm hoping Burt will chime in and maybe offer up his .02. If it looks like Burt can fix it, I'll bring the slide back with me when I go out to visit.
Oh, and for the record, I'm going to Mississippi in a week to visit him. I'm dick punching the no-talent hack who did this to his gun.
.
Dick punch??? Now that's taking it to a whole new level!! I mean the guy only Eff'd up a dudes gun..... Oh yeah... He eff'd up some dude's gun!!! Dick punch that SOB!
Holly crap!!!
My homebuilt AK's come out better than that!!!
Dick punch that farigin bastage!!!
Dick punch??? Now that's taking it to a whole new level!! I mean the guy only Eff'd up a dudes gun..... Oh yeah... He eff'd up some dude's gun!!! Dick punch that SOB!
The owner of this fine piece of art is a fellow Veteran and I consider him more of a brother. I take a ton of pride in my firearms and the fact that I've got time invested into his gun as well...yeah, the douchenheimer who tortured this poor 1911 slide is getting dick punched. [Mad]
hghclsswhitetrsh
12-07-2013, 01:50
Whew good thing it's only a 1911 and not a glock. Seriously though, that sucks big time. +1 for Bert as well.
I've got $5 that says it has a tailight warantee
I think burt would accept mail in guns?
Yep--Bert. Could have avoided the whole thing.
I wonder if the owner wouldn't want to do something totally different with the gun now. Maybe refinish or something.
FWIW, I had a major "corporate" gun smith destroy one of my pistols once. They had to buy it back from me--exactly what I paid for it. So the derp is everywhere. You have to go with what you know!
Army armorer's course only takes you a few steps beyond a standard field strip and cleaning. It is no way a gunsmithing course. I took it and didn't learn much past what I had already figured out for my self on the guns my unit had. We didn't have M240-B's, so that was the bulk of my new learning in the course.
+1 to having BP look it over.
BPTactical
12-07-2013, 11:57
You bring it back Squeeze.
We will get him squared away.
No saving the front sight so that will have to be replaced.
The reason it is not staked correctly is probably the fact the hack did not have the $400.00+ Meprolite special tool for such.
Neither do I, for the risk of damaging the tritium vial is too great when staking it in place. It is not a delicate task and people would faint if they watched the process.
We will do a dovetail cut and put a Novak in it.
Can't say much on the rear, don't have a good enough viewpoint of it.
As far as the pecker tracks on the brushed finish, to coin a phrase: "That'll buff right out".
The blasted finish is repairable as well.
Personally it would have never left my shop that way.
The entire point of the exercise is the item leaves in better condition than it arrived.
I appreciate the kind thoughts immensely gentlemen.
You know, somebody can have all the education in the world on a certain subject matter.
And it doesn't mean dick.
One has to have a talent and the "knack" or that knowledge is useless. I have had the grace of God to be blessed with a knack and talent to be reasonably proficient of the craft. I just wish I would have gotten serious about it 30 years ago.
I think this illustrates very well the difference between an "Armorer" and a "Gunsmith".
No offense to those that are certified Armorer's here, your role is vital to to the function and safety of those you serve.
But in reality an Armorer is a parts changer.
And be it a 'Smith or Armorer, one is always wise to realize their limitations.
Whew good thing it's only a 1911 and not a glock. Seriously though, that sucks big time. +1 for Bert as well.
[ROFL1] Now that's funny right there!
I concur, a good dick punching is in order for the hack who did that. Amateurs! I have yet to take a gun to Bert, but my brother took one of his and couldn't be happier with the quality of work. Lord knows, I'll be giving him a call if I ever need work done, not some asshat who does "custom gunsmithing" out of the back of his Ford pickup.
BPTactical
12-07-2013, 12:11
[ROFL1] , not some asshat who does "custom gunsmithing" out of the back of his Ford pickup.
I drive a Ford pickup.[Kick3]
OtterbatHellcat
12-07-2013, 12:33
lol
jerrymrc
12-07-2013, 12:49
I think this illustrates very well the difference between an "Armorer" and a "Gunsmith".
No offense to those that are certified Armorer's here, your role is vital to to the function and safety of those you serve.
But in reality an Armorer is a parts changer.
And be it a 'Smith or Armorer, one is always wise to realize their limitations.
Those of us that went to the Army's school can attest that there was nothing taught past basic parts change out. At least in my day we did get to play with 1911's. [Flower]
SideShow Bob
12-07-2013, 13:43
Bert is not talking out his anus, as far as buffing and blasting the gouges and scratches out on that slide.
I brought him a less than $400 stainless Champion that looked like it was dropped and given a swift kick down a concrete driveway.
Bert worked his magic, and you would swear it was a different pistol when it was returned.
As far the nut punch goes, put on some hard toe boots and make it a kick to the cojones.
spqrzilla
12-07-2013, 14:14
Everyone wants to blame the incompetent "gun smith", but let's pause for a minute and note that it was the cheap "good friend" of Squeeze's that chose to think that he could get competent work done for "free".
SideShow Bob
12-07-2013, 14:21
Everyone wants to blame the incompetent "gun smith", but let's pause for a minute and note that it was the cheap "good friend" of Squeeze's that chose to think that he could get competent work done for "free".
And it sure looks like he got what he paid for...........
Speaking of punching someone in the dick.... Thought I might have to do that today at the gun show.
I overheard some asshat telling one of the dealers, "Yeah... I'm a gun owner but I support Obama."
In retrospect, I probably should have punched him in the dick. You know, to make sure he could never breed and pass along his genetic ignorance.
BPTactical
12-07-2013, 14:46
Speaking of punching someone in the dick.... Thought I might have to do that today at the gun show.
I overheard some asshat telling one of the dealers, "Yeah... I'm a gun owner but I support Obama."
"I'm sorry sir, but with that statement you give me reasonable doubt that you are a "competent person" as defined by federal law. I therefore shall not conduct this firearm transaction with you."
"I'm sorry sir, but with that statement you give me reasonable doubt that you are a "competent person" as defined by federal law. I therefore shall not conduct this firearm transaction with you."
Yup... Not only deny the transaction, but take his happy hiney out back for some percussive counseling...
certified gun smith
IMHO, a piece of paper is worthless. Armorers get a "certificate" that to various degrees, says they have some competence in changing parts. A gun smith is a whole different level usually accompanied by craftsmanship that no piece of paper will ever "certify".
IMHO, a piece of paper is worthless. Armorers get a "certificate" that to various degrees, says they have some competence in changing parts. A gun smith is a whole different level usually accompanied by craftsmanship that no piece of paper will ever "certify".
Yep. Just seeing pictures of some of Bert's work was enough to let me know he has mad skills.
http://www.bptacticalservices.com/Pictures.html
Thank you everyone for the input. I agree, he did get what he paid for. I just let him know that Bert can fix his slide. I'll bring it back with me. A lot of good points made in this thread. Just because someone has a "certification" doesn't mean they're good at it. One of the reasons why photographers have portfolios. In the world of gunsmithing (and many other trades), seeing really is "believing". I think it also takes a mature person to be able to say, "sorry, I'm not skilled to do the work your requesting". I've done it many times and have no problem sending business Bert's way. I have a great respect for someone who takes pride in their work. It's truly hard to find that these days. [Beer]
OtterbatHellcat
12-07-2013, 17:00
BP is a real cool guy, he's helped me a few times now.
I'll have more business for him in the future for sure.
***UPDATE***
Bert with BP Tactical finished working on the slide. Below are the pics after Bert fixed the damage done by the previous jack-hole.
http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i445/TangoDownPro/Mobile%20Uploads/20140204_140815_zpsvcwsh5n_edit_1391549175196_zps5 x7i5nlr.jpg (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/TangoDownPro/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20140204_140815_zpsvcwsh5n_edit_1391549175196_zps5 x7i5nlr.jpg.html)
http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i445/TangoDownPro/Mobile%20Uploads/20140204_140803_zps7ycilpn7.jpg (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/TangoDownPro/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20140204_140803_zps7ycilpn7.jpg.html)
http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i445/TangoDownPro/Mobile%20Uploads/20140204_140833_zpsxgbayinq.jpg (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/TangoDownPro/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20140204_140833_zpsxgbayinq.jpg.html)
http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i445/TangoDownPro/Mobile%20Uploads/20140204_140855_zpsmaxusuan.jpg (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/TangoDownPro/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20140204_140855_zpsmaxusuan.jpg.html)
http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i445/TangoDownPro/Mobile%20Uploads/20140204_140908_zps1gj2w5aw.jpg (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/TangoDownPro/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20140204_140908_zps1gj2w5aw.jpg.html)
BERT ROCKS! [Beer]
I spent enough time talking to Bert and looking at work, that I trust him to work on my projects. Nuf said.
Wow, yeah that is great work. This thread reminds me that I have 3 projects for him and I just need to call him.
OneGuy67
02-05-2014, 16:32
Bert is the man! That slide looks wondrous!
I always take my stuff for Bert to work on. My "oops" projects and my "I-F###ed-this-up" projects and he always, always does a great job for me!
Post Toastie
02-05-2014, 16:32
That does look great!
I was at the BP shop on Monday and he did great work with same day delivery.
Yep saw this slide before it was done and that thing was JACKED! Bp did a fantastic job on this, GJ Bert!
Nice. I prefer the look of the brushed flats to the more polished original finish.
Bailey Guns
02-05-2014, 18:43
The slide looks great. But my eyes must be cattywompous...cause that front sight looks like it's offset to the right in that second picture. Course, maybe that's where it needs to be. Or maybe I haven't had enough bourbon for it to look straight.
[Coffee]
beast556
02-05-2014, 18:44
That's cool that he was able to get it fixed up. I need to give Bert a call and get a few thing worked on.
wow, I fondled that this week at Bert's shop and thought it was new. I guess it is in a way.
SouthPaw
02-05-2014, 20:46
Now that is TALENT. Thank you for posting an update. That came out beautiful! Good job Bert!
I love happy endings! :)
Awesome update OP. You would need a micrometer and a magnifying glass to tell anything had been done--looks new to me.
The slide looks great. But my eyes must be cattywompous...cause that front sight looks like it's offset to the right in that second picture.
The result of shadows in the picture. Following the front blade downward and the even spacing on both sides of the dovetail, that looks to be dead on balls accurate.
Bailey Guns
02-06-2014, 09:51
Yeah...I figured it was just my eyes.
BPTactical
02-06-2014, 10:01
Yeah...I figured it was just my eyes.
It's from staring at them thar mountains too long Carl. It's got your eyebalz askew.
Thanks for the compliments guys, I really appreciate it. I love taking something like that that has been munged up and putting it back right.
Bailey Guns
02-06-2014, 10:03
It's from staring at them thar mountains too long Carl. It's got your eyebalz askew.
Too much internet porn...
Too much internet porn...
I love happy endings! :)
MINT CONDITION!!
***UPDATE***
Bert with BP Tactical finished working on the slide. Below are the pics after Bert fixed the damage done by the previous jack-hole.
http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i445/TangoDownPro/Mobile%20Uploads/20140204_140815_zpsvcwsh5n_edit_1391549175196_zps5 x7i5nlr.jpg (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/TangoDownPro/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20140204_140815_zpsvcwsh5n_edit_1391549175196_zps5 x7i5nlr.jpg.html)
http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i445/TangoDownPro/Mobile%20Uploads/20140204_140803_zps7ycilpn7.jpg (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/TangoDownPro/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20140204_140803_zps7ycilpn7.jpg.html)
http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i445/TangoDownPro/Mobile%20Uploads/20140204_140833_zpsxgbayinq.jpg (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/TangoDownPro/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20140204_140833_zpsxgbayinq.jpg.html)
http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i445/TangoDownPro/Mobile%20Uploads/20140204_140855_zpsmaxusuan.jpg (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/TangoDownPro/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20140204_140855_zpsmaxusuan.jpg.html)
http://i1094.photobucket.com/albums/i445/TangoDownPro/Mobile%20Uploads/20140204_140908_zps1gj2w5aw.jpg (http://s1094.photobucket.com/user/TangoDownPro/media/Mobile%20Uploads/20140204_140908_zps1gj2w5aw.jpg.html)
BERT ROCKS! [Beer]
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