Who's the local go-to for 1911 work?

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03-02-2023, 00:04
sic_semper_tyrannis

Who's the local go-to for 1911 work?

I'm looking to have some custom work done on a 1911. Checkering, dehorning, throating & polishing, parts blending, action work, refinishing, etc. But I am looking for a 1911-specific smith, not just a general smith that dabbles in 1911s. I know I could just buy a custom 1911 outright, but that won't work in this situation, as I specifically need an existing 1911 customized (for reasons). I reached out to Volkmann Precision in Littleton, but he says he is too busy with full builds to work on customer-supplied guns right now. I got a quote from Nighthawk and I literally spewed coffee all over my phone when I saw the number. Does anyone know any local Colorado 1911 smiths that are accepting work? I would prefer to keep it local so that I don't have to deal with the new BS shipping rules and just drop off/pick up directly from the smith. Any leads would be much appreciated, thanks.
03-02-2023, 00:47
.455_Hunter

Unfortunately, TJ's in Aurora shutdown last year, with Tim heading into retirement, especially after three break-ins.
03-02-2023, 06:23
BPTactical

Any quality specialist 1911 ‘Smith is going to have a wait and will command a healthy price.
Speed costs money- how fast do you want to go?
03-02-2023, 08:39
Bailey Guns

What brand is the gun? Some companies (S&W or Colt, for example) have custom shops that can do that sort of thing if you can't find anyone local. I've used the S&W custom shop and they did fantastic work.
03-02-2023, 11:00
Tinelement

Like BP mentioned, good smiths are slammed right now and prices are going up. Be prepared to wait and spend some coin.
There is a lot of great information over on 1911 addicts forum.

If you want to deal with Nighthawk, contact Bob Reeves directly. I sent my Talon II back to them last March for some upgrades and a refinish. Bob was awesome to deal with. Mine job was 12 weeks, but I know they are pushing 6-12 months for custom work and up to 24 months for new builds.
03-02-2023, 11:25
kidicarus13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tinelement

Mine job was 12 weeks, but I know they are pushing 6-12 months for custom work and up to 24 months for new builds.

Recession? What recession?
03-02-2023, 20:58
sic_semper_tyrannis

Quote:

Originally Posted by BPTactical

Any quality specialist 1911 ‘Smith is going to have a wait and will command a healthy price.
Speed costs money- how fast do you want to go?

I'm not concerned with speed, I'm going into it well aware of the lead times. I'm more concerned with quality of the work. I was also expecting a 'healthy price', but the number from Nighthawk was "I can get a brand new custom build for this price" territory.
03-02-2023, 21:02
sic_semper_tyrannis

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bailey Guns

What brand is the gun? Some companies (S&W or Colt, for example) have custom shops that can do that sort of thing if you can't find anyone local. I've used the S&W custom shop and they did fantastic work.

It's a Colt. I've checked out their custom shop online. I'm somewhat skeptical because I've heard mixed reviews, and now that Colt was bought out by CZ there is a question (in my mind anyway) of if they are cutting costs and cutting corners at the Custom Shop. I have not looked at the S&W custom shop, I know some shops will only work on their own brand's models, but I'll take a look.
03-02-2023, 21:08
sic_semper_tyrannis

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tinelement

Like BP mentioned, good smiths are slammed right now and prices are going up. Be prepared to wait and spend some coin.
There is a lot of great information over on 1911 addicts forum.

If you want to deal with Nighthawk, contact Bob Reeves directly. I sent my Talon II back to them last March for some upgrades and a refinish. Bob was awesome to deal with. Mine job was 12 weeks, but I know they are pushing 6-12 months for custom work and up to 24 months for new builds.

Bob is who quoted me. I have no doubts about the quality of their work, and if I had FU money that's probably the route I would go. When the first number on the quote was a 3 I knew that I would have to go another direction.
03-03-2023, 08:15
JohnnyEgo

Amusingly enough, I started sending guns to Nighthawk after a local smith, now fortunately retired, borked up two of my 1911s. Yes, it's a lot of money and time, but they do amazing work.

https://www.johnnyego.com/firearms/1...Delta01med.jpg
03-03-2023, 08:34
thedave1164

Check with PM Guns, Pat cut his teeth on 1911's, not sure on his work load though.
https://www.pmgunsandsupplies.com/
03-03-2023, 09:11
mb504

Anyone have experience with the gunsmith(s) at Centennial Gun Club?
Are they any good? Are they "gunsmiths" or parts installers?
03-03-2023, 09:40
BladesNBarrels

First thought was Richard Wyatt of Gunsmoke fame.
Be glad he is not available for any work.

https://i.imgur.com/Yvvx2rq.jpg
03-03-2023, 12:22
funkymonkey1111

Quote:

Originally Posted by sic_semper_tyrannis

now that Colt was bought out by CZ there is a question (in my mind anyway) of if they are cutting costs and cutting corners at the Custom Shop.

given some of the turds produced by old Colt, i would assume the opposite
03-04-2023, 13:46
CHA-LEE

Check out Reid Pistolsmithing. He is based in Texas but specializes in tricking out Colt 1911's. His work is AMAZING!!! I have known Jeremy Reid for about a decade now and his dedication to excellence in his builds is insane. With great work comes a significant price. So be prepared to donate a kidney..... http://www.reidpistolsmithing.com/
03-04-2023, 17:44
thebolt

Quote:

Originally Posted by mb504

Anyone have experience with the gunsmith(s) at Centennial Gun Club?
Are they any good? Are they "gunsmiths" or parts installers?

You are better off with Richard Wyatt @ Gunsmoke.
03-04-2023, 18:25
Doc45

Sadly in the time since the closing of TJ's (second to the late Ikey Starks for a local 1911 smith for me at least) there really isn't anyone I'd consider a "go to" for 1911 work in the metro area. Lots of the top 1911 guys hang out on 1911addicts.com and they have looong lists if they're even taking any new work right now.
03-04-2023, 18:28
Robb

Comon Bert, Lots of beer money to be made here.
03-05-2023, 12:55
sic_semper_tyrannis

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doc45

Sadly in the time since the closing of TJ's (second to the late Ikey Starks for a local 1911 smith for me at least) there really isn't anyone I'd consider a "go to" for 1911 work in the metro area. Lots of the top 1911 guys hang out on 1911addicts.com and they have looong lists if they're even taking any new work right now.

I did some browsing over on that forum, lots of info there thanks. I learned that Stan Chen is local to CO out in Durango. I knew the name and would have happily driven out there, but of course he's backed up too and not doing any customer-supplied guns right now.
03-05-2023, 13:09
sic_semper_tyrannis

Quote:

Originally Posted by BladesNBarrels

First thought was Richard Wyatt of Gunsmoke fame.
Be glad he is not available for any work.

I stumbled in there one day years ago before their TV fame and all the legal drama. I remember thinking the place was sketchy and a bunch of overpriced crap. Paige wasn't there that day, she would have been the only thing worth looking at.
03-05-2023, 17:37
KS63

Quote:

Originally Posted by sic_semper_tyrannis

I did some browsing over on that forum, lots of info there thanks. I learned that Stan Chen is local to CO out in Durango. I knew the name and would have happily driven out there, but of course he's backed up too and not doing any customer-supplied guns right now.

As a machinist, Stan Chen does the most intricate and beautiful machining as I’ve ever seen on a pistol. I believe he still makes his own slides and frames for his full house builds. Hands down THE best machine work.