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

[sic_semper_tyrannis]

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.

[.455_Hunter]

Unfortunately, TJ's in Aurora shutdown last year, with Tim heading into retirement, especially after three break-ins.

[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?

[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.

[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.

[kidicarus13]

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?

[sic_semper_tyrannis]

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.

[sic_semper_tyrannis]

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.

[sic_semper_tyrannis]

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.

[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.