Good 1911 gunsmiths?

[Guest Commander Kim]

Say i were to have a Colt Government model, and wanted to make it "better" if you will. i.e. trigger job, sight upgrade, overall fit and finish, custom engraving, front strap checkering, etc. Not exactly willing to dish out another grand on it though, just wanting to make it more "custom". It's pretty good as it is, but I'm just wondering if i could get this done anywhere.

Thanks in advance.

[Steelharp]

Tim Calhoun http://www.tngunowners.com/forums/topic/75410-latest-from-calhoun-custom/

 

Sam Hoster 206-0075

Edited March 7, 2014 by Steelharp

[SmokyBaer]

I am a huge fan of DIY when you can. 

Here's my all time favorite trigger upgrade...  Tactical ll 4 pound with relieved hammer.

Dropped in and performed flawlessly on four different 1911s.  Hard to beat, IMO.

[quickbiscuit]

Say i were to have a Colt Government model, and wanted to make it "better" if you will. i.e. trigger job, sight upgrade, overall fit and finish, custom engraving, front strap checkering, etc. Not exactly willing to dish out another grand on it though, just wanting to make it more "custom". It's pretty good as it is, but I'm just wondering if i could get this done anywhere.
Thanks in advance.

What you're describing could reach $1,000 quickly, probably more. Trigger jobs are one thing but when you start talking about front strap checkering and engraving that gets into another story. I don't know of anyone in Tennessee to recommend. If anyone other than me touches one of my 1911s they're going to be nationally known. There are lots of armorers masquerading as pistolsmiths out there that have ruined a lot of nice guns. Consider Colt's Custom Shop for the work. Keep it in the family. There are some real old-school craftsmen out there if you want something really special. Ted Yost, Bob Rodgers, Jason Burton, Chuck Rogers...Wilson Combat will also work on Colts, and they have some of the best 'smiths in the business.

[DJTC45]

What you're describing could reach $1,000 quickly, probably more. Trigger jobs are one thing but when you start talking about front strap checkering and engraving that gets into another story. I don't know of anyone in Tennessee to recommend. If anyone other than me touches one of my 1911s they're going to be nationally known. There are lots of armorers masquerading as pistolsmiths out there that have ruined a lot of nice guns. Consider Colt's Custom Shop for the work. Keep it in the family. There are some real old-school craftsmen out there if you want something really special. Ted Yost, Bob Rodgers, Jason Burton, Chuck Rogers...Wilson Combat will also work on Colts, and they have some of the best 'smiths in the business.

This is for sure, especially concerning engraving because the firearm will need to be refinished if blued and the cost for all you describe will be $1000+. I've sent two 1911 over the years to have some basic work and cosmetic features done and both were $1500 for those on top of the price I paid for them. I would contact colt and let them do all the work that way it will be documented and will help you sell it down the road if you want. I'll add one more smith to the above post Alchemy Custom Weapons, check out his face book page link on his web site, he is who I use for all my 1911's.