Thursday, June 30, 2011

Worcester MA Meet Up

I'll be in Worcester on July 14th and 15th, any one interested in a meet up at the Horse Shoe Pub in Hudson? Or some where in Worcester?

AE

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Kimbers

Dragon, over here, discusses his first, last, and only Kimber 1911. It makes me very glad I passed on the SIS when it first came out, albeit for philosophical reasons.

This brings me to the point of my Kimber: a Custom Classic series 1 (colt series 70 copy with out the foolish series 80 firing pin block. I got the gun used, already equipped with an Ed Brown barrel and bushing, everything else was MIM, so I presume original. The gun had been run hard, the finish on the front strap was worn noticeably where the shooters fingers hold the pistol. And it has continued to run very well while I run it hard.



As the holster wear might suggest I carry and shoot this gun a lot. Some where between 6 and 12 thousand rounds a year, and on my belt any time I'm not in a prohibited.

I've replaced all of the small parts, either for practical reasons (grips and trigger to make it fit me better, and and ambidextrous thumb safety for off hand) or for shits and giggles (everything else). Only the guide rod, barrel and slide/frame are original. And this has made absolutely no difference in reliability.

I'm not sure how common or uncommon my Kimber experience is, but given that I have just demonstrated the ability to build a custom 1911 for the price of a new Kimber, I don't think I'll be buying another one. On the other hand this one is not for sale at any price.

AE

Saturday, June 4, 2011

1911 Build

The gun is basically done. The slide needs to be sent to CCA for coating, and the stocks need to be changed out for Crimson Trace lasers. Over 400 rounds though the gun, and function seems reliable. Thats a mixture of my hand-loads and factory ammo.

Here is the Mag-Well after bead blasting:


Here is the slide/frame/grip safety after bead blasting:


And here is proof I'm not going to be competing with Mr. Volk any time, every, as a gun photographer.


The next three show the barrel linking surfaces.

Top Lugs:

Bottom Lugs:

Back of the bottom lugs:


Stay safe,
AE

Vacation Pictures

We didn't see the gators, but did get a yard full of deer.

These are the ones who stuck around after I walked outside to get pictures. There were at least 7 in the herd.



This one shows one of the two biggest, who will have very nice racks come fall.



Of course I'll be there again in November, but I suspect the neighbors will object to rifle fire.

AE