15 Comments
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Lewis's avatar

This is a thrilling return to the days of yesteryear!

Not only do I remember Auto Ordnance producing 1911s, but I remember the Pit Bull model as well . . . and somehow despite my youthful fascination with the 3.5" 1911 variants (going back to the Detonics CombatMaster and the Lou Alessi Scorpion custom pistols, and yes, I may have read some Jerry Ahern books back in the day), I never actually tried one out. I did have a Star PD for a short while, and despite my best efforts I could never quite like it. I always regarded that as a personal failing of mine, since I have friends who think Pete Dickey designed the perfect packin' .45, but there you go.

As far as that goes, I've never had a pit bull . . . but man and dog is one of the best combinations of all time. I'm still sort of heartbroken that my Schnauzer passed away earlier this year (after fifteen years of being the best boy ever, and my best pal).

Very well written article, and I'll be flogging it around.

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Matthew Donovan's avatar

Thanks so much Lewis. It seems like you dodged a bullet with the Pit Bull. That being said I'm going to turn it into something special. Just wait for part two.

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Jesse Slater's avatar

I've read about most of the tricks you mention, but never been brave enough to actually put them into action. (I usually just unload the clunkers that would require it.) You're built of sterner stuff than I, it seems. 🤪

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Matthew Donovan's avatar

Yo be fair your way is probably the better way. I just can't help myself 😜

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jc glover's avatar

I've got a Star BKM (alloy frame BM). Only reliable with round nose ammo, so have been carrying Powrball. Real similar to this interesting project.

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Ken's avatar

It was also beautiful, unmodified.

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Matthew Donovan's avatar

It was. The classic lines of a stock 1911 are unarguable. These modifications however are turning it from a safe queen to a carriable weapon for me. Hopefully the juice is worth the squeeze. Thanks for reading.

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Rick Yerby's avatar

Building and repairing 1911's is something of my retirement hobby. I keep an assortment of parts and that helps. Another old trick used for accuracy was a little piece of metal welded to the side of the slide in the chamber area. This was done before target barrels were widely available, It tightens up the rear lock up.

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Matthew Donovan's avatar

Very interesting, I've never heard that one before but it makes sense.

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David H. Roberson's avatar

I've shot the 1911 for many years but it was only recently that I discovered the joys of the bobtail frame. It really is The Way. Thanks for this article.

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Matthew Donovan's avatar

It really is, so much more concealable, and for me, I find it far more comfortable in the hand as well.

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Eric Sowers's avatar

In the universe of man-made things, the Model 1911 is without equal.

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Matthew Donovan's avatar

Absolutely. I'd put it right up there with the invention of the French fry.

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Cameron Bissell's avatar

I've gotten a couple of dogs in the past, they tended to all be kit style guns; the worst was a Century arms m1, it was a roll of the dice if it would run a full magazine.

I'd love a short slide full mag 1911, it feels like the retro variant of the Glock 45.

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Matthew Donovan's avatar

With the bobtail it really doesn't conceal any worse than a short grip officers model. Every round counts on a single stack.

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