In the shop we often remark about how cool it is to be able to do our job. We get to take something old and make something new out of it… in a round about sort of way. And in some circumstances that something “old” has been with the owner for quite some time often sharing a good bit history and invoking the kind of nostalgia that can only come from years spent together. The Colt Combat Government Model this build is based on is one such example.
The base gun was a piece that had been with the owner for the better part of 20 years. It rode on his hip as a duty gun where it served as a daily companion, was sold once, and eventually made its way back to him. Throughout this timeline the gun saw some minor changes to make it more user friendly and suit the owner’s taste and needs at the time… click here for before pictures. Fast forward to early 2009 and the trusty Colt makes its way to the shop to start the new leg of its already interesting life.
The instructions were relatively simple, an all black working gun that could be equally suited in an IWB concealment rig as it would be in a duty rig with the end result being something the owner could pass down to his son. There were some choice modifications that were on the short list of “must haves” with some engraving to make it more personal but for the most part the I had a blank canvas. The gun got a weld up frame and slide fit, Kart barrel, EGW barrel bushing, flattened and serrated slide top, PG rear sight with tritium front, S&A beavertail, EGW thumb safety, Vickers Tactical ignition components, and only the best quality internals throughout the rest of the gun. As with most Combat Government Models the front strap was serrated from the factory… and not too well I might add. I trued the serrations and high-cut the front strap and fit a main spring housing with lanyard loop to match. All lines were straightened, ball-cuts machined into the slide, and the whole works was finished in matte DLC which was one of the “must haves”. The DLC finish is proving to be remarkably durable and a good choice for a long wearing “black” finish. In this case I’m sure it will help insure this gun gives the owner another 20 years of service.
Excellent job Jason. Every time I see your work it makes me miss carrying my 1911’s. Quality build that the owner will be proud to pass down. I know I would.
Thanks for all the kind words guys… getting to build gun like this, seeing them shot, and knowing they are being used and enjoyed is what it’s all about. Thanks again for the comments and to the owner for a very fun project!
I sure like that matte finish. I have an old SIG that I’d like to re-finish one day but it has a stainless slide and an aluminum frame and I am told that the only way to match both is with paint. I don’t know what the DLC finish on this pistol is but I wonder if it is an option. Again, very sweet looking .45.
Paul, you actually got to see this gun run. This was the pistol I used at LAV’s 3 day carbine/pistol class at Blackwater in April, I was part of the Florida contingency and was Team Leader for the Navy Whales, lol. We had a great time at that class.
Rest assured this is not a safe queen. It has seen almost daily carry in a 5 Shot Leather IBS rig also supplied by Jason when the gun shipped back to me in March, and used at the class detailed above. I give it the ocassional rest substituting a Springer Pro or a Colt OACP from Dave Erickson. I teach at the local police academy and as Jason’s work of art is most often my everyday carry, it is fun to see the look on cadets faces at that scary looking cocked and locked thing compared to their glocks. Even better is the look if I share the monetary investment. It is kinda like owning a Harley, if I have to explain it…you wouldn’t understand.
A beautiful example of the Colt Combat Government, I have one as well worked over by Novaks. I keep looking for another, but I have yet to see one for sale anywhere.
And in some circumstances that something “old” has been with the owner for quite some time often sharing a good bit history and invoking the kind of nostalgia that can only come from years spent together. The Colt Combat Government Model this build is based on is one such example.
