This weight thing sounds like a problem with a solution no farther than your local dealer. Aren’t the 4.25 barrel Smiths with the scandium frame pretty light and reliable?
I’ve never had an issue with the weight, but the long 5" barrel makes the gun uncomfortable when sitting. I’m thinking of buying a commander length bobtail 1911.
I had one, and it was a shooter. Liked it so much, I had custom built gun using Ti frame in commander length which was my CCW for many years. The owner of my local gun store (who obviously has access to anything he wants) now carries it as his CCW.
Hum…… I would not put Hilton any where near the top of a tier 1911 smith list. Not even close. Just my .02, but then again what the hell do I know.
Carry whatever makes you feel warm and tingly. Just make sure you know how to use it.
well said. I’m sure you popped some people’s bubbles though lol.
I put Hilton there because others who know 1911’s far better than I do put him there and he’s been a highly respected source of all things 1911 for a long time it seems. However, I’m no 1911 smith and no expert on 1911s, so my ranking him as such was third party intel. I had thought he was highly regarded in 1911 circles, but as you say, but then again what the hell do I know. 
People spend far more time on the pistol than they should and far less time on the person.
I would not put Hilton any where near the top of a tier 1911 smith list. Not even close. Just my .02, but then again what the hell do I know.
Absolutely. He is a smart businessman and a good doodad maker.
I like Hilton because of the respect he gets in the duty side of the 1911. He builds reliable duty guns. No frills no sjiny stuff. I am not saying he is at the top, just when it comes to carry and defensive use of a 1911 he knows a few things.
Hilton has more (non-military) operational experience with the 1911 than most people on earth. He is well respected.
I don’t know anything about Yam’s pistols, but he is a good resource for info regarding reliability. His parts are weird looking to me, I never owned any 10-8 stuff.
He knows how to set up a Good 1911 to be used without trouble. So does Vickers.
Fancy machine work and seamless fitting is very cool, but adds zero functionality to a pistol.
It’s a proven point that the 1911 platform is no longer preferred for combat roles in lieu of more modern designs offering greater reliability as well as simplicity. While total reliability can be achieved with the 1911 platform, having to spend $3000+ to fix the platform’s issues is cost prohibitive to most. With that said, Hilton Yam is well recognized as one of the top tier 1911 smiths in the business. The comment above coming from someone advertising their own business is questionable at best.
Does Hilton even work on 1911s anymore?
At this point IIRC I think he only produces quality 1911 components and no longer provides gunsmithing services for 1911’s. His company is 10-8 Performance.
His parts are weird looking? He builds some of the most basic yet extremely durable parts. They have great engineering to them. Install easily and look good imo. I dont think he builds 1911s anymore. But he was definitely better known as a tuner than a full on builder. I am not trying to say Hilton is the best of the best just I think some people look at him as a builder vs a tuner and knowledgeable source of info.
The 1911 Jason built for Todd Greene is Awesome! I do not think it has been referenced yet but you guys should check it out.
Yam has built many a full house 1911, of that you can be sure. He trained with John Miller, Ken Hackathorn, and Larry Vickers as well as others for smith work. His guns are coveted by many. I know the former listed gents have spoken highly of Yam. I’ll take their word for it…your mileage may vary.
On what planet does it cost 3 grand to get a 1911 to run reliably? Can this myth be dropped already, it’s getting old.
On what planet does it cost 3 grand to get a 1911 to run reliably?
Agreed. For some reason people think that the fact that you CAN spend 3k on making a 1911 into a bespoke blaster means you must. You can just pick up a regular Colt 1911 and go blasting for around $800.
I agree with Greg and Beschatten. On the other hand, I do consider my 2 expensive 1911’s my “why does a dog lick his balls” guns.