I have decided that it is time for me to get a “big” boy 1911. After researching countless hours and reading through many forums I have decided on either sending my colt series 70 off to MARS or heirloom precision. I have looked at several threads on both companies. I am looking at getting either the THUG or fighting gun conversion respectively. Wait time is not an issue. Is their anyone out there who owns pistols from both companies who could help guide me into making a decision? Are there any issues from either company i should be aware of? The pistol is will be shot a lot would expect it to handle the rigors of war. Which pistol would be easier to maintain at the individual level? I do not want a blinged out gat but very functional war tool. My hand gun experience has been largely negated to glocks, HK and Beretta. Thanks
Your 70 is built to handle war just like it is. Nothing Heirloom or Mars will do will make the gun function any better if it already runs 100%. Which it should before you get ready to drop $3 or 4K on superfluous ‘upgrades’.
I don’t like stupid tight fit anything as it makes assembly/disassembly an unnecessary PITA, especially bushings.
I don’t like every surface checkered as it gets dinged up, traps dead skin, dirt, etc, and I found that too much grip is fatiguing on a long day. A good matte parkerizing makes it just grippy enough for me.
If I was going to build a work horse Colt, I’d start with a 70 or 80 gov’t, dovetail the front sight, put in a long trigger and parkerize it. I don’t get hammer bite.
After owning (using and carrying) a Wilson, 2 Baers, 1 Ed Brown, 1 Rock River, 4 or 5 Springfield Customs, 2 Alchemy Customs, several custom Colts, and a few good basic Colts, I can tell you that a basic Colt 70 or 80 Gov’t model will do everything a handgun needs to do. Everything else is fluff. Colt builds a solid pistol with good parts and they work. Magazines are the weak link with a 1911 and even a $5K Supergrade has to suffer with the same mags.
It’s just like a full Zev built Glock 34. At the end of the day it’s still a Glock.
You just have to ask yourself if having a hand built 1911 is what you really want, and then choose a builder that has an style that appeals to you. For me, I decided that they were all just toys since I really only carried my J frame or a Glock, and only reached for an AR when I heard a bump in the night…
I agree with samuse on deciding which style and price fit you. But that’s where my agreement stops, no offense samuse lol. Its just that he mentioned specifically he wants a war horse. Yes Colt makes a great gun and my CRG has been very reliable for the most part. However its in need for a trip to Steve’s bench soon.
I don’t have personal experience with either but I can’t imagine going wrong with either 'smith. It sounds like you know your end state. So I would see which of those offer the upgrades you want, with the style you want at the best price point.
As a builder I’ll give my .02 and take it for what it is worth.
Heirloom, you’ll get 30 LPI and a classic look. This is what they do and they don’t go off the path. Assuming Burton does the work you’ll get his name as well as the company on it and he does good visual work. They have a very distinct look and most will know who built it without asking.
MARS and Steve, Steve will give you more options all around. Just like HP/JB he has his own style as well and this is what all the top guys are after.
It comes down more to the style of what you are after more than anything. You will not go wrong with either.
My personal style would lean way over to MARS, but then again I sorta favor that approach.
Just checked out your website for the 1st time and “Former Projects” OH My… LOVE Your WORK man!
My fav. by far is “Classic Simplicity” she’s Beautiful! Then next would be Project 5326… dig it.