Re: i need a 1911 smith.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RedCreek</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BigJoe</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Newer kimbers are not good guns, and there isn't a single smith on the list I have on there that is a "assembler. </div></div>
BigJoe is correct. All the shops he listed are top custom 1911 builders. And, the newer Kimbers never cease to amaze me with the poor quality control and cheap parts. They are not even in the same category as Wilson or other top custom/semi-custom brands.
But for a simple diagnostic on a Remingtoon R1, these shops are all overkill. If it works then leave it alone and live with the rattle. If not send it back to Remington. If you cant live with the rattle buy a 1911 with tighter fit/tollerances.
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I didn't say anything about his list, what I actually wrote was:
<span style="font-style: italic">"A LOT of 1911 "smiths" now are really just builders and a LOT MORE of them quit doing repairs and – in fact - no longer do anything custom… they just take a frame/slide off a CNC machine, etc.. fit some parts on it, and ship them out after they make sure they are pretty."</span>
Clarks is a year back-ordered now, and one of them in your list is local too me and as I understand it, no longer taking custom work.. so that's where Hayes Custom Guns may be able to help you out. It's ran by two of Jim Clark Sr's grandsons both of whom are not only raised with Jim Jr. Jerry Miculek, and Kay, working in the shop, but they themselves are VERY active competitive shooters.
They are currently the only people I send my 1911's to when I cant do it myself with my own hand tools and sweat equity.
As a graduate of the Brownells 1911 class taught by a member of the APG and another guy that worked for cylinder and slide, I feel a bit more enlightened as to what it takes to make a 1911 run accurately and reliably. And there are countless dozens of 1911 guildsmen out there - the question is three fold:
1. How long will it take them to do it right?
2. How much will it cost?
3. Do they have experience making them function for decades, retaining stellar accuracy, or just making them pretty?
4. How is their customer service?
I also agree completely with what you guys are saying about Kimbers. They have fallen far, far from grace compared to what the original custom II was 15 years ago for the money.