Need a Bulleye Gunsmith for my 1911.

I'm looking for a gunsmith to work up one of my 1911s for Bullseye. It's a Colt (Series 80) is pretty decent shape. I need the whole kit and caboodle. I need a new ramped barrel and all the milling to go with it. I need the ejection cutout dropped, a rail mounted, tightening the overall tolerances and, of course, trigger work.

Does anyone know of a Gunsmith specializing in Wads, that doesn't have a huge waiting list and, does anyone know the cost I am looking at for the milling/fitting (not including the parts costs of the barrel, new trigger/seer, rail/dot, grip safety, etc.) ?

If you are looking for,both a good and not back logged pistol smith you may have a better shot at the lottery! However you might try KC at KC'S Kustoms, Roddy Toyota or Dave Sayler. Other choice would be buying a Les Baer or a good used wad gun.

Most custom built guns are going to be a year or two wait. Reworking your might be faster but I would not hold my breath. Nothing against the great pistol smiths out there but they are but a few and in demand!

There were a couple range offers on here for $850 or so, that is a good buy for a 2" gun, that should get you to expert and beyond.

Besides those mentioned, I've used Alex Hamilton. Gregg Derr seems to know all the ins and outs of a bullseye pistol, although I haven't used him.

Try Jim Milks at Innovative Custom Guns. I have been very pleased with his work and, if you live in PA, it will be a drive out Rt 30 to get to his shop. You will actually be able to discuss what you want accomplished face to face and save the aggravation and expense of mailing. His phone number is 814-766-3004 and I believe the web site is innovativecustomguns.com.

shaky452 wrote:Try Jim Milks at Innovative Custom Guns. I have been very pleased with his work and, if you live in PA, it will be a drive out Rt 30 to get to his shop. You will actually be able to discuss what you want accomplished face to face and save the aggravation and expense of mailing. His phone number is 814-766-3004 and I believe the web site is innovativecustomguns.com.

Oh, hell. I live right off Rt. 30. Perhaps (and by perhaps, I mean definitely) I'll have to check him out.

Well, I just looked on Google Maps and it is a bit of a stroll down Rt. 30, for me -- 3 1/2 hours, actually. But still might consider it. I suppose you already knew that, since you obviously saw my location in the sidebar and thus knew I was in PA, off Rt. 30. Silly me.

Let me ask another question about tolerances. I know you obvious don't what much of any slop in your slide, but on a solid gun like a Colt, is a properly fitted barrel with properly milled lugs enough to take out any slop? Are Colts known to to tight enough that at most it would need to be squeezed a tad in a vise or it there often a need to build up a welded bead to close up the gaps?

I realized every gun has it's own issues and no one can really say what MINE needs without seeing it. I guess it's more or a "in general" type question.

Oh, last question. If, on any non-stress areas that did need metal added to close of gaps at tighten tolerances, do you think it would be sufficient to braze on some metal, or is welding steel actually a necessity (needless to say, the frame and slide are all steel)?

Here's another PA. smith. He's in Slippery Rock.He specializes in bullseye.

http://hallstoncustom.com/

gunsmith@embarqmail.com

I've used KC twice. Great guy. Reasonable prices, quick turnaround.

http://kcskustomcreations.com/

There are a lot of ways to look at this Eric. A real good BE gun from the tops pistolsmiths is not going to get done fast. Joe Chambers Chambers Custom Pistols is in my opinion the best there is for a 1911. Not only is his work accurate, you get a 100% reliable 1911 and a friend out of the deal.

You may want to consider talking with him (and yes he will talk to you) and discuss options, such as sending your Colt his direction now and maybe picking up a good Springfield RO, or 9132LP to get you in the game.

There are two thought process in this sport when it comes to buying equipment, buy the best you can right off the bat and never buy again or buy something to get you started and enjoying the sport and upgrade later or have a gun built for you. The nice thing about upgrading or a custom build is you have a good backup or second gun to borrow someone else to try.

Shoot Joe an email or give him a call it will be worth your time.

I feel bad for not giving my pistolsmith a plug earlier in this thread. Joe Chambers is an ambassador for the sport and just one hell of a nice guy that has an unequalled passion for building accurate, reliable and beautiful 1911's. His guns took 26 different matches or Championships and set two new National records this year. I won the Wisconsin Indoor Championship, placed 5th out of 300+ in Expert class at Perry this year and my scores just keep going up, fired a person best 1695 at a match a couple weeks ago. I am beating on the door of Master Classification which is my goal and honestly would not have gotten to this level without Joe and his support. "Good things come to those that wait"

My .02 worth.