About Us
What we do
We’re a small shop staffed by two dedicated and experienced gunsmith-craftsmen-artists. Specializing in custom 1911 work and general repairs and restoration of the platform, we also have built a reputation for innovative and eye-catching revolver work for both DA and single action design. While defensive guns in all categories are our focus — due mostly to customer wishes — we enjoy flexing our imaginations with true, full-custom work for the sheer enjoyment of ownership by our clients.
If you have a dream, let us know and we can work with you to make it real.
Glocks, S&W M&P models, Springfield models and various other polymer-based guns are welcome and we can help with either the installation of custom after-market parts, or offer other custom touches as you might favor.
Unlike many specialty shops today, we also enjoy offering “general” gunsmithing, machining, precision TIG welding, various sight cuts, trigger work, checkering and more. If you need your beloved grandfather’s “rusty .22” repaired, we can do it. Check with us if you have a specific repair project in mind and we can let you know what’s possible.
Our shop is equipped with a full-sized precision milling machine, lathe, surface grinder and a complete selection of related tooling and precision hand tools necessary for our work.
We also maintain close relationships with premiere shops in the industry and have often worked with them to bring a customer’s dream-gun to life.
Have a big or small job in mind? We can accommodate.
Sometimes, a simple action job, sight change or repair pays dividends in getting a favorite gun back to work. Don’t ever think a job is “too small” to “bother” us with. On the contrary, the small jobs often start new friendships and open doors to future projects!
To custom or not to custom?
A question often agonized over by gun owners. If it’s a classic model like an early Colt 1911, Peacemaker, S&W and others, chat with us and we can help you decide if it should be left alone, lightly restored to working condition or completely restored to factory new. It may surprise you to know some guns many might consider “too valuable or rare” to customize are, indeed, good contenders as base guns for custom work. We can help you find out what you have, and what your options might be.
Why a Custom Gun?
In the earliest years of Rolls Royce, Sir Henry Royce was frustrated by the inconsistent, low quality of the machine work, parts and engineering he was encountering among his vendors. It prompted him to make changes to the way Rolls Royce would do business.
“Strive for perfection in everything. Take the best that exists and make it better. If it doesn’t exist, create it. Accept nothing nearly right or merely good enough.”
That way of thinking has driven Rolls Royce ever since. If you think of Rolls Royce what comes to mind? Quality, innovation and pride of ownership.
Which is precisely what a custom gun can deliver.
The idea of a custom handgun builds on Sir Henry’s ideals. Take something “adequate” and improve it. If what’s needed doesn’t exist — create it. The leaders in the field are constantly innovating, inventing, crafting and applying those rare skills that only come with experience.
If you’ve never owned a custom handgun you’re missing out on one of the sublime joys in a shooter’s lifetime of experiences. While there are many “good” guns out there and we likely all own many of them — to take a base gun to the next level is satisfying, exciting and rewarding. You’ll own something no-one else has. Something you created in your dreams, then gave wood and steel life to.
Sir Henry also said this: “The quality will remain when the price is forgotten.”
Five, or ten or 40 years from now when you or a family member handles your custom handgun — a smile will creep over their face.
Trust us when we say, that joy simply never goes away!
Shop Notes
Our shop is staffed in a part-time basis due to family obligations and the fact Dusty is still a full-time member of the military! But the work load is intentionally kept light to assure turn-around times are manageable. We also enjoy meeting clients personally and welcome a call to set-up a visit to go over your project. Don’t be shy!
Fixtures
1911 Slide Jig
$100.00
($0.00 shipping)
A fixture designed for bench work. This will allow you to hold a 1911 slide in 45 degree increments to perform functions like shoe shining slide top, adding chamfers, easier access to ejection port, beveling the bottom of the slide etc. NOT DESIGNED FOR MILLING MACHINE OPERATIONS. We assume no risk if you choose to do so.
Fixtures
MSH Checkering Fixture
$75.00
($7.90 shipping)
A fixture that allows you to hold a mainspring housing for checkering on a mill. You could also use to hold for hand checkering . Shank is turned at 7/8 if you choose to mount in a collet.