Full Length Guide Rod

[bluewater8]

I recently purchased a like new enhanced Colt Combat Elite, SN CG05xxxE. It came with a shok-buff on the full length guide rod.

My question is:

Was the shok-buff added by the previous owner or was it part of the stock handgun?

[Baldy]

Added. Throw it away it's not needed. The FLGR isn't needed either, but it will not jam your pistol. Shoot it and enjoy it. Good luck.

[wetidlerjr]

Added. Throw it away it's not needed. The FLGR isn't needed either, but it will not jam your pistol. Shoot it and enjoy it. Good luck.

I agree. FLGR doesn't hurt but it doesn't help either. :D

[JustinTime]

My opinion...toss the buff and the FLGR in lieu for a standard guide rod and guide rod bushing. The FLGR has been proven to be a myth. In fact the only thing it really does is force you to use a bushing wrench to field strip your pistol.

[texagun]

My opinion...toss the buff and the FLGR in lieu for a standard guide rod and guide rod bushing. The FLGR has been proven to be a myth. In fact the only thing it really does is force you to use a bushing wrench to field strip your pistol.

Agreed. I replaced the FLGR's in my Springfield and S&W guns. It makes assembly/disassembly much easier and they all function just fine. JMB must have known what he was doing.

[wetidlerjr]

My opinion...toss the buff and the FLGR in lieu for a standard guide rod and guide rod bushing. The FLGR has been proven to be a myth. In fact the only thing it really does is force you to use a bushing wrench to field strip your pistol.

I have a Combat Commander XSE and I have never had to use a bushing wrench to field strip it.

[wjkuleck]

Right when Wilson first offered the Dwyer Group Gripper in FLGR form, I installed one in my 1918 Remington-UMC. Why? It set my teeth on edge listening to the recoil spring grating inside the dust cover and slide each time I cycled the pistol. Ugh. With the FLGR, no more ugly noise.

So, if your recoil spring isn't noisy, you probably don't need a FLGR ;) . Oh, why the "Group Gripper"? That pistol, which I got from the DCM fifty years ago, was "GI tight," which is to say, quite loose. Back in those days if you wanted to tighten the barrel fit you broke out your welder. Since as a youth I did not have access to a welder, and didn't want to make any permanent alterations, the original Group Gripper (from King's Gun Works, if memory serves) did the trick. Accuracy went from minute of manhole cover to minute of coffee cup (or at least the saucer). No more "standing on the link," or at least standing on a skinny GI link, either. Of course, "standing on the link" was the way to go back then, before we knew better :) .

Don't laugh, it may look funky, but it's been a faithful companion for fifty years, and will be the last gun to go. Here it is in, with the exception of the slide stop, authentic 1960's Jeff Cooper configuration:

http://www.fulton-armory.com/PatchworkColt-800.jpg

Did I mention that if you wanted low-mounted sights you went with the S&W K-frame rear?

Regards,

Walt

[JustinTime]

I have a Combat Commander XSE and I have never had to use a bushing wrench to field strip it.

I can do it too Bill on some FLGR's. However, it is much more difficult to do therefore making it impossible for a lot of people. Much more dertermination and hand strength is required for field stripping when a FLGR is installed. Plus it depends on whom manufactured the FLGR. Some are a tiny bit longer than other. I could do it on the XSE lightweight commander I owned but not on a series 1 Kimber I owned.

[TattooPaul]

I think the FLGR is something that sounds good in theory for tighter groups and better slide action and since folks will pay for 'em, why not get their money? My XSE still has it's FLGR and I have shot just as well with one that had it (and the ambi-safety, FWIW) swapped out. Probably gonna shorten the XSE's and swap the safety as well but right now I'm looking to sell a few items so it may end up in the For Sale thread (with FLGR and ambi-safety :) )

[wjkuleck]

I don't see how the FLGR really helps accuracy or function, alas. While the aforementioned Wilson requires a hex wrench for takedown, the SW1911s I have can be taken down no differently than a pistol with a GI-pattern recoil spring guide.

If you don't have it, you most likely don't need it. If you have it, ignore it.

Regards,

Walt

[dakota1911]

I have played with them, and maybe the Tantalum ones that add weight might be worth looking at for some folk. Be careful of the two piece ones as I have had them loosen up when shooting. If you have one check them after every 50 rounds or so.

[egumpher]

Hello,

With respect to the full length guide rod (FLGR):

All three of my .45 have FLGRs. And believe me that I don't own second rate 45's either. My Colt Lightweight Commander (XSE) has a very lightweight hollow FLGR. My Springfield TRP Operator w/ rail has a FLGR (I will put this one up against just about any .45 out there) and even my Colt New Agent has a FLGR...

It is true that the original design has many honorable design features but I will never complain about my pistols that have a FLGR. Really.

According to Hunter at http://ezine.m1911.org/ColtCombatElite_frame.htm
The Combat Elite has a FLGR stock......Got to luv that.


Best Regards
Eric

[GunN4U]

FLGR's make sense for pistols with bushing-less, bull barrels. The guide rods are drilled approximately at the midpoint to accept a small cotter pin for takedown purposes. Locking the slide back exposes the cotter pin hole allowing insertion of the pin capturing the recoil spring and spring plug as an assembly. This greatly simplifies disassembly/reassembly of the gun.

http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa237/DHRoss_photos/IMGP0344.jpg

[kenhwind]

On the FLGR, I thought this might of interest:

“The Colt .45 Automatic A Shop Manual”
By; Jerry Kuhnausen;. Copyright 1986, 87, 89, 1990 by Jerry Kuhnausen; page 153

“Full-Length Recoil Spring Guides
When the stem of the recoil guide is extended to full length, the recoil spring has full middle support. This allows even compression of the spring coils as the slide moves to the rear. The stem holds the spring on centerline, preventing bind and making the absorption of recoil more uniform. This thrust centering makes the slide cycling consistent and helps feeding and extraction.”

Used without permission; no copyright infringement intended, and my source is credited as it should be.

For a more in depth read:
“The U.S. M1911 / M1911A1 Pistols & Commercial M1911 type Pistols a shop Manual”
By; Jerry Kuhnausen; Copyright1997 by Jerry Kunhausen: page 192
“About recoil assembly weight, slide recoil, and barrel linkdown-“

Ken

[BT2012]

The only thing a FLGR does for you is that it require you to use a tool to take the 1911 apart. Keep in mind, the recommended change of recoil spring is approximately 2-3,000 rounds. I don't recall any issues when approaching this round count. You don't need a shock buff as long as you use the proper recoil spring for the load you are shooting and replacing at the recommended intervals.

[wjkuleck]

The only thing a FLGR does for you is that it require you to use a tool to take the 1911 apart

That was true of early designs, not so of newer ones. The FLGR on my S&W 1911s, for example, takes down without the need for any tool whatsoever. The guide rod proper is the length of the dust cover, allowing room for the hollow recoil spring plug to be depressed and the bushing turned in the customary manner.

As I posted earlier, I am an agnostic on the subject of FLGRs. An early Wilson FLGR "Group Gripper" did wonders for my 1918 Remington-UMC, to which I am loath to make permanent modifications. However, I have no interest in installing them in any of my other 1911s, because the specific circumstances of that pistol have never come up again. If the pistol comes with one, such as the S&Ws, I simply ignore their presence as they have no effect on my interactions with the pistol.

Regards,

Walt

[JustinTime]

FLGR's are only in the new Colt because the buying public think they are necessary to be state of the art these days. No other reason. They do not enhance the funtionality of the pistol in any way whatsoever. How long have government models been around? How long were they reliable before FLGR's were designed? The FLGR came about with the gamers. Then the someone thought...well if they use it it must be better. Manufacturers picked up on the fact that the buying public is enamored with what celebrities use. So they started installing FLGR's in their pistols.

[JustinTime]

Hello,

With respect to the full length guide rod (FLGR):

All three of my .45 have FLGRs. And believe me that I don't own second rate 45's either. My Colt Lightweight Commander (XSE) has a very lightweight hollow FLGR. My Springfield TRP Operator w/ rail has a FLGR (I will put this one up against just about any .45 out there) and even my Colt New Agent has a FLGR...

It is true that the original design has many honorable design features but I will never complain about my pistols that have a FLGR. Really.

According to Hunter at http://ezine.m1911.org/ColtCombatElite_frame.htm
The Combat Elite has a FLGR stock......Got to luv that.


Best Regards
Eric

Really???? Because Les Baer pistols do not posses FLGR's. They are extremely reliable and more accurate than any of the pistols you mention. ED Brown doesn't use FLGR's either. Wilson and Nighthawk use them but have no problem using a standard guide rod for if asked.

[auto45]

I love FLGR posts. :)

I think they help on loose slide/frame fits. Help means a more centered, consistent slide action on the frame. Less rattles, more consistent ejection.
An "extra" rail so to speak.

That means, to me, more reliability.

Not noticable on a well fit 1911 I suspect. Which means most production models would probably benefit from one. Take-down is the same for mine, because you need a bushing wrench either way.

[JustinTime]

I love FLGR posts. :)

I think they help on loose slide/frame fits. Help means a more centered, consistent slide action on the frame. Less rattles, more consistent ejection.
An "extra" rail so to speak.

That means, to me, more reliability.

Not noticable on a well fit 1911 I suspect. Which means most production models would probably benefit from one. Take-down is the same for mine, because you need a bushing wrench either way.


They do not tighten up a poorly fit pistols frame to slide fit. Nor do they aide in more consistent reliability. I have Colt pistols with standard guide rods, rattle like a bucket of bolts, never malfuctioned and are one hole guns at 10 yards. You are correct to needing a bushing wrench though to disassemble Les Baer pistols. Don't think you need one with any of the other semi customs.

[kenhwind]

There might be one advantage to a FLGR: It holds the upper slide assembly together when removed. If someone was using a Conversion Unit they would not have to dissasemble the gun, just remove the upper, and switch calibers.
They certainly aren't necessary. I need a bushing wrench with my MKIV Series 70s.

Ken

[OD*]

I need a bushing wrench with my MKIV Series 70s.

Ken
That is a good way to ruin a collet bushing, retract the slide about a 1/4" and remove by hand.

[A.B.]

...first offered the Dwyer Group Gripper in FLGR form, I installed one in my 1918 Remington-UMC. Why? It set my teeth on edge listening to the recoil spring grating inside the dust cover and slide each time I cycled the pistol. Ugh. With the FLGR, no more ugly noise.I remember those, and the "scritch," too. Very popular on pistols that were getting the last bit of life shot out of them.

...I need a bushing wrench with my MKIV Series 70s.Does it have a collet bushing?


IIRC, the Barsto collet-bushing barrels were popular back then, too, you don't see those anymore. That was a fad, apparently, although I really like my collet-bushing Colt.

[A.B.]

That is a good way to ruin a collet bushing, retract the slide about a 1/4" and remove by hand.Right, I meant to say that. Posting at the same time. :p

[OD*]

Right, I meant to say that. Posting at the same time. :p
Great minds amigo. ;)

[kenhwind]

My guns are 37 and 34 years old and have been shot an awlfull lot. I do not think that I can hurt them now.
But you are correct, I've seen people take a bushing wrench to a brand new MKIV.
I installed the FLGR when they were in vogue. Even though I posted the info above, because I found it of interest, I could live without the FLGR.
The .45 needs a new barrel anyway.

Ken

[OD*]

My guns are 37 and 34 years old and have been shot an awlfull lot. I do not think that I can hurt them now.
It's not the shooting that hurts the collect bushings. :D

[A.B.]

Great minds amigo... ;) Walt got me thinking about the old days, collet bushings were on the tip of my tongue, anyway.
Now I have an itch to take the GC out. :p

It's not the shooting that hurts the collect bushings. :DExactly, that's why you don't see them anymore. I thought the Barsto ones were pretty nice, I think they had three fingers, instead. I recall they had the same problems with returns, that Colt did later. Still no match for a wrench.

Anyway, I bought Beta, too.

[OD*]

I recall they had the same problems with returns, that Colt did.
Yep, same reason too. ;)

And there are still those people that "just know" Colt invented the collet bushing. :D


Anyway, I bought Beta, too.
Ouch. :p

[kenhwind]

It's not the shooting that hurts the collect bushings. :D
The .45 is on number three, my btothers gun number two.
It was a good idea that didn't work out that well.

Ken

[OD*]

The .45 is on number three, my btothers gun number two.
It was a good idea that didn't work out that well.

Ken
There are a whole lot more "out there" that didn't break, than those that did, and if I had to guess, it was from improper take-down. In all the years I've own Colt's, I have seen one that broke on a Gold Cup of a friends.

[kenhwind]

A finger broke on number one his gun also, but after that post I thought about the twisting motion, because number two was busted at the collar.
Cracked barrel lug anyway.
I've probably shot well over a hundred thousand rounds out of my .45 in 37 years, with some immature reloads too. recoil spring neglect. I love my ole Colt. My old man bought it for me.

Ken

[auto45]

They do not tighten up a poorly fit pistols frame to slide fit. Nor do they aide in more consistent reliability.

Don't agree, but the good part about the 1911 is you can have either way.

[kenhwind]

I just removed the FLGR out of my MKIV Series 70 Super .38, or if you prefer .38 Super Auto.
Because of the MKIV collet bushing mainly.

Ken

I read an article once upon a time and the conclusion was that the "group gripper" improved accuracy more than any single change. of course NM parts help also.

[JustinTime]

Don't agree, but the good part about the 1911 is you can have either way.

This is true.

[dogdollar]

FLGR's are great.
They will "smooth out" just about any slab by not allowing the bulge of the recoil spring to rake against the inside of the receiver. Think of them as a third rail. They keep the top section of the gun neatly in one piece for a quick and simple disassembly/assembly. They add just a touch of weight to the front end which retards muzzle flip. They make it impossible for you to inadvertently eject a round (maybe your last) by bumping the front of the gun into something.
Funny.....you will find more people who honest-to God would have you buy a titanium hammer strut before you buy a FLGR. Ridiculous.
Others will say you need tools to take the gun down if you have a FLGR. Ridiculous.
The reason some makers offer them on their top of the line guns is they want you to understand that all bases have been covered; that every aspect of the gun has been optimized.
Of course, I don't speak for Wilson and Brown....like these other folks pretend to, but I'm sure they have an inside source.

DD

[JustinTime]

FLGR's have been discussed here a number of times. A quick use of the search funtion would've proven this. Your right Tim; FLGR's do aid in extraction and feeding. I think Tuner said it best in post number 7 of the following thread.

http://forum.m1911.org/showthread.php?t=37492&highlight=FLGR

This thread is in fact the first thread I can remember where so many people are touting the greatness of the FLGR.

[JustinTime]

Of course, I don't speak for Wilson and Brown....like these other folks pretend to, but I'm sure they have an inside source.

Nor do I. I simply know what they put in their guns I see for sale. That isn't a good indication for knowing where they stand on the idea? If Brown thought they were the best thing since slided bread...don't you think he'd install them in his firearms? Since you own a Brown; I would think you'd know how stict he is on the build sheet on his guns.

[JustinTime]

Here is a plethora of threads on FLGR's. I do stand corrected on one fact though. FLGR's can aid an extremely sloppy 1911 style pistol with excessive slop in vertical play on the frame to slide fit.

http://forum.m1911.org/search.php?searchid=606072

Oh yeah, you can't press check your weapon with a FLGR either.

[dogdollar]

Nor do I. I simply know what they put in their guns I see for sale. That isn't a good indication for knowing where they stand on the idea? If Brown thought they were the best thing since slided bread...don't you think he'd install them in his firearms? Since you own a Brown; I would think you'd know how stict he is on the build sheet on his guns.

My Ed Brown arrived with a FLGR.
DD

[JustinTime]

My Ed Brown arrived with a FLGR.
DD

I stand corrected. I forgot you have a commander lenth gun. You have quite a bit more Baer models than I. Did any of them come with an FLGR. Mainly the Ultimate Master? I've never been lucky enough to handle one. I use it for example as it is considered to be the top of the line. Agreed?

[dogdollar]

Here is a plethora of threads on FLGR's. I do stand corrected on one fact though. FLGR's can aid an extremely sloppy 1911 style pistol with excessive slop in vertical play on the frame to slide fit.

http://forum.m1911.org/search.php?searchid=606072

Oh yeah, you can't press check your weapon with a FLGR either.

Yes, you can. Just pull the slide back a little bit. You shouldn't have your hand that close to the muzzle anyway.

[JustinTime]

Yes, you can. Just pull the slide back a little bit. You shouldn't have your hand that close to the muzzle anyway.

I typically use the FCS on my pistols that have them for that very purpose. And I do agree with you about having your hand so close to the muzzle of a loaded weapon.

[dogdollar]

I stand corrected. I forgot you have a commander lenth gun. You have quite a bit more Baer models than I. Did any of them come with an FLGR. Mainly the Ultimate Master? I've never been lucky enough to handle one. I use it for example as it is considered to be the top of the line. Agreed?

Please, Justin - don't get me wrong.
The FLGR is not the end-all, be-all thing to have. Most of my guns do not have them....but the few (4) that do are noticeably smoother in cycling. I would recommend them over LOTS of other after-market bells and whistles that people seem more than happy to buy.
Also, since my original post has been edited with no notification or permission, I respectfully withdraw from this discussion.

DD

P.S. NONE of my Baers have had FLGRS, you are correct, and they are slicker than cow snot on a tailgate.

[JustinTime]

Please, Justin - don't get me wrong.
The FLGR is not the end-all, be-all thing to have. Most of my guns do not have them....but the few (4) that do are noticeably smoother in cycling. I would recommend them over LOTS of other after-market bells and whistles that people seem more than happy to buy.
Also, since my original post has been edited with no notification or permission, I respectfully withdraw from this discussion.

DD

P.S. NONE of my Baers have had FLGRS, you are correct, and they are slicker than cow snot on a tailgate.

Thanks for the clarification on the Baer. Take care.

[kenhwind]

From a manufacturing point of view the bored through recoil spring plug might be more economical than one with a bored in tunnel and then checkered.
I would not have thought that the FLGR was such an issue.

Ken

[OD*]

Also, since my original post has been edited with no notification or permission, I respectfully withdraw from this discussion.

DD
What number post was this, Dog? I've looked through all your posts in this thread and have only found where you have edited your own posts, maybe I missed one.

[John]

Just for the record, no moderator or administrator has edited DD's posts in here. The only edits (and one deletion) that I see, where done by DD himself.

[wjkuleck]

At the risk of hijacking the thread, from an unpublished manuscript:

"The Series 70 incorporated a collet, or finger type barrel bushing. This type of bushing was first introduced by Bar-Sto Precision Machine for use with a purpose-designed 1911 barrel. The “springiness” of the Bar-Sto collet fingers provided a relatively tight barrel-to-bushing fit without the cost of hand-fitting the barrel and bushing as was done by custom pistolsmiths since the beginning of M1911 competition use in the ‘20’s.

"However, the Colt design differed from the Bar-Sto design. Rather than relying on finger spring tension to permit shot-to-shot repeatability of muzzle positioning as the Bar-Sto bushing provided, the Colt bushing was more of a “draw collet,” similar to that used in a drill chuck. The Colt bushing, unlike the Bar-Sto bushing, required careful fitting, particularly to the slide. While the Bar-Sto bushing proved to be longlived and reliable, the Colt bushing has developed a reputation over the years of broken collet fingers and jammed pistols."

Regards,

Walt

[A.B.]

...At the risk of hijacking the thread...Thank you, Walt, I see I misspelled the Stone family's company, again, Bar-Sto. It's no excuse, but I guess I've been through Barstow (flinch) too many times.

Let me recall, the Bar-Sto tapered barrel/collet bushing set had five fingers (not three, as I thought earlier); the larger one on the bottom was stationary, and the other four pushed the barrel down against it, right? As opposed to our Colts, which put even pressure on the tapered accurizor barrel. (?)

What I liked then was the drop-in feature, although you could hard-fit them, too. It was another solution for older guns, along with the group-gripper, Didn't those (grippers) come with a link, too?

Thanks, Walt
AB

[wjkuleck]

Thank you, Walt, I see I misspelled the Stone family's company, again, Bar-Sto. It's no excuse, but I guess I've been through Barstow (flinch) too many times.

Let me recall, the Bar-Sto tapered barrel/collet bushing set had five fingers (not three, as I thought earlier); the larger one on the bottom was stationary, and the other four pushed the barrel down against it, right? As opposed to our Colts, which put even pressure on the tapered accurizor barrel. (?)

What I liked then was the drop-in feature, although you could hard-fit them, too. It was another solution for older guns, along with the group-gripper, Didn't those (grippers) come with a link, too?

Thanks, Walt
AB

My pleasure. Yes, the Group Gripper includes a wide link, made specifically for "standing on the link."

According to Dean Grennell (second hand) and Patrick Sweeney (Gun Digest Book of the 1911, Vol. 2) Irving gave up on the Bar-Sto collet because his customers kept removing the bushing from the barrel, which stressed the fingers repeatedly, which eventually led to broken fingers. At the time (to paraphrase and balderize Elmer Keith, "Yes, I was there") the Bar-Sto barrel was the cat's meow.

We have to remember that in the day if you wanted to fit the barrel lugs to the slide, or the feet to the frame and the pin, or extend the thumb safety or...you broke out the welder. All the cool stuff we take for granted today simply didn't exist. A Group Gripper and Bar-Sto collect barrel would make a tired, worn GI M1911A1 sing.

Today we look down on this "band-aid" stuff, because, frankly, we're spoiled. I'm reminded of the old recipe for rabbit stew: "First, catch a rabbit." Back then if you wanted a "built" M1911, you started with a Colt. None of this oversize slides & frames business that you lap into perfection; no, you squeezed the slide, you peened the rails, and you welded.

Yep, they truly were the "bad old days" ;) .

Regards,

Walt

[OD*]

Thank you, Walt, I see I misspelled the Stone family's company, again, Bar-Sto. It's no excuse, but I guess I've been through Barstow (flinch) too many times.

Let me recall, the Bar-Sto tapered barrel/collet bushing set had five fingers (not three, as I thought earlier); the larger one on the bottom was stationary, and the other four pushed the barrel down against it, right? As opposed to our Colts, which put even pressure on the tapered accurizor barrel. (?)

What I liked then was the drop-in feature, although you could hard-fit them, too. It was another solution for older guns, along with the group-gripper, Didn't those (grippers) come with a link, too?

Thanks, Walt
AB
If you really want to learn about Bar-Sto, contact Crazy John, he worked for the late Irv and Barbara Stone.

[A.B.]

If you really want to learn about Bar-Sto, contact Crazy John, he worked for the late Irv and Barbara Stone.That's right, but I kind of have an itch I can't really afford right now. It is more sensible if I wait a month or two, before I call him about anything. :p

...All the cool stuff we take for granted today simply didn't exist. A Group Gripper and Bar-Sto collect barrel would make a tired, worn GI M1911A1 sing...Today we look down on this "band-aid" stuff, because, frankly, we're spoiled...Great post, so true.

You already mentioned the S&W "K" frame adjustable sight...Want an over-travel screw on a trigger, but the target triggers are way too wide? Drill and tap it; how do you set the screw, without color-coded liquid? With a nyloc set screw!

There was a trick to add life to the hammer, that involved a little bit of rod and solder beneath the sear notch.

And I won't mention what everyone did to their grip safeties...Thank you, Walt!

[wjkuleck]

That's right, but I kind of have an itch I can't really afford right now. It is more sensible if I wait a month or two, before I call him about anything. :p

Great post, so true.

You already mentioned the S&W "K" frame adjustable sight...Want an over-travel screw on a trigger, but the target triggers are way too wide? Drill and tap it; how do you set the screw, without color-coded liquid? With a nyloc set screw!

There was a trick to add life to the hammer, that involved a little bit of rod and solder beneath the sear notch.

And I won't mention what everyone did to their grip safeties...Thank you, Walt!

You're welcome, and in turn you're bring back even more memories! My original 1911 grip safety still has vestiges of epoxy on the...well, we definitely won't go there.

Anybody notice the Silva hammer on the Rem-UMC picture on Page 1 of the thread?

Best regards,

Walt

[A.B.]

Anybody notice the Silva hammer on the Rem-UMC picture on Page 1 of the thread?Yep :cool: , and some other things. Her visit to Augusta Arsenal, too. :) Great pistol.

all the best,
AB

[JustinTime]

And I won't mention what everyone did to their grip safeties

Ahhh, finally something I know. But only because OD told me before. I've just been sitting back learning from you "old" guys. :D Ya'll truly contain a lot of knowledge between the three of you.

[A.B.]

Thanks, Justin, they're experts, I was just around, back then. But I am old. :p

I know some of the tricks, probably because money always seemed so scarce. Never had the $$ for a gun by the late F. Bob Chow. :(

[JustinTime]

Thanks, Justin, they're experts, I was just around, back then. But I am old. :p

I know some of the tricks, probably because money always seemed so scarce. Never had the $$ for a gun by Bob Chow. :(

I have heard Bob Chow was one of the great smiths. I have not seen any of his work though. How would you rate his work compared to John Harrison.

[OD*]

You got the old part correct, Justin. :D

[wjkuleck]

Thanks, Justin, they're experts, I was just around, back then. But I am old. :p

I know some of the tricks, probably because money always seemed so scarce. Never had the $$ for a gun by Bob Chow. :(

About 25 years ago I stopped in at Bob Chow's gun shop in San Francisco (!) to shake his hand. He gave me one of his bushing wrenches as a souvenir.

That's as close as I've gotten to an F. Bob Chow pistol.

Regards,

Walt

[wjkuleck]

Yep :cool: , and some other things. Her visit to Augusta Arsenal, too. :) Great pistol.

all the best,
AB

This is a CMP pistol from around 1960. It had mostly 1911 components, with a replacement slide. I still have all the original pieces, including the slide. When we put the K-sights on it, we used a (used) '50's commercial slide.

Regards,

Walt

[kenhwind]

I remember reading about all of the above, when I was about 15, Almost 40 years ago.

Ken

[A.B.]

I have heard Bob Chow was one of the great smiths. I have not seen any of his work though. How would you rate his work compared to John Harrison.
I can't judge, myself, not owning one of either. The late Mr. Chow's pistols have a feel to them, is all I can say. Particularly the guns with lightened slides. What I mean is, there are lightened slides, and then there are his lightened slides...

I'd say that they don't call it a "Guild" for nothing, they are all great, and different. :)

[wjkuleck]

I remember reading about all of the above, when I was about 15, Almost 40 years ago.

Ken

Fifteen was nearly 50 years ago, for me :) ...

Regards,

Walt

[JustinTime]

About 25 years ago I stopped in at Bob Chow's gun shop in San Francisco (!) to shake his hand. He gave me one of his bushing wrenches as a souvenir.

That's as close as I've gotten to an F. Bob Chow pistol.

Regards,

Walt

Pretty cool Walt.

[wjkuleck]

Pretty cool Walt.

And...here it is!

http://www.fulton-armory.com/BobChowBushingWrench-600.jpg

Regards,

Walt

[A.B.]

Thank you, Walt. :cool:

[wjkuleck]

De nada.

Best regards,

Walt

[A.B.]

Walt was kind enough to send me the patent on the Silva hammer in his pistol, here is the drawing (hope you don't mind, Walt :) ):

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t316/gordonsorensen/MarionoSilvaadjhammer.jpg
U.S. Patent #3,683,537, Mariano Silva, June 7, 1971

"The hammer is a standard shaped hammer having two drilled and tapped holes as well as a sleeve sweated in. One screw traveling through he sleeve acts as an adjusting screw and the other is a locking screw. The adjusting screw acts directly against the sear and controls the amount of sear-hammer notch engagement."

This is adjustable from 4-14 pounds, using an Allen wrench. This is similar to the "trick" I mentioned--only it is adjustable. Neat!


OK, the above has nothing to do with FLGRs, but this kind of applies, at least as an idea:

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t316/gordonsorensen/ViSM35fieldstripped.jpg
ViS Model of 1935, mfg. Fabryka Borni, Radom, circa 1941-3

A telescoping guide rod.

[wjkuleck]

Now I'm gonna have to get out the Radom and field strip it...

Regards,

Walt