Just returned from a visit to my gunsmith to check on the status of my piece that is in for a beavertail grip safety fitting, rear sight change, and trigger job.

Upon leaving the gun with him, I said that I was interested in hearing his critique of the guts used. Initially he was impressed with how "crisp" the trigger action was (in spite of the nearly 6 lb pull). Now that he's opened it up, he has officially pronounced the guts good. There are machine marks, but there was plenty of tolerance available to clean all that up to make for what he anticipates to be a real nice trigger job.

At one point, he said that he'd kind of like to have a Rock Island just to play with in his shop.

So, for those of you keeping score at home, the $325 (incl ship & ffl) RIA is up to $532 (grips, beavertail grip safety (and fitting), rear sight, adj trigger, ext slide safety, and gunsmith labor). Not bad for a "custom" (I use that word very loosely).

I know there are several folks trolling around the forums considering a 1911 purchase. I for one am very pleased with the Rock. It was perfectly acceptable in stock trip (except maybe the grip safety - ouch!), but these modest modifications have been a fun part of the learning process. AND I get a pistol that is exactly to my liking without spending a ton (even though those Nighthawk Talons cause me to have impure thoughts...)

Anyway, just thought I'd share another testimonial here with the Cheap Gun Snob faithful.

--jcd

__________________
"You can have anything in the world you want if you help enough other people get what they want." - Zig Ziglar

Don't forget that ...

__________________
John Caradimas SV1CEC
The M1911 Pistols Organization
http://www.m1911.org

Indeed. When the gun comes back home next week, there will be pictures.

--jcd

__________________
"You can have anything in the world you want if you help enough other people get what they want." - Zig Ziglar

And I bet it's going to be a keeper. You may get other pistols or have other pistols but after all the things that you were involved in with the creation of this one . You will feel different about it. It is a extension of yourself,it was the thoughts that went into it. You could do the same, or buy it already done on a much more expensive pistol. But then the thought is, well is was supposed to be nice I paid enough for it. That's where The Cheap Gun Snobs Club comes in. You are as proud of that Ol' Mutt, as anyone is of their high dollar race gun. Shoot well,and enjoy it.

I've only shot 30 rounds through the RIA before it was admitted to the gunsmith for a little freshening up, but I've had as much fun shopping and deciding what I wanted changed as I have shooting it.

With that said, I shot my dad's new Kimber this weekend. Out of the box it is perfect. Also, out of my budget, but one day, I'll have one. But the idea of a project gun is a hoot.

--jcd

__________________
"You can have anything in the world you want if you help enough other people get what they want." - Zig Ziglar