[Tornado]

I recently found a Briley Custom Pistol on a Caspian Hi-Cap from at a local dealer. It is chambered in .40 S&W and appears to be well built. No Hi-Caps. They are asking $1099.

What do you guys think of this price and where would I get some Hi-Caps?


Thanks

T

 

[bufford5]

Only info I gathered bout Brileys were from the web site and the 2001 Custom Combat Handguns magazine. As far as I know, the guns coming out of the shop are STI slides, frames and parts put together by Claudio Salassa. Does it have the Briley name on the slide and also what make is the slide? Is it used? As far as price, the Briley Signature .40 goes for about 2k, so it may be a bargain to get it. As far as the Hi-cap magazines, not sure..maybe para or STI mags will work? Are all hi-caps made the same? You might need a second opinion on this, but for the price, it doesnt seem bad at all. My local gun smith can make me one for around $1800.

 

[Tornado]

Bufford5,

Thanks for the info. The Caspian frame has the Briley logo on the grip. I am not sure of the slide, I will have to check it out. I do know it had 1999 American Handgunner Shoot under the ejection port. So it may be a limited edition of some sort.

Regards,

T

 

[eerw]

It most likely is from the Fantom line of guns that briley is marketing. The type of gun was originally built by Fred Craig, I think his is KS someplace. If I can find a number for him, I'll add it. It used the caspian hicap frame as the base and was made in 38 super, 40S&W and 45ACP. He also made one that was gas operated called the Vortax, i think. Then at some time, not sure Briley picked it up.

This from the Briley site. http://www.briley.com/pistol.html
There are couple of photos at the bottom of the page. That is good price if you can find mags as new they are $1800.00

Complete 1911 compact pistol built on a light weight alloy Caspian wide body frame. Includes Briley dovetail front sight / fixed rear sight low mounted / Briley match barrel / lowered and flared ejection port / front and rear cocking serrations / alloy guide rod / Briley extended ejector / match grade trigger - hammer - sear / narrow ambidextrous thumb safety / beavertail grip safety / top of slide flattened and lined 40 lpi. / all parts fitted and tuned / one magazine / hot blue finish on top end, Armor coated lower.

Available in 45ACP / 40 S&W / 9MM / 38 Super
SPECS F-15 F-13 F-10
Caliber 9MM / 38 Super 40 S&W 45 ACP
Capacity 10 Rounds 10 Rounds 8 Rounds
Weight 24 oz. 23 oz. 22 oz.
Barrel Length 3.6" 3.6" 3.6"
Trigger Pull 3.5 lbs. 3.5 lbs. 3.5 lbs.

 

[TaxPhd]

STI/SVI/Para mags will not work in a Caspian. You need to find original Caspian mags (A hit and miss proposition. In fact, I am not even sure of the existence of pre-ban Caspian .40 mags). Fred Craig sells a line of Caspian mag. replacement parts (tubes, followers, base plates).

I have some of the early Craig mags., and while they function fine, it seems that the heat treat may not have done properly. The feed lips seem to bend very easily, and I don't have that problem with original Caspian mags.

HTH

 

[DougC]

Sounds like a prize gun built for the American Handgunner World Shootoff. Only quality 'smiths build guns for the match, it should be a shooter, period! email Paul or Kerry off the website at http://www.sanjuanrange.com and they might be able to tell you who built the gun. Still sounds like a deal, probably guy who won it is selling it for that price to get some cash. good luck and it sounds like a good deal. If it appears near new I would find out who built it and then go from there. Should be a good deal. Good luck and be safe, DougC

 

[BK]

You can contact Fred Craig at 316.665.5084 (Hutchinson, KS). He should be able to help with Caspian "hicap" mags. Fred built me a Fantom F-19R (38 Super racegun) back when I competeted in IPSC. Great gun and Fred's a good guy to deal with.

 

[Tornado]

Thanks for all of the input. I am currently in scheme mode on how to swing it. If I do get it I will post some pics.

Thanks again.

Regards,

T