[Desert Dog]

We seem to be talking mostly about carry guns, but I know there is a whole 'nother world of shooters using custom built pistols based on some variation of the 1911 theme. Who are the best racegun builders out there AND what sets them apart from the rest? Anyone have any photos of their cool raceguns to post? I wouldn't mind seeing a few vintage guns too, as it is always interesting to see the evolution of this style of gun. Amazing how many different comps and optical sight combinations people have tried.

DD

 

[RMLamey]

I never race with a gun, but if i did, Chuck Rogers would build it.

Now mind you, ive only seen pics, but his skill level is apparent even in a pic.

That said, i would still rather have a tastefully done carry gun than any race gun ive ever seen, or that has ever been built.

 

[38 Super Combat Commander]

I don`t have a race gun at this time.But if I could have one from anyone it would be built by Larry Vickers.

 

[Desert Dog]

38 SCC,

Not to sound disagreeable (and realizing yours is a hypothetical answer), but wouldn't it make more sense for one to pick a smith specializing in that area? There is a fair amount of skill in getting a racegun setup to run right with compensators and optical mounts, etc.. While certainly not beyond any of the best smiths ability to learn, it is away from where many smiths experience lies. No flame intended, just ofering some food for thought.

DD

 

[38 Super Combat Commander]

I think Larry could make a racegun work.I just love the way his combat guns look.Plus my racegun would not have an optic scope on it seeing I only like open sights.Also if I went to war I wouldn`t want the US Army Armorer to be incharge of my sidearm even though that is their specialty.Any how it is a hypothetical question and think how much a Larry Vickers racegun would be worth if it was the only one.

 

[TaxPhd]

I can't believe tha I am the only one who will admit to running on the Dark Side! :grin:

This is a Caspian HI-Cap in 38 SuperComp built by Rusty Kidd in Atlanta. Rusty has a pretty good reputation in the race gun arena. This gun ALWAYS works. Every time. Weak grip, limp wristed, stretched around a weak side barricade, strong hand, weak hand, it doesn't matter, it always goes "Bang!"

Anyone who has shot much Open class, or watched it being shot, can vouch to the number of very expensive guns that fail. It is always funny to listen to the proud owners of these expensive boat anchors go on and on about how their gun is terrific, and about how wonderful their gunsmith is, while at the same time they are trying to analyze why they just had a failure to feed/extract, or whatever. On a $3,000 gun! Amazing. If your gun doesn't fire, in competition or on the street, it's worthless. For many people, the Emperor truly has no clothes.

In addition to being absolutely reliable, this gun shoots 1.5 - 2" groups at 25 yds., and if I do my part it will sometimes shoot three shot cloverleafs.

Pretty standard configuration - C-more, Schumann 3 port Hybrid barrel, STI six port comp., ambi's, long trigger. Frame and grip safety have been re-contoured to give the best feeling grip I have ever experienced on a Caspian. High cut under the trigger guard.

 

[eerw]

If you thought the 1911 one of the greatest pistols..IT IS THE GREATEST PISTOL as a race gun..

Here are two of mine... :smile:

The trouble with open class raceguns is you are always changing, experimenting and tweaking...I have progressed through 8 race guns in 10 years of competitive ipsc shooting ranging from iron sights to dots, single chamber to 4 chamber/7 port comps, from 9mm major, 38 super, 9x21, 38 super comp. Then you have Limited class race guns..with tungsten barrel sleeves, fiber optic front sight, long dustcovers, etc. Only went through two of those. Then of course is the collection of gun suitable for carry. Must admit I still have most of those.

Anyway there is no denying a carry gun must be 100% reliable..your prize is your life...a game gun must be 100% reliable to win...There are a lot of pistolsmiths out there..most of them can make a gun work most of the time..few can make a gun run all the time...fewer can make them run all the time AND a work of art...





<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: eerw on 2001-05-03 02:09 ]</font>

 

[Recon]

EGW, George builds some of the best raceguns you'll find. The AMU and Doug Koenig use them. Doug has won more titles in different styles than just about anyone. The toughest part of a racegun is picking the things that work out from the BS that just costs you big $$. George will tell you what works the best for most people and not just sell you stuff to make a buck. The man is honest and stands behind his product 150%. The world would be a lot better if more people followed his lead. I'd include pictures but I spend my $ on toys that go bang not the hi tech stuff to take digital pictures. Just go to his website to see the work he does.

Recon

 

[Bob Londrigan]

Here are a couple of pictures for you.

A point to remember when looking for someone to build a racegun. The comps and optics do take some getting used to. You need to buy from someone who competes and uses these types of guns. The technology is still changing and people are coming up with new ideas all the time. You need someone that is up to date on what is going on. You will also need someone who can assess your skill level from talking to you and build you a gun that will work best for you. Not everyone has the same needs - a D class shooter that weighs 150 lbs, shoots 500 rounds a month, has small hands,and has only been shooting for 6 months, does not need the same gun as an M class shooter that weighs 200 lbs, has large hands, shoots 2000 rounds a month and has been shooting for 10 years.

In addition the added weight of the comp (especially the long ones) reduces the amount of energy available for recoil and makes the guns a lot more finicky. Problems in construction that would never surface in a stock 45 will show up quickly in a racegun.


_________________
Bob Londrigan
Brazos Custom Gunworks
http://www.brazoscustom.com
254-622-2245

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Bob Londrigan on 2001-05-03 09:51 ]</font>

 

[Tim Bacus]

It's been a wile since I've done race guns, the last one I built was 1998. This is one I did back in 97 or early 98. Pretty typical gun really, everything needed to win and nothing on it just for 'show'. I built raceguns for a long time but to be honest I think the single stacks are a lot more fun. Still, when I shoot IPSC it's Open Class, all the way baby!!

 

[RMLamey]

38 Super, Larry dont build race guns, or anything close, wont even look at a compensator etc.. He builds serios fighting guns.

here is a pic of one of Chuck Rogers race guns:

 

[Desert Dog]

Any other racegun builders or shooters on board? More pics would be great. :smile:

DD

 

[Master Blue]

My vote goes to George at EGW.His guns work right from the time you take them out of the shipping box.He will tell you what he thinks about the different parts and building techniques so in the end you can make your choice how you want to build your gun.George not only builds guns he makes the parts that a lot of the smiths use.You can't go wrong with EGW.
(not a paid advertisement) :smile:

 

[Tom Freeman]

I don’t shoot Open much, as I am not part of the "Gentleman Team." I am the token knuckledragger Limited, Production & Revo puke. After all, I have sensitive ears... Most of my 3-gun shooting is Open class though. Come to think of it, that’s the only time on the past two years I have shot open.

But, I do have several open guns. I will post some Pics tonight.

Tom
AF Shooting Team

 

[Steve Morrison]

Fred Craig in Hutchison KS is a Grandmaster builds great raceguns which are readily available without a long wait.

 

[Desert Dog]

I am the token knuckledragger Limited, Production & Revo puke.

-Tom Freeman

Too funny Tom!! :grin: :grin: I will look forward to seeing your pics later.

DD

 

[gyp_c2]

Hozer Z Pig as he is "affectionately known!"

He IS a shooter...



_________________
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>g2<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

..!MOLON LABE!..


<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: gyp_c2 on 2001-05-11 13:45 ]</font>

 

[BK]

Here's a (terrible quality :wink: pic of a Caspian Super, model Fantom 19R, built by Fred Craig. Sold it since I got out of IPSC but that was one sweet pistol!

 

[John Harrison]

Here is a poor quality pic of the last Open pistol that I built.
Para-Ordnance frame -w- squared trigger guard, checkered 30 lpi.
20 lpi checkered front strap, 20 lpi checkered M/S housing.
Guncraft mag well TIG'd on -w- custom made mag well addition (sorta like an S&A)TIG'd to M/S housing.
Ed Brown S/S beavertail, Swenson "mudflap" ambi's.
Extreme Engineering hammer, sear, disconnector -w- STI trigger.
Caspian slide -w- rear lightening cuts, no rear cocking serrations, "progressive" front cocking serrations, lightened dustcover cuts.
Schuemann 1/32 twist barrel -w- Millenium 7 port cone style comp.
Sidewinder cocking handle & C-More set back.

A fun gun, but then aren't they all? :grin: :grin:
John Harrison

 

[Don Williams]

Havent built any open class guns in 10 years, and don't want to, but if someone wanted one built, I'd second Chuck Rogers. He's not only a friend, but I've had the pleasure of seeing a lot of his work, and not only are they gorgeous, they run and run. Chuck makes his own comps and scope mounts from stock in his shop, and they're extremely effective.