Our News Archive
 August 29th, 2006 We review Nighthawk Custom 10-8 pistol 

M1911.ORG is the first publication to test and review the Nighthawk Custom newest model, the Nighthawk 10-8 pistol. Read all about the latest offering from Nighthawk in our Products Tests section.

 August 14th, 2006 Our Ahrends Grips page revised 

We revised our Kim Ahrends Grips page, since Kim opened his new web site with lots of interested grips for the M1911 pistol. Check his products out, at our Grips section.

 July 2nd, 2006 Para Ordnance Slim Hawg Review 

M1911.ORG is the first publication to review the new Para Ordnance Slim Hawg, an alloy-frame 1911 3" pistol, in .45 ACP. We test this pistol and report our findings to you. Read the Review, in our Products Tests section.

 June 18th, 2006 Col. Jeff Cooper's 1911s 

Col. Jeff Cooper, the creator of the modern handgun fighting technic, has allowed us to use some pictures of his pistols, in M1911.ORG. As far as I know, this is another world-first for M1911.ORG, no other publication, electronic or printed has ever hosted pictures of Col. Cooper's collection. My most sincere thanks to Col. Cooper, Janelle Cooper and the folks at Gunsite, who helped my request reach the good Colonel. The pictures can be seen in our M-1911 Models section, in the Famous Pistols sub-section.

 June 10th, 2006 Our New Gun Tests are coming 

We are pleased to announce to our visitors, that several M1911 manufacturers have agreed to consider us as a "new pistols test site", just like the large printed publications. In our new capacity, we'll soon start bringing to our visitors, tests of new 1911 pistols, that the manufacturers send us. You will read our first test within June, with more tests to come in the next months. So keep visiting M1911.ORG, your on-line resource for everything 1911-related.

 May 28th, 2006 A new Italian parts maker was added 

B.T. Snc is an Italian manufacturer of 1911 parts. They make various 1911 parts made from forgings or bar stock. I have personally tested several of them and they are excellent. See their parts line, in our Parts section.

 May 9th, 2006 How the Para Ordnance LDA works 

A small article, explaining how the Para Ordnance LDA works, was added in our Technical Issues section.

 March 30th, 2006 Grips by 2R Companies added 

A new grip company is added in our Grips section. The products of 2R Companies are (to say the least) colorful.

 March 22nd, 2006 We test Surefire X200 Weapon Light 

Our sponsor Nighthawk Custom was kind enough to offer me a Surefire X200 as a gift. We put this top-of-the-line weapon light through its paces, in our Products Tests section.

 March 15th, 2006 BearClaw, a new holster maker added 

BearClaw Holsters is a new holster maker, whose holsters were added in the Holsters section of our site. Check them out.

 October 13th, 2005 Some revisions in M-1911 Models section 

For quite some time, I haven't checked the correctness of the site. During that time, several of the companies mentionned as M-1911 manufacturers have gone out of business or their sites have vanished from the Internet, others have changed their sites, so some of the pages there didn't work properly. I took some time yesterday and update all the pages in that section, so now they are up to date. Planning to do the same for the Parts, Grips, Holsters sections too, but don't ask me when! LoL. The Forums Site is way to much work for me, and the twins just don't cooperate with my schedule.
 August 13th, 2005 We are into Airsoft 

A few months ago, I was intrigued by a member of our Forums Site, who asked a question, related to using a real full-length guide rod, into a toy pistol. From the conversation that followed, I discovered that there is a whole world out there, who likes 1911s and who practices even IPSC-style matches, using gas-powered 1911s. This is the world of Airsoft. Very impressed, I decided to investigate this matter more, so we have just added a new section in our Forums Site, dedicated to Airsoft (as a technology and as a game) and Airsoft 1911s in particular. You may learn more about Airsoft, by following this link. We have already performed our first Airsoft 1911 test, and at least five more will follow, in the next months. Alternatively, you may visit our Products Tests section, and follow the links from there. The resemblence of these pistols to the real 1911s, has to be seen to be believed. Stay tuned, as more tests will be added soon.

 July 23rd, 2005 We test Waller's Original Range Bag 

Waller is one of the oldest companies in this business, and we are glad we were offered the opportunity to try out their Original Range Bag. Check out what we found, in our Products Tests section.

 July 22nd, 2005 Terrorists hit again in Egypt 

This is becoming quite frustrating. Two serious terrorist attacks in the same month! This time in Egypt. When will those people understand that their practices are condemned by everyone but themselves? When will they ever learn that by killing innocent people, they do not gain any sympathy for their cause, only anger and frustration.

My most sincere condolences to the relatives of the victims and my most honest wishes for quick recovery for those injured.

 July 7th, 2005 Terrorists hit again 

The world is watching speechless again, the new terrorist attrocities, this time in London, UK. Once again, innocent, unarmed people were targeted by terrorists, in a totally uncomprehensible, undeclared war, against peaceful people.

My most sincere condolences to the families of the victims of these terrorists attacks in London. My thoughts are with those who got killed or injured in those attacks.

And of course, this time the terrorists selected a country, whose citizens are totally defense-less, since firearms are no longer allowed in UK. No, I do not believe that this will make the UK Government reconsider its position.

 May 31st, 2005 WOODGRIPS.COM checkered, personalized grips 

Our sponsor, WOODGRIPS.COM just came out with a new style of grips. They are checkered, but with a special pattern which allows a very secure purchase of the pistol, while in the same time allowing your hand to slide up on the pistol's grip as smoothly as if using smooth grips. And as an added bonus, you can have your initials engraved on these grips, in a very nice manner. Check our report out, in the Products Tests section.

 May 10th, 2005 Gun Butter 

M1911.ORG is happy to offer you a very well-known product, the famous Gun Butter. If you haven't try this gun lube, you do not know what you are missing. I am sure you will be amazed when you do give it a shot. Additionally, M1911.ORG is offering you a special discount of 1 US$ on every Gun Butter purchase you make from our site. So click on the link at the right column, or here to get your own bottle of Gun Butter. When you reach the "check out" page, where you will enter your name and other details, in the coupon field, enter "m1911" without the quotes, and you will get yourself the discount.

A Product Test of Gun Butter is also published in our Products Tests section.

All links will open a new browser window, close it when you are done with your order, to return here.

 April 18th, 2005 Nighthawk Custom 

I am very happy to announce to M1911.ORG visitors, that Nighthawk Custom is our new Sponsor. I am sure that you are all familiar with this new company, one of the most respectable 1911 custom shops available in USA today. Please visit their site, and check out their custom 1911s, I am sure you will love them, plus it helps me keep M1911.ORG alive.

 March 8th, 2005 Caspian Arms Pocketsmith 

Caspian Arms Ltd. the well known supplier of frames, slides etc. has just come up with a neat tool for the 1911 shooter. We test their new product in out Products Tests section, do have a look, it's an interesting item.

 February 23rd, 2005 Nighthawk Custom 

Another M-1911 manufacturer has been added in our list, namely Nighthawk Custom. This new company is producing some very interesting 1911 models. Check them out, in our M-1911 Models section.

 February 23rd, 2005 Nighthawk Custom 

One of the members and moderators of our Forum Site, Jim V, has send me a review of a book related to the 1911. You may check it out in our Literature section.

 February 22nd, 2005 Alumagrips Build-a-Grip 

Our friends in Alumagrips, came up with a nifty idea. They introduced a very nice web tool, through which you can actually "build" your grips, the way you like them. You see, Alumagrips can be ordered in so many varieties, that the customer can spend hours in their web site, and not be sure that he has seen every option available. Now, with the new tool, the user can select from:

- 6 different color options.
- 13 different checkering patterns.
- 3 different checkering depths.
- 3 different engraving options.
- 2 different grip thicknesses.
- 3 different grip sizes.
- 2 different grip weights.
- 3 different thumb safety options.
- 3 different magwell options.

The amazing thing is that, Alumagrips tool, shows you your grip, as you select the various options, in a window next to your choices. Not only that, but you can select the color of your frame and slide, as well, as if you want to see the left or right side of the pistol, with your grips on it. It is as if your new grips were already on your pistol, right in front of you.

Do pay Alumagrips a visit, I am sure you will enjoy their products.

 January 14th, 2005 The most incredible tool, to help you understand the 1911 

One of our Forums Site sponsor, STI International Inc., has allowed me to use the most incredible tutorial you can get, for understanding the 1911 pistol. It's a fabulous animation, which can be found in our Operation section. Scroll down a little, you can't miss it.

 November 13th, 2004 New style Amumagrips 

Our sponsor, Alumagrips, just informed me about a new style of grips, they have announced, called the Tactical Checkered. M1911.ORG is proud to be the first place where you can read about these grips, before the major well-known publications. Read all about them, in our Grips section.

 November 2nd, 2004 Wicked Grips 

A new grips manufacturer was added today, namely Wicked Grips. They make some really ... interesting grips. Check them out in our Grips section.

 October 14th, 2004 A new book about the 1911 added 

One question I've received time and time again, is if I have this or that blueprint of the 1911. Some times, I know where one can find them, but not always. Well, for all those who want to have a full set of the 1911 pistol blueprints, your search is now over. Eric Nicolaus, of Nicolaus Associates has just come up with a book, which contains the full set of blueprints of the old pistol. Go to our Literature section, for full information on that book.

 September 25th, 2004 A new book about the 1911, in Italian, added 

An Internet friend, send me the details of a new book on the 1911, in Italian. It's been added in our Literature section.

 September 23rd, 2004 Two new Products Tests added 

I've just added two new tests, one is a Milt Sparks holster, model 55BN and the other is about a set of grips, I just got. Go to our Products Tests section to check them out.

 September 17th, 2004 Crimson Trace new LaserGrips for the 1911 

For those who are interested, Crimson Trace, the makers of LaserGrips have announced a couple of new models for the 1911. You may download their leaflets, from here.

 September 11th, 2004 September 11th 

On this sad day of rememberance, I would like to send my most sincere condolences to the families of all those who lost their lives, on that day. I would also like to send my most sincere wishes to all those who helped relieve the pain, from those who suffered, in various ways. The NYFD and NYPD personel, as well as the simple people who helped all those who suffered, either during or after the attacks.

My hopes, expressed those days, that this was the last madness our world witnesses, were proved wrong, again and again during these years, with the attack against the Russian school being the epitome of this madness.

May God forgive all those who caused so much pain.

 August 10th, 2004 New technical articles added 

A couple of new technical articles have been added, in the Technical Issues section.

 August 8th, 2004 Caspian Arms is owr new sponsor 

As of today, Caspian Arms is our new main sponsor. I would like to thank Caspian for their support, and to ask you to visit their site. They help me keep M1911.ORG alive, so they deserve your visit. Thanks Gary.

 July 26th, 2004 Have you visited our Forums Site? 

Have you visited our Forums Site yet? If not, do pay us a visit, this is the one and only, totally dedicated to the M-1911 pistol forums site. It's a complimentary site to this one, you can ask your questions on anything related to the M-1911 pistol there. Visit the Forums Site and bookmark it!

 July 20th, 2004 A new Technical Article added 

1911Tuner, our Forums Site member, has contributed another technical article, explaining the role of springs in your 1911. It is located in our Technical Issues folder.

 July 16th, 2004 Two new Technical Articles added 

D. Kamm, our Forums Site member, has contributed two new technical articles. The first describes what you should look for, when buying a second-hand 1911. The second describes how to function-check a 1911 pistol. Check them out, in our Technical Issues folder.

 July 12th, 2004 Four more pistol tests added today 

Our Forums Site member D. Kamm, has contributed four more pistol tests Colt new Series 80 Model, Colt WW1 Replica, Colt WW2 Reproduction and Springfield's GI Mil-Spec .45. Read what he has to say about these pistols in our Products Tests section.

 July 9th, 2004 Colt Series 70 government Model Tested 

Our Forums Site member D. Kamm, has just finished putting the Colt Series 70 Model through its paces. Read what he has to say about this classic pistol in our Products Tests section.

 June 29th, 2004 Another Grip maker added 

Another maker of 1911 grips has been added, namely Simonich. You can see their products in our Grips section.

 June 25th, 2004 Pistol Test: Para Ordnance PXT SSP 

This is the first pistol test that M1911.ORG is doing, and what an interesting pistol we are testing here! The first, single-column, single-action pistol, made by Para Ordnance. Read what we found about this pistol in our Products Tests section.

 June 24th, 2004 New Technical Articles added 

I just added a couple of new Technical articles in our Technical Issues section, written by 1911tuner, a member of M1911.ORG Forums. Quite interesting material, for those who want to better understand how the 1911 works.

 June 21st, 2004 Detonics 1911s are back 

For those of you old enough to remember the '70s, the name Detonics should bring back memories. Well, the company is again alive and well, and their models are shown in our M-1911 Models section. Quite interesting ones, I would say, do check them out.

 June 7th, 2004 New site look 

Well, here you have our new site look. After the separation of M1911.ORG and 1911FORUM.COM, a new look was required and here it is. I hope you like it. I would like to thank my friend Kurt and his son Karl, for helping me out with the logos, without their help this new look wouldn't have been created. Thanks folks.

 June 6th, 2004 My condolences 

My most sincere condolences to the people of USA and the family of former President Ronald Reagan.

 May 31st, 2004 The M1911.ORG Forum is alive! 

I am happy to introduce you to the our own, new M1911.ORG Forum. The perfect place to discuss all your M-1911 related issues.

As most of you know, for the last two years, M1911.ORG used the services of another forum site. Unfortunatelly, during the past few days, I understood that I needed to have a Forum of my own, if visitors are to expect the same reliability and consistency of service, that they have come to expect from M1911.ORG. So, the new forum was born.

You are all invited to visit it at http://forum.m1911.org, even though it is still ... young.

This Forum was created for you, Internet surfers who are also M-1911 aficionados and connoisseurs, as an area to discuss your favorite pistol, with others. Please use it, at your convenience.

Allow me to thank the following people, for their contribution in making this site a reality:

- Kurt (also known as kj1, in our mailing list)
- Tom at Lightband.com
- Adam (also from our mailing list)
- All those who wrote to me to urge me to create a Forum.

Thank you friends, your help is greatly appreciated.

 May 24th, 2004 1911FORUM.COM news 

It looks as if Jason was indeed doing some maintenance work on his systems. Here is the announcement that was posted there, late yesterday evening:

11:00PM 5.23.2004

Members,

Good news! The forum will be back online Monday evening. I apologize for the downtime. I was investigating a possible security breach on the server. After careful examination, everything has checked out and we are set to re-open the forums tomorrow.

The email system, however, is in disarray. I am backlogged over one month, so please sit tight as I work to answer your emails.

Thanks again for your patience!

-Jason

 May 23rd, 2004 1911FORUM.COM outage 

For some reason, our forum site, 1911FORUM.COM is down.

I have tried e-mailing the webmaster, Jason, since the first day of the outage, but I have still received no answer, so I am as clueless as all of you, for the reasons behind this outage, or when the forum will be back on-line again (if ever).

For this reason, I am trying to figure out, if M1911.ORG should have its own forum. There are several things I should consider, the "Should a new forum be started?" is the most important one, but even "which software to use for the forum?", is something that is giving me a headache. You see, the most reliable (and well-known) software for forums is vbulletin, but this is a commercial software, and I can't afford to buy it at this moment.

On the other hand, the good people who are hosting M1911.ORG, namely Lightband.com are willing to host a forum for me, so a great "Thank You" is appropriate for these guys, who have been so supportive all these years M1911.ORG is on-line.

I'll keep all of you posted of the outcome, as soon as I have something concrete to tell you.

 May 15th, 2004 ISMI springs manufacturer added 

Integrated Systems Management Inc. is a gun springs manufacturer, who backs up their products by an unusual guarantee. Check them out in our Parts section, or in our Products Tests section.

I also took some time to compile a report, on another product I have received some time ago, the SLIP 2000 Thumb Buddy. You may read about it, in the Products Tests section.

 May 12th, 2004 GunGrips.Net grip manufacturer added 

A new grips manufacturer was added, namely GunGrips.NET, who are making some interesting Ivory Polymer grips. Check them out in our Grips section.

 May 2nd, 2004 Videos added etc. 

As promised, I made a couple of videos, showing how to re-insert the slide stop in an M-1911 without scratching the frame or the slide. You may see them in either the Disassembly section, or at the corresponding article in the Technical Issues section.

 April 21st, 2004 Yellowstone Checkering Snake Grips 

John DiPrizio, of Yellowstone Checkering has come up with a new checkering pattern for the grips of our favorite pistol. Instead of doing the classic checkering that we all know, he came up with something that looks like the skin of a snake. His grips can be seen in the Grips section, and they definitely worth a look. Or, you may read my impression of his grips, in the Products Tests section.

 April 17th, 2004 Some new pictures added 

Several people have written to me, during the past years, asking me technical questions about the 1911. One question that seems to come up quite often, is how to reassemble the pistol, especially the disconnector/sear/trigger parts. Having just acquired a new digital camera, which allows me macro photography, I snapped some pictures of that area, during hte reassembling procedure, which hopefully answer the question. Another question that was asked, is how you re-introduce the slide stop, without scratching the frame or the slide of the pistol. Something easily shown, but quite difficult to describe. I also snapped some pictures of the process, and I also made a short video, showing it. However, I need to edit the video, to a more convenient format, in order to put it here, the original is a 5 MB .mov file, which will take for ever to download. As soon as I'll manage that, I'll put the video in the site too. These new additions can be found in the Disassembly section, together with the detailed striping instructions. They are towards the end of that page.

 April 1st, 2004 Kimber Rimfire Target 

Kimber just introduced a .22 LR version of the 1911. What is interesting, is that this pistol, the Rimfire Target as it is called, does not consist of a standard 1911 frame to which Kimber matched their previous conversion kit. This is a brand new pistol, with a special frame, and a special top end. If only Greek laws were not so peculiar!!

 March 25th, 2004 A trip to Las Vegas etc. 

Today, I found some pictures I got, some years ago, during a trip to Las Vegas, where my friend Ike showed me his impressive collection of fully automatic weapons. I added a small report, about the fun I had firing those toys, in the Products Tests section.

I also revised the Auto-Ordnance and the Briley sections in the M-1911 Models folder, to show their new models.

 March 14th, 2004 STI's page revised 

It's been some years, I haven't visited STI's site. It has come to my attention that there are several new models in the product line, so today I took the time to redesign their page. Since there site depends largely on Javascripts etc, I created a link to their own web site, from which you can check their models. In that way, whatever new models the company brings to us, there will be immediately viewable. Just go to the M-1911 Models section.

 March 11th, 2004 New tragedy in Spain 

I would like to express my most sincere condolences to the people of Spain, for the tragedy which hit their country today. Once more, terrorists have found way to attack innocent people, causing grief and sorrow. Let's just hope that this insanity is going to end soon, humanity has enough problems as it is, without terrorist actions. Let's all pray for our dead Spanish friends, the victims of March 11th. May God rest their souls.

 February 19th, 2004 New grips in Esmeralda's site 

Esmeralda, one of our sponsors (the mysterious lady on the third banner from top, in the right-hand column here), has just introduced some new grips for our favorite pistol. This time, Esmeralda must have traveled to France, because her new grips, are not made of Cocobolo, but of French Walnut. Given Esmeralda's attention to detail, I am sure the new grips will be as good as popular, as her Cocobolo ones. to check them out, please go to Esmeralda's site and follow the link to the 1911 grips.

 January 30th, 2004 Sponsor wanted 

One of the sponsor's banners at the right, will be free for takers in mid-February. Interested parties, please .

 January 30th, 2004 Hogue Avenger announced for the SHOT Show 

Another world-first from M1911.ORG.

A few months ago, back in August, someone called Peter Spielberger wrote to me, asking if I was interested to see a new conversion kit for the 1911. What caught my attention, was the fact that it used a "new locking mechanism". I was intrigued, so I asked for more details. Peter was kind enough to provide lots of explanation, drawings and pictures of prototypes. Well, Peter's conversion is finally a product, and will be produced and marketed by Hogue Grips. It will be announced in the SHOT Show, but you can already read all about it here, in M1911.ORG, in our Parts section. Even Hogue's site doesn't have all the details you can see here. Have a look at it, its specs are quite interesting.

 January 27th, 2004 Yet more M-1911 Manufacturers 

Two new companies added today, in the list of 1911 manufacturers. The first is Unertl Ordnance Co. a daughter company of Unertl Optics, they just came out with a 1911 model called MEU (SOC).

Also, Guncrafter Industries LLC has announced a new M-1911 model, called Model No 1. What is interesting about this pistol, is that it is chambered in a wierd cartridge, called .50GI.

Have a look at both in the M-1911 Models section.

 January 14th, 2004 Para Ordnance's new models 

Para Ordnance decided to finally come out with a single-action, single-column 1911, and boy do their new guns look great! They even have a new-style, internal, sping-loaded extractor, which admitedly is one of the more problematic areas of the 1911 design, since not all extractor manufacturers respect Mr. Browning's steel specs for this part. Have a look at P.O.'s latest offerings in the M-1911 Models section.

 January 3rd, 2004 Charles Daly section revised 

I took some time to revise the Charles Daly section in the M-1911 Models section, to include this firm's latest offerings.

 December 27th, 2003 A couple of e-books on the 1911 

I was doing an internet search this morning and I came upon two e-books, published by a company in Belgium. The list of items covered, in both of them is quite impressive, so you may want to check them out. They are located in our Literature section. Also, a couple of articles were added in the Technical Issues section.

 December 23rd, 2003 S&W1911 Safety recall 

Smith and Wesson has announced that they have received reports that the firing pin safety plunger of their SW1911 pistol can become disabled, creating a situation where the slide may jam and render the firearm inoperable. This only pertains to certain Smith & Wesson Model SW1911 pistols bearing serial numbers JRD0000 to JRD4750. To date, none of these cases have resulted in any injury, and Smith & Wesson has not received any reports of any accidental discharge associated with the functioning of the firing pin safety plunger. While the company has not received any reports of injury, a failure of the firing pin safety plunger may affect the reliability and safety of your firearm. Therefore, they are initiating a recall campaign, and are offering to repair, free of charge, any affected SW1911 pistol. For more details, please click here.

 November 15th, 2003 A blow-back 1911 conversion 

Recently an Internet visitor draw my attention to a company, which is producing a blow-back conversion for the 1911. The company is called NCG (or Network Custom Guns) and their product is shown in the Parts folder. Check it out.

 November 3rd, 2003 Sigarms is making a 1911! 

Yesterday evening I received a question from a member of our mailing list, asking when I'll include the long-rumoured Sigarms 1911 in the site. Well, you can see it and read about it in our M-1911 Models section. I can't take credit for the information, I got it from another site (http://www.pistolsmith.com), but hopefully, if Sigarms Marketing Director contacts me, as his secretary promised, I'll have more info for you early next week.

 November 3rd, 2003 Small change in menus behaviour 

Today, I did a small change in the way the menus on the left column work. When you click on some menu items (like for example the "M-1911 Models"), that selection gets expanded, with all the M-1911 manufacturers shown below. Until now, the only way to close that list of manufacturers, was by clicking on a non-expandable menu itm, like "Home". Starting today, you may close that expanded menu, by just clicking on the initial item you had selected, in other words the "M-1911 Models". In that way, if you find that you entered an expanded menu by mistake, you do not have to scroll all the way down to find the next item (for example "Parts"), which was your intention to open, but your mouse missed it by a line. If you have the time, send me an e-mail to tell me how you like that functionality. Thanks!

 October 22nd, 2003 The ThumbBuddy is here! 

I am sure all of you have cursed at least once, while trying to disassemble your 1911 and your recoil spring plug flies off, under the spring's pressure. Or if your favorite pistol is equipped with a full-length guide rod, you need some extra dexterity, trying to compress the recoil spring plug, while in the same time rotating the barrel bushing. Well, I just heard of a new product which promises to stop all this frustration. It is called the "ThumbBuddy" and you can find more info (and order it) at : http://slip2000.com/thumbbuddy.html.

The manufacturer is sending me a unit for testing, so stay tuned to find out how it works!

 October 22nd, 2003 Jim Burke Holsters available again 

I've been informed that Nikki, Jim Burke's daughter is preparing the continuation of Jim's business. At the time being, there is a new web site available for you, at http://www.jimburkeholsters.com, where you can see the models Jim produced. Nikki informed me that she still has some holsters left from Jim's production, sorry there aren't any available for the 1911, I have already asked. However, you may e-mail her to check if she has something available for your other handguns. I sincerely hope that Nikki will have new holsters for us, 1911-funs. Good luck to your endeavor Nikki.

 October 17th, 2003 Article on recoil 

A very interesting article, explaining why we feel recoil when we fire a firearm, is added in our Technical Issues folder. Enjoy!

 September 6th, 2003 I test a new cleaning rod! 

An internet friend send me one of the wierdest things I've ever tried, something called the Bore Sweeper. It is a very neat cleaning rod you can use to make the boring task of cleaning your pistol easier. Check it out, in our Product Tests folder.

 September 4th, 2003 New parts manufacturer added 

I just found a new parts manufacturer for the 1911. Cominolli Custom is making some special guide rods for your 1911. Check their products out, in our Parts folder.

 August 29th, 2003 Jim Burke passed away 

I am sorry to report to the shooting world, that Jim Burke, the holster maker from Texas, passed away on Friday August 15, 2003. I would like to express my most sincere condolences to his family. His son and daughter are now trying to get their father's ideas sold to another holster maker, who would like to continue Jim's tradition. Interested parties can contact his family at jimburke@cox-internet.com.

 August 23rd, 2003 VZ Grips is sponsoring M1911.ORG 

I am very happy to announce that VZ Grips has been added to the list of those companies who support and sponsor this site. I would like to thank John VanZyck for his trust and support. Please click on their banner on the right-hand column and check out their products, or read about them in our Grips section and then click on their banner to go buy a set.

 August 14th, 2003 VZ Grips hi-tech 1911 grips 

Today I added another grips manufacturer, namely VZ Grips. Their 1911 grips are made of micarta, a thermoset composite material. You can see their products in our Grips section.

 August 13th, 2003 Lone Star Armament models added 

Well, another M-1911 vendor was added today, the Texan firm of Lone Star Armament, whose models appear in the M-1911 Models section. This firm also produces their own slides and frames, which are now listed in our Parts section. Check them out.

Also, today I added the grips made by Scott Sensing, you can see them in our Grips section.

 August 9th, 2003 Slip 2000 Gun Cleaner and Lube tested 

I've finally found the time to do some testing on the Slip 2000 Gun Cleaner and Degreaser and their Gun Lube, which were send to me some months ago. You can read about them in the Product Tests section. Good products and environmentally friendly too.

 August 2nd, 2003 Kimber Special Edition pistols from Fresno Firearms 

I've been informed by Fresno Firearms that Kimber is making for them some Special Edition pistols, with silver and gold engraving. Check them out at our M-1911 Models folder, Commemorative Pistols section. Enjoy!

 July 4th, 2003 New 1911 models added 

Well, two web surfers noticed that I had not included two 1911 manufacturers, so tonight I added the models of Dawson Precision and Dlask, in the M-1911 Models folder. Enjoy! At the same time, I added some information about the Randall pistols, the first manufacturer to offer a stainless steel 1911. Have a look, it makes an interesting reading. Same folder, M-1911 Models.

 July 4th, 2003 Neat stickers 

For all 1911 lovers, I think this round sticker, shown in the picture at left, is the most appropriate one. You may order some, at http://www.lifelibertyetc.com/. "Carry daily, apply sparingly", I like that!

 June 20th, 2003 Caspian is promoting some nice holsters 

We all know Caspian, as a 1911 parts manufacturer. They are offering some unique products, such as titanium frames and damascus slides. Lately, I've been informed that they have also started marketing a couple of holsters for the old workhorse. These are reproductions of the original, military holsters offered for the 1911. Check them out in the Holsters folder.

 June 7th, 2003 New grips manufacturer added 

A new grips manufacturer, specializing in M-1911 grips has been added today. It is called 1911PistolGrips.COM and his products can be seen in the Grips folder.

 June 1st, 2003 Charles Daly and Bul Transmark collaboration 

It looks as if Bul Transmark is being relicensing its M-5 to several vendors. This is the second US company that I've seen, which includes in their range the Israeli widebody models. Below is a piece from Daly's Newsletter:

The M-5 Government, Commander and IPSC models will soon be available with the compact Ultra-X due in late 2003. These high-tech polymer framed 1911 pistols are manufactured by BUL Transmark in Israel to the highest standard of precision and quality you've come to expect from Charles Daly(R). Using state-of-the-art production techniques every gun is tested for function, accuracy and reliability. The M-5 stainless steel hi-swept grip safeties are an advanced design lowering the pistol deeper into your hand, reducing muzzle flip and felt recoil. The raised contact pad with serrations insures a full activation and sure grip every time. With a new rounded trigger-guard, the Daly M-5 is compatible with a wide range of holsters and accessories.

Available in .45 ACP and 40 S&W, Suggested retail for the M-5 starts at $679.00. Look for the Daly M-5 at a dealer near you in mid July.

You can check out our new Daly M-5 here: http://www.charlesdaly.com/HTML/products/firearms/pistols/1911/bulm5.asp

 May 31st, 2003 Historical documents added 

A couple of historical documents were added today, showing the correspondence between L.W. Seecamp (the maker of the Seecamp conversion) and a customer, back in 1974. You can see them in the M-1911 Models folder, in the DA Conversions section.

 May 24th, 2003 Various bits and pieces added 

Various bits and pieces were added today:

- a new grip manufacturer, in the Grips folder.
- a new gunsmith from Arizona, in our Gunsmiths section.
- a couple of links in our Web Links folder.

 May 9th, 2003 Para Ordnance's section renewed 

The Para Ordnance section in the M-1911 Models folder, has been renewed to better reflect all the latest models of that company.

 May 9th, 2003 Colt's section renewed 

A friend brought to my attention the fact that Colt's section, in the M-1911 Models folder, didn't work. Colt has just updated their web site and all links to their pictures didn't work, So I took the time to renew that section in M1911.ORG as well. Check it out. Several interesting models. One of them is a faithful reproduction of the original M-1911 pistol. Colt is currently taking orders for the 1911 and the first Colt is scheduled to come off the production line in June of 2003. Colt engineers dug deep into our historical archive collection and meticulously researched the original prints and drawings of the historic Colt .45. The result of Colt's unyielding quest for authenticity is a faithful reproduction of the WWI U.S. Military sidearm.

Why couldn't Colt wait a few more years to bring this out? It would be the ideal offering, to celebrate M-1911's 100th anniversary.

 April 25th, 2003 Products tested 

Over the last four months, that the Greek police was taking care of my pistols, I had accumulated several products, that people send me for testing. I am just starting to catch up with those tests, so please visit my Products Tests section to read the latest reports.

 April 19th, 2003 I got my pistols back 

I finally got my pistols back from the Greek Police. Following a new legal decision, which clarified issues on permit renewals, I got my permit, and therefore my pistols back. Thank God!

In the following days, you can expect to see here, so product tests. Several people have send me their products for evaluation, but how can you evaluate a holster or a set of grips, without a pistol? So please come back to see these products, some are quite interesting.

 April 17th, 2003 New section added - no info though 

One thing that this site has never dealt with, is prices. I've received numerous questions over all these years that M1911.ORG is on-line, asking me the same question "I have an XYZ 1911, with serial number 123456. What is its value?". As I explain in the Site Index folder, I have no access to such information. Please understand that I live in Athens, Greece, so keeping myself up-to-date on street prices in USA (where most of M1911.ORG visitors come from), is next to impossible. However, lately, I have discovered the OrionBlueBook.com site. This is the site of the famous Guns Blue Book, a reference guide with prices on almost any firearm, ever made on this planet. Be warned, that this site does not offer a free service, you have to subscribe to check your gun. So, I added a section in Collector's Info with the link to that site.

On a separate (but related) issue, if someone is willing to support M1911.ORG by spending a few dollars, he can buy the CD-ROM of the Guns Blue Book, from that site and send it to me. It only costs 35 US$, and I promise I will answer all 1911 price-related questions from then on.

 April 11th, 2003 NRA is now selling Alumagrips 

As you have probably read in the various gun magazines, NRA is currently offering from their web site, some beautiful grips, made by my sponsor Alumagrips. Since this is a major recognition of Chris Lynch work, I have created a special page, where you can see the NRA grips, plus some other very beautiful, limited production grips that Chris is making these days. Read all about this, in this page.

 April 10th, 2003 Another manufacturer added 

It was less than a month ago, when I expressed my surprise that I found yet another manufacturer of M-1911 pistols. Well, guess what, I just discovered that the Italian firm, Tanfoglio, is also making an M-1911,so here is another one. You may see the pistols they make in the M-1911 Models folder.

 April 10th, 2003 The USMC MEU (SOC) pistol added 

A pistol which I thought deserved a listing here, is the US Marines Corp. MEU. I added some information about this pistol in the M-1911 Models, Various Others section.

 March 31st, 2003 New section added 

An Internet visitor, wrote and asked me if I knew someone who sells wooden, presentation cases for his pistols. I remember I had something like that somewhere, but I couldn't find it. This was something that I spotted some time ago, and since there was no where to report it, I had just make a quick note, in the introductory page. So it was obvious that I needed a section where I could add things, which do not correspond to any other category in this site (like parts, holsters, grips etc.). I therefore created a new section in the Services etc. folder, called Various Items, where you will be able to find such information.

 March 28th, 2003 Some info for Argentinian clones added 

An Internet friend was kind enough to contribute his knowledge about the Ballester Molinas and the M1927 Argentinian clones. The info can be found in the Technical Issues folder.

 March 16th, 2003 Colt Gold Cup sear details added 

One thing that I haven't included in the site, was the differences that Colt Gold Cup models have, in their sear mechanism, when compared to the standard 1911s. This was added today, and the pictures can be seen in the Technical Issues folder. I want to thank those M-1911 list members, who send me the pictures.

 March 12th, 2003 A new holster manufacturer 

D&D Gunleather is a holster manufacturer, whose products can be seen in our Holsters folder.

 March 12th, 2003 Another 1911 manufacturer 

As I have said in the past, I am amazed at how many companies are manufacturing the old workhorse these days. Here is another one, brought to my attention by a member of our mailing list. Imperial Defence Services Limited is a UK company, which makes 1911s. Check it out in our M-1911 Models folder. Oh, yes, they also make a clone of the venerable Browining Hi Power.

 February 26th, 2003 A new grips manufacturer was added 

Brooks Tactical System is a manufacturer of a patented grip, called Agrip. Check it out in our Grips folder.

 February 24th, 2003 Record stats for M1911.ORG 

I was amazed this morning, when I checked the statistics of M1911.ORG and noticed that the average daily visits have exceeded 2000 per day, during January and February 2003. I guess this is a good sign of your preferences, and I sincerely appreciate it.

 February 16th, 2003 Another first for M1911.ORG 

Dear visitors, I received an e-mail a few days ago, which made me real proud. It came from Franz-Josef Peters, the founder and inventor of Peters-Stahl pistols. Mr. Peters has introduced several innovations in the traditional 1911 design, such as polygonal rifling for the barrels, a linkless barrel system and of course, his interchangeable caliber pistols. Mr. Peters was kind enough to share with me the history of Peters-Stahl, and to send me some very interesting documents, which describe his patents for the multi-caliber 1911 he invented. These documents can be found in our Technical Issues folder. They make a very interesting reading. In the same folder, you can find blueprints of Josef's KPS pistol, which can be used to produce the pistol, if someone is so willing.

I believe this is the first time that such documents are offered for free by a web site, and remember, this is M1911.ORG!

 February 10th, 2003 Pictures of an old, Double-Action conversion 

A surfer send me some pictures of an interesting DA conversion, which was available in the past, for the 1911. It transformed the pistol to a squeeze-cocker, very much like the H&K P7. It was offered by Caraville Arms and called the Double Ace. You may check it out in the M-1911 Models section, DA Conversions chapter.

 February 8th, 2003 Two new grip manufacturers added 

Two new grip manufacturers were added today. The first, is our sponsor, Esmeralda, which produces some one-of-a-kind grips, and the second is Matt Davidson Design, whose carved grips are quite handsome. Check both out, in our Grips section.

 February 1st, 2003 What a tragedy! 

I think I am expressing the feelings of the whole world, when I send my most sincere condolences to the families of those brave men and women who died onboard the Columbia today. This tragedy, the second one hitting the Space Shuttle missions, will definitely influence severely the US space program, if not the world's efforts to explore the universe. I just hope that the sacrifice of those seven will be remembered.

 January 28th, 2003 Holster models by Hill Country Leather added 

A new holster manufacturer was brought to my attention by a visitor. Hill Country Leather is interesting for M-1911 owners, since they produce a copy of the original, military, flap holster for this firearm. Check their products in the Holsters section of this site.

 January 27th, 2003 New Sponsor - Cen-Dex Holsters 

A new sponsor has been added to the list of those generous firms, which contribute to the existence of M1911.ORG. The company's Cen-Dex Holsters and they specialize in the production of Kydex holsters for your favorite firearm. The owner, Frank Spezzano, is a very decent man, and I am sure you will enjoy doing business with him. Do visit their site, I am sure you will not regret it.

 January 1st, 2003 Happy New Year 

Dear visitors, may you all have a very Happy and Prosperous New Year!

 December 29th, 2002 My Christmas gift from the Greek Police 

The Greek Police decided to give me a ... louzy gift, for Christmas. They revoked my gun owing permit, because I hadn't completed the required number of shooting matches. It didn't matter much, that for almost a year, I had a problem with the elbow of my right arm, nor that the Greek Shooting Federation suggested that being an active shooter, I need to have my permit renewed. Minor items, like business overload or the birth of twin babies were of course irrelevant. This is not something that has happened only with me, a lot of Greek shooters are deprived of their guns, because of this reason. A new law is expected to be passed, which will give us a grace period to complete the necessary number of matches. In the mean time, my two 1911s are safely stored in some shelf, in the local police station. Thank you Greek Police, I'll keep that in mind, next time you ask me for a computer (I still have the damn "Thank You" letter they send me, when I gave them a computer, as a gift, at the time they were struggling with the type-writers to write the permits etc.).

 December 25th, 2002 SmartCarry Holster tested 

Check the Product Tests section, for a test of the most intriguing holster, the SmartCarry.

 December 24th, 2002 Merry Christmas to all 

I would like to wish to all M1911.ORG visitors a very Merry Christmas, full of love and happiness.

 December 23rd, 2002 A drum magazine for the M-1911 

A visitor of M1911.ORG found this interesting device and was kind enough to send me the pictures. Have a look at a drum magazine that a WWII veteran had, for his 1911, in the Technical Issues folder of this site.

 December 10th, 2002 A New M-1911 Manufacturer added - Valtro USA 

A new M-1911 manufacturer has been added, Valtro USA. Valtro is a combined effort of Valtro Stocchetta of Italy and Master Pistolsmith John Jardine. Their cooperation has lead to a new 1911 model, called 1998A1, which you can see in our M-1911 Models area. It is amazing that the old workhorse remains in such a strong demand 90 years after its invention, enough to allow a new manufacturer to enter the market.

 December 6th, 2002 Cen-Dex Holsters added 

A new holster manufacturer has been added, namely Cen-Dex Holsters. Cen-Dex specializes in Kydex holsters for your favorite firearms. Check their models out at the Holsters area of the site. Cen-Dex is also a sponsor of Folders-R-Us.ORG, my site dedicated to the tactical fighting folding knives, so please visit their site.

 December 4th, 2002 An M-1911 for lefties 

A visitor has pointed to me that Dlask Arms Corp. of Canada is making a full-lefties 1911. Check it out in Technical Issues area of the site.

 November 30th, 2002 Firestorm vs. M-1911 compatibility 

A visitor has supplied some compatibility information, between the M-1911 and the Firestorm pistols. Check it out in the Technical Issues area of the site.

 November 21st, 2002 LAPD SWAT selects Kimber 

Well, this has been old news to me, but I was not allowed to comment. The Los Angeles Police Dept. SWAT Team has selected the Kimber Custom II pistol as standard equipment for their members. Actually, each officer will receive two pistols, one equipped with a Surefire light and the other plain. Congratulations Kimber, nice job!

 November 7th, 2002 Christmas Gift Ideas 

With Christmas just around the corner, what better gift for a shooting enthusiast than a set of personalized grip panels, for his beloved M-1911. Not only these will have his initials on them, but they are also made from a very unconventional material, T-6 aluminum (the same material used in cars and airplanes), so you will get your beloved one, something different, something unique, something totally personalized for him/her. Of course, you can always buy a set for yourself, your old slubside could use a new look, right?

You may get these grips from our sponsor, Alumagrips. If you want also to remember M1911.ORG (this site), you may ask Chris (Alumagrips owner) to make you a special set, with our URL engraved on the top, at a special promotional price. Do check them out, the perfect gift for you and your shooting friends.

 October 13th, 2002 An M-1911 in 455 Webley added 

A very nice picture of an M-1911 in the wierd 455 Webley caliber has been added in the Models folder, Various Others section. Interesting firearm in a strange caliber.

 October 13th, 2002 Marvel Precision .22LR kit added 

Marvel Precision is producing a .22LR conversion kit for the M-1911. Check it out in our Parts folder, Marvel section.

 October 7th, 2002 New sponsor of M1911.ORG 

Dear Visitors, a new sponsor has decided to support M1911.ORG, and I certainly appreciate their help. It is Exotic Grips by Esmeralda and I assure you Esmeralda's grips are as beautiful as their maker.

 September 18th, 2002 Dan Wesson ships the first Patriot pistol 

Dear Visitors, you might be interested to know, that today, Dan Wesson Firearms, of Norwich, New York shipped the first of its new Dan Wesson Patriot 1911 .45ACP semi auto pistols. This new line, from this old manufacturer is considered to be the biggest development in the 1911 market since the birth of the Kimber 1911 in 1995. Read all about this new line of pistols, in our M-1911 Models folder, Dan Wesson section.

 September 11th, 2002 Interested in fighting knives? 

Dear Visitors, if you are interested in fighting, folding knives, please visit my other site, Folders-R-Us.ORG, the most extensive site on this subject currently on the net. Very similar to M1911.ORG, it provides you with all current fighting folders models, from either mass-producers or custom knife makers, plus a lot of technical information about these little defence tools.

 September 11th, 2002 An unforgetable anniversary 

On this sad anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks, I would like to send my most sincere condolences to the families of all those who lost their lives, either during the attacks themselves, or in the aftermath, during their effort to provide assistance. May the world never see such an attrocity again.

 September 3rd, 2002 Check out the M1911.ORG wearables 

I would like to inform our new visitors (and remind the regular ones) that M1911.ORG is offering you a whole series of wearable items, with your favorite pistol embroidered together with our logo. Do check them out at the "Wearables" section of this site. Please keep in mind, that these items are offered to you, by M1911.ORG, at cost, I do not make any money out of them.

 July 26th, 2002 A new sponsor added 

A new company has been added in the list of those generous firms, which consider M1911.ORG a worthwhile effort, and invest in suporting it. "The Wilderness" is a company specializing in tactical products, for the demanding user. Please visit their site, their support helps me keep M1911.ORG alive.

 July 20th, 2002 The M-1911s of "November 17th" terrorist group 

Another world first, for M1911.ORG.

For those of you following the international news, the Greek Police has managed to arrest several members and to confiscate the majority of the firearms of the terrorist group known as "November 17th". This group has performed a number of terrorist acts during the last 27 years, including assassinations, bombings etc.. "November 17th" was using .45 ACP pistols to perform those assassinations, and during the recent police raids in the hide-outs where the firearms were found, they retrieved two M-1911 .45 ACP caliber pistols, which have later being identified as having being used in several terrorist acts. Read the full story and see the pistols, by following this link.

M1911.ORG is the first web site on the net (not counting the local news media sites), which features pictures of the M-1911s of the above terrorist group.

The pictures and information, were kindly provided to me, by the Greek Police, Public Relations Office. I would like to personally thank Capt. George Pappas, for his assistance.

 July 19th, 2002 Did you check Folders-R-Us.ORG? 

Did you guys visited my new site, Folders-R-Us.ORG yet? If not, please do so by clicking on the icon above, and let me know how you like it. It is dedicated to the fighting/tactical folding knives. Tnx.

 July 12th, 2002 A new Holster manufacturer added 

A new holster manufacturer was added in the Holsters folder of this site, called Universal Shooting Academy Pro Shop.

 July 9th, 2002 An Open Letter to members of Congress 

Col. David Hackworth send the following Open Letter to the members of the Congress. Do read it, it is quite interesting. Remember to close the new window that will open, to return here.

 July 9th, 2002 My condolences 

I was very sorry to hear that William B. Ruger passed away. Similarly, Guy Hogue of Hogue Grips, passed away on April 2nd, 2002 (news take long to reach Greece). My condolences to the families of those two great men.

 July 9th, 2002 Rock Island M-1911s added 

It is amazing how a ninety years old design, still attacts manufacturers interest, so much so that another one has been added in the list. The latest addition can be found in M-1911 Models folder, and concerns the offerings of Rock Island .45.

 July 4th, 2002 M-1911 market news 

I am reading in American Handgunner that at least three M-1911 manufacturers (Les Baer, Wilson Combat and Caspian) will soon be offering their pistols with integral light rails. I do not know if there is such a great demand for this feature, but I know one thing. A flash light under the dust cover, sure spoils the handsome lines of the M-1911 figure.

Brownells, the well-known firearms parts shop lists more than 29,000 parts and gunsmith supplies for the M-1911 !!!

Wollf, the famous firearm spring manufacturer, just came out with a new 7-round magazine for M-1911. Check it out, in the Parts folder of this site.

 July 4th, 2002 Happy 4th of July 

To all my American friends and visitors, Happy 4th of July.

 July 3rd, 2002 What to look for, in a used M-1911 

A new article has been added in the Technical Issues folder, on the above subject, directly from the web site of of Handguns Magazine. I think it makes some interesting reading.

 July 2nd, 2002 Rock River Arms products 

It is interesting how even the most carefully executed job can make you look bad. One of the files that never made it to the new site look, was the one refering to Rock River Arms products. Several people have written to me asking about their models, however, since it was not in the site, I always replied "I know nothing". Silly me, I found the file from the old site layout just today, so I grabbed the opportunity to update it. So my latest addition can be found in M-1911 Models folder, and concerns the offerings of this firm.

 June 26th, 2002 Folders-R-Us.ORG: My new site for tactical/fighting folders 

Dear Visitors

I am happy to announce my new web site, dedicated to the tactical/fighting folding knives or folders. Folders-R-Us.ORG has been created to become for the folding knives, what M1911.ORG is, for the M-1911 pistols. The site is only one week old, yet it already contains significant information about these tools, and the offers of at least six manufacturers (more will be added soon). Folders-R-Us.ORG will make use of the knife expertise of Robin Brown, a knife instructor and PI. Please pay us a visit and tell us your opinion.

Thanks

 June 18th, 2002 Center Custom Cases for your M-1911 

I just discovered this web site, at http://www.centercustomcases.com/. The owner, Les Center can make you a mahogany presentation case, for your trusty M-1911, so that it looks even better when you show it of. Les's work looks great, so have a look at his site.

 June 17th, 2002 Kimber's page renewed with new models 

The Kimber's page of M1911.ORG has been updated to include all late models. Check it out in the M-1911 Models folder.

A special article has been included in the Technical Issues folder, describing the operation of the Swartz firing pin safety mechanism, now included in Kimber's pistols.

 June 16th, 2002 CQB Products announces a new M-1911 model 

Another firm jumped in the M-1911 bandwagon. CQB Products, from Tustin CA, just announced a new M-1911 model, which is called Spec-Ops 1911. Go to the M-1911 Models folder to see its specs.

 June 7th, 2002 My new folding knives have arrived 

For those interested in folders, I just received my last order of these little things. My order included a Cold Steel Voyager, a Cold Steel Recon 1, a SOG Autoclip and a Cold Steel Tuff-Lite. Read all about them in the About your Host folder.

 June 5th, 2002 An M-1911 with case-colored hardening from Olympic Arms 

Olympic Arms has announced a new addition in the line of M-1911s, this one, called "The Westerner" comes with case-colored hardening over all its external surface. Check it out at the M-1911 Models folder, in the Olympic Arms section, from the menu at right.

 June 5th, 2002 USMC and the M-1911 

The following appeared in the March/April issue of American Handgunner.

The US Marine Corps recently purchased enough parts to build 789 M-1911 pistols for CQB. The pistols will be build by the armorers of the Precision Weapons Section MCBQ (thanks you Col. Brown for telling me what that means, "Marine Corp. Base Quantico") and it is interesting to note what the Corp got:

What is unknown is which frames these guns will be build upon. Maybe the Marines will use some of their old inventory, or is it that they still haven't decided on the frame to use, I do not know.

 June 3rd, 2002 A new model from Dan Wesson 

I checked Dan Wesson's site today and decided to update my page for that manufacturer. In the same time, I found a photograph of their soon-to-be-released model, called the "Patriot" which features an external extractor. Check it out in the M-1911 Models folder, from the menu at left.

 June 2nd, 2002 More books about the 1911 

A couple of books have been added in the corresponding Books folder of this site. Thanks to the person who pointed the out.

 May 27th, 2002 Tacoma, Washington PD chooses Kimber 

This is not exactly new, since the decision has been made in September last year, but (I just got the details and) I think it is worth mentioning here, since it is the first instance in a long time, that a Police Department is selecting a single-action pistol for its officers. After testing 37 different handguns, the Tacoma, Washington Police Department has selected two Kimber® 1911 .45 ACP pistols for duty carry. Officers can select either the Kimber Pro Carry HD II™ with a stainless steel frame or the Kimber Pro Carry II™ with an aluminum frame. Job well done Kimber!

 May 26th, 2002 South America Ordnance (IMBEL) products added 

South America Ordnance is a Brazilian joint-venture company wholly owned by Indústria de Material Bélico do Brasil (IMBEL) - attached to the Brazilian Army; Royal Ordnance plc (RO) - subsidiary of British Aerospace Defence Group; and Schahin Participações Ltda. Imbel offers several M-1911 models. I do not know if they are imported in your particular country, but you can see their models, by clicking on the M-1911 Models from the menu at left, and select Imbel.

  May 24th, 2002 Para Ordnance victim of theft 

Three longtime Para Ordnance employees were caught recently, with 95 stolen pistols and about 500,000 rounds of ammunition removed from P.O. factory. I feel sorry for my friend Thanos Polyzos, that must have hurt. You do not expect that from your employees, and when it happens you get quite disapppointed. I hope that P.O. has now established better inventory control procedures.

  May 20th, 2002 M1911.ORG grips 

I am very happy to inform visitors of M1911.ORG, that in addition to our wearable items, you can now order specially-made grips, for your M-1911, with our logo on them. Those grips, are made by Alumagrips, they come in two varieties and they are offered at a significant 15% discount from regular Alumagrips prices. So if you like a set of Alumagrips and you are willing to have the site's URL and logo on them, check them out, by clicking here.

  May 19th, 2002 New sponsor 

I am very happy to announce, that Woodgrips is a new sponsor of M1911.ORG. Woodgrips is a company producing Cocobolo grips for your firearms, and of course for your M-1911s. Pay them a visit and and see their beautiful grips. If you decide to buy one of their products, please do not forget to tell them where you saw them (in M1911.ORG of course). This will help me maintain the sponsorship and this site alive.

  May 5th, 2002 Internal changes 

Today, I did some internal changes in the site, in order to make maintenance easier. The user will notice nothing different, but these changes make my life a lot easier. I also managed to create some space, for a "Sponsors Wanted" banner, in the right column, which I hope to be soon replaced by a sponsor's logo.

  May 1st, 2002 New things added 

The followings have been added in M1911.ORG today.

The first is a section in Technical Issues, which answers (or at least tries to) a question I've been asked several times, "Who makes a lefties M-1911?".

The second is a new item that has been added to the Parts folder, Chip Mc Cormick section. It is a drop-in Novak-style rear sight, for the pistols which have a standard dovetail cut.

The third is a new grip manufacturer (yes, another one), called Carbon Creations. It looks as if the grips industry is moving towards the hi-tech materials these days. The grips of this company are made of Carbon Fiber. To see their offerings, go to the Grips folder from the menu at left, and then select "Carbon Creations".

April 27th, 2002 Two new sections added 

Two new sections have been added in M1911.ORG today.

The first is a new grip manufacturer, called Sporting Arms Custom Grips (or Woodgrips). To see their offerings, go to the Grips folder from the menu at left, and then select "Woodgrips".

The second is a section dedicated to the M-1911s produced by Pistol Dynamics, the company of Paul Liebenberg. To see them, select Models from the menu at left, and then select "Pistol Dynamics".

April 22nd, 2002 M-1911 Double Actions pistols page 

One thing missing from this site, was a page with some information about the various attempts to produce a DA version of the old bigmouth. The only info I've managed to find, concerns the Seecamp conversion, and I have created a special section in the "M-1911 Models" folder, to include what I found. If you have some other DA conversion of the M-1911, please drop me a note. It will help me enrich this new section.

April 22nd, 2002 Emerson send me a new CQC-7B 

For those of you who read my experiences with Emerson Knives Inc., here is the end of the story. Emerson has just send me a brand new CQC-7B, as a replacement for the knife I send them back. The new knife was send together with a note from Ernest R. Emerson himself. It looks as if Emerson do stand up behind their products, I only wish they read their e-mails more often. Let me grab the opportunity to thank Ernest Emerson for the resolution he gave, as well as my friend Robin Brown, a knife instructor, knife retailer and PI, for his help in bringing this whole thing at a good end.

If you want to read my experiences with various folding knives, please go to the "About your Host" section of this site, and scroll down until you find the appropriate link, or click here (a new browser window will open, close it to return here).

April 19th, 2002 Useful contribution to M1911.ORG 

One of the M1911.ORG mailing list members, who wants to remain anonymous, has contributed a two-years, air-mail subscription of "American Handgunner" to this site. Such contributions help me enormously in updating the site with new information, I would therefore like to express my most sincere gratitude to this person. Thanks friend!

April 17th, 2002 Folding knives, a new page added in M1911.ORG 

Most of the frequent visitors are already aware of my recent, traumatic experiences with folding knives, so I thought I would put everything into a single page and add it in the site for (I hope) enjoyable reading. For those who share my interest in the medium, folding knives (or folders), this page can be found in the "About your host" section of the site (it is around the middle of that page, so scroll down a bit), or you can go directly to it, by clicking here (a new browser window will open, close it to return here).

April 10th, 2002 Interested book writers, please note! 

One of the members of the M1911.ORG Mailing List (Hunt Janin) is an American writer now living in SW France. He knows one US publisher who definitely wants a book on the 1911; another US publisher has expressed some interest in it, too. Hunt's research into books now in print about the 1911 reveals that although a great deal has been written about this pistol, no one book pulls everything together and puts it conveniently between two covers. He and the publishers believe there would be at least a niche (small) market for such a book.

Hunt can't write this book himself for two compelling reasons. First, he has only a beginner's knowledge of the 1911. Second, he lives in the boondocks of rural France. Charming as this is, it is too far away from all the 1911 experts living in the US. E-mail is all well and good, but nothing beats meeting real experts personally, for example, at competitions.

If you like to write, if you know a good deal about the 1911, and if you have access to other US experts, Hunt will be glad to give you information about the publishers mentioned above and any other help he can -- free of charge, of course. For those interested, please contact me.

April 8th, 2002 New Article in Technical Issues 

A mailing list member asked a question that I've heard too many times. Isn't a cocked and locked M-1911 dangerous? Well, Syd at The Sight 1911A1 has the answer, so I thought I would add a link to it, for people to read.

April 2nd, 2002 Excellent Support from Taylor Cutlery 

Since I do not want you to think that I use this space only to complain about things, here is a case of a company which provides excellent support to their customers. As you can see below (News : March 24th), when my CQC-7 was sent to Emerson for repairs, I replaced it with a brand new Smith & Wesson SWAT knife. The knife has hardly been used, and the teflon coating that covers the grips started to peel off. I am not talking small scratches here, I am talking about the coating just peeling off, especially at the edges of the grips. And the knife was only two days old.

I e-mailed Taylor Cutlery, the makers of the S&W knives, and I got response within one day. The company suggested that I return the knife to them for replacement. They was honest enough to tell me that even on a good knife, the coating will eventually rub off with usage, since it is only a coating, so they asked me if instead of the teflon coated knife I had bought, I prefer to have an aluminum/stainless knife, the standard S&W offering. I finally decided not to send the knife back, since the cost of shipping would be more than the price I got the knife for, instead I'll have the grips glassbead-blasted to remove the teflon and reveal the aluminum below. However, I cannot but appreciate the attention Taylor Cutlery showed to my case, the customer service of the company was examplery. Thanks Morgan!

March 29th, 2002 New section added to M1911.ORG 

One thing that was missing from M1911.ORG, was a list with published material, on the M-1911 pistol. I had thought about doing it, but since my library is not that extensive, I've never done it. A visitor's request though, prompt me to ask some questions around, clean up the dust from my own shelves and collect the information presented here. If you are aware of other publications, which relate to our favorite firearm, please send me the details, at sv1cec@hol.gr. It will be appreciated, if it is as complete as possible, including Title, Author, Publisher and ISBN.

March 28th, 2002 Emerson Knives responded to my e-mails 

I am very happy to announce, that following a very helpful call from an Emerson dealer, who took the whole subject personally, I got response from Emerson. Their e-mail was quite friendly and promised resolution of my problem. I've send them my knife today for repair or replacement (at their discretion). This is indeed good news. I have to thank the person who helped me out with this, it is Robin Brown (or Brownie), a knife instructor, PI and Emerson reseller in the Massachusets area. If you live there, and need some knife training, Brownie can be reached at Robin.Brown@us.cibc.com. Give him a call, I owe this guy a big favor. Thanks Brownie!

March 24th, 2002 Emerson Knives, a joke! 

If you look in my "Dreams Page", you will see that for some time, Emerson's CQC-7 folder was one of my favorite items. I finally acquired one of these knives, and for one short day, I was a happy camper. If you are interested to read why I would never suggest to anyone to buy an Emerson knife, please click here.

The CQC-7 has been therefore retired and this is what replaced it as my carrying knife. Following some friend's advice, I think that in the near future, I'll get a Cold Steel Voyager 29LT, hopefully it will be a better knife than the Emerson! What a pity, definitely, the CQC-7 wins in the looks department, but the company does not know what customer care means.

March 12th, 2002 Alumagrips sponsors M1911.ORG 

Alumagrips, the new M-1911 grips manufacturer has just become a sponsor of this site. The company's logo will appear at the right, and you are all invited to visit their site and check their offerings. Additionally, you may read a test that I performed on their products, by clicking here.

March 12th, 2002 Angleport Ballistic Specialties 

Angleport Ballistic Specialties just came out with some new pistol packages for the M-1911 shooter. Their models can be checked out at the M-1911 Models" folder of this site.

March 7th, 2002 Test of Alumagrips 

Alumagrips is a grip manufacturer which offers grip panels for your M-1911, made out of an innovative material, T-6 aluminum, the same material used in cars engines and airplane struts. A few days ago, I received a set of these grips for testing, and here you can read my findings about this product.

March 6th, 2002 I can't keep this guy away from good firearms 

This is the older (and bigger by 300 gr) of the twins. As you can see, I cannot keep him away from nice firearms. Here, he poses, after he blackmailed me into allowing him to touch my M-1911 and Remington 870.

As you can probably (not) see, for the time being he prefers the Reduced Slugger, by Remington, together with his sucker, but I am sure he will soon be able to handle the full load.

March 6th, 2002 Paul Liebenberg's Pistol Dynamics is back 

While doing an Internet search last night, I fall into Paul Liebenberg's Pistol Dynamics site. If you are not familiar with Paul, he is a legend in the M-1911 custom gunsmithing. His company went operational again, since January 2002, and is once again providing discerning shooters with exclusive custom handguns and related products that represent the pinnacle of the craft. Click here to visit Paul's site.

March 5th, 2002 New .45 ACP cartridge from Federal 

Federal has just announced a new .45 ACP cartridge. The new offer of the company is using a new kind of round, called Expanding Full Metal Jacket, in a 200 gr. variation, which is producing 1035 fps of muzzle velocity. To see the new cartridge, click here

March 1st, 2002 M1911.ORG Wearables 

Dear visitors, the M-1911 Pistols Home Page is happy to announce the availability of our site's wearables. These items include t-shirts, polo-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, caps, even rifle cases and range bags. All of these items are offered to you embroidered with the M1911.ORG logo. The maintainer of this site does not make any money out of them, you buy them at cost, directly from their maker. To see what is available, please go to our Wearables folder.

February 18th, 2002 New additions to the M-1911 shooting community 

I am very happy to announce the addition of two new members in the M-1911 shooting community. My twin boys have been delivered on Monday, (February 18th, 2002) evening and are getting ready for their long-lasting relation with our beloved firearm (do not ask how they are getting ready, it is obvious, by eating lots of milk!). Both mother and babies are doing fine.

Yes, I am aware that they both have a small flinching problem (who didn't have it, two minutes after he was brought into this world?), which will never allow them to become good shooters, but I am sure they will grow out of it!!!

Thanks to all who wrote expressing their wishes.

February 15th, 2002 Interconnection with 1911FORUM.COM 

The M-1911 Pistols Home Page (M1911.ORG) is very happy to announce that it has been interconnected with the 1911FORUM.COM. The reason behind this move, was that both Jason and me believed that such a move is to the benefit of our visitors and friends. Jason's site is a discussion board with very knowledgeable and frequent visitors, but has no information per se, in the form of an on-line reference, for the M-1911 pistol. On the other hand, my site has plenty of on-line reference for the M-1911, but no discussion forum, except a mailing list. So reaching our decision, was the easy part. Implementation was another issue!

From now on, the two sites, even though they maintain their independence, they will collaborate in allowing easy navigation between each other. In each and every page of the M-1911 Pistols Home Page, there will be a link, through which you will be able to access the 1911FORUM.COM site. And vice versa, in each and every page of the 1911FORUM.COM, there will be a link to the M1911.ORG.

In the same time, the physical appearance of the M1911.ORG was changed to closely reflect the appearance of its sister site. I hope you like the new look (boy, was it an effort!) and that you keep returning to the M1911.ORG for all your information requirements, on this fine firearm, and to the 1911FORUM.COM for all your questions and answers.

One more thing, if during your journey in this site, you notice some navigational errors or problems, please do not hesitate to contact me at sv1cec@hol.gr. Changing the appearance of the whole site was not an easy proposition, so even though I've spend quite some time testing the new structure, there might still be some glitches that went unnoticed. I am only human!