Pistol Build: Classic vs. Modern
This month I want to talk about the final stage of MGS School’s Advanced Gunsmithing II course. The final project involves completing a firearm build kit, with the option to choose one of four available build options. Two of the options include a modern design Rost Marton RM1C or the classic 1911 from Alpha Foxtrot. Both pieces are made with quality materials and are made in the United States.
The 1911
The 1911 is truly one of the most famous of all firearms. The 1911 has been used in every conflict since WW1. It has been carried by police officers and civilians and used in more films that can be counted. The 1911 has been more copied than any other firearm. John Browning invented a timeless firearm. You can customize it any way you want, but the original mechanics of the pistol have not changed since 1911. I have built more than a few 1911’s in the past and I am working on one right now.
The Alpha Foxtrot piece has taken the classic 1911 and turned it into a modern looking pistol that is functional as well as attractive.
The Alpha Foxtrot pistol has included many upgrades that do not come standard on a government model 1911. The slide seriations to the forward and rear allow the shooter to get a better grip when working the action. The slide is also equipped with Novak cut dovetails, so you can install adjustable sights. To fit an older 1911 for different sights you would need to cut the dovetails on a milling machine. You can also order the Alpha Foxtrot slide to accept optic mounts. This is something you will see more often these days, shooters are adding red dots to pistols for quick target acquisition. The Alpha Foxtrot did not stop with the slide and its upgrades. The main frame has been upgraded as well. In front of the trigger guard, they have added a short rail system so you can add a laser/light attachment, which is also helpful with quick target acquisition and home defense. The grip safety has been machined down to make the rear of the pistol more streamlined. To achieve the same look, you need to spend many hours with a file and sandpaper. The images below are from a regular 1911shows the stages of custom fitting the grip safety.
The Alpha Foxtrot 1911 continued with its many upgrades and added metal checkering to the front of the pistol grip to aide the shooter with a better grip. To update a standard 1911 the process takes many hours and a lot of patience. You can really customize the Alpha Foxtrot to suit all your needs.
Rost Martin RM1C
Striker-fired pistols make up more than 80% of the pistols sold today. Many people think the striker fired design has not been around very long. The technology was first used in the late 1800’s. Mauser introduced their C96 pistol, and many manufacturers have used the same technology since. The RM1C striker fired pistol made by Rost Martin is one of those strikers fired pistols that does not lack standard features. The beauty of the RM1C is it is highly customizable, and it does not break the bank in achieving the pistol you want.
You can start with a plain-looking piece that John Wick would be proud to use. Even the base model of the RM1C is full of features. Deep slide serrations that provide excellent ergonomics to get the pistol into battery. The magwell is designed like a funnel that speeds up magazine changes. Additional standard features include a modular grip system that allows you to switch out the backstraps of the grip to fit any size hand. The grip stippling and forward textured index points aide the shooter in recoil management. This pistil is also optic ready. Simply remove the top plate on the slide and it will be ready for your pistol optic. Just like many pistols these days, the RM1C has the bottom rail forward of the trigger guard to allow you to add a laser/light combo. This is a great piece that would serve all your needs.
Whatever piece you choose, you really cannot go wrong. Both pistols are very modern and are using the latest technology to meet the needs of today’s shooter.
Conclusion
Finally, I wanted to share that the Gunsmithing world lost a great man of the trade last month. Eddie Webster from Boones Mill, VA. He was an American Patriot and served his country in the Navy. After leaving the Navy, he worked for GE Energy for many years as a machinist and field engineer. He retired from GE and started his career as a Gunsmith. He started with a modest shop doing repairs and restoration work. Utilizing his machinist background, he started building custom rifles. The detail he would put into each build could be seen in the results of someone shooting one of his rifles. He even caught the eye of a writer from long range hunting magazine. A great article was written about Eddie, showcasing his attention to detail. Not only was Eddie a custom rifle builder but a Pistol Smith as well. He could make a standard 1911 into a work of art. I was blessed that Eddie only lived a half hour away from me. I can honestly say if it were not for Eddie, I would not be in business today. Mentors are priceless in our gunsmith industry. Gain knowledge from those who have more experience as well as pass knowledge along to new gunsmiths. We can all benefit from sharing our failures and our triumphs.
Far winds and following seas, Eddie.
Semper Fi!
Written by: David Johnson, Leatherneck Gunsmithing
