Springfield Armory’s Custom Shop: NRA 2019 | Gun Talk LIVE

Published on April 28, 2019
Duration: 14:29

This video provides an in-depth look at Springfield Armory's Custom Shop, highlighting the meticulous hand-fitting process for their 1911 pistols, including the FBI's Professional Model. It details the craftsmanship involved in custom checkering and explains the differences between machine and hand finishing. The discussion extends to custom trigger upgrades for the XD line and the evolution of the Custom Shop's focus. Insights are shared by Dave Williams, Director of R&D at Springfield Armory, who has extensive experience within the Custom Shop.

Quick Summary

Springfield Armory's custom 1911 pistols are distinguished by their hand-fitted components, where gunsmiths meticulously adjust each part for optimal function and precision, a level of craftsmanship that goes beyond standard CNC machining. This dedication extends to custom checkering, which is hand-finished to a needlepoint for superior grip and aesthetics.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Custom Shop vs. Match Rifle Shop
  2. 00:09Glass Bedding Process
  3. 00:35Introduction: Kevin Jernigan & Dave Williams
  4. 00:39NRA Annual Meetings 2019
  5. 01:05Dave Williams' Background
  6. 01:41Touring the Custom Shop Facilities
  7. 01:56Custom 1911: Professional Model
  8. 02:18Hand-Fitting Components Explained
  9. 03:14Custom Checkering: Hand vs. Machine
  10. 04:03Different Grip Surfaces
  11. 04:46Alternative Grip Pattern
  12. 05:37Experience in the Custom Shop
  13. 06:45Passion of the Gunsmiths
  14. 07:10Evolution of Custom Shop Focus
  15. 08:04Impact of Upgrades on Production
  16. 08:13Professional Model: FBI Contract
  17. 08:41Current Custom Work on Springfields
  18. 08:51Labor Hours for Custom Pistols
  19. 09:35Beyond 1911s: XD Upgrades
  20. 09:53XD Trigger Upgrades
  21. 10:25Steve Horsman's XD Trigger
  22. 10:50R&D Department Overview
  23. 11:23Dedicated R&D Department
  24. 11:35Future Projects
  25. 12:01Customer Influence on Development
  26. 12:38Springfield's Customer Service
  27. 13:41Closing Remarks

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Springfield Armory's custom 1911 pistols different from standard models?

Springfield Armory's custom 1911s feature hand-fitted components, meaning each part is meticulously adjusted by a gunsmith to ensure perfect lock-up and function. This contrasts with standard production models, which rely more heavily on CNC machining for assembly.

How does Springfield Armory's custom checkering process work?

The process starts with machine-cut checkering patterns on the grip panels. Gunsmiths then meticulously finish each point by hand, filing them to a precise needlepoint. This ensures both superior grip and a refined aesthetic, with options like 20 or 25 lines per inch available.

What kind of custom work can be done on Springfield Armory's XD pistols?

Springfield Armory's Custom Shop offers significant upgrades for XD pistols, most notably their custom trigger systems. They provide competition and carry triggers, with the competition version capable of mimicking a single-action 1911 trigger pull, offering a crisp break and minimal over-travel.

What is the typical labor investment for a Springfield Armory custom pistol?

Building a custom pistol like the Springfield Armory Professional Model involves a substantial labor investment, typically ranging from 20 to 25 hours of dedicated work per firearm. This extensive hand-fitting and finishing contribute significantly to the overall cost and quality.

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