The Greatest 1911 Ever Made

Published on August 24, 2016
Duration: 26:58

This video details the performance of a custom-built 1911 pistol, considered by the builder to be the greatest ever made. It covers extensive reliability and accuracy testing, including feeding tests with empty cases and evaluations of various ammunition types and magazines. Renowned expert Massad Ayoob provides an analysis of the trigger pull and overall fit and finish, highlighting the pistol's suitability for competition and self-defense. The build was completed under the supervision of legendary gunsmith Bob Marvel.

Quick Summary

The custom Bob Marvel 1911, built by Justin Opinion under expert guidance, is highly regarded for its exceptional craftsmanship and performance. It features a sub-4lb trigger with no backlash, tight accuracy with select ammunition like Sig Sauer and Perfecta, and demonstrated reliability through empty case cycling tests.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Custom 1911
  2. 02:40Trigger Pull Analysis with Massad Ayoob
  3. 07:24Reliability and Feeding Tests
  4. 08:11Ammunition Accuracy Testing
  5. 15:19Magazine Compatibility and Issues
  6. 20:31MAG-40 Qualification Performance

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the custom Bob Marvel 1911 considered the greatest ever made?

The builder, Justin Opinion, considers it the greatest because he built it himself during a custom build course under Bob Marvel's supervision, utilizing high-quality Nighthawk Custom components and achieving exceptional long-term performance and accuracy after a 1,000-round break-in period.

How was the trigger pull of the custom 1911 evaluated?

Massad Ayoob measured the trigger pull using a Lyman digital gauge, finding it just under 3.75 pounds. He praised its light, predictable take-up ('good creep') and the complete absence of trigger backlash, which is ideal for target shooting.

What ammunition performed best in the custom 1911 accuracy tests?

During accuracy testing with various 230-grain FMJ loads, Sig Sauer Elite Performance and Perfecta ammunition produced particularly tight groups, demonstrating excellent performance from the custom-built pistol.

Were there any issues with magazines for this custom 1911?

Yes, the custom 1911 exhibited sensitivity to specific magazines. While Wilson Combat and Cobra magazines functioned flawlessly, Chip McCormick Power Mags consistently caused feeding issues during testing.

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