APW Cogan Custom LAR L.A.R. Grizzly Mark I Mk. 1 .357 Mag 6.5″ Pistol
SOLD FOR: $3372.99
LSB#: 220219JN013
Make: L.A.R. Manufacturing Inc., Customized by APW Cogan
Model: Grizzly Mark I
Serial Number: A000148
Year of Manufacture: 1984-1999
Caliber: .357 Magnum
Action Type: Single Action Semi-Automatic Pistol Fed by Detachable Magazine
Markings: The right side of the slide is marked ”MARK I” and with a Grizzly logo. The left side of the slide is marked with the LAR logo and “GRIZZLY WIN MAG”. The top of the slide is marked with a stylized “AP / W” logo and “Cogan / Custom”. The right side of the frame is marked “PAT. # 4,253,377 AND OTHER U.S. AND FOREIGN PATS PEND. / L.A.R. MFG. INC., WEST JORDAN, UT. 84084 U.S.A. / A000148”. The top of the chamber is marked “L.A.R. MFG. INC. / 357 MAGNUM”.
Barrel Length: 6 1/2” Ported
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a ramped blade with a red painted “T” and is fixed to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a Millett white outlined square notch in a base adjustable for windage and elevation which is dovetailed into the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered wood and the mainspring housing has a checkered rubberized panel. There is light handling wear. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Hard Chrome
Finish Originality: Original to APW Cogan Customization
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. There are some marks on the sides of the Millet rear sight from when it was custom profiled to match the slide. There are some scattered light handling marks and light operational wear. The screws are undamaged. The pins are unmarred. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger breaks crisply. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a faux-wood cardboard sleeve with serial matching label and two-piece styrofoam insert with a total of two 7-round magazines, LAR leather holster, original checkered black rubber LAR grip, fitted Pelican hard case, and original grip screws.
Our Assessment: Essentially an over-sized 1911, the LAR Mark I is a large-framed single-action semi-automatic pistol chambered in the powerful .357 Magnum cartridge. The prototype for the LAR Grizzly was actually made from two 1911 frames cut and welded together to accommodate the longer .45 Win. Mag. and with steel plates added to the flats of the slide to add mass and strengthen the slide structurally. Production LAR pistols are another matter. All were hand-fit, which should combine with the adjustable target sights for a very accurate pistol. While perhaps uncomfortably large for those with smaller hands, the frame becomes comfortable quickly with a little handling and the trigger is crisp. This one was sent to APW Cogan Custom for custom work and has had a new hard chrome finish applied, barrel & slide ported, and new grips installed. This would make an excellent target shooting pistol, but with that said, this example is in Excellent condition and comes with its original box, meaning there may also be some collector interest. Please see our photos and good luck!