Bill North Custom Long Slide Colt 1911 .45 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol

SOLD FOR: $2251

LSB#: 220108HC009

Make: Colt, Custom Long Slide by Bill North (per consignor)

Model: Custom Long Slide 1911

Serial Number: 19771B70

Year of Manufacture: 1979 (https://colt.com/serial-lookup)

Caliber: .45 ACP

Action Type: Semi-Automatic pistol with detachable magazine

Markings: The left side of the slide is marked “GOVERNMENT / MODEL”, “COLT”, “AUTOMATIC / CALIBER .45” and with a rampant colt, the right is marked “COLT’S MFG. CO. HARTFORD CT. U.S.A.”. The right of the frame is marked “COLT’S PT. F.A. MFG. CO. HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A.” and “19771B70”. Each side of the thumb-safety is marked “A.D. SWENSON / FALLBROOK, CALIF.”. The top of the barrel is marked “BAR STO 45 ACP”. The bottom of the slide is marked “WHN 1” (William North). The slide has scroll and border engraving which cleverly incorporates the factory Colt markings. Per the consignor, the engraving was  done by Frank Lehman (“Texas Jack”).

Barrel Length: 6”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated, ramped blade fixed to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a square notch Bo-Mar sight adjustable for elevation and windage, dovetailed to the rear of the slide. The slide has been milled to accept this sight.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece custom carved wood with rampant colt in circle on each side. The grips have minor handling wear with slight discoloration and thinning finish at some edges, but no notable damage. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition as not original to the gun.

Type of Finish: Blue & Chrome

Finish Originality: Refinished when customized.

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 current metal finish. The finish is generally strong throughout with some scattered stubborn grease and fouling in protected areas. There is some minor oxidation at the rear of the slide on each side. There is a light “idiot mark” on the left of the frame under the slide stop. There are a few scattered minor marks. There is a band of slight discoloration around the front of the slide where the extension was welded in place. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Fine condition as customized.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The trigger is crisp. The slide to frame fit shows minor play. 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 one 7-round magazine with a Black Star rubber basepad installed. The magazine has light operational wear, some minor oxidation, intact feed lips and a strong spring.

Our Assessment: Built on a Colt Government frame and with Colt’s slide, this pistol has been extensively customized as a “long slide” 1911. An extension has been welded on the slide to hold the pistol’s 6″ Bar Sto barrel, target sights have been installed with serrations down the top of the slide for glare reduction, and the slide has been decoratively engraved by Frank Lehman, better known to the Cowboy Action Shooting community as “Texas Jack”. The frame has had raised checkering applied to the frontstrap, and the trigger guard which has been squared off, and then the frame was chrome plated. Rounding out the customization are an Armand Swenson ambidextrous thumb safety and a beavertail grip safety. The result is a custom target pistol which should shoot as good as it looks. Please see our photos and good luck!

Bill North Custom Long Slide Colt 1911 .45 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol
Bill North Custom Long Slide Colt 1911 .45 ACP Semi-Automatic Pistol