Karl Sokol Custom Browning Hi-Power

[Tokarev]

As probably quite a few of you have already seen, I have another thread going about a FEG Hi-Power that was lightly customized by Don Williams/The Action Works. As things progressed in that thread, the idea came up of sending another gun off for customization.

So about five months ago I sent a 1988 vintage Hi-Power to Karl Sokol for some work. Yesterday I received an email telling me the work was complete. After a bit of back and forth, Mr. Sokol sent along a couple pics to appease me while I wait for him to receive final payment and return the pistol.

The pistol in question was a rather unremarkable MKII "commercial" pistol. Forged frame and active firing pin block. But rather than the usual MKII matte finish, ambi safety and plastic grips, this pistol was gloss blue with wood grips, small sights and safety. Overall condition was okay but nothing spectacular. There were some pretty good spots of holster wear and (unnoticed at time of purchase) one of the grip screws was cross-threaded.

Here's a list of the work requested:

Basic BHP Package:http://chestnutmountainsports.net/cmspackages.htm
Additions:
Luster Blue
Gold Bead Front Sight
Custom Extended Thumb Safety
Thumb Safety Mod for Positive Engagement
Repair Cross-Thread Grip Screw Hole
Glass Bed Navidrex Grips to Frame

Teaser pics sent by Mr. Sokol:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191016/73ebf1855f8466f3f073cc24e9b9decd.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191016/997925597ce1b448e56a62c18accb714.jpg

[Tokarev]

A couple more. Note mag well beveling:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191016/dd8c3b907c32d6bf5d51572c2c0cf0ab.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191016/363f555a258b7a73173f1f49e5e75135.jpg

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

[Robinson]

Looks terrific!

[Tokarev]

Looks terrific!Thanks. Yeah, it does look pretty solid.

I'll update with more pics and a range report as soon as I'm able.

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

[Maca]

Congrats!

Karl is great. He has built close to a dozen guns for me over the past 20+ years. I am sure you will be very pleased when the mailman rings the door bell.

[Amp]

Karl does great work. Classy build!

[theJanitor]

My Sokol Hipower was excellent. Yours looks like it will be too.

[Tokarev]

Novak sights are Novak sights. Probably not much variance there from one shop to the next.

Things I'm liking, from pics, are the unique work to the hammer and safety. I haven't seen anyone scalloping and/or bobbing a hammer in a similar manner. Same goes for the safety. It probably would have been cheaper to buy a C&S but it wouldn't have looked as "Sokolized."

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

[CWM11B]

I have a 1987 vintage I bought in college with the intent of "one day" sending it to Novak for his FBI HRT package, which no longer appears to be an option. I've been ready to have it done, but vacillating between Sokol, Garthwaite, and Action works for quite some time. That Sokol you have looks like what I'm after in a finished product.

[JRV]

The reprofiled hammer is very eye catching. What a neat pistol.

[fpnunes]

Super sweet HP. I'll always enjoy seeing pics of custom HPs. I've had several and they are really a fun (and super accurate) gun to shoot. I had a SW 3914 worked over by Karl some 20+? years ago and he was great to deal with and really did an amazing job. Nice guy.

[Bucky]

Very nice. Congrats.

[Tokarev]

...worked over by Karl some 20+? years ago and he was great to deal with and really did an amazing job. Nice guy.

Karl doesn't get much press nowadays. I was glad to find that he's still working.

[03RN]

Looks perfect

[newt]

Karl's a great dude and a fellow Vermonter. Love that HP and I'll bet you got a good story or two from Karl.

[JAD]

That will be a great pistol; hope to see it looking mostly worn out in about a year.

I’m very interested in the positive thumb safety engagement. My Mars is good. My C&S was not as good.

[Tokarev]

That will be a great pistol; hope to see it looking mostly worn out in about a year.

I’m very interested in the positive thumb safety engagement. My Mars is good. My C&S was not as good.


I'm actually playing with the idea of taking it to a Gabe White class at the end of this month. That might be an interesting way to break it in and get a feel for it.

[Tokarev]

Looks perfect

Yes. Pretty close. Probably the only thing it might need would be an ambi safety. Maybe some tritium sights.

[Wingate's Hairbrush]

Williams and Sokol are short-list Hi-Power custom mastersmiths; very cool you have examples of both. Would be great to hear a compare-and-contrast assessment of their approaches to the HP from a shooter's perspective...


ETA: "Thumb Safety Mod for Positive Engagement" What's this?

[Tokarev]

Williams and Sokol are short-list...mastersmiths...Would be great to hear a compare-and-contrast assessment...

Well, the Williams pistol is more of a fit and finish. The only work done was to flatten the feed ramp and fit Novak sights. The Sokol gun is more or less a complete build. Probably the only other thing I could have done to the Sokol gun would have been a match fit barrel. That's excluding the possible options of tritium sights and maybe an ambi safety.



"Thumb Safety Mod for Positive Engagement" What's this?

The safety on this pistol had a quite indistinct feel when moving the safety on and off. I don't know yet what Karl did to make it more positive. Did he deepen the dimples in the frame or add more of a point to the detent? Maybe a little of both.





Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

[Tokarev]

I'm hoping he received my final payment check already. Fingers crossed I'll have the gun back this week.

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

[Tokarev]

Tracking number received. Should be delivered Friday.



Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

[penates]

I am sure that you will love it. I have had a number of semi's and revolvers tuned up by Karl over the years. Sadly many of them left my hands, having funded my escape from California.

[Bucky]

I am sure that you will love it. I have had a number of semi's and revolvers tuned up by Karl over the years. Sadly many of them left my hands, having funded my escape from California.

Must have been worth it, I’m sure.

[Tokarev]

How often does FedEx actually deliver a day early?

Stand by for additional details....https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191024/d584258806249d40aea71bede4bf97dc.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191024/51192039bae9af8762e96b2e38e71db5.jpg

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

[Tokarev]

Additional photos, as promised. Will hopefully shoot it this weekend.

Anyway, trigger is clean and crisp with minimal takeup. Breaks at a bit over six pounds measuring off the center of the trigger. Not surprisingly since trigger springs are factory FN.

Overall I am quite pleased. Not a high gloss heirloom but rather a basic fighting pistol with practical and functional mods.

Interesting blue. It is quite dull/matte in color. Not very reflective at all.


https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191024/6bc413592a1045f7d05fc99d2294f42b.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191024/48708812f5e6d0ad2beeb92ef8892a0e.jpg

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

[Tokarev]

Note the dehorn of edges.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191024/a6e28a6aae2e67524b6c433fbd7c7d3c.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191024/d7fdd1674c2a878f2964378bc9509905.jpg

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

[Tokarev]

Internal surfaces.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191024/fecaaab874f4fe4cec3ff604cbd2d9eb.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191024/8848524c476cddd433a00efdb9d9f71d.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191024/dc4f2b71b616d0cfd3fa1c2e4c665814.jpg

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

[Tokarev]

Grip texture. Note trademark diamond point under trigger guard. Sokol is the only person I've seen doing this.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191024/9b6327248e85ae55f2a4330786346a0b.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191024/e58a142c8d82ce16eddb5b4a61cf5f3b.jpg

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

[Tokarev]

Hammer. More styling that's fairly unique to Mr. Sokol.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191024/9f60a2061fa2d135d96650eea48a3d66.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191024/fff5535d9e9a5b1388b32c1091e9e883.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191024/34404dbeaf6dbf4b9b47565f8edfef9f.jpg

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

[Tokarev]

Safety. Somewhat similar in shape/style to the C&S part but with a bigger thumb pad.

The lever is quite stiff to sweep on and off. No mush or indistinct click.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191024/a5d884952d450f9ba60feb3b0a06c5ad.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191024/ac6120490e665c7ca19b11ccc0cc97d3.jpg

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

[Tokarev]

Something I just noticed about this pistol. The slide is marked "Made in Belgium" on the left and not "Made in Belgium, assembled in Portugal." Serial number places it as a 1988 vintage.

[Maca]

Looks great! Congratulations!

[Chuck Whitlock]

That is a fine example of a true craftsman's work!

[revchuck38]

Targets?

<taps foot impatiently>

[Tokarev]

Targets?

<taps foot impatiently>High winds yesterday and today.

Hopefully I'll throw a few rounds downriver this weekend.

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

[revchuck38]

High winds yesterday and today.

Hopefully I'll throw a few rounds downriver this weekend.

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

A likely story. We'll let you slide...this time. :D

[Tokarev]

I have a 1987 vintage I bought in college with the intent of "one day" sending it to Novak for his FBI HRT package...

Sokol's base package is probably fairly close to the Novak FBI no?

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

[CWM11B]

It appears to be. I'm going to have to pull the trigger on this soon. These masters aren't getting any younger...

[Maca]

It appears to be. I'm going to have to pull the trigger on this soon. These masters aren't getting any younger...

Right. I realized the same thing several years ago when I visited Karl to pick up a project he finished. A month later I asked him to build a stainless full size 1911 for my 7 year old. Karl and master smiths like him are not going to be around for ever.

I am so envious right now that I am starting to look for a high power to build. But in Massachusetts, they are not so easy to find.

[Tokarev]

These masters aren't getting any younger...


Right. I realized the same thing several years ago when I visited Karl to pick up a project he finished.

How old a fellow is he? I remember first reading about his work probably 15-20 years ago. I imagine he's in his 60s?

[Maca]

How old a fellow is he? I remember first reading about his work probably 15-20 years ago. I imagine he's in his 60s?

Close to 60, but the day to day life in Vermont has aged him a bit more than the city life would have, over the 20 or so years I’ve known him.

He is a really good, honest man who still runs his business the old fashioned way, and his work reflects that.

[Tokarev]

I have a 1987 vintage I bought in college with the intent of "one day" sending it to Novak for his FBI HRT package, which no longer appears to be an option. I've been ready to have it done, but vacillating between Sokol, Garthwaite, and Action works for quite some time. That Sokol you have looks like what I'm after in a finished product.

Here's what's listed on the Novak site for the FBI gun vs what's listed on Sokol's site for his BHP Package:

SOKOL
Novak rear sight black open notch, Novak dovetail front sight white dot
Crown barrel
Throat and polish barrel, chamber, tune extractor, deburr breech face and firing pin hole.
Fit and tune mags (3)
Modify hammer semi-bob
Round and smooth trigger
Trigger job
Stipple front and rear of frame
Dehorn entire pistol
Bevel mag well
Wolff 18 1/2 # recoil spring and F.P. spring
Refinish entire pistol black Mountain Tuff

NOVAK
Novak 3-Dot Night Sight System
Match Grade Barrel
11° Barrel Crown
Muzzle Press Check Serrations
Reliability Package
Novak Tool Steel "NO BITE®" Hammer/Sear Kit
Novak Extended Strong Side Safety
5-6 lb. Trigger Pull
Polish and Radius Trigger Face
Remove Magazine Disconnect
Bevel Magazine Well
Carry Bevel Treatment
Novak Logo Marked on Slide
Black Nitride Finish
G-10 Grips
Test Fire & Sight In (50rds)

[Tokarev]

Close to 60, but the day to day life in Vermont has aged him a bit more than the city life would have, over the 20 or so years I’ve known him.

He is a really good, honest man who still runs his business the old fashioned way, and his work reflects that.

Thanks.

I'd like to send him another pistol when money allows.

[Tokarev]

I am attending a Gabe White class today and tomorrow. Per his sound advice, the class is not a good venue to try out a new pistol. Not having had the chance to run the Sokol gun previously I decided to use my Shadow Systems MR918.

With that said, I did pull the Hi Power out for the last two drills of the day. Drill One was a figure 8 movement drill. We moved around two barrels in a figure 8 pattern and shot partially obstructed targets when we had a clear shot. The other drill was a man-on-man movement drill based on the Metro Drill by Scott Reitz.

Total was about 50 rounds fired. The gun ran perfectly with one exception and shot well. I did have a failure to eject caused by a split case. Shooting inexpensive aluminum cased stuff.

I enjoyed the very brief time with the Sokol gun today and will likely run a few more drills with it tomorrow.

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

[Tokarev]

Alright. Class is over and done with and I'm on the way home.

I used the MR918 this morning and then switched guns at lunch; running the Sokol Hi Power the rest of the day. This included the movement grills, his 4 body 2 head Bill Drill and the barricade/cover stuff.

The gun continued to split the occasional aluminum case and then fail to eject. Sometimes this meant a stove pipe. In some cases it meant a "double feed." I didn't keep a hard count but I'd say I had five or six of these total. My guess is the chamber might be slightly oversized and aluminum probably doesn't stretch like brass. I had no such occurrences with the other pistol.

The brass bead front sight works pretty well in direct sunlight. Not as good as a fiber optic or a tritium HD but good enough to get the job done.

Sokol's thumb safety mod works well and snaps off distinctly. I had no issue with getting the safety off on the draw.

Overall, I am quite pleased with this pistol. It might not be someone's first choice for USPSA but it should work well for most anything else. It looks good, feels good in the hand, and shoots well. I had no real problem switching back and forth between guns and would probably guess I shoot them both about the same. Maybe that means both equally poor I don't know...

In case anyone asks, I received a light pin from Gabe.

My 4 and 2 Bill Drill target for score. Both runs with the .25 second modification for using concealment were about 2.75 seconds. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191028/ca9dbcfada7db3a828e7aff092d7c37f.jpg

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

[revchuck38]

Tokarev - Kudos on the light pin!

[theJanitor]

Did Sokol open up the chamber, or did the pistol split aluminum cases before you sent it off?

[Tokarev]

Did Sokol open up the chamber, or did the pistol split aluminum cases before you sent it off?I don't remember trying any aluminum in it before Karl's work. If I did it probably wasn't more than a mag or two.

Ideally the gun would run with everything but the occasional failure with aluminum isn't a deal breaker for me.


Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

[Duelist]

That is a really nice gun, Tokarev. I appreciated getting the chance to look at it yesterday. You shot very well.

[Andy in NH]

Close to 60, but the day to day life in Vermont has aged him a bit more than the city life would have, over the 20 or so years I’ve known him.

He is a really good, honest man who still runs his business the old fashioned way, and his work reflects that.

I visited him a few years ago when he was working on my 642s, and whole heatedly agree with you.
Watch out for the dogs and the driveway!

[Trukinjp13]

This is the one pistol I have always wanted to own, I believe this is the exact kind of setup I would want. Sweet rig!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Tokarev]

I'm about to send Karl a second gun...

I have a Hi Power that's more or less a "basket case." I got it fairly cheap off gunbroker from a place called Mach 1 Sales.

The trigger gaurd was badly bent from who knows what and there is some pitting underneath the grips. I had a shop straighten the trigger guard and clean up some of the bigger dents. The frame cleaned up pretty well and should make a nice platform for another Sokol gun.

I'll use some of the other "modified" parts I've accumulated specifically the bobbed hammer and trimmed slide stop that came in a FÉG pistol.

I'll ask Karl to do his $750 package with a couple variations. We'll do Heinie sights just for something different and I'll again have him blue rather than paint. We'll do Navidrex grips again. They seem to be a nice option for the money.

More when I have it. Probably another five months from now....

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191218/ed84f4d1a3209ad50d84e790d8fc9653.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191218/2537c4d690baa0662d91486eff2c94fc.jpg

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191218/56c0458618b2198dafef09f165359c9f.jpg

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

[JonInWA]

I wouldn't unduly lose any sleep over its hiccups/relative inability to reliably shoot aluminum-cased (and I suspect steel-cased) ammunition-unless, of course, aluminum or steel were the only things you could get...

I'd suggest subjecting it to a broad spectrum of brass-cased 115 gr, 124 gr and 147 gr from different manufacturers, and both ball and hollowpoint (if it's to be a defensive carry/duty gun), and see how it shoots and how the extracted cases eject, and then adjust/modify as necessary.

Best, Jon

[Tokarev]

Here's the pistol all put back together. The hammer and slide stop are out of an FÉG gun mentioned in another thread.

Note the rough edges around the muzzle. The gun looks like it has been dropped a couple times. I'm hoping Karl can clean this area up with some aggressive dehorn work. There are a few other dents and scratches here and there that will be polished out or hidden by the refinish.

Also note the thumb safety. The right side lever is gone. Broken off at the end of the shaft. Another area that should look fine with a bit of rounding and polishing.

Otherwise the gun seems decent. The slide to frame fit is okay and the barrel is bright and shiny.

This is really doing the world a favor. Taking a tired old pistol with probably more value as parts and turning it into something worth owning.

More info and/or pics when I'm able.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191219/6b6f072075cd71c600d43cddb292487a.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191219/b773a251e88764bac12511db15ca70fd.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191219/237075adcc8ce887af54af0bf5e5c44e.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191219/5f4634f8048f0b9034f20bdfaa8a701e.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191219/4d37834d7cdaefd648b88323ed7ef13d.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191219/578e4f9163d51d1fe417feac8d34b555.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191219/e61ea7bba55a2aab2d6c89a13f6b497a.jpg

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

[Tokarev]

I found this pistol listed on gunbroker. Interesting that it is listed as 1988 production and also only has the "Made in Belgium" mark on the right.

Style-wise it looks like my original gun before sending to Karl. Same small safety and sights, etc. But this one is in better condition. Mine was blued but showed quite a bit of holster wear.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191220/c0ce491c5ee8159841fa243573e1defe.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191220/9092a1573779026afbbcad36517348eb.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191220/8d8856ccf4ed1a46e2b5a128a4adc76f.jpg

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

[Tokarev]

Here's another Hi Power with a bobbed hammer. I like it.

https://youtu.be/N0Gi9NFtero

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

[Tokarev]

Another MK3 build with bobbed hammer. Note the flush cut slide stop axle as well.

https://youtu.be/oLri0G2BXSQ

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

[DpdG]

Here's the pistol all put back together. The hammer and slide stop are out of an FÉG gun mentioned in another thread.

Note the rough edges around the muzzle. The gun looks like it has been dropped a couple times. I'm hoping Karl can clean this area up with some aggressive dehorn work. There are a few other dents and scratches here and there that will be polished out or hidden by the refinish.

Also note the thumb safety. The right side lever is gone. Broken off at the end of the shaft. Another area that should look fine with a bit of rounding and polishing.

Otherwise the gun seems decent. The slide to frame fit is okay and the barrel is bright and shiny.

This is really doing the world a favor. Taking a tired old pistol with probably more value as parts and turning it into something worth owning.

More info and/or pics when I'm able.

Merry Christmas, everyone!



In your experience, how has parts interchangeability been between FEG and FN/Browning?

My FEG M35 has the Mk1 style small single sided safety, plus there’s likely some sear work in its future. I’d like to put the Mk3 style safety on it but am hesitant to drop real coin not knowing how true to spec the Hungarians were. Assuming it’s likely to work I might go for a C&S hammer/sear set to resolve some click test weirdness.

[Tokarev]

In your experience, how has parts interchangeability been between FEG and FN/Browning?

My FEG M35 has the Mk1 style small single sided safety, plus there’s likely some sear work in its future. I’d like to put the Mk3 style safety on it but am hesitant to drop real coin not knowing how true to spec the Hungarians were. Assuming it’s likely to work I might go for a C&S hammer/sear set to resolve some click test weirdness.Parts will interchange as far as I know. Or as much as can be expected from a design pushing 100 years old.

I have another thread on FÉG but here's a pic. This is a PJK-9HP that was reblued by Action Works. He also put on a set of Novak 3-dot sights.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191225/9a038922386afcab0cefe313c9a5b906.jpg

Note the bobbed spur hammer. This was in the gun when I bought it and I believe it is an FN part as I've never seen a PJK-9HP with anything other than the ring hammer. But these guns seem to have been imported in several configurations. Maybe the spur hammer is a Hungarian piece.

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

[Tokarev]

Sporting the Sokol gun today. It carries well. I often wonder why I don't carry it more regularly.

Sent from my SM-A505U using Tapatalk

[Tokarev]

So here it is almost July. Karl has had my second Hi Power since right around the start of the year.

The first gun took right at five months to complete so I am hoping to hear something any day now.

Patience...

Sent from my SM-A505U using Tapatalk

[ECVMatt]

I love the Hi-Power and wish many times that I picked one up in my gun shop days. During college I worked in a gun shop and we were a master Browning dealer. We has so many cool Hi-Powers come through. I was helping to pay tuition to USC at the time and did not have the extra dollars to pick one up. That is a beautiful pistol and I can't wait to see what come next!

[Tokarev]

I love the Hi-Power and wish many times that I picked one up in my gun shop days. During college I worked in a gun shop and we were a master Browning dealer. We has so many cool Hi-Powers come through. I was helping to pay tuition to USC at the time and did not have the extra dollars to pick one up. That is a beautiful pistol and I can't wait to see what come next!DWJ Imports and Mach 1 Arsenal both list surplus pistols on GunBroker.com. Inventory is kind of hit or miss though. I don't know if surplus stock is drying up overseas or what but neither seller has a ton of pistols listed currently.

Sent from my SM-A505U using Tapatalk

[Tokarev]

So here it is almost July. Karl has had my second Hi Power since right around the start of the year.

The first gun took right at five months to complete so I am hoping to hear something any day now.

Patience...

Sent from my SM-A505U using TapatalkJust to bump my old thread. I have heard from Karl. No, my pistol is not done and on its way back but he says it is well under way.

I imagine the curled over slide edges have caused some delay. They are likely taking him some extra time and attention to fix. Plus the whole COVID thing has caused backlogs and delays all across the industry.

That's all I've got for now. We're sneaking up on a year since I shipped the gun. But I'm sure it will be worth the wait.

Happy Holidays!

Sent from my SM-A505U using Tapatalk

[DrkBlue]

Thanks for the update. I sent a GP to Karl a little while after you. Been wondering.
I will chill for awhile.

[Tokarev]

I sent a GP to Karl a little while after you.

Cool. What are you asking him to do?

Sent from my SM-A505U using Tapatalk

[Jim Watson]

I have heard from Karl. No, my pistol is not done and on its way back but he says it is well under way.

I imagine the curled over slide edges have caused some delay. They are likely taking him some extra time and attention to fix.

That's all I've got for now. We're sneaking up on a year since I shipped the gun. But I'm sure it will be worth the wait.


Which brings up my curiosity about gunsmith work practices.
A few will put you on a wait list, call you when your number comes up, and turn out your job in relatively short order. That policy failed on me the one time I tried it, though. The guy quit doing that work before my number came up.

Most, though, will keep your gun for a long time. I figure a lot of guns are just on the shelf until the 'smith gets around to them, but this one sounds like an off and on project. You are sure not paying him a year's salary to work on one gun, so what is he doing? "Yawn, I am tired of messing with this thing, I will do something else for a while."

[Tokarev]

"Yawn, I am tired of messing with this thing, I will do something else for a while."

There certainly could be some of that going on. I guess I can't blame him since I'm asking for a silk purse from a sow's ear.

I know Ted Yost does most everything in batches. He'll accumulate Government Models or Hi-Powers to whatever until he has a batch of guns. Then he'll fit all the sights or checker all the frames or whatever is required rather than doing all the work to each individual gun as they come in. Karl may work in a similar fashion. Also keep in mind he probably does all the bookkeeping, shipping, receiving, etc all by himself.

On the other side of this are shops like Wilson and Novak. Here you're paying for the shop name and not an individual maker. Guns are probably returned much faster but with little or no info on which 'smith did the work. Does that really matter?

[HCM]

Which brings up my curiosity about gunsmith work practices.
A few will put you on a wait list, call you when your number comes up, and turn out your job in relatively short order. That policy failed on me the one time I tried it, though. The guy quit doing that work before my number came up.

Most, though, will keep your gun for a long time. I figure a lot of guns are just on the shelf until the 'smith gets around to them, but this one sounds like an off and on project. You are sure not paying him a year's salary to work on one gun, so what is he doing? "Yawn, I am tired of messing with this thing, I will do something else for a while."

Likely doing things in batches on multiple guns. Set up for certain types of machine work and finishes can be time intensive.

[DrkBlue]

Cool. What are you asking him to do?

Sent from my SM-A505U using Tapatalk

$750 Package + the custom safety build up on a much carried but little shot aluminum frame.

Karl seemed positive on the project even though it was aluminum. I went with the painted coating as there was a fair amount of deep wear on the dust cover. I believe they were motorcycle carried guns, as there was some shiny coming through from holster wear but almost pristine elsewhere on the frame.

For those who hadn’t shot the aluminum frames, they are surprisingly snappy. It does feel different on the belt.

[Tokarev]

$750 Package + the custom safety build up on a much carried but little shot aluminum frame. I went with the painted coating as there was a fair amount of deep wear on the dust cover.

Nice! I bet it'll be a nice gun once finished.

Don Williams has done a couple builds on those and I've often wondered about picking one up as a builder. My idea would be to use something like my Sokol as a "trainer" and the aluminum gun as a "carry."

[Tokarev]

Got the much anticipated "your gun is finished" email this morning and have a final payment check in the mail. Depending on the speed of the USPS getting Karl his money and FedEx or UPS getting the gun back to me I'm guessing I'll see the gun Christmas week.

Anyone have preferences on posting info and photos? Put them here when I have the gun or start a new thread?

Sent from my SM-A505U using Tapatalk

[Wingate's Hairbrush]

...Anyone have preferences on posting info and photos? Put them here when I have the gun or start a new thread?Both, of course. ;)

[Tokarev]

Both, of course. ;)Teaser pic sent by Karl. Is it possible that this is the same gun I sent him?



https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201210/b21d8faabe1a779e6a0da9f846b55399.jpg

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

[Tokarev]

One of the right side.

Note the shortened slide stop axle. It had actually been flushed up with the side of the frame previously but I asked Karl to dimple it. Now it should be more easily pushed out using a cartridge, pen, etc.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201210/1ef32e50fe2a0e016c14bc2c414d5477.jpg

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

[Maca]

Beautiful. I am a big fan of Karl’s work.

[theJanitor]

Love the HiPower specific Heinie. The only sight as nice is a Low mounted, deluxe cut Bomar on a 1911

[JAD]

Love the HiPower specific Heinie. The only sight as nice is a Low mounted, deluxe cut Bomar on a 1911

*cough* hardball *cough*

[theJanitor]

*cough* hardball *cough*

uh, no. LOL

[Tokarev]

Love the HiPower specific Heinie. The only sight as nice is a Low mounted, deluxe cut Bomar on a 1911I probably should've asked Karl to square off the Heinie so it had a sharp edge for one handed slide manipulation.

Edit-I just looked on the Heinie site. He makes a ledge version for the Hi Power.

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

[Tokarev]

Just to sort of circle back around to my first Sokol gun:

Does anyone following this thread have experience with the Hi Power barrel available from Brownell's?

https://www.brownells.com/handgun-parts/barrel-parts/barrels/browning-hi-power-full-size-barrel-9mm-black-sku100026209-110182-202752.aspx

Price is good and it is probably a decent product. I like that it is a 1x10 twist as was the standard for the FN barrels. It seems all the barrels from KKM, Bar-Sto, etc are 1x16 and meant more for accuracy with lighter bullets rather than general usefulness with pretty much everything.

I am still thinking I should look at a new and/or different barrel since the factory barrel splits aluminum and may be slightly oversized. Not that that's a tremendous deal but it does give me an excuse to mess around with the Brownell's barrel.

I guess I'll need to shoot a few rounds of Blazer through the second gun and see if it cracks cases too. Maybe the FN guns are slightly oversize in general?



Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

[revchuck38]

Tokarev - re: rate of twist, S&W .38/.357 revolvers happily stabilize bullet weights up to 200 grains with a 1 in 18-3/4" rate of twist. 1-16" will do fine with anything you can fit in a 9x19 case. 1-10" is the traditional rate of twist for 9x19, nothing special about it other than that. FWIW, Colt 1911 9x19 barrels are (or were, not up on the current ones) 1-16".

[Tokarev]

Here's a breakdown on the work done to the second pistol:

$750 BHP pkg with requested upgrades:

gold bead front sight

rear installation/machining

extra dehorn/clean-up work

dimple slide stop pin

clean-up broken safety shaft

fit grips to frame

firm up thumb safety

fit thumb safety to new sear

test fire ammo/range time

Karl included price for each of these requested services. I deleted them to leave him the flexibility of increasing labor and parts costs as necessary. But additional costs were negligible and certainly fair considering the overall condition of the base gun.

Sent from my SM-A505U using Tapatalk

[Tokarev]

The news that Karl has my 2nd pistol done has put me in a Hi-Power state of mind. I'm carrying his 1st gun today in a Privateer Highwayman.

As is usually the case when I am wearing the gun; I wonder why I don't do so more often.

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

[Tokarev]

The first gun:

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20201214/7a3b18f245b8e500dd28e4cbfe74fd39.jpg

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

[Tokarev]

Karl emailed this morning to let me know that I check has arrived. He should have had it much earlier but I suppose delays are to be expected this time of year.

Anyway, I am hoping he can provide me with a tracking number early next week. I'm looking forward to having the second gun back.


MERRY CHRISTMAS!

[Tokarev]

Tokarev - re: rate of twist, S&W .38/.357 revolvers happily stabilize bullet weights up to 200 grains with a 1 in 18-3/4" rate of twist. 1-16" will do fine with anything you can fit in a 9x19 case. 1-10" is the traditional rate of twist for 9x19, nothing special about it other than that. FWIW, Colt 1911 9x19 barrels are (or were, not up on the current ones) 1-16".IIRC the early S&W M&P long slide guns had a relatively slow rifling twist. Probably 1x16 but possibly 1x18. Those guns were pretty notorious for accuracy problems. Ask me how I know... Granted the M&P design is not often thought of as accurate but the slow twist probably didn't help.

Also-- it has been a few years ago and I may be forgetting things-- I talked to one of Hornady's LE ammo reps. He told me that 1x10 was the better choice for a duty gun as it better stabilized the heavier stuff especially when intermediate barriers are a concern.

Not that I will likely ever use either of these pistols in a self-defense capacity but they were more or less built with that function in mind. Hence my desire for the faster rifling twist.

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

[Tokarev]

Found me some new grips...

https://p3pilot.com/store/product/p_1800414


Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

[revchuck38]

Found me some new grips...

https://p3pilot.com/store/product/p_1800414


Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

Now THAT would be a serious BBQ gun!

[Tokarev]

Tracking number received.

[Wingate's Hairbrush]

Found me some new grips...

https://p3pilot.com/store/product/p_1800414Careful, they bite.

[Tokarev]

If I keep checking the tracking number will it make the package arrive sooner?

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

[Tokarev]

And here it is.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210109/6eb2d47e47b9420571f73240d5b4dcb0.jpg

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

[Poconnor]

Looks good. Is that a brass or a gold bead?

[Maca]

Looks great!

[Tokarev]

Looks good. Is that a brass or a gold bead?Not sure. Probably brass. I have the same front sight on the first pistol and it doesn't seem to have dulled or tarnished. So maybe it is gold.

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

[Oldherkpilot]

Very nice Hi Power! Are those stocks Navidrex mahogany or Spegels? I can't the angle to see if they have much swell.

[Tokarev]

Very nice Hi Power! Are those stocks Navidrex mahogany or Spegels? I can't the angle to see if they have much swell.Navidrex as sold through Brownell's.

Navidrex lists a palm swell grip on its website but they are shown as "discontinued" on the Brownell's site.

I wondered about some more modern grips from VZ or others. But my sense of traditionalism prevents me from using modern grips on a 1980s vintage pistol. I guess more modern innovations like tritium sights and such only below on guns made in the 1990s and on.

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

[Oldherkpilot]

Navidrex as sold through Brownell's.

Navidrex lists a palm swell grip on its website but they are shown as "discontinued" on the Brownell's site.

I wondered about some more modern grips from VZ or others. But my sense of traditionalism prevents me from using modern grips on a 1980s vintage pistol. I guess more modern innovations like tritium sights and such only below on guns made in the 1990s and on.

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

I had a set like yours but found that the palm swell didn't agree with me. Pretty sure the Navidrex micarta stocks are about the thinnest on the market and have them on most of my HPs. I have a couple sets of the VZ stocks on HPs but have them on all my CZ pistols I did have a beautiful set of Spegels but I just couldn't bear the thought of banging them up on a carry gun. I carry a plastic gun now so can't swap stocks on it.

Congrats again on your "new" pistol!

[Tokarev]

I did have a beautiful set of Spegels but I just couldn't bear the thought of banging them up on a carry gun.

I understand that completely.

I had a SIG P229 back when my agency allowed that gun for personal purchase duty carry. I sold it after the second or third time I whacked it on something while getting in and out of a patrol vehicle.

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

[Tokarev]

I'm carrying the gun around the house now in one of my Privateer holsters. I'll see how it "rides" over the weekend and will get to the range ASAP to check function and sight regulation, etc.


Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

[Tokarev]

Sisters?

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210110/15bc60af6b4c909f1406ebee9533f584.jpg

[Tokarev]

It appears to be. I'm going to have to pull the trigger on this soon. These masters aren't getting any younger...

CWM11B

Just wanting to see if you have any updates for us. Thanks!

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

[CWM11B]

I sent my blaster off in April. I treated it as a fire and forget, figuring not bugging the master with " is it done yet , is it done yet" messages would be the way to go. I expect I'll hear from him soon. Reminds me, I need to get in touch with Privateer and get a holster in the works

[Tokarev]

I sent my blaster off in April. I treated it as a fire and forget, figuring not bugging the master with " is it done yet , is it done yet" messages would be the way to go. I expect I'll hear from him soon. Reminds me, I need to get in touch with Privateer and get a holster in the works


CWM11B

Help us out here. What's up with your pistol?

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk