Karl Sokol and other older smiths - show off thread

[Maca]

Looking at Tokarov’s browning high power from Karl Sokol, and photos of other guns Karl and older smiths like him have built, sparked an idea to have a dedication thread to the old school smiths and their work.

I will go first...

Caspian frame and slide, mix of Wilson, Ed Brown, Nighthawk and other internals - each selected after considerable consideration for function, aesthetics, etc. Notice that the thumb safety, when engaged, hides the usual hole in the frame that most 1911s display. This is a nighthawk safety that was picked specifically for that reason.

The gun was built with the consideration that gentlemen like Karl won’t be in this craft forever.

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[Tokarev]

Maca

Nice looking heater.

I guess I'd better post my Sokol Hi-Power. It is Karl's standard BHP package with the addition of an extended safety. And blued finish vs the Mountain Tuff painted finish. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191025/d3eaf1d06552fd806b65dcf3a130f3d3.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191025/c17ba0d50858a5a9d44b247af2731e20.jpg

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[theJanitor]

Most of the custom pistols I've accumulated over the years have been from the older master smiths. The one pistol I regret building was to be done by Phil Jenkins. Phil used to work at King's with Al and Jim Hoag. He agreed to build me a period correct "King's" gun. I spent the better part of a couple years gathering the correct parts. Unfortunately, Phil succumbed to cancer before we could start

[TC215]

Karl Sokol 3” S&W Model 66:

https://i.imgur.com/mdCWy3Y.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/X4oBAha.jpg

[theJanitor]

I don't know how close you guys follow these type of auctions, but I've bought a couple nice, vintage pieces this way. This hipower likely fits the spirit of this thread.

https://cwocauctions.proxibid.com/Firearms-Military-Artifacts/Firearms/Customized-Browning-Hi-Power-Semi-Auto-Pistol/lotInformation/50901896#topoflot

[Tokarev]

Stupid photobucket. I'll try to fix it later....

[theJanitor]

Here's a Colt I had Yost do a 1* build on probably about a dozen years ago.



the photobucket pic is blurred. do you still have it?

[Robinson]

Most of the custom pistols I've accumulated over the years have been from the older master smiths. The one pistol I regret building was to be done by Phil Jenkins. Phil used to work at King's with Al and Jim Hoag. He agreed to build me a period correct "King's" gun. I spent the better part of a couple years gathering the correct parts. Unfortunately, Phil succumbed to cancer before we could start

I gave that a "like" not because Mr. Jenkins passed but because of your intentions with that build.

[Tokarev]

I don't know how close you guys follow these type of auctions, but I've bought a couple nice, vintage pieces this way. This hipower likely fits the spirit of this thread.

https://cwocauctions.proxibid.com/Firearms-Military-Artifacts/Firearms/Customized-Browning-Hi-Power-Semi-Auto-Pistol/lotInformation/50901896#topoflot

https://www.americanrifleman.org/articles/2012/12/18/the-peacemaker-abbreviated/

[Tokarev]

Any more Sokol 1911 pics?

I just picked up a 1911C frame and am looking for inspiration pics.

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[TheNewbie]

Tokarev

How do you like the extended safety on the hi-power? How would you compare it to a 1911 or M&P?

[Tokarev]

Tokarev

How do you like the extended safety on the hi-power? How would you compare it to a 1911 or M&P?I guess I'd relate Sokol's safety to the M&P 1.0 safety in terms of shape. It looks okay. Comes off pretty well but it is pretty hard to click back on. It can be done but it probably isn't going to get popped on on accident.

Novak has an extended safety I like pretty well. C&S has one too that has a lower shelf than the one we're used to from them. I haven't used the low shelf C&S but I like the look of it.

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[Sero Sed Serio]

Karl Sokol 3” S&W Model 66:

https://i.imgur.com/mdCWy3Y.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/X4oBAha.jpg

I have a Model 60 that Karl is working on that is going to be a snub version of this—chopped hammer, trigger job with polished trigger, heavy bead blast finish, tritium sight, and Culina boot grips in Macassar ebony. Will post pics when I get the gun back.