That looks like one of the views from Skyline Dr. Stony Man perhaps?
Chris
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Some new pictures of a well-used STI Lawman chambered in .45 ACP. This pistol was made in 2003 or 2004, not long after STI bought Lone Star Armament (LSA) of Stephenville, TX in 2003. The model was later renamed to Lawman 5.0 to match the STI naming convention. LSA marketed high-end factory 1911 pistols, including the Lawman, with Nowlin barrels and Cerakote finishes. For some reason, LSA was unable to make it and was purchased by STI. STI kept the Lawman name and for a while made pistols that looked much like the LSA version. LSA also made a Commander-length pistol called the Ranger, and the Ranger name was also used by STI. The frames were forged with the front strap and MSH checkered at 30 LPI. There is some question over whether LSA made their own frames and slides or bought them from Jericho. I tend to believe the former because the LSA purchase coincided with large increases in STI's manufacturing of 1911 parts, including frames and slides, using machines moved into an enlarged manufacturing facility.
The model is also unusual in that the trigger is not STI's famed polymer pad. It is a heavy steel trigger lightened in the LSA pattern. As such, I assume the LSA acquisition also came with gun parts, but the hammer and sear are the usual STI parts made of S-7 steel using the MIM process. The trigger pull is not "glass break" as it has some roll, but the trigger has never been an issue in whether I hit or miss a target. The MSH is drilled and tapped for a mag well as can be seen in one of the below pictures. The pistol features the STI inside the outline of the state of Texas on the right side of the slide and the corresponding billboard model name on the left side. Typical STI marking of the time. For STI it is unusual in that the slide has the traditional round top profile versus the usual flattop or tri-top profiles.
The STI Lawman is a bit of a non-traditional pistol in that the barrel is an STI-made Wilson-Nowlin ramped model, the slide has front and rear cocking serrations, and the pistol came with a single-piece FLGR. While traditional for STI (same frame can be used for any caliber), ramped barrels in .45 ACP are definitely a departure from JMB's design. That being said the pistol has been reliable with both factory ammo and my handloads. I have thought about running it with .45 Super loads with a recoil spring change, but i have never done so. The usual diet is 230-grain standard pressure ball or JHP. I do not remember using any 185-grain ammo, but I may have done so.
Back in 2009, the pistol went to Robar for the installation of Novak night sights, the replacement of the ambi safety for a strong side safety, a good dehorn, and NP3 finish. These changes took the pistol from good to great. I have used it for years now as a field and carry pistol, and the finish shows the usage. The pictures actually make it look better than it is. The finish is worn, though not perforated. One of my favorite things about NP3 is the pistol, other than springs, is impervious to corrosion. As such, it has been carried in many downpours and on many hot, humid days in the southeast. It currently is in my Sparks HR-LTD at 3:30 due to the depletion of my 9x19 ammo stocks and an abundance of .45 ACP ammo. The combination of the NP3 and the smooth leather of the inside of the HR-LTD make for a very smooth draw stroke, but holster retention is not all it is with lesser lubricity finishes. It continues to serve well and should continue to do so with a modicum of care.
Works for Easter too...
https://youtu.be/H0qe45Z8wfk
Earlyish Kimber Classic Custom. My first 1911 was a Springfield 1911-a1, circa 1991. Plenty accurate and reliable, but it was missing all of the parts that make (for me) a 1911 shootable. I was dreaming and drooling over those glossy Wilson Custom catalogs. It was sold and Kimber came out with their offering -- it just seemed to make sense to me. I think I paid ~$550 for it, which was ~$1500 less than a comparable Wilson (I know, I know, they're not actually "comparable," but you get my point). I couldn't stand the cheap phosphate finish so I had a guy (BEAST Enterprises from the old IDPA listserve, where I first encountered TLG) paint it for me.
This Kimber has done good duty for me. I can't say it's never had a bobble, but they are few and far between--and always with (my primary diet of) handloads. It's been through a couple of sets of Heinie Straight 8s and the front is due for a replacement (I no longer prefer tritium in the rear, and may end up going with FO). The best IWB I've ever used is the Ky-Tac Braveheart, and it makes carrying this heavy beast a breeze--even if it does wear off the paint on some of the edges. I keep meaning to buy it a respectable set of grips but I've never gotten around to it...
I say this is my only real 1911 because I just purchased a Wilson EDCx9. I think I saw Tamara state that "real" 1911's are .45, 5" and steel, so there you have it! The jury is still out on the EDC. I only have 100 rds through it.
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I'm close friends with the owner of Combat Precision, based in Atlanta, GA. I got to meet him & 1 of his customers at the range yesterday for a little tuning he was doing on a few of the customers pistols, plus some friendly competitive shooting like "best 3 rounds at 25yds", or "9 rounds in 3 rounds of 3, each shot is SHO, WHO, or Freestyle and changing shot type between each round", etc. Super fun to get to shoot great guns, laugh a lot with good friends, all while trying not to blow our entire ammo inventory in one range trip. :)
My partner and I are teaching another 1911 certification course this week. I don’t pull my 1911s out as often as I used to, but when I do, it’s like backing that classic muscle car out of the garage.
This particular example came in a multi-gun trade and started as a very plain Springfield Loaded. The only change when I got it was a GI recoil spring setup, which I’m all for. I added an 18.5lb Wolff recoil spring, 10-8 rear sight, S&A mag well and our department Armorer, who is rad with a 1911, fitted a short trigger, commander ring hammer, and single-side thumb safety. I added the old-style sandpaper grips from a Springfield TRP.
It’s one of the tightest locking 1911s I have owned and shoots great. It’s my “Inspired by” old school MEUSOC gun.