The Arena

"The Arena"

"It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement; and who, at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat."
-- Teddy Roosevelt

Teddy Roosevelt had an affinity for exceptional Colts and Winchesters. He had been a US Deputy Marshal, a rancher and always a hunter as well as a collector of fine firearms that he actually used. I suspect President Roosevelt could appreciate the sentiments behind building and owning this hand gun.

If you look at the specs of the FED model based on a Kimber you won't find many differences in this gun (but there are a few uncompromising additions). It is the same basic design I have used to win matches in IDPA and IPSC since 1989. The same gun I have used to arrest folks dozens of times. The same gun that I prefer to carry today and will leave on my night stand tonight.

The difference here is I am building working heirlooms. The gun is only based on a new production Colts in 45 ACP, then the pistols are fit and finished to my highest "best gun" standards. The quality of these base guns speaks for itself. It also says much about the management and production currently at Colt. Colt has been in the "arena" for 150 plus years.

The downside to building on a Colt is the extra labor needed from the pistolsmith. That additional work is a substantial increase in labor costs for my part of the project. The cost of base guns is really insignificant compared to their competitors and the finished product represented here. Problem is that Colt's guns are basic platforms to build on, not guns easily enhanced, like a Kimber for example

The upside is that the guns have forged frames. The frame, slide, and barrels are fitted to very close tolerances. The correct spec on the slide latch notch is used. The parts I will keep and use from the base Colt gun are top notch and fitted well. No more roll pins or lack of pin altogether on the ejector. Recoil spring plugs are made to the correct dimensions and no FLGR. The slide release is on spec and locks open every time. There is enough material at the beavertail and grip frame contours to give you options on how the gun's profile is finished. Yes the guns cost more. Are they worth the extra effort and dollars? That is dependent on what the buyer is looking for. For my family heirloom it is.

Many 1911s have passed through my hands over the years. But my Great Grandfather's and Grandfather's guns were Colts. Their personal tools instilled in me the love of fine weapons.

A "real" 1911 still needs the Colt logo. That logo is part of my heritage. These new Series 70 guns will be the last guns I own 50 years from now. Then they will be someone else's heirlooms. But trust me the new owners won't be getting unused BCP pistols. :-) These guns are meant to be shot. They are built to last through several generations. They are our American heritage.

As TR said: "Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far."

These guns are based on personally inspected Colt frames and slides. The list below is the basic specifications where the project starts.

Specifications
AFTEC extractor.
Install modified, extended ejector.
Wolfe vari power 16.5 # recoil spring and Shok-Buff.
Wolfe extra power firing pin spring.
Wolfe leaf spring.
Stainless match barrel.
Hex head screws and magazine release. Slotted screws and mag release pin at your option.
Magazine release is hand cut and finished to you length of preference.
Polish slide raceways.
Exceptional carry bevel on the entire gun.
Base gun: new Colt Series 70 or if required the new Series 80 guns.
BCP trigger job with in house hammer, strut, disconnector, and sear.
Single sided or ambi extended thumb safety.
Low profile BCP fixed sights, dovetailed front and rear. I do not like to do night sights on these guns because of durability and shelf life of the tritium. The BCP rear sight notch is .130" deep X .135" wide. I am using .110" fronts which easily takes an insert if required. The BCP sight is made of pre hardened 4130 steel.
BCP hard use trigger without a set screw or BCP military match trigger with a set screw
Hand picked, double diamond exotic wood grips of your choice. BCP hard use linen Micarta grips are an option.
French bordered slide with a hand matte on the rounded top.
Frame serrated on the front strap @ 25 lpi. Flawless checkering is also an option @ 30, 25 and 20 lpi, bordered or unbordered.
Steel serrated mainspring housing. Checkering to match the grip frame is also an option.
Lower and flare ejection port front and back to enable ejection of a live round of ball ammo.
Barrel throated and flush crowned.
Bevel magazine well.
Finish options are: blue, hard chrome, or bi-color finish of your choice. The pistol's overall fit and finish is unsurpassed.

The "Arena" package also includes are four, 8 round CMC mags, a English style luggage case and a BCP/Alessi holster of your choice.

Price using *your* new Series 70 Colt as a base gun is $3500. Delivery time is dependent on project specifics, please call for more info.

Master level engraving, custom cases, and stunning elephant ivory are also available through the other craftsmen I work with at an additional cost. Custom holster design and production is available from Lou Alessi at Alessi Leather while your handgun is being built. This pistol is built for the few who believe like myself, T. R. and Einstein.

"The world is too dangerous to live in-not because of the people who do evil, but because of the people who sit and let it happen." (Albert Einstein)

Please note the sample photos of BCP work do not always shown on the latest generation Colt pistols, nor the latest generation of parts. No organization represented in the photos endorses BCP in any way.