Hilton Yam is in my opinion one of the best builders of working 1911’s. Notice I said working. These aren’t competition guns these are built to be working guns for the CCW holder, Police Officer etc. In other words those looking for an ultra reliable piece of gun art meant to save your life. Hilton just released a new video on You Tube which is a video presentation of the printed version on the 10-8 Performance website. Check the 10-8 Performance website for many articles on the 1911 and how to run it right!
This would be a good one to download from You Tube and keep for reference. I use 10-8 sights and other parts for my 1911’s and S&W M&P. I hope you enjoy the video!
Click the picture for a larger view
Hum my Rock Island 38 Super looks a lot like his. I guess so since it has 10-8 sights and Ed Brown grip safety, 10-8 trigger, Tripp Research magazines etc. Yep I did the build:-)
I recently purchased this S&W Gunsight version 1911. It’s a lightweight frame with forged slide. I changed out the grips for a set made by Mil-Tac knives called G-10’s. They provide an excellent grip no matter the weather. The mainspring housing was a MIM part that I changed out with an Ed Brown “Snakeskin” type. Coupling the grips,MSH and skateboard tape on the front strap and you have one solid grip all around. After shooting 250 rounds (now 1200 rounds) through it I experienced no malfunctions of any type. The ACT/Novak mags that come with the gun are excellent. They are very smooth and feed correctly every time. I intend to use these mags and the new Wilson Elite Tactical mags on all my 1911’s. I plan on buying Wollf mags which are the same thing with the exception of having a Wollf spring. I also like the Novak sights which have a brass bead on the front sight. I find this really easy to pickup especially for those of us over 50 years old:-) I highly recommend this gun especially for daily carry.
When the S&W 1911’s first came out I honestly was not impressed. The trigger was gritty and the pull was heavy. As well the gun had very sharp corners. Now, some four years later I looked at the S&W 1911 in the Gunsite version as well as the Doug Koenig version. I must say I was very surprised at the change in quality as well as the trigger feel and pull. I also appreciated the enhancements made since the first guns. It’s my understanding that many of the internal parts as well as some of the external parts are supplied by Wilson Combat. It doesn’t get any better than that! Some shooters may think the flat trigger to look somewhat strange but it actually feels very good and gives a positive feel and break. I won’t be changing it for a traditional match trigger. The pistol also comes with an extended magazine well, Koenig speed hammer, ambi-safety,Rosewood grips with S&W logo, titanium firing pin, full length guide rod (questionable use)Koenig match trigger and a match grade barrel.
I purchased the Doug Koneig version and immediately went to my small range. I found this S&W very accurate and the trigger was great. I don’t have a trigger pull guage but I would estimate the trigger at about 4 to 4 1/2 pounds. After adjusting the sights (this is the first 1911 I’ve owned with adjustable sights) for the load I normally use I shot a full magazine of nine rounds at 10 yards. The rounds made one hole about 2 inches across and the same vertically. I put a total of 125 rounds through it and had no malfunctions whatsoever. With the two tone finish, the frame being stainless and the slide carbon steel, it looks like a million bucks. I also like the fact that S&W has reduced the size of the nomenclature on the slide flats. I hated the original huge graphics on the first guns. While the “K” graphic is large it is tastefully done and not super thick like the old S&W 1911’s. The opposite side has a small S&W logo with SW1911 in laser engraved small letters. A very classy gun!
This gun is a keeper and will serve well on the range, in competition or for defensive carry.
Gunner's Journal 