Suggestions for gunsmith to do basic 1911 work

[Micro]

I live in Newport News, Va. I want to find a gunsmith who will do compent work on a 1911. I want to have some new sights installed. No slide milling will be required for the sights. I will replace the front sight with a new stake-on type. And perhaps have a new thumb safety installed. Any suggestions on a gunsmith in southeast or Richmond, VA area?

[Yarddawg]

Mario Ruffino in Hampton

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/GunSmith ... sid=112321

[Micro]

Geez! I used Mario Rufino YEARS ago to do EXACTLY the same thing! I thought his business shut down years ago.

[Micro]

Mario Ruffino did work for me on an Ithaca M37 and a couple of 1911s. With all due respect, I thought he was dead. I just called the number and spoke to him!

Man, that's great news. I'd use him in a minute. He does fantastic work.

[Yarddawg]

Yes, Mario is one of the best in the country! I believe he is semi-retired, working out of his house now (I think).

[Micro]

My new Colt Commander is now in the hands of Mario Ruffino to install a Wilson ambi-thumb safety, an Ed Brown grip safety, and some MGW 3-dot sights.

I spent a little time with Mr. Ruffino. Quite a character. Not only does he have a stellar reputation as a gunsmith, but he was an african hunter, too. His home is replete with skins and horns from various types of antelope. He's a got quite a workshop in his garage. He also holds a patent on a peculiar type of rear sight that he nvented in the '80s. It's metal or polymer, I think he said. It's got his name inscribed on it. I'm going to ask him if he could instal it on a CZ97B pistol.

http://ip.com/patent/US4628611

[gunderwood]

My new Colt Commander is now in the hands of Mario Ruffino to install a Wilson ambi-thumb safety, an Ed Brown grip safety, and some MGW 3-dot sights.

I spent a little time with Mr. Ruffino. Quite a character. Not only does he have a stellar reputation as a gunsmith, but he was an african hunter, too. His home is replete with skins and horns from various types of antelope. He's a got quite a workshop in his garage. He also holds a patent on a peculiar type of rear sight that he nvented in the '80s. It's metal or polymer, I think he said. It's got his name inscribed on it. I'm going to ask him if he could instal it on a CZ97B pistol.

http://ip.com/patent/US4628611

Report back on his work when he is done. I'm sure it will be good, but it always is nice to see things concluded for those searching later.

[Micro]

I will. I'll post some pictures.

I spoke to him today. He has the grip safety on. He has to wait for the sites and thumb safety to come from Brownells.

I did switch from the Wilson ambi-safety back to the single Ed Brown thumb safety. The Ed Brown was what I wanted initially, but changed my mind. Just before he was going to fit the Wilson thumb safety, he told me the Wilson didn't match the finish on my gun. Under certain lighting conditions,the bright blued Wilson safety has a red hue, apparently due to the higher nickel content in the metal. The finish on my Commander is matte and particulary black. The Wilson would be a better match for a more highly polished finish, the Ed Brown for a blacker, matte finish. I went back to a the single sided safety so I would not need a new holster (and because I never use the safety's right side on my other Colt).

It will be 4 day or so before the parts are in, and a few days after that before it's done.

[t33j]

For the future I'd also recommend
Rick at TTi near Richmond

Pretty sure this is him: http://www.vaguntrader.com/forums/ubbth ... /839/feazz