Welcome to Pistol Dynamics

What type of pistols do you work on?

We focus on building on our proprietary Pistol Dynamics frame and slide components and unmodified forged or machined 1911 pistols such as Colt, Caspian and Springfield Armory etc. We no longer work on cast titanium frames. All pistols and components sent to us for custom work will be inspected upon receipt and must meet our quality requirements before work commences.

What is your turn around time?

Due to the nature of custom 'anything', each project is unique and quoted individually both from a cost and delivery standpoint. Our projects include sight installation to handbuilt one of a kind custom pistols and delivery time can vary from a few weeks to over a year.

Do you have an accuracy guarantee? What groups can I expect from one of your guns through a Ransom Rest?

Pistol Dynamics guarantees that the group size on the target provided with certain models of our firearms was shot from that pistol under the controlled conditions by an accomplished shooter . This is done in a controlled environment from a sandbag with our benchmark ammunition. Ammunition is SAAMI spec and is NOT hand-loaded. We will guarantee that the group size on the card provided with the firearm was shot from that handgun under the conditions outlined above. We cannot guarantee that an individual shooter can duplicate our test target and we will not validate accuracy results fired with the aid of a Ransom Rest (click here to find out why)

What type of ammunition do you recommend?

Ammunition choice is dependant on the shooters intended use of the pistol. A wide variety of bullet styles, weights and performance are available. We suggest that you choose a premium factory round (i.e. Federal, Remington, and Winchester) for use in our pistols. Experienced competitors may choose to develop their own personal loads for competition. Our testing process includes the firing of factory ball ammo and hollow point.

What 45 ACP Ammo do you use for accuracy testing?

Due to the fact that ammunition is the biggest variable in targeting performance we have a very short list of ammunition that we validate in our handguns. The following are by no means the only brand or types that will perform to an acceptable level in you pistol. They are however the only types that we have extensive experience with. Be aware that a pistol cannot make up for accuracy that is not inherent in the ammunition and that a 1" gun with target quality ammunition does not mean that it will shoot all types of ammunition into that group size. Variations based on ammo quality and bore compatibility can be extreme.
Federal 185 gr. Match

Winchester 185 gr. Match

Federal Hydra-Shock 230 gr. JHP

Winchester SXT 230 gr. JHP

What is the recommend shoot-in period for my pistol?

Our guns should not require a break-in period. That is part of our responsibility when building your gun. The pistol may be a little stiff on the slide stop, bushing or head space extension hood when you receive it, but it should operate flawlessly for it's intended use from the time you receive it.

What types of front sights are available and what do you recommend?

Currently, we have 5 types of front sights available:

1. Black serrated - our standard sight for all around use.

2. Black vertical post, the classic target sight provides a clear defined sight picture for lighted conditions. This is the best sight for target use.

3. Fiber optic, the bright glow of a fiber optic insert is hard to miss. Easily seen, even on overcast days, the fiber optic is best for action shooting competitions and general outdoor shooting.

4. Tritium, designed for low light and dark conditions, these sights incorporate a tritium vial and are recommended for carry pistols

5. Gold bead, utilizing hardened gold rod, we machine a small bead of gold and fit it in a sight. The result is a flat gold disc slightly raised from the surface of the front sight. This sight is quickly becoming our favorite and is suitable for outdoor shooting and excels indoors and in low light conditions.

Do you offer sight conversions on Colt Gold Cup pistols?

Yes, our Gold Cup sight installations are accomplished by welding up the factory sight bed, re-machining the slide to match the factory rib and low mounting the rear sight.

Solid match bushing or spherical match bushing?

Solid Match Grade bushings provide the necessary fit to ensure a premium barrel fit. They are dependable, rugged and simple. We recommend a solid bushing for most pistols. Spherical bushings amount to Approximately a 5% accuracy gain and are recommended for competition pistols. Spherical bushings work well with our wide link system to optimize target accuracy

Do I need the Precision Slide Stop system?

The Precision Slide Stop system is only necessary if the slide stop pin-hole does not mate correctly with a standard slide stop. We true the slide stop pin-hole and ream the hole to the next available pin size. An oversized, hardened pin is mated to the frame and the barrel is fitted to the new pin. Many of our customers request this option for the added benefit of a hardened slide stop pin.

What slide serration patterns are available?

Our standard rear serration pattern is 15-degree cuts. Optional serration patterns include; vertical, tactical (stop .250" above bottom of slide), Colt style and others.

How is the custom PD beavertail made and why is it different from the other beavertails on the market?

Pistol Dynamics custom beavertails are CNC machined from barstock. We have the only machined beavertail in the industry. Each beavertail is manufactured with oversized dimensions and are individually fitted to a specific frame.

Is the custom PD beavertail available for retail sale?

Our custom beavertail is not available for retail sale?

Does the weld-on mag well add any length to the pistol?

No, both the weld-on and removable mag well are the same length as a stock 1911 frame.

How does the removable mag well work?

The removable mag well is a one-piece part that utilizes a reciprocal rail mated to the frame. The mag well installs from the front and is held in place by mechanical advantage by the main spring housing and pin. It's important to note that this is a permanent and irreversible alteration to the firearm

Triggers, what is the right length for me, long or short?

Trigger length is dependant on the shooter's hand size and preference on how they engage and press the trigger. Generally, you want to select a trigger length that allows you to place the first digit of your trigger finger 90 degrees to the axis of the bore. Shooter's who use gloves will need to utilize a short trigger for additional space inside the trigger guard.

How do I identify a Liebenberg signature pistol?

Liebenberg Signature pistols will have a signature on the frame, slide and barrel.

Do you recommend the use of shock buffs?

No, installation of a shock-buff shortens the stroke of the slide and may lead to an erratic ejection pattern and even malfunctions. It is imperative that shock-buffs not be used in Commander length and shorter pistols

What type of magazines do you recommend?

Several good magazines are available to shooters. We have successfully used magazines from Wilson, Metalform ans Cobra-Mag. But, even good magazines require proper maintenance. Keep the magazines clean, replace the springs if necessary and dispose of the magazine if it is damaged. Above all, never lube a magazine.

What options for finish are available and what are your recommendations?

Carefully consider the type of finish for your pistol to balance the use of the pistol along with the aesthetic qualities desired.

Blue with brushed slide flats

Matte blue

Hard chrome

Two tone with blued slide and hard chrome frame.



	Pistol Dynamics - FAQ What type of pistols do you work on? We focus on building on our proprietary Pistol Dynamics frame and slide components and unmodified forged or machined 1911 pistols such as Colt, Caspian and Springfield Armory etc. We no longer work on cast titanium frames. All pistols and components sent to us for custom work will be inspected upon receipt and must meet our quality requirements before work commences. What is your turn around time? Due to the nature of custom 'anything', each project is unique and quoted individually both from a cost and delivery standpoint. Our projects include sight installation to handbuilt one of a kind custom pistols and delivery time can vary from a few weeks to over a year. Do you have an accuracy guarantee? What groups can I expect from one of your guns through a Ransom Rest? Pistol Dynamics guarantees that the group size on the target provided with certain models of our firearms was shot from that pistol under the controlled conditions by an accomplished shooter . This is done in a controlled environment from a sandbag with our benchmark ammunition. Ammunition is SAAMI spec and is NOT hand-loaded. We will guarantee that the group size on the card provided with the firearm was shot from that handgun under the conditions outlined above. We cannot guarantee that an individual shooter can duplicate our test target and we will not validate accuracy results fired with the aid of a Ransom Rest (click here to find out why) What type of ammunition do you recommend? Ammunition choice is dependant on the shooters intended use of the pistol. A wide variety of bullet styles, weights and performance are available. We suggest that you choose a premium factory round (i.e. Federal, Remington, and Winchester) for use in our pistols. Experienced competitors may choose to develop their own personal loads for competition. Our testing process includes the firing of factory ball ammo and hollow point. What 45 ACP Ammo do you use for accuracy testing? Due to the fact that ammunition is the biggest variable in targeting performance we have a very short list of ammunition that we validate in our handguns. The following are by no means the only brand or types that will perform to an acceptable level in you pistol. They are however the only types that we have extensive experience with. Be aware that a pistol cannot make up for accuracy that is not inherent in the ammunition and that a 1" gun with target quality ammunition does not mean that it will shoot all types of ammunition into that group size. Variations based on ammo quality and bore compatibility can be extreme. *Federal 185 gr. Match* *Winchester 185 gr. Match* *Federal Hydra-Shock 230 gr. JHP* Winchester SXT 230 gr. JHP What is the recommend shoot-in period for my pistol? Our guns should not require a break-in period. That is part of our responsibility when building your gun. The pistol may be a little stiff on the slide stop, bushing or head space extension hood when you receive it, but it should operate flawlessly for it's intended use from the time you receive it. What types of front sights are available and what do you recommend? Currently, we have 5 types of front sights available: 1. Black serrated - our standard sight for all around use. 2. Black vertical post, the classic target sight provides a clear defined sight picture for lighted conditions. This is the best sight for target use. 3. Fiber optic, the bright glow of a fiber optic insert is hard to miss. Easily seen, even on overcast days, the fiber optic is best for action shooting competitions and general outdoor shooting. 4. Tritium, designed for low light and dark conditions, these sights incorporate a tritium vial and are recommended for carry pistols 5. Gold bead, utilizing hardened gold rod, we machine a small bead of gold and fit it in a sight. The result is a flat gold disc slightly raised from the surface of the front sight. This sight is quickly becoming our favorite and is suitable for outdoor shooting and excels indoors and in low light conditions. Do you offer sight conversions on Colt Gold Cup pistols? Yes, our Gold Cup sight installations are accomplished by welding up the factory sight bed, re-machining the slide to match the factory rib and low mounting the rear sight. Solid match bushing or spherical match bushing? Solid Match Grade bushings provide the necessary fit to ensure a premium barrel fit. They are dependable, rugged and simple. We recommend a solid bushing for most pistols. Spherical bushings amount to Approximately a 5% accuracy gain and are recommended for competition pistols. Spherical bushings work well with our wide link system to optimize target accuracy Do I need the Precision Slide Stop system? The Precision Slide Stop system is only necessary if the slide stop pin-hole does not mate correctly with a standard slide stop. We true the slide stop pin-hole and ream the hole to the next available pin size. An oversized, hardened pin is mated to the frame and the barrel is fitted to the new pin. Many of our customers request this option for the added benefit of a hardened slide stop pin. What slide serration patterns are available? Our standard rear serration pattern is 15-degree cuts. Optional serration patterns include; vertical, tactical (stop .250" above bottom of slide), Colt style and others. How is the custom PD beavertail made and why is it different from the other beavertails on the market? Pistol Dynamics custom beavertails are CNC machined from barstock. We have the only machined beavertail in the industry. Each beavertail is manufactured with oversized dimensions and are individually fitted to a specific frame. Is the custom PD beavertail available for retail sale? Our custom beavertail is not available for retail sale? Does the weld-on mag well add any length to the pistol? No, both the weld-on and removable mag well are the same length as a stock 1911 frame. How does the removable mag well work? The removable mag well is a one-piece part that utilizes a reciprocal rail mated to the frame. The mag well installs from the front and is held in place by mechanical advantage by the main spring housing and pin. It's important to note that this is a permanent and irreversible alteration to the firearm Triggers, what is the right length for me, long or short? Trigger length is dependant on the shooter's hand size and preference on how they engage and press the trigger. Generally, you want to select a trigger length that allows you to place the first digit of your trigger finger 90 degrees to the axis of the bore. Shooter's who use gloves will need to utilize a short trigger for additional space inside the trigger guard. How do I identify a Liebenberg signature pistol? Liebenberg Signature pistols will have a signature on the frame, slide and barrel. Do you recommend the use of shock buffs? No, installation of a shock-buff shortens the stroke of the slide and may lead to an erratic ejection pattern and even malfunctions. It is imperative that shock-buffs not be used in Commander length and shorter pistols What type of magazines do you recommend? Several good magazines are available to shooters. We have successfully used magazines from Wilson, Metalform ans Cobra-Mag. But, even good magazines require proper maintenance. Keep the magazines clean, replace the springs if necessary and dispose of the magazine if it is damaged. Above all, never lube a magazine. What options for finish are available and what are your recommendations? Carefully consider the type of finish for your pistol to balance the use of the pistol along with the aesthetic qualities desired. Blue with brushed slide flats Matte blue Hard chrome Two tone with blued slide and hard chrome frame.