Manufacturer: Colt
Caliber: .45 ACP
Model/Size: MKIV Series 70 Government (Large Letter)
Finish: Hard Chrome
Condition: Pre-Owned
Box/Papers: No
Jim Hoag was among the most respected and influential custom 1911 pistolsmiths of the twentieth century, belonging to an extraordinary generation of craftsmen that included Armand Swenson, Jim Clark Sr., and Frank Pachmayr. A former U.S. Navy aircraft armorer and trained tool-and-die maker, Hoag became involved in the emerging combat pistol movement in Southern California during the late 1950s, alongside legendary firearms instructor Jeff Cooper. An accomplished competitive shooter himself, Hoag understood firsthand the importance of accuracy, reliability, ergonomics, and speed in a fighting handgun.
Working from his shop in Canoga Park, California, Hoag developed a reputation for exceptional machining, meticulous hand fitting, and attention to detail. Although perhaps best remembered for his spectacular six- and eight-inch longslide 1911s, his conventional five-inch Government Models were equally impressive. His signature work included hand-cut checkering, squared trigger guards, precisely fitted barrels and slides, extended controls, deeply recessed adjustable sights, and distinctive welded and hand-contoured beavertail grip safeties. His finest pistols, designated Master Grade, represented the pinnacle of his craftsmanship.
The pistol presented here is an exceptional example of Hoag's Master Grade craftsmanship, built on a desirable 1974/75 vintage Colt MK IV Series 70 Government Model with the distinctive large-letter slide markings. It incorporates an extensive collection of custom features characteristic of Hoag's premium combat 1911s.
The frame features beautifully executed 20-line-per-inch bordered checkering on both the frontstrap and backstrap. The trigger guard has been squared and checkered across its front face, while extended thumb safety and slide stop controls provide enhanced accessibility. Additional modifications include a barrel positioner, intended to improve the consistency of barrel positioning during lockup, and a carefully chamfered barrel hood.
The slide incorporates an impressive assortment of custom machining. A Bo-Mar adjustable rear sight has been buried into Hoag's distinctive "deluxe pocket," creating a clean, low-profile installation. The top of the slide has been flattened and serrated to reduce glare, while the rear face features extraordinarily fine 50-line-per-inch serrations. The ejection port has been lowered and given an angled contour, and the magazine well has been beveled to facilitate reloading.
One of the most recognizable features of an early Hoag is the classic beavertail grip safety, welded on both sides and meticulously hand-blended to the frame tang.
Hoag personally signed the underside of the slide in two separate locations, an especially desirable detail on a pistol of this caliber.
Ships FedEx 2nd Day Air with (1) magazine inside gun rug.
Click here to view high resolution photos
Manufacturer: Colt
Caliber: .45 ACP
Model/Size: MKIV Series 70 Government (Large Letter)
Finish: Hard Chrome
Condition: Pre-Owned
Box/Papers: No
Jim Hoag was among the most respected and influential custom 1911 pistolsmiths of the twentieth century, belonging to an extraordinary generation of craftsmen that included Armand Swenson, Jim Clark Sr., and Frank Pachmayr. A former U.S. Navy aircraft armorer and trained tool-and-die maker, Hoag became involved in the emerging combat pistol movement in Southern California during the late 1950s, alongside legendary firearms instructor Jeff Cooper. An accomplished competitive shooter himself, Hoag understood firsthand the importance of accuracy, reliability, ergonomics, and speed in a fighting handgun.
Working from his shop in Canoga Park, California, Hoag developed a reputation for exceptional machining, meticulous hand fitting, and attention to detail. Although perhaps best remembered for his spectacular six- and eight-inch longslide 1911s, his conventional five-inch Government Models were equally impressive. His signature work included hand-cut checkering, squared trigger guards, precisely fitted barrels and slides, extended controls, deeply recessed adjustable sights, and distinctive welded and hand-contoured beavertail grip safeties. His finest pistols, designated Master Grade, represented the pinnacle of his craftsmanship.
The pistol presented here is an exceptional example of Hoag's Master Grade craftsmanship, built on a desirable 1974/75 vintage Colt MK IV Series 70 Government Model with the distinctive large-letter slide markings. It incorporates an extensive collection of custom features characteristic of Hoag's premium combat 1911s.
The frame features beautifully executed 20-line-per-inch bordered checkering on both the frontstrap and backstrap. The trigger guard has been squared and checkered across its front face, while extended thumb safety and slide stop controls provide enhanced accessibility. Additional modifications include a barrel positioner, intended to improve the consistency of barrel positioning during lockup, and a carefully chamfered barrel hood.
The slide incorporates an impressive assortment of custom machining. A Bo-Mar adjustable rear sight has been buried into Hoag's distinctive "deluxe pocket," creating a clean, low-profile installation. The top of the slide has been flattened and serrated to reduce glare, while the rear face features extraordinarily fine 50-line-per-inch serrations. The ejection port has been lowered and given an angled contour, and the magazine well has been beveled to facilitate reloading.
One of the most recognizable features of an early Hoag is the classic beavertail grip safety, welded on both sides and meticulously hand-blended to the frame tang.
Hoag personally signed the underside of the slide in two separate locations, an especially desirable detail on a pistol of this caliber.
Ships FedEx 2nd Day Air with (1) magazine inside gun rug.
Click here to view high resolution photos
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