 |
| CNC Machine - or a very expensive Dremel engraver if you are afraid of it or don't know how to use it. |
Firearms manufacturers (true gunsmiths) use the CNC machine to take a piece of blank steel like this and turn it into a 1911 frame, like below.
The gunsmith then uses the CNC to mill (cut from steel) your slide. These are the primary components of the 1911 build. They represent the heart and soul of the 1911.
A parts assembler, however, does not use his CNC to actually build firearms. To a parts assembler, the CNC is nothing more than a very expensive engraving machine - a Dremel that costs $25k.
A parts assembler ignores the CNC and buys a frame and slide set from a real gun manufacturer - such as STI, for instance. He then assembles the parts into a firearm. He may even be a decent painter. Proof? If you own a III Arms (WV) 1911, look at your frame and see if it is an STI frame or a III Arms frame.
When we discussed launching III Arms on this blog, we discussed hiring a real gunsmith who would build firearms. Sadly, I made a mistake and we ended up with a parts assembly guy who could do a decent paint job. We all agreed that III Arms would be the first of several business venture to use profits for the Citadel. Mea culpa.
However, III Arms has survived my initial personnel mistake. The first 1911 from one of several new professional gunsmiths arrives in about 6 weeks. It will NOT have 'STI' stamped on the frame. In the next week or so Holly will also announce a new facet of III Arms that will be noted as a milestone in the 2A world. Holly has put together a brilliant twist to build III Arms into more than merely a firearms manufacturer.
III Arms is still standing, and stronger than ever.
Acta non verba.
**For III Patriots who purchased a III Arms (WV) 1911 and rec'd an STI frame/slide, I take the position that you did not receive what you were promised. In due course Holly intends to announce a buy-back or trade-in for those of you who want to own a genuine III Arms 1911 - as you were promised.
