Dispite what some may tell you the custom 1911 world is still thriving. The big name shops like Wilson Combat and Nighthawk Custom have long lines to get a gun. The same is true about one man shops. These are the guys who run the mill, checker the frame and sweep the floor themselves. At one time I was one of those guys - in my off time during my military service I would build custom 1911's for customers, friends and myself. Like all these guys every gun I built had a piece of my soul in it when it was handed off to someone to be its caretaker. I definitely enjoyed it and look back at that era of my life with fondness. There are several outstanding one man 1911 smiths in the world today but when I'm asked who I consider to be the best it comes down to one name; Jason Burton. I've known Jason for nearly 20 years now and consider him a very close friend. Over the years I've had the pleasure of owning more than one Burton gun. Not only are his guns featured prominently in the Vickersguide 1911 books he has been a contributing editor as well. His knowledge on the subject of the history of custom 1911's is very impressive and I have more than once picked his brain on custom makers of the past. Jason is also a very solid shooter and shoots 'God's gun in God's caliber ' (government model 1911 in .45 ACP in case you needed it spelled out !) as his regular blaster. The one and only Clint Smith, who needs no introduction, is a user of Burton 1911's in addition to being a shooter who prefers .45 ACP in his Burton guns as well. Like most all one man shops his guns have a 'signature' look and once you know what to look for you can spot a Burton gun easily. His work is immaculate and I marvel at his phenomenal attention to detail. And the next line cannot be said of all customs 1911's by any maker - his guns truly shoot as good as they look. His guns aren't cheap, anything at this quality leve! never is, and his wait time is significant, so my advice is if you want one either search the secondary market (they very rarely come up for sale) or put your name on the list and wait your turn. Remember to tell him I sent you and save your money for the best; a Burton gun