by Larry Vickers
Vickers Tactical, retired US Army 1st SFOD- Delta combat veteran

Hey folks, I’m pumped to talk about the Kings River Custom 1911.

Hey folks, I’m pumped to talk about the Kings River Custom 1911. This isn’t just another 1911—it’s a damn fine piece of engineering and art. These guys pour their heart into every pistol, and it shows. Let’s break down why this gun is a cut above.

A Team That Knows 1911s

Kings River Custom kicked off in 2024, based out of Huntsville, Arkansas. The crew? Six former Wilson Combat Supergrade gunsmiths, each with over 20 years of know-how. That’s serious pedigree. They’re employee-owned, too, so everyone’s got skin in the game. As a result, every 1911 they build screams quality. I’ve seen a lot of custom shops, but these guys are the real deal. Their mottos, ” Quality over Quantity” and “Where Precision is Power,” isn’t just talk—it’s how they roll.

Detail Work That’ll Blow Your Mind

Let’s get to the meat of it: the Phoenix Fighting Gun (PFG). This 1911 is built with an obsessive eye for detail. For starters, the slide’s got eight wide cocking serrations. They’re functional and look slick as hell. Plus, the slide edges are beveled to eliminate any sharpness—comfort matters. The ejection port’s relieved just right, so you’re not dealing with malfunctions.

The slide and frame fit like they were made for each other. Hell, the ball-end mill cuts add a touch of class you don’t see every day. The chamber and feed ramp? Polished and contoured like nobody’s business. Consequently, this gun runs smooth, no matter how hard you push it. Every part’s hand-fitted, and they inspect the hell out of it. That’s how you know it’s built to last.

Artistry That Turns Heads

Now, let’s talk looks. The Kings River Custom 1911 isn’t just a shooter—it’s a piece of art. Take the optional silver bead front sight: it’s sharp for aiming and adds a classy vibe. You can go wild with finishes—Cerakote, DLC, High Polish Bluing, or even color case hardening. Want grips that pop? Even mammoth ivory, ironwood, meteorite, dinosaur bone, damascus, mokuti, copper carbon fiber, or G10.

If you’re into engraving, they’ll hook you up with some intricate work that’ll make your buddies jealous. The checkering on the front strap and mainspring housing? Crisp, usually 25 lines per inch, and feels perfect in your hand. Therefore, this 1911’s as much a showpiece as it is a tool. It’s the kind of gun you’d display proudly but still trust in a fight.

Built to Run Hard

Don’t let the pretty looks fool you—this thing’s a workhorse. The PFG uses a traditional barrel and bushing setup, your choice of carbon or stainless steel. It comes with three Tripp Research Cobra eight-round mags—those are rock-solid. The trigger and hammer? Tuned to perfection. This gun’s ready for duty, competition, or whatever you throw at it.

The barrel’s hand-fitted for tack-driving accuracy. The feed ramp’s polished to keep rounds flowing like water. Plus, the ergonomics make it feel like an extension of your hand. As a result, you’re getting a 1911 that performs under pressure, no question. I’ve put plenty of 1911s through their paces, and this one holds its own.

Make It Your Own

What I love about Kings River Custom is they let you call the shots. Want a 5-inch Government or a 4.25-inch Commander? Done. Sights? Pick from Novak-style, fiber optic, gold bead, silver bead, or tritium. Grips? They’ll do whatever material or texture you want. Hell, they even work with Colt-compatible parts, so maintenance is a breeze.

You can go nuts with custom finishes or engravings to make it yours. They’re not afraid to get creative, and that’s rare. Starting under $5,000, it’s a steal compared to any other custom shops in this segment considering the team building KRC pistols. Consequently, you’re getting top-tier quality without breaking the bank.

Buzz in the 1911 World

The 1911 community’s been talking about Kings River Custom since they hit the scene. Check out 1911Addicts or Reddit’s r/1911—folks are raving. One guy called the PFG’s fit and finish “better than guns twice the price.” That’s high praise. Their website, kingsrivercustom.com, lays it all out—check it for their full lineup.

The employee-owned setup gives them an edge. Every pistol feels like it was built by someone who gives a damn. That’s why they’re climbing the ranks fast among 1911 fans. Trust me, these guys are here to stay.

Why This 1911 Rules

Look, I’ve handled a lot of 1911s in my time—some good, some not so much. The Kings River Custom 1911? It’s the whole package. You get precision that rivals the best, artistry that makes it a collector’s dream, and performance you can stake your life on. For shooters, it’s accurate and reliable. For collectors, it’s a one-of-a-kind piece.

Compared to other high-end 1911s, the PFG’s price-to-quality ratio is hard to beat. You’re getting a custom gun with all the bells and whistles, but it won’t empty your wallet. Plus, their willingness to customize makes it feel personal. That’s what sets Kings River Custom apart.

Wrapping It Up

The Kings River Custom 1911 is the real deal, folks. It’s got the precision to dominate at the range, the artistry to turn heads, and the soul of a team that lives for this stuff. Whether you’re a shooter or a collector, this pistol delivers. Head over to kingsrivercustom.com and see what they’re about. You won’t be disappointed—this 1911’s built to be a legend and the quality, without a doubt, justifies the price.

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