The Rohrbaugh Forum

Miscellaneous => Other Guns => Topic started by: whkrog on June 20, 2010, 09:32:22 PM

Title: Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa ...
Post by: whkrog on June 20, 2010, 09:32:22 PM
Well, OK, so I don't feel ALL that guilty. I love ny Rohrbaugh R9s, but have just totally messed up the budget by buying a new pistol: 45ACP 1911-type
an STI Trojan 5.0 (http://www.stiguns.com/guns/Trojan5.0/Trojan50.php)
hard-chrome finish (I like shiny guns), trigger work, fiber optics sights, etc. all done by Bob Cogan's APW (http://www.apwcogan.com).
Bottom line: it's a dream. It's much better than I am, cannot do it justice. And it's much prettier.
And even at my advanced age and diminishing capacities, intend to try out IPSC/IDPA competition, for which this firearm is fully qualified/accepted.
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LCe3yw4OdMw/TB6jgjyu3eI/AAAAAAAAAg4/G6xZcb4ge_k/s320/Trojan2_sm.jpg)
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LCe3yw4OdMw/TB6jNdXtDFI/AAAAAAAAAgw/uFJo0zZpeQQ/s1600/Trojan+1_sm.jpg)
Title: Re: Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa ...
Post by: Richard S on June 20, 2010, 09:50:03 PM
I, too, like shiny guns (don't worry, Brenden and Tom -- no bling alerts this time  ;D), and that one is a beauty! Good luck in your competitions.
Title: Re: Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa ...
Post by: kjtrains on June 20, 2010, 09:53:19 PM
Good lookin' gun, indeed!  And good luck in the IPSC/IDPA competion.
Title: Re: Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa ...
Post by: whkrog on June 20, 2010, 10:07:39 PM
Being old, and pretty much an amateur in comparison to many competitors and people writing on this forum, I only have to say my intentions:
1) to do the best that I can with the phyiscal limitiations I have. (OK I'm old, alright?)
2) to not shoot myself or any other competitors in any areas they would consider important. (joke)
3) OK, just to not embarass myself -- this is the 'guy thing'

In warning, I also write stuff with a fair amount of sarcasm, usually-unsuccesful humor, etc. It's a personal fault.

All you friends on this forum are an invaluable source of information, instruction etc. -- I am quite amazed and grateful.
All the best.
Bill

Title: Re: Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa ...
Post by: tracker on June 20, 2010, 10:44:37 PM

And thanks to you also, Bill; sometimes, too much tact means that one is not clever enough to be cynical. You have found a welcome home here. Honesty will work every time.
Title: Re: Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa ...
Post by: Brenden on June 21, 2010, 01:54:11 AM
Bill,
For some reason at the moment I cannot see your fine gun,but I am sure it is a weapon to behold!!

I can't wait to see it,and I have my sunglasses handy!! 8)
Title: Re: Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa ...
Post by: Reinz on July 12, 2010, 02:37:53 PM
Quote
Well, OK, so I don't feel ALL that guilty. I love ny Rohrbaugh R9s, but have just totally messed up the budget by buying a new pistol: 45ACP 1911-type
an STI Trojan 5.0 (http://www.stiguns.com/guns/Trojan5.0/Trojan50.php)
hard-chrome finish (I like shiny guns), trigger work, fiber optics sights, etc. all done by Bob Cogan's APW (http://www.apwcogan.com).
Bottom line: it's a dream. It's much better than I am, cannot do it justice. And it's much prettier.
And even at my advanced age and diminishing capacities, intend to try out IPSC/IDPA competition, for which this firearm is fully qualified/accepted.
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_LCe3yw4OdMw/TB6jgjyu3eI/AAAAAAAAAg4/G6xZcb4ge_k/s320/Trojan2_sm.jpg)
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_LCe3yw4OdMw/TB6jNdXtDFI/AAAAAAAAAgw/uFJo0zZpeQQ/s1600/Trojan+1_sm.jpg)


Brenden - just caught your post, wanted to let you know that you did good!
I have 2 or 3 STIs presently ( have a hard time keeping up with my 1911s).   They are great guns.  I have Colts, Kimbers, Springfields, and others.  Without going custom, I think STI is the best you can buy.
I had a Trojoan in 40cal that was phenomenal, but I sold it. I did not care for the recoil.  It actually recoiled more than the 45s do.  It was a snappier recoil which I just did not care for.


Enjoy!

Reinz
Title: Re: Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa ...
Post by: tracker on July 12, 2010, 02:48:49 PM

The "T" in STI was Virgil Tripp who later sold out and went into refinishing some of our guns. Now, he makes 1911 magazines of the highest quality and some other endeavors I don't know about.
Title: Re: Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa ...
Post by: Reinz on July 12, 2010, 03:05:30 PM
Virgil is a gunsmith and was named gunsmith of the year.
He also makes Cobra mags which are considered the best 1911 mags made at this time.  
Yes, better than Wilson, Brown, etc.  He has the documentation to back it up.

They are the only mags I carry now and use in competition.

http://www.trippresearch.com/store/store_1911.html


Reinz
Title: Re: Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa ...
Post by: tracker on July 12, 2010, 03:33:44 PM

I met Virgil and his brother at Teddy Jacobson's shop where they were trading secrets. He took two of my guns for refinishing back to Alpine and later I bought some of his magazines. He is a very nice guy and a pleasure to deal with in business.
Title: Re: Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa ...
Post by: Reinz on July 12, 2010, 03:40:29 PM
He is a nice guy.  Did you get to hang with those guys long while they were talking shop?
That is such a great way to boost your knowledge.

Title: Re: Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa ...
Post by: tracker on July 12, 2010, 03:45:00 PM
I listened to them for about an hour. They were talking about things that were beyond my shop level. Virgil's brother was making rifle silencers in central Texas but I didn't find out much about that. Teddy told me at the time that Virgil made the best magazines. The shop conversation was about 1911 action jobs.
Title: Re: Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa ...
Post by: Reinz on July 12, 2010, 03:58:32 PM
That's pretty cool, I'd love to chat with them.
Title: Re: Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa ...
Post by: tracker on July 12, 2010, 04:05:18 PM

They're both definitely at the top of the 1911 gunsmith game. That fact also came through loud and clear.
Title: Re: Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa ...
Post by: Richard S on July 12, 2010, 10:44:54 PM
Virgil Tripp is a true gentleman, scholar, and artist. Just before he got out of the replating business I called his shop about an order. He answered the telephone himself on the second ring and spent about an hour discussing the project with me. Then he turned this:

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y30/RichardS/HKP7.jpg)

into this:

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y30/RichardS/dec06_01.jpg)
Title: Re: Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa ...
Post by: kjtrains on July 12, 2010, 10:53:43 PM
Truly, amazing!
Title: Re: Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa ...
Post by: yankee2500 on July 12, 2010, 10:57:37 PM
Richard,
    That is a real ugly duckling story, although it wasn't ugly before it is certainly beautiful now.

John
Title: llRe: Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa ...
Post by: whkrog on July 12, 2010, 11:30:31 PM
Sorry: it's been a while since I've posted: family health problems, work stuff, etc.

STI International, Inc.
As I understand it, Dave Skinner -- the currenly listed President and CEO of STI, has or will shortly be retiring.
I'm also told that this should have little or no effect  on the quality of their products, the direction of the Company or any such things.

RE: People meeting/talking to Virgil Tripp and others.
I really don't care in the least about Hollywood or other celebrities, the Kardashians (whoever they are or why we are allegedly supposed to 'keep up with them'), but I have to admit to the sin of envy when hearing of the conversations people have had with individuals like Mr. Tripp. For me, this would be equivalent to accidentally encountering a Nobel Prize winner in physics at the Baskin-Robbins store, and just chatting for a while...

PS: have had the new ATI/APW pistol out to the range to sight it in, after prelimary sighting by using a laser boresight.
Short review: this gun is much, much better than I am, and perhaps might hope to be. Read reviews by people who know a lot more than I do -- I can only report personal experience.
It's perhaps as tight, well-designed and finely-machined as my Rohrbaugh, and just as much sheer pleasure to shoot. The .45 recoil using MagTech 230gr FMJ rounds is easy, even for an old guy with not such great upper-arm strength and old, broken finger bones on the strong hand.
Accuracy? Seeming limited by the shooter. With a sandbag rest at 25 feet, I can do 1-inch groups easily -- surely can be bettered better if done by better shooters, and using match-grade ammunition.
VOW: I will NEVER sell this gun
RECOMMENDATION: buy anything you fancy made by STI, but have Bob Cogan 'finish' it -- not just cosmetically, but everything else also.

Thus endeth the opinions.
 -- Bill
Title: Re: Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa ...
Post by: tracker on July 12, 2010, 11:57:43 PM

Thanks, Bill, and welcome back.
Title: Re: Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa ...
Post by: kjtrains on July 13, 2010, 08:47:03 AM
Bill, thanks for the update!
Title: Re: Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa ...
Post by: Reinz on July 13, 2010, 01:09:19 PM
Richard - I never get tired of seeing that P7!

What a gem.
Title: Re: Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa ...
Post by: kjtrains on July 13, 2010, 01:11:46 PM
Reinz.  You must have one?
Title: Re: Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa ...
Post by: Reinz on July 13, 2010, 01:12:18 PM
whkrog-got to agree with ya on buying STI !

Thanks for the heads up on the new gun too.

I haven't experienced Coogan's work yet, but have only heard praises.


Reinz
Title: Re: Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa ...
Post by: Reinz on July 13, 2010, 01:15:26 PM
Quote
Reinz.  You must have one?

I have a P7 M8  that has been Robar'd - NP3
and
a semi-rare factory nickle P7 M13
But

I don't have the fancy/classy grips like Richard.
Title: Re: Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa ...
Post by: kjtrains on July 13, 2010, 01:16:11 PM
I have to agree, Cogan's work is good.  Maybe we could talk him into coating the insides.
Title: Re: Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa ...
Post by: Reinz on July 13, 2010, 01:21:26 PM
Why wouldn't he do insides?
Title: Re: Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa ...
Post by: kjtrains on July 13, 2010, 01:23:13 PM
I called him some months ago, and they don't do the internals!
Title: Re: Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa ...
Post by: whkrog on July 13, 2010, 02:22:06 PM
Richard: what type/model firearm is that pictured? It's absolutely beautiful...

--Bill
Title: Re: Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa ...
Post by: Richard S on July 13, 2010, 03:10:19 PM
Quote
Richard: what type/model firearm is that pictured? It's absolutely beautiful...

--Bill

Bill:

It's a Heckler & Koch P7 (9mm Parabellum) which was retired about three years ago by the Lower Saxony State Police in Germany. This one had apparently seen little if any use. Virgil Tripp evened out the stippling, ground off a curious warning about the need to read the user's manual that was stamped on the bottom of the trigger guard, and plated the pistol and six magazines in Cobra Chrome.

The walnut Rhomlas grips in the photograph above are by Karl Nill.

http://www.nill-shop.com/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=P7&search_in_description=1&x=32&y=15

The Nills are relatively fragile and are primarily for show. In addition to the original panels, I have a pair of Micarta grips from Pete Foldyna for daily use.

http://www.grips4u.net/index.php?cPath=43&osCsid=fa299865ac939b1e01474a7234200390

For holsters, I managed to score one of Matt DelFatti's ISP-4s and an adjustable K&D Paddle Defender for cross-draw use during long automobile trips. Since both pistols seem to like 124-grain ammunition, the P7 has become a frequent primary to the R9 which is always in my pocket.

And Reinz is kind. I've probably posted enough photos of that P7 and its various rigs.

Finally, as Reinz noted, Virgil Tripp was recently named 2010 Pistolsmith of the Year by the American Pistolsmiths Guild -- a singular and well-deserved honor:

http://www.trippresearch.com/store/index.html

Title: Re: Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa ...
Post by: Reinz on July 15, 2010, 11:01:17 AM
Richard - if you happen to have a pic of your P7 with the Micarda grips would you mind sharing?
I sure would like to see how those look on the gun.

I don't recall seeing them.

If you don't have a pic, please do not go the trouble of setting up and taking one.

Thanks
Title: Re: Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa ...
Post by: Richard S on July 15, 2010, 02:35:23 PM
Quote
Richard - if you happen to have a pic of your P7 with the Micarda grips would you mind sharing?
I sure would like to see how those look on the gun.

I don't recall seeing them.

If you don't have a pic, please do not go the trouble of setting up and taking one.

Thanks

Reinz:

You know me, I just happen to have one at hand with the Del Fatti ISP-4:   8)

(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y30/RichardS/hkp7micartagripsdelfattiisp-4hol-2.jpg)

The Micartas are the toughest grips I've ever had. They seem almost immune from accidental damage.
Title: Re: Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa ...
Post by: Brenden on July 15, 2010, 03:14:16 PM
Richard,
That picture is really nice!!
Who did the Micarta grips?
Title: Re: Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa ...
Post by: whkrog on July 15, 2010, 04:18:16 PM
That's, just beautiful...
Title: Re: Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa ...
Post by: Richard S on July 15, 2010, 04:18:17 PM
Quote
Richard,
That picture is really nice!!
Who did the Micarta grips?

Thank you, Brenden. Pete Foldyna made the Micarta grips. Here is a link to his website:

http://www.grips4u.net

And thank you as well, Bill.
Title: Re: Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa ...
Post by: Reinz on July 15, 2010, 07:12:52 PM
Richard - I just thought you might have one handy :)

It looks great!

Do they feeeel as good as they look?

I have a feeeling! :D
Title: Re: Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa ...
Post by: Reinz on July 15, 2010, 07:16:28 PM
Man I went up and looked at 'em again, and I got say again-

those rooooooK  mmmmaarrrrrrvvvvarrrrrllllouusss!

(in my Retardo Montaban voice)


seriously, those are awesome!

they look so functional as well.
Title: Re: Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa ...
Post by: kjtrains on July 15, 2010, 07:24:25 PM
Reinz.  You're going to have to quit looking.  You're going to get sick.    ;D
Title: Re: Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa ...
Post by: Reinz on July 15, 2010, 07:26:41 PM
Ima sick dude  ???
Title: Re: Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa ...
Post by: kjtrains on July 15, 2010, 07:27:32 PM
Now you said that, not me!    ;)
Title: Re: Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa ...
Post by: P7Enigma on July 15, 2010, 07:35:02 PM
....we are "making chips" as I type on a pair of cocobolo R9 grips...

In the past I have made a few grips from wood for the P7, but, like Nills, they will break eventually if used for daily carry. I have a small box full of broken ones. (Nills) I have contemplated inserting a piece of titanium epoxied into the back of them to beef them up but haven't tried it yet. Thats what the scrap Nills are for....testing theories

BTW: here is mine

(http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t304/007ENIGMA/IMG_0989.jpg)
Title: Re: Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa ...
Post by: kjtrains on July 15, 2010, 07:36:31 PM
Now that's excellent, P7, for sure!
Title: Re: Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa ...
Post by: Reinz on July 15, 2010, 07:59:09 PM
There's just nothing like a good looking P7! :D


I think Richard has the right idea with those micartas.
Title: Re: Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa ...
Post by: kjtrains on July 15, 2010, 08:01:32 PM
Reinz.  Get your set ordered.  I can tell you like 'em!
Title: Re: Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa ...
Post by: Reinz on July 15, 2010, 08:04:16 PM
You're reading my mind ;)
Title: Re: Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa ...
Post by: kjtrains on July 15, 2010, 08:05:49 PM
I try!  It's getting tougher, though.    :D
Title: Re: Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa ...
Post by: Richard S on July 15, 2010, 09:26:09 PM
Quote
Richard - I just thought you might have one handy :)

It looks great!

Do they feeeel as good as they look?

I have a feeeling! :D

Reinz:

I just arrived with my lady at Critter Creek, got this this jury-rigged internet connection up and running, and have logged into the Forum.

Yes, the Micartas feel as good as they look -- very "grippy," if you will pardon the pun. The best thing is that they are da**ed near indestructible. With the Nills, I am always aware of the possibility of banging them on doorways, car doors, or such. With the Micartas, I don't even think about it. My R9 is always protected in a pocket holster, but I wear the P7 either IWB or OWB, depending on circumstances and clothing. The two together make a great pair for CCW use.

If you order a pair of Micartas from Pete Foldyna, whatever the handgun, I think you will like them.
Title: Re: Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa ...
Post by: Richard S on July 15, 2010, 09:31:10 PM
KJ:

From the immediate count, with 11 more posts you have the baton. Carry it well.  ;D
Title: Re: Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa ...
Post by: kjtrains on July 15, 2010, 09:43:53 PM
Richard.  The baton will always belong to you my Forum friend, regardless of the post count.    :)
Title: Re: Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa ...
Post by: Reinz on July 16, 2010, 04:07:05 PM
Quote

Reinz:

I just arrived with my lady at Critter Creek, got this this jury-rigged internet connection up and running, and have logged into the Forum.

Yes, the Micartas feel as good as they look -- very "grippy," if you will pardon the pun. The best thing is that they are da**ed near indestructible. With the Nills, I am always aware of the possibility of banging them on doorways, car doors, or such. With the Micartas, I don't even think about it. My R9 is always protected in a pocket holster, but I wear the P7 either IWB or OWB, depending on circumstances and clothing. The two together make a great pair for CCW use.

If you order a pair of Micartas from Pete Foldyna, whatever the handgun, I think you will like them.



Richard - thanks for the good feedback.

I'm sold!

p.s.  One other thing, do they add any girth?
Title: Re: Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa ...
Post by: kjtrains on July 16, 2010, 05:43:50 PM
Now, let us know, Reinz, when you get yours!    ;)
Title: Re: Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa ...
Post by: Reinz on July 16, 2010, 05:54:54 PM
Will do.
Title: Re: Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa ...
Post by: kjtrains on July 16, 2010, 06:19:10 PM
It'll certainly be appreciated.     ;)
Title: Re: Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa ...
Post by: Richard S on July 16, 2010, 06:54:08 PM
Quote



Richard - thanks for the good feedback.

I'm sold!

p.s.  One other thing, do they add any girth?

Reinz:

The Micartas add a very small amount of girth over the original plastic grips but are about the same as the Nills. All in all, I don't notice the difference in any event. The P7 conceals easily, especially in the Del Fatti rig. Some people don't like IWB holsters, but the ISP-4 is about as comfortable as they get. For OWB, any rig that holds the pistol tight against the body with some protection against chafing will permit the P7 with the Micartas virtually to disappear under a jacket or vest.
Title: Re: Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa ...
Post by: Reinz on July 16, 2010, 07:09:36 PM
Thanks - I was concerned about the girth - grip wise for shooting, not concealment.  
Wanted to keep it thin if possible, but that sounds good enough.

Thanks again
Title: Re: Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa ...
Post by: P7Enigma on July 16, 2010, 08:32:02 PM
If you are interested...I have made thin grips for P7s. I can make them from any plastic you like. Just need to know which "gun" you have. (PSP flush, PSP protrude, M8, M13 or K3)

And for you puppy owners out there...we are finishing up the first set of "Cocobolo" grips...standby for pics. They are in polishing mode right now.
Title: Re: Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa ...
Post by: Richard S on July 16, 2010, 09:04:00 PM
Quote
If you are interested...I have made thin grips for P7s. I can make them from any plastic you like. Just need to know which "gun" you have. (PSP flush, PSP protrude, M8, M13 or K3)

And for you puppy owners out there...we are finishing up the first set of "Cocobolo" grips...standby for pics. They are in polishing mode right now.

Enigma:

You now have my undivided attention!  8)
Title: Re: Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa ...
Post by: kjtrains on July 16, 2010, 09:40:30 PM
P7.  And from me as well.  Photos should be outstanding!
Title: Re: Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa ...
Post by: Reinz on July 16, 2010, 09:55:17 PM
P7- thanks for that info.  I am interested.
Title: Re: Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa ...
Post by: P7Enigma on July 17, 2010, 08:20:48 PM
Quote

Enigma:

You now have my undivided attention!  8)

[size=18][glb]Here ya go Rich![/glb]        [/size]

http://www.rohrbaughforum.com/YaBB.cgi?board=Accessories;action=display;num=1279408676;start=0#0
Title: Re: Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa ...
Post by: Richard S on July 17, 2010, 11:58:06 PM
Quote

[size=18][glb]Here ya go Rich![/glb]        [/size]

http://www.rohrbaughforum.com/YaBB.cgi?board=Accessories;action=display;num=1279408676;start=0#0

Holy Saints, Enigma, have I got a project for you!
Title: Re: Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa ...
Post by: whkrog on July 18, 2010, 03:34:39 AM
Hmm, I started this thread, and yet, I feel it slipping from my grasp, into an indefinite but somehow beautiful future.

The rest of us shall indeed stand back, admire the work and craftsmanship of our betters,

and rejoice.
Title: Re: Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa ...
Post by: kjtrains on July 18, 2010, 11:54:13 AM
Bill, interesting words there, for sure!