jackie best gunsmith info

hi picking up used 1911 done by jackie best gunsmith.any info about the history of his 1911 builds.searched on web not alot of info.thanks

Jackie was one of the most talented AMU smiths of his era. He made excellent 1911s that would flat shoot. i had the pleasure of knowing him while he was in Ga. He ended up in Al.  

Like most  smiths in the 60s,70s and 80s.he would build on what you brought him..

Heck of a shot too, although he didn't shoot much outside of Perry when i knew him.. if the pistol is in good shape you'll enjoy it. Owned one in the late 70s. Let it go like an idiot.....

I remember Jackie from commercial row at Perry back in the 80's.  Had his shop set up and was always busy working on competitors pistols.  He built a hardball pistol for me.  It shot lights out and played a factor in my making Distinguished and Presidents 100.  And that was back in the day where we shot real hardball issued at the line.  I let it go after many years which wasn't smart.
Phil

I may be picking one up in the next few weeks.

Best (heh) I ever managed to shoot with one of Jack's guns was an 889-53x for a 900, and 2663 for a 2700.

Maybe you'll have better luck.





PS: BEST GUNS SHOOT

1911 on caspien frame kart barrel something called a tuner when i rack slide it so smooth,my first real bullseye 1911.if it runs without jams i will be so happy.i was asked how much 900.00 thanks for gunsmith info i love the back story, tyro

For 900 dollars I think you got a really good deal.

I still have a .38 Special, 9mm, and .38 Super that Jackie built for me.  He built the .38 Special before I went to Germany in the early '80s and the 9mm and .38 Super when I returned to Ft. Benning in the early '90s.  Those guns have sentimental value, so they will be among the last guns I sell.

Jackie's shop was in a building beside his house in south Columbus.  He tested his guns at the old Ft. Benning Rifle and Pistol Club because the range had a concrete pedestal to which he could mount his Ransom Rest.   I don't know if he ever lived in Alabama but I know he lived in south Columbus the entire time I knew him and was still living there when he passed away from cancer in the early '90s.  I last went to see him about two weeks before he died.

Gus Youmans

Thanks for sharing Gus.
I have a Best hardball gun as well, built in '89 that I acquired from a retiring shooter here in KY. Its always good to hear more backstory on these legendary smiths and shooters.