Gas-Operated 1911

Have any of you looked into this:  http://www.betterfirearmsdesign.com/

There's not enough information on the web site to judge.  It's interesting, and I'd like to know more.  I've written them, and if I get a meaningful response, I'll share.  In the meantime, if you know more, please do dell.

Haven't heard of them, but sounds interesting.  The website sucks though.

It is for real. 

Clifford Benjamin has been building these since 2000 and he can supply a frame with uppers in  .22lr,  .32acp, .32S&W, .380 acp, .38Special WC., 45acp  etc. etc.

He might be visiting the Dixie Match - NRA 2700 Regional Championship on April 13-15 at the Gateway Range in Jacksonville FL. If so, I'll be trying one for sure.

Back in the 70's I remember seeing a Colt design. Very strange, with a sort of ring around the barrel.

Wasn't Ed Masaki's dragon pistol a gas operated 1911?
Phil

Not really, my limited knowledge and handling of that little piece of art showed it to be more of a blowback/fixed barrel with lots of ports to vent off pressure.  Probably shot my best group ever with it (tried reeeealy hard not to waste the opportunity & Mr. Masaki's time).

So, the website doesn't really make it clear. What exactly is he trying to do? Sell the design to a manufacturer? Is he actually selling anything?

Dave

Seems like this could easily be mistaken for a Nelson/Marvel conversion setup which could lead to some shenanigans.  

Stop the lower video at 0:15 of 1:27 and "look" at the components. Nothing like a Marvel/Nelson, not even close.

I'm not sure where you're looking but the frame and barrel appear to actually (aside from the gas system) have the same overall profile as a Marvel style conversion where the slide is sort of cut in half but has a section the goes forward underneath the barrel.

Anyway, I would love to try one but I wonder about the price.  I'll inquire about it and post back.

Go to YouTube here:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=np0SgKhXUbg

Clearly shown at 0:15 of 1:27, no doubt whatsoever.

Weird, it looks like there are two versions of it.