Labascus Blog

We have moved part of this website to a different site that is dedicated solely to conservation, called Everyday Conservationist, while this will have some posts here and there it will be for firearms reviews and so on

The Timeless Legacy of the 1911: A Comprehensive Guide to John Browning’s Iconic Design

Introduction

The firearms industry has undergone tremendous technological advancements over the last two centuries. Among many innovations in powders, metallurgy, and projectiles, one product from the last century stands the test of time: the Colt’s patented, John Browning-designed Government Model 1911. This iconic handgun has seen action in two world wars and countless other battlefields since its invention. Today, nearly every major gun manufacturer produces some variation of it, making the 1911 a beloved and enduring firearm.

The Birth of the 1911

The story of the 1911 began in the 1890s. At that time, the U.S. military was using various revolvers as their common sidearm. With the recent adoption of new service rifles, the military felt the need for a new, self-loading pistol. Six manufacturers submitted designs, and Colt emerged victorious. The superior reliability of Colt’s design was put to the test in 1910, when 6,000 rounds were fired through one pistol. Even after being dunked in water to cool it off, the pistol never jammed. This remarkable performance earned the pistol its designation as the Colt Government Model 1911.

Evolution and Adaptation

Though the U.S. military has largely retired the 1911 model from service, many manufacturers continue to produce variations of it. The original design was chambered in .45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol) and the cartridge remains popular today. The platform has also been adapted to several calibers, with 9mm Luger being the second most common and 10mm gaining popularity.

Colt’s Ongoing Legacy

Colt still produces these beautiful handguns, albeit with a hefty price tag and advanced technology. While many enthusiasts dream of owning a Colt 1911, there are more affordable alternatives available that still offer excellent quality.

My Journey with the 1911

My fascination with the 1911 began in my childhood while watching war movies. Financial constraints prevented me from acquiring a Colt or Browning initially, but after opening Labascus Armory, I had the opportunity to explore various models firsthand. In 2019, I traded for a Rock Island Armory 1911, which, although popular, did not meet my expectations. I eventually sold it and decided to save up for a Colt.

In 2020, during the height of the pandemic when firearms were scarce, I purchased a little-known brand 1911, Tisas, a Turkish import. Despite my initial skepticism, the Tisas pistol exceeded my expectations. Though the original plastic grips were unattractive, replacing them with Altamont grips transformed the pistol’s appearance.

Performance and Reliability

After making the cosmetic upgrade, I tested the Tisas pistol and found it to be accurate and reliable. My son also acquired one, and we subjected these pistols to rigorous testing, using various types of ammunition. The Tisas pistols never jammed, proving their dependability. Although some enthusiasts discredit this brand due to its import status, my experience has shown that these are high-quality handguns at a fraction of the cost of a Colt.

Upgrades and Customization

Common upgrades for 1911 pistols include installing a Wilson Combat spring kit. For my Tisas, I opted for a simple trigger job, smoothing the sear to achieve a consistent five-pound trigger pull. This weight is suitable for carrying the pistol regularly while ensuring safety.

The 1911 in American Culture

The 1911 holds a special place in American culture and history. Many gun enthusiasts either own or desire to own a 1911. John Browning’s design has left an indelible mark on the firearms industry, and his other innovations continue to influence American culture.

Conclusion

The Colt Government Model 1911, conceived by John Browning over a century ago, remains a symbol of reliability, innovation, and American craftsmanship. Whether as a collector’s item, a personal defense weapon, or a piece of history, the 1911 continues to captivate enthusiasts around the world. Its timeless design and enduring legacy are a testament to the genius of John Browning and the lasting impact of his work on the firearms industry.

March 23, 2025
Harnessing the Hills: Micro-Hydroelectric Energy in Kentucky

The Future of Green and Alternative Energy in the Bluegrass State

Nestled in the southeastern region of the United States, Kentucky is known for its picturesque landscapes, renowned horse farms, and rich cultural heritage. Among the rolling hills and deep hollows, a transformative energy solution awaits—micro-hydroelectric energy. This innovative approach to green and alternative energy harnesses the natural water flow within small reservoirs, offering a sustainable power source that could revolutionize rural energy production.

This is a decent example of what I’m talking about, the hills of Kentucky would allow this needing less length from intake to turbine to get proper elevation.

The Promise of Micro-Hydroelectric Energy

Micro-hydroelectric energy utilizes the movement of water to generate electricity on a micro-scale, making it a perfect fit for the diverse terrain of Kentucky. Unlike large-scale hydroelectric projects, micro-hydro systems are designed to power small communities or individual properties, using only a fraction of the space and resources. By building small reservoirs just large enough to ensure a year-round flow of water to turbine generators, they can consistently power two or three houses. Although powering two or three houses may seem minor, some farms could build multiple generating stations, providing long-term income and benefiting soil and wildlife conservation. These stations would offer water for wildlife and modest flood control by managing ridge-top runoff. Imagine Kentucky’s rolling hills dotted with thousands of small-scale generating stations, reducing strain on the national grid and reliance on fossil fuels.
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February 8, 2025
The Hard Realities of Homesteading and “Bugging Out” if Society were to Collapse

If ever faced with the consequences of societal collapse, like many seem to be planning and preparing for, many individuals are considering retreating to rural areas, envisioning a self-sustained lifestyle where they can live off the land. This idyllic scenario often includes growing their own food, raising livestock, and preserving their harvests, living like our ancestors. However, the romanticized vision of rural life often overlooks the numerous challenges and dependencies that would persist even in a self-sustained environment.
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February 8, 2025
The .22ARC in Action

I had the pleasure of seeing the new .22ARC at the range over the weekend, turned out to be a pretty impressive build and I was pleasantly surprised at its performance once we got the zero set.

A friend came by with his new Ruger American gen 2, I had actually worked on it the weekend previous, The Ruger Gen 2 has a user adjustable trigger pull, but we did a little stone work to smooth the pull. We then put in the order for a set of Tally rings to mount his Burris scope.

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February 3, 2025
How Social are We?

Chad Davenport

With a photo or a video and a few words you can be connected around the world.

Ah, social media how much it has done for our society. With a photo or a video and a few words, you can connect with friends, family and even fans or followers across the country and around the world. This connectivity, while allowing the world to become more connected, has taken a toll on personal connections.

While my writings may often bring up shadows of the olden days, there are many times that its relevance tries to bring about things that really matter. One of those is personal connection with others.

I could once again go into a long discussion about the days of yore’ but I’ll try to keep it simple and to the point.
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January 27, 2025
Field Day With a Henry Mare’s Leg 22

Outdoor Blog, hunting, firearms, new products and regulations

Smooth action as expected from any Henry product.

I’ve finally had the opportunity to take a Mare’s Leg out and fire a few rounds this week; it was a great time to finally put some rounds down range with this pistol.

The lever, the action, and the accuracy are second to none.

Seeing this type of pistol and wondering just what they purpose was for this led me to do some research on it, learning more about them in a couple hours than I thought I could.

The Wild West cowboys and lawmen, in the days when horse transportation reigned supreme, everyone carried firearms. Most carried a sidearm revolver and some sort of long gun at the minimum. The problem with the long gun was that carrying a full length rifle was hard to access quickly.
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January 26, 2025
Why so Tough on Suppressors?

I have maintained since opening my gun shop in 2019 that Congress should prioritize easing the acquisition process for suppressors rather than complicating it

The cinematic portrayal of a large-caliber rifle firing with nothing more than a faint “ffft” is far from reality
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January 10, 2025
Year in Review 2024

When the last year started, I certainly didn’t see it going the way that it did.

It would have been pretty easy to simply fold up and say it was fun while it lasted.

As 2025 is brand new I look back at the year that has just passed and reflect on the lessons learned, the mistakes made and look forward to the new year with hope. In the last six months of the old year, I have been asked several times if we were closing down, I hope to put that question to rest here.

When the last year started, I certainly didn’t see it going the way that it did. The business we have spent the last five years building saw some tough times this past year. The economy, or the economy locally, seemed to have very little excess funds to be putting into the type of business that we have here. While we did see sales regularly, we actually found that the number of sales were about one third of what they were in 2023. This can be blamed partially on some decisions that I made, and I take full responsibility of what those mistakes cost. I have no illusions about what the past year has cost us, but we have a plan to come out of it stronger.
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January 10, 2025
First Thoughts on Henry Big Boy Revolver

Admittedly, when Henry made the announcement that they were getting into the realm of handguns, I was skeptical

To say that this revolver is as good as any other large caliber revolver would not do proper justice to Henry. This revolver, like most other Henry products, is a cut above the competition

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January 10, 2025
Country Stores: Echoes of a Bygone Era in the Heartland

As time has progressed, the once closely spaced country stores have become scattered, some fading into obscurity.

In the sprawling tapestry of rural America, the humble country store emerges as more than a mere purveyor of goods. Once the lifeblood of small communities, these establishments transcended their commercial role to become vibrant hubs, shaping the very fabric of local life.
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January 10, 2025