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In early 2024, with out a lot fanfare, a brand new 1911 store opened in Berryville Arkansas, the Mecca of {custom} 1911s. Kings River Customized could also be a brand new title within the enterprise, however the founders have many years of expertise constructing these pistols. They every share a standard ardour, to supply the perfect 1911 potential. KRC is exclusive in that it’s an employee-owned enterprise. Every particular person is personally invested in every pistol that goes out the door. This possession is what makes Kings River Customized totally different from different firms.
Matt Riker is the CEO of Kings River Customized, and was one of many driving forces behind the formation of the corporate. I’ve recognized Matt for a few years and was excited to listen to about his new enterprise. He was sort sufficient to ship me one of many pistols, for this analysis.
The KRC Phoenix Preventing Gun
Because the title implies, the PFG is KRC’s first mannequin and is designed as a combating pistol. To make use of an previous quote, “It has every thing it wants and nothing it doesn’t.” The PFG is predicated on a conventional Authorities Mannequin with a 5” barrel, a regular recoil spring system, and barrel bushing. The PFG is obtainable in each slide carbon and chrome steel. Whereas our mannequin has a single aspect, prolonged thumb security, an ambidextrous security is out there. Your complete pistol has a smooth carry bevel and is void of any offending edges. Our pistol featured a DLC end however KRC affords different finishes to incorporate shade case hardened, blue, and Cerokote.
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The PFG slide options the anticipated {custom} options, equivalent to ball finish cuts, a lowered ejection port, and vast cocking serrations. All the applicable edges, together with the rear of the slide and the extractor, are correctly blended. The beefy rear sight is a KRC design with a set “ledge” design and a sq. notch, whereas the entrance sight includes a silver bead. The match-grade barrel is flush-cut with the bushing and has a deep crown.
Sights on the Phoenix Preventing Gun
The body is excessive lower on the base of the set off guard, with 25 LPI checkering on the again strap and mainspring housing. The prolonged journal nicely is integral to the mainspring housing and is expertly blended to the body. An prolonged thumb security is serrated and properly beveled. The aluminum set off broke cleanly at 3 lbs. 6 oz. KRC upgraded the shares from their customary G-10 to attractive stabilized ironwood from SK Grips. Different inventory choices embody 10,000-year-old mammoth ivory, additionally from SK Grips. Three Journey Analysis Cobra magazines are included with every pistol.
Options
Every KRC pistol ships in a nylon case with an in depth construct sheet, a signed take a look at goal, and a letter of authenticity. The letter is particular to every pistol and is signed by the staff of the corporate. As well as, the corporate additionally features a buyer satisfaction survey. I believe this can be a nice concept.
Photographs Fired
Hitting the vary, I first ran a field of 230-grain ball by means of the PFG. I then ran a proper testing protocol with 4 widespread private protection masses. The primary take a look at consisted of 10 single rounds, fired with no journal, to check the extractor and ejector. This ensures correct pressure on the extractor and a correct angle of the ejector. I then examined the feeding, from slide lock, of the primary two rounds of a full journal. Lastly, I shot the final two rounds, from every journal, to make sure correct feeding and slide lock. Throughout the vary exams, the PFG didn’t expertise any points.
I additionally shot the “Check” which is shot on a B8 bullseye and consists of 10 pictures, fired from 10 yards, with a par time of 10 seconds. A number of pictures dropped low into the 8 and seven rings however nonetheless managed a rating of 90%. I got here to understand the wonderful sights on the PFG, particularly the silver entrance sight bead. The set off reset was optimistic and I had no hassle making par occasions on my drills. For enjoyable, I engaged a metal goal that was set at 45 yards down vary.
Middle mass hits had been no downside so long as I did my job. From a bench, I used to be capable of shoot a number of teams, at 45 yards, that measured within the 5” vary. From 15 yards, I shot 10 spherical strings and measured the perfect 5 pictures. The outcomes are within the desk beneath.
Testing Outcomes
Whereas time was restricted, I did take a look at every load right into a block of 10% Clear Ballistics gel. The chart beneath displays the outcomes of the Phoenix Preventing Gun ballistics take a look at. I used to be impressed with the Gorilla Silver Again load that expanded to 1.26”, with a median penetration of 9.5”. For these needing extra penetration, Gorilla affords a Silver Again FBI load that meets their protocol. Nevertheless, my private alternative, for every day carry, is the Federal HST. HST has a confirmed observe file and is in use by many regulation enforcement businesses.
I carried the PFG in an previous Milt Sparks 55BN and it carried like an previous good friend. The 55BN is the Sparks model of Bruce Nelson’s Skilled mannequin. It carries the pistol excessive on the waist and near the physique. It has a metal-reinforced mouth and a sewn-in sight channel. It’s very best for carrying giant body pistols and has been my go to holster for a few years.
Remaining Ideas
After over 500 rounds, I discovered that the Phoenix Combat Gun was a really applicable title. It was correct, dependable, and solidly constructed. The one problem I encountered was the slide cease. I discovered that the shelf was very slender and I often missed it throughout pace reloads. Aside from that, the PFG is, because the previous cowboy would say, “it’s good to trip the river with!”
READ MORE: Testing the Gen5 Glock 17L MOS
Kings River Customized affords an entire line of Authorities and Commander fashions in each 9mm and .45 ACP. Additionally they provide a number of ranges of engraved pistols with further gildings. Within the age of polymer, MIM components, and mass manufacturing, {custom} metal and wooden is a welcome change. If you’re out there for a very {custom} 1911, I recommend you give Kings River Customized a have a look at kinghsrivercustom.com
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