Caspian Arms: green mountain genius

In keeping with this weeks topic of the uniquely American 1911, we visit the Green Mountain State (albeit still blanketed in snow). Caspian Arms has been supplying American pistolsmiths with top grade 1911 receivers, slides and parts since 1983. Founded by Cal Foster in Wolcott Vermont, Caspian's facility resembles a barn or ski lodge, not the birthplace of one of America’s most renowned custom 1911 parts-makers. Prior to starting Caspian, Foster operated a machine shop supplying Randall and Detonics but when those outfits closed shop in ’83, Foster risked losing his livelihood and so set up his own company under the Caspian moniker. Caspian’s 1911 components are taken from the original drawings of the Government model 1911 which Caspian claims were last revised in 1936: of course at that time drawings were developed for manual machines not the modern CNC machinery typically used today, so Caspian executed a tolerance study in order to bring the drawing package up to a level better suited for manufacture by CNC while at the same time assuring there would be complete interchangeability between components. After years of experimenting with different processes, they settled on investment casting of their frames and slides. When the investment cast frame comes out of the mold it’s close to its final configuration. Some manufacturers cut out some machining operations, leaving many areas “as cast”, but the specs right out of the mold are not as precise and smooth as machined surfaces. For most manufacturers they are good enough but Caspian is different from other manufacturers - they machine every surface of the frame to give it the final fit and appearance indicative of their outstanding trademark. Foster has passed on now and Gary Smith - sales manager and long-time employee - runs the manufacturing operation. Gary's quiet, gentlemanly demeanor belies Caspian's entitlement to haughtiness, but such is the way of Vermonters. Together with Walt and Ellen, they keep Cal Foster’s founding dream alive and humbly epitomize the definition of a great American gunmaker producing exquisite components for gunsmiths and civilians alike. If you haven't browsed their site you have to check them out, especially if you're looking for a deeply personalized and premium 1911 in any size from an officer's 3.5" all the way up to a longslide using carbon, stainless or Swedish Damascus steel. They also offer cosmetically blemished components under the "Foster" page at half price, so for around the same as a brand-name stock pistol you can experience the profound satisfaction of assembling your very own iteration of America's sweetheart sidearm.​ https://www.caspianarms.com
​GOM