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frame-to-slide fit by “squeezing” theslide (which resulted in cracked slidesat times) and peening the frame rails,then filing everything to fit snugly.Today, it’s becoming common to TIGweld the four corners of the frame railsand then machine them to fit.In the 1970s, Armand didn’t haveaccess to the selection of over-sizedmatch barrels we have today. Armandwelded the hood and lower lugs asneeded, then added a “barrel positioner”to force the rear of the Colt barrel intoa consist lock-up. Today, John simplyused a Kart National Match barrel andbushing. And there’s no doubt Armandwould have done a similar thing had hebeen able to.And what’s a “Swenson” withoutS&W sights? John agreed and mountedan adjustable sight from a K-frameS&W revolver. But unlike Armand, whoused to often simply fill the dovetailwith pieces from an old sight and peenthem into place, John TIG welded theold dovetail closed and re-machinedthe notch. Easier, cleaner — and I’ll betsomething Armand would have donehad he had TIG.The hand-matted top strap and Frenchborder were de-rigueur, but while Johnhad offered French border for years, thehand matting was something new.“In this case, I did it the same waySwenson did it,” explained John. “Therough textured pattern was created bystriking the top of the slide with a largecoarse-toothed file, working from differingdirections until consistent, completecoverage was achieved.”According to John this was all greatfun for the first three our four minutesand then it got old in a hurry. “Eventhough it was a bit of a pain, I stilldecided to texture the rear of the slide,extractor head and ejector, where Mr.Swenson used to serrate or checkerthem in the originals. It just seemedto match up better with the top strap,”said John.John’s pistol offers other “shades ofSwenson” ideas. While Armand onlybuilt a few pistols with beavertail gripsafeties, John used a King Gun Worksmodel and re-worked it to keep the vintagelook. An understanding customerof John’s donated an original Swensonambi-safety for the project, to keepthings in order.While Swenson hand-checkered hisguns, today’s ‘smith takes advantage ofmachines to cut checkering. It’s moreaccurate, and saves wear and tear onwrists, hands and fingers. John finishedthe initial machine cuts by hand, and Iknow Armand would have been happywith the final results. I noticed on myoriginal gun there are almost micro-scopic over-runs and tiny glitches inthe checkering. Shades of the man’sown hands, and proof it was done thehard way. You can feel him “in the gun”when you hold it.California ClassicJohn finished the frame with thealmost trade-marked square triggerguard. While Armand did build someguns without it (mine, for instance), mosthad it and it adds to the charm. Originalcheckered Colt grips, a hand checkeredrecoil spring plug and magazine catch,beveled mag well and a flat main springhousing round-out that distinctive look.The hard chrome finish (done by MetaloyIndustries of Berryville, Ark. forJohn’s Tribute Gun) is the benchmarkfinish of a Swenson pistol. John feels thisis also one of the reasons a Swenson gunseems to last forever.At the S.H.O.T. Show in 2008someone remarked to John how hethought the Swenson Tribute pistol hadturned out wonderfully, and that Johnhad done a terrific job on it. John told meafter a little thought, he was reminded ofthe saying, “How easy it is to look like ahero, when you stand on theshoulders of giants.”*For more info: www.americanhandgunner.com/productindex.htmlSplit more seconds.Shave even more time off your scores by reloading with newAutoComp BALL POWDER ® propellant from Winchester. ®Formulatedwith the ideal burn rate for auto pistol calibers, AutoComp allowsgreater gas flow to your gun’s compensator for faster shooting.6231 Robinson • Shawnee Mission, KS 66202 • Phone 913-362-9455 • www.wwpowder.comWinchester is a registered trademark of Olin Corporation and is used with permission.WWW.AMERICANHANDGUNNER.COM 93