Make: Colt

Model: Custom Government Model

Serial Number: 283928-C

Year of Manufacture: 1959

Caliber: .45 ACP

Action Type: Single-Action Semi-Automatic Magazine Fed Pistol, no magazine included.

Barrel Length: 5"

Sights / Optics: Giles .45 Shop installed a solid rib which extends approximately 1.5" past the front edge of the slide with an integral under-cut blade at the front and at the rear with a "wagon-wheel" square notch rear sight, adjustable for windage and elevation.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut scales. The frontstrap and mainspring housing have been stippled for additional grip. The grips have minor handling wear with only a few tiny marks. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: The stippled grip areas have been cold-blued. Other finish is Original.

Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, this bore rates 10/10.

Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 97% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. Most of the balance is in the mainspring housing which was re-profiled to straight and shows faded cold-blue. There are a few scattered small nicks and minor scratches. There is a spot of discoloration on the left slide flat where a bolster was welded on the interior to provide a solid barrel lockup. There are marks on the trigger consistent with a previously installed trigger-shoe. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this pistol is in Very Good-plus condition as customized.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None. No magazine included.

Our Assessment: John Giles was a gunsmith who operated out of Odessa, Florida from 1951 until 1983. He is well regarded for his skills, making custom bullseye 1911s and smallbore target pistols. The results spoke for themselves, with Giles guaranteeing 1.75" five-shot groups at 50 yards for his .45s and frequently building guns which would group less than an inch.

This example of his work is built on a 1959 vintage Colt Government Model. In addition to the solid rib and target sights, the slide and barrel have been quite expertly fit, with no play but still sliding smoothly. The slide has had and indexing stud installed, ensuring a tight barrel fit with no play. In addition to all of this work, the fronstrap and mainspring housing have been stippled for additional grip.

The result should prove to still be a great shooter, and these Giles' guns are becoming collectible in their own right. Good luck finding such a talented gunsmith today, and if you do be ready to wait. Please see our photos and good luck!