Original Bob Marvel 9mm 2012 Grail Gun! #2

[cundiff5535]

Around a year ago I was able to secure this original Bob Marvel gun. When I picked it up, I did a small write up on it in a few forums, but wanted to share some updated pictures and thoughts on it with you all!!

I figured it was time to post her up, give a deeper dive, and add a bit of perspective on the gun.

As she came, a full boat Bob Marvel gun, chambered in 9mm... pure awesomeness, and hand built by Bob Marvel himself... This is actually the second Marvel gun I acquired, and it came from a gentleman down in Texas. It is truly first class!

Outside of that, bluing is perfect, the Bull Barrel is perfection, the trigger pull is what you would expect from a piece of this caliber...

Some of the build sheet reads as follows:

- Marvel Classic 1911 w/Bull Nose
- Arrow Pattern Cuts on Top of Slide
- Cryogenically Treat and Acid wash Barrel
- S&A Magwel/Blend and Checker to 20LPI
- Front Strap Checker to 25 LPI
- C&S Ambi Safety
- Marvel Buried and Protected Rear Sight
- Hand Made F/O Front Sight and Fully Blend to Slide
- Hand Fit Barstol 9mm Bull Barrel
- Chamber Cut to .754" using Marvel 9x19 Reamer
- Hood Beech cut to .0015"
- Marvel Reverse plug matched to Extended Recoil Rod and Align with Pin Hole
- Greider Match Trigger
- EGW Sear cut to .776" OAL
- Disconnector 1.302" OAL
- C&S UL Hammer w/.018"ht on hooks at 90 Degrees
- Trigger pull set to 3lb with slight roll
- Recoil Spring at 11lbs
- Hammer Spring at 23lbs

This pistol is truly a gem... a one of a kind gun that I personally have not felt an equal to in terms of 9mm and 1911 platform. The barrel fit is just on point with this one... she shoots so soft, and accurate! I probably have 8K on her and I honestly have not had one single issue... ever. Bob built this pistol like a true master would.

To say Bob was a genius is an understatement. I would probably say "savant" is more the proper word... every single aspect of his pistols are so well thought out and executed that it leaves me at a loss for words, this one is amongst the finest pistol in my entire collection. Special doesn't even begin to describe it.

With that said, enjoy the pictures... 90,000 year old Mammoth Tooth, full G10 backed, and 100% functional, they are just for looking!

Enjoy!

[awp101]

Drool...

[cmillard]

Wow

[Thumper]

Looks great. I'm working on my first 9mm 1911 build in the Marvel technique.

[bula]

Obviously an amazing handgun. I've just never warmed to 1911's. Those grip panels on the other hand, floored me ! Never seen the like, precious .

[jfs]

[AxeHandle]

Nice.... Got pics of the insides for us?

[cundiff5535]

Sept 24, 2020 9:23:20 GMT -5 Thumper said:

Looks great. I'm working on my first 9mm 1911 build in the Marvel technique.

Who are you training under? Or did you take Bobs class?!! Very interested in hearing more!!

[cundiff5535]

Sept 24, 2020 13:17:30 GMT -5 AxeHandle said:

Nice.... Got pics of the insides for us?

This is totally a question Inwould ask:). I’m so glad members are curious about this. I’ll try to get some for you soon:)!

[Thumper]

Sept 24, 2020 16:15:29 GMT -5 cundiff5535 said:

Who are you training under? Or did you take Bobs class?!! Very interested in hearing more!!

No, the last time Bob taught where I took classes, I was in the next classroom learning to build National Match M1s and M1As.  I learned from Tim Davis, who was one of Bob's proteges.  A good buddy of mine started out in Bob's classes a number of years ago, then went to work for him for a while. 

[cundiff5535]

Sept 24, 2020 16:30:56 GMT -5 Thumper said:

Sept 24, 2020 16:15:29 GMT -5 cundiff5535 said:

Who are you training under? Or did you take Bobs class?!! Very interested in hearing more!!

No, the last time Bob taught where I took classes, I was in the next classroom learning to build National Match M1s and M1As.  I learned from Tim Davis, who was one of Bob's proteges.  A good buddy of mine started out in Bob's classes a number of years ago, then went to work for him for a while. 

Nice, I am a big fan of Marvels approach to building a 1911.

[AxeHandle]

My favorite Marvel modification is the disconnector cut. Know that little bump you feel when you chamber a round when the slide jumps over the disconnector? 1911s with this cut don't do that.

[Thumper]

I put the disconnector slot in every 1911 I build. On the left is a new Nighthawk slide, right is an early '90s Springfield Compact. Bob's philosophy is that it adds consistency and reduces a first round flier after a magazine change since the cycling is the same, whether from slide lock or from firing.


I'm also using his tapered sleeve bushing technique in place of bull barrels. It takes a little longer due to some extra steps, but produces great accuracy.



One of the other unique things is building Commanders from Gov't slides/frames so that you aren't stuck with the Commander's shortened recoil length. That's the explanation behind the cut off barrel and guide rod in the first picture I posted. The slide was also trimmed, along with a number of internal modifications to make it work.

[cundiff5535]

Sept 25, 2020 11:29:03 GMT -5 Thumper said:

I put the disconnector slot in every 1911 I build. On the left is a new Nighthawk slide, right is an early '90s Springfield Compact. Bob's philosophy is that it adds consistency and reduces a first round flier after a magazine change since the cycling is the same, whether from slide lock or from firing.


I'm also using his tapered sleeve bushing technique in place of bull barrels. It takes a little longer due to some extra steps, but produces great accuracy.



One of the other unique things is building Commanders from Gov't slides/frames so that you aren't stuck with the Commander's shortened recoil length. That's the explanation behind the cut off barrel and guide rod in the first picture I posted. The slide was also trimmed, along with a number of internal modifications to make it work.

Solid post! I’m pretty well versed on the things you posted about... I’ve been researching marvels build philosophy for a while now! I really wish I could take one of his classes, but I don’t think it’s gonna happen.

Thanks for posting, def good stuff there:)!!

[Thumper]

Check Montgomery Community College in Troy, NC for their 1911 class taught by Tim Davis the first two weeks of August every year. The courses should be opened for registration on December 1st and the link will be updated with everything offered. Tuition has been $699 in the past, you'll get a tool list to buy, and a significant discount on the parts kit, which is usually around $1200 for the base kit to build a Marvel-style 1911 with Nighthawk parts.

www.montgomery.edu/nra-classes/