Interview with Richard Heinie: 1911 Pistolsmith

Dick Heinie has more than 50 years experience building custom 1911 pistols for competition and personal self-defense. He has innovated many of the features we see on a modern carry 1911. His pistols combine both near-perfect reliability with amazing accuracy, a rare feat among custom builders. Listen in to learn how this weapon platform has evolved.

[@DG2244]

The MAN, the myth the legend. A god in the 1911 world, very fascinating interview.

[@theoriginalOSOK]

Mr. Heinie is a legend. As are you Dick! Thanks for this video.

[@johnhughes2043]

Dick, this was the very best of the best! Having been a “1911 Fudd” since September ‘72 @ 18 yrs. and 2 days old, Dick Heinie explained more of the evolution of the modern 1911 to me than anyone previously. I like Dick, prefer Commanders and now due to age are transitioning to the 9mm version in an Officers size for CCW. Passing his vast knowledge on to the rest of us pure gold. He’s a true American treasure in the handgun smithing world. Please wish him my best. YES maybe HELL YES, do a series on the upcoming election and how important it really is. A lot at stake here for everyone whether pro 2A or not! Much, much more to this many realize. Thanks

[@davidmiller1938]

Thanks for saving This history. John Browning is smiling down on all this perfection more than a century after giving the 1911 to the world.

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

I'll pass that one on to Dick Heinie ... it will mean a lot to him (both of us).

[@haroldhovey8926]

This post is Epic!! I got in to 10mm 1911’s mid 90’s. I had a Commander Slide officer frame 10mm built by a smith named Brian Bilby…. Delivered to me 1999…. BilbyACP caught Mr Heinie’s eye and commented Brian had the little 10mm down right….

[@kimcaswell2895]

I love your comment, it has to work first, accurate second. Thats where it's at.

[@user-ru7mz4qj1l]

Outstanding video! When Richard talked about Gil Hebard, it brought back fond memories when I competed (locally) in NRA National Match Course shooting. I bought many items from the Gil Hebard catalogs. Later on I had opportunity to shoot at the Second Chance events in Michigan. There I met many pro shooters, including Jerry Miculek when he was much younger. Thanks again for thie awesome interview video!

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

Those who call us FUDDs denigrate those heros who came before us. I prefer to honor them and stand on their shoulders.

[@shawncampbell3191]

I would love to see the rest of this if you ever get a chance to post it. This was a fantastic, thank you very much for sharing this interview.

[@johnsnyder5470]

Out of all the subscribed channels I watch, when I see you have a new video, that is the one I watch. I truly believe you are one of the best, if not the best, gun channel out there. I appreciate your perspective on all the topics you have covered.

[@cabragooncabulous4082]

Oh man! He’s growing fast, speaks like a teacher too. Ya cant get bored of em.

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

I'm honored, thank you.

[@robinsage1964]

Richard Heinie inspired me to become a pistolsmith and got to work with Marc Krebs. Awesome video.

[@kevinramsey4673]

Tremendous video Mr. Fairburn! I thoroughly enjoyed this video so much. You mentioned Rob Leatham. I thought I could shoot a 1911 till I saw him shoot.

[@telesniper2]

Dick, maybe you're the one to ask about this. Back in the late 90s I read a book in the ships library(I was on the Truman) that covered custom gunsmithing for 1911 pistols. It covered absolutely everything -- what kind of frames to select, how to peen the rails on the frame and slide, how to hand fit (lapping) the bushing to the barrel, fitting the barrel link, checkering,just everything. It was comprehensive on the subject but very approachable. I can't for the life of me remember the title of the book. I'm sure it was a well known title at that time. Maybe you can remember it? Thanks in advance!

[@montycrain5783]

Might it have been Jerry Kuhnhausen’s two volume shop manuals. They are still in print. Also at one point Bill Wilson authored “Combat Customizing the 1911 Auto”. He also sold a 4 VHS set of the same which included about 6 or 7 hours of pretty specific instruction. If you look for it all 4 tapes are here on KZbin. Lastly Ed Brown sold a “Ed Brown 1911 Bench reference” in a 3 ring binder. The Wilson and Brown books are out of print but you could possibly find them on EBAY. The Kunhausen books are definitely the most detailed but the Wilson tapes were very helpful as well. All of the above contain good information.

[@telesniper2]

@@montycrain5783 Thanks for that. It could have been any one of those. I'll recognize it when I get a look at the contents. Too bad I can't preview them on Amazon. I'm sure the PDFs are floating around out there somewhere.

[@ivannieves5708]

If anyone figures out the books this comment was about I'd love to read them

[@GatGans1932]

Was it The Tactical 1911 by David Lauck or The Combat Auto by Bill Wilson?

[@telesniper2]

@@GatGans1932 It couldn't have been Tactical 1911 (although that looks like a fine book). I can't find "The Combat Auto" online , but I might have to order it. The mystery book I'm thinking of looks A LOT like Gunsmithing - Pistols & Revolvers patrick sweeney but it's only 1911s. It was kind of like "build a racegun on a budget" kind of thing.

[@davidbladen5667]

HI Dick, I really enjoyed this video. There were times in my life that I wanted to be a gunsmith. Money and other interests got in the way of going though. The gunsmithing school in Susanville, California was on my mind alot. Years later I got a job working in a gunshop. A kid came into the shop with his mom and he had quite the shopping list. He was preparing to attend the college at Susanville to become a gunsmith. Mom was along to purchase the 2 handguns that he wasn't old enough to buy yet. All told his list of firearms,short and long guns, tools, parts, etc was going to cost him between $3000 to $4000 to get started.

[@jdw174]

I was very glad to see this interview pop up on my YT feed. I never had the chance to meet Richard in person, but we spent a LOT of time on the phone together. I humbly admit to being the author of that magazine article he showed in the interview. (You can read it on the American Handgunner website, Mar/Apr 1986 issue) I had two of his guns for testing and had him build me one of his comp guns for IPSC competition. I've seen work by a lot of gunsmiths and shot my share, and IMO, there was not and never will be a finer pistolsmith than Richard Heine. The fit on his pistols was incredible, the accuracy outstanding, the craftsmanship superb, and the reliability beyond question. My match gun fired anything I could stuff in the magazines. My favorite load was the #68 H&G ahead of 6.5-7gr of Unique. In those days, most guns had adjustable sights, but my gun came with his fixed sights. These shot to point of aim without fail. No fancy magazines, either. Most of mine were standard GI issue with base pads glued on. I shot countless rounds and never had a single failure, from right out of the shipping container onward. I also had one of his PDP (Personal Defense Pistol) guns that was just as reliable. In the last phone conversation I had with him after the article ran, he told me that due to the reaction from it, his waiting time jumped from a few months to over 3 years! I was happy to hear it, and I think he was happier to say it. Good luck Richard.

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

Great comment and great article.

[@frankplissken143]

Loved this video!! I'd watch a full lenth video multiple times, can't ever get enough from these wise older gentlemen.

[@goon1500ify]

Wow 😳 ! Thank you sir for a fantastic video 🙏. Mr. Heinie was a wealth of knowledge especially to a born 1911 fan like myself who believes the sun rises and sets with Mr John Moses Browning's masterpiece designs . The level of workmanship that Mr Heinie has put forth on his custom pistols is more than worth the price tag he asks for his labors. Thank you again for the wonderful video. I've only been a subscriber for a week and I'm blown away by the down to earth quality information you are giving the public.

[@rodgerhoffman307]

GREAT! NEVER REALIZED THE WORK THIS MAN DID IN PERFECTING THE 1911. INNOVATOR. INVENTOR AND SUPER GUNSMITH. THE BEST! THANK YOU.

[@roykiefer7713]

This was a terrific video and the information it conveys is incredibly valuable. I sincerely thank both of you gentlemen,

[@jacgraben]

Thank you, sir, for all the quality content. I learn something from each of your posts.

[@lenholt7419]

Watched a second time. You may need to edit up some of what you cut out. Richard Heinie's views are priceless information. Thank you for documenting this.

[@johnmoehling9211]

Thanks so much! This was an excellent interview!

[@stevenrush9862]

I would love to see you make a video with the rest of your talks with Mr Heinie.

[@tombryant6061]

Very nice interview. Thanks for recording this great piece of 1911 history. I get up to Quincy a few times a year for sales calls….

[@juanj.robles207]

Tell us some stories on Col Cooper and and Gunsite. A fellow 1911 Fud, keep up the great videos.

[@cabragooncabulous4082]

Hey hey! You Fudds arent taking all the credit. Younger men as am I in my 40’s. 😜…. Am totally with it

[@haroldhovey8926]

I just Loved this program… hit home for me immensely!!! Thank you very much!! I got Slant Pro on my 1999 10mm build!!!!

[@JimJones762x39]

Thanks for making this. I met Mr Heinie at SHOT show one year and he made a lasting impression on me

[@BoomerMutt55]

Wow. Awesome history and information, thanks for putting this video together and sharing it with us. Great fun watching it, and I’ll send a link to some friends. Neat.

[@williamstringer2846]

I will be interested in hearing your point of view on where we as a country are headed.

[@paulheinz2145]

Great interview. Keep up the good work

[@msongy4947]

I really enjoyed this. Two legends discussing the history of the evolution of the 1911. Thank you! And yep, sounded like 60Hz hum from fluorescent light will get you every time.

[@cabragooncabulous4082]

Wow I wanted to relax and watch some netflix before bed. And this came up!!! 57min long? Nice😎! Netflix can wait.

[@Ammo08]

This is gonna be great.

[@Mack5749]

Thanks, really enjoyed

[@jmartin9059]

*THANK YOU and Mr. Heine for sharing some history and technical info on the several improvements and alterations to the 1911 series and a tiny tidbit on one Single Action revolver. Yes, I might like to know your expectations for the future of These United States.... if said United States will even exist.*

[@TheGrendelbane]

Excellent video. I have lived through most of the period covered. (Well, I lived through almost all of it, but, but didn't buy my first 1911 until 1979). Brought back lots of old memories.

[@texasjoe3261]

Thank You For Sharing This Incredible Interview !! I Always Enjoy Learning About The 1911 Master Gunsmiths Of Our Generation.

[@larrybassett5559]

Outstanding Dick, thanks for putting this together and sharing.

[@christophermccormick2714]

Now that was interesting!!! Thanks to you, both!

[@Cruiser777]

Really enjoy your video. And that will be a good topic. About what's happening in our country.

[@montycrain5783]

Many thanks on this interview, Really Great.

[@jeffcarpenter1891]

A very interesting interview, thank you for bringing us along.

[@williammatthews2948]

Incredible interview. Thanks for sharing.

[@markyoung2981]

Thank you for all the work involved in posting this fascinating content.

[@loupuleff571]

Real good interview I really enjoyed it,I will buying some sights from him to be sure I did not know of his products until watching this. I recently had a custom 1911 built and it has a real gold bead front sight on it I want one on all my guns now much better than fiber or tridium in my opinion.

[@asimmons5641]

I have a Ladyhawk in .45 like the one he holds at :25 mins in - it makes me more accurate than I am. Thank you for this! -AJ USMC(ret) 1911 Addict

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

The Lady Hawk (or Kestrel) is a super nice CCW package.

[@Nitromessiah]

Thanks for doing this.

[@Lucysdad66]

I bought a gold cup new in 87 it jammed all the time but somewhere between 300 to 500 rounds it quit jamming and perty much ran great for about 30 years and then the slide release started backing out the first time my daughter was shooting it and said what's this it was the slide release in her shirt pocket it started to do it again and I change it it was a pachmayr I put on when I first got the gun after that I put the factory one on haven't had the problem yet but don't shot the gun much anymore and got to love the stainless steel the gun has had thousands through it and you can't tell..

[@Stoney_AKA_James]

Excellent interview!

[@jims9249]

Great interview. Thanks for doing this.

[@petee454]

Yes. I would really like to hear your thoughts on the next election and the way things are going. Curious to see if we are thinking the same. Thank you!

[@Kinetic.44]

Are you also interested in covering the CZ75 series of pistols? I am really enjoying this video. It's really, really hard to beat a double stack 1911 (2011) in 2024. That's quite the testament to John Browning, even the CZ75 is a variation of his Hi Power, and it seems like no one can get away from his tilting barrel lock up, it's really incredible.

[@autosavers3]

Great video

[@brianintexas1108]

I have a Dan Wesson with Heinie Strait 8 sights. I was skeptical about them Not anymore. It took just a little while to get used to Them. Once i did. Wow do they work!

[@TARandFEATHERS]

I wasn't too sure when I first clicked on the video, but was fascinated and couldn't leave. Please put out the content you left out of this one. No matter who wins the election, this country is going to blow up. The anti-Americans have exposed themselves and they are too close to their goal of total power to back off. Prepare.

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

Glad you enjoyed the video. Your last line sounds like the notes for my next video ... the left expected to be in total control by this point and won't give up without a fight.

[@TARandFEATHERS]

@@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb I could tell you can see what's going on. Just hope when you do your video it reaches people who have their eyes closed.

[@JRob1950]

I would like to hear your thoughts on the situation we find ourselves in.

[@theoriginalOSOK]

Quincy? I've been there many times - used to call on the food service distributor there - Kohl Wholesale. I was a Territory Manager for Nabisco Food Service. This was the late 80's.

[@davesusierobinson6508]

Great video as always. I carry a Nighthawk Custom Talon everyday . I'd love to hear you're perspective on the upcoming election. Undoubtedly the most important election in the history of our republic .

[@theoriginalOSOK]

This is bringing back memories. There was a pretty well known competitive shooter in Easton, PA that belonged to a club there that I belonged to. I had been promoted to a Regional Sales Manager at this point with Nabisco - for NJ and NYC area... The Easton Fish & Game Association. I remember watching him practice over and over with his 1911 race gun. I don't remember his name... Rob Latham sounds familiar but I don't think it was him... lol About this time, they had a concealed carry permit going... I remember getting that - my first. No classes required and $25 iirc.

[@toddb930]

I'm pretty sure Rob Latham has always lived in AZ. I think Bruce Piatt was from NJ?

[@theoriginalOSOK]

@@toddb930 that doesn’t ring a bell …

[@theoriginalOSOK]

@@toddb930 This was in the early 90's ... if that helps

[@toddb930]

@@theoriginalOSOK -- how about Doug Koenig?

[@theoriginalOSOK]

@@toddb930 THAT COULD BE IT... HE WAS WELL KNOWN!

[@zrje08]

Would like to hear your thoughts

[@Walkingman.45]

Please post the full interview.

[@GatGans1932]

Yes, please make a video(s) on the political climate and its possible outcomes.

[@ogdadbod]

Any chance you have anymore 1911 connections? Would love to see an interview with bob marvel

[@haroldhovey8926]

I own a custom Delta And a Custom Commander10mm…I have recorded shot split data that confirms Mr Heinie words stating the shorter slides create quicker shots! Me this was 1999. I wish I could post a pic…. Go to the 1911forum to see!!

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

And, in my training experience, even the Light Weight Commander in .45 is easily managed by female shooters I have loaned it to. Recoil is mostly mental, not physical.

[@garrettlundy3959]

Imagine having a 50 year career as an auto mechanic and only ever needing to work on a single model of car. That would be insane. In gunsmithing it’s perfectly normal 🔫

[@BenBelkin]

Do you know Frank Glenn in Phoenix? Someone needs to interview him before he leaves us.

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

Sorry, don't know Mr. Glenn.

[@alanmeyers3957]

I agree with 10mm, but 5”, I myself don’t like 6 inch automatic pistols.

[@thomasjividen8395]

I have been doing my gunsmith work for years as a young man I worked for a master gunsmith he ran the salvage yard at Pearl Harbor he was a demanding guy there was only one way with him the right way

[@thomasjividen8395]

I have been reading stories about your friend in American Hand gunner I appreciate the interview

[@onpsxmember]

Some big dots are still out there, just in Bianchi Cup.

[@mitchcornacchia968]

With regards to his long slide was it by Jim Houge or Jim Clark?

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

Jim Hoag

[@RobertJohnson-lb3qz]

Would you say that AGI is a good start? I’ve found a college that has courses that I prefer, because there is a gunsmith that teaches there, but I’m unable, right now, able to move out there.

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

I assume by AGI you are referring to Pennsylvania Gunsmithing school? There are several gunsmithing schools out there, the only one I have firsthand knowledge of is the Gunsmithing program at Murray State University, Tishomingo, OK. I took a one-week NRA summer armorer's course there almost 30 years ago and was impressed by the instructors there. You need top rate machinist skills, especially with CNC. Then if you could find a well-known smith like to Mr. Heinie to apprentice under ... you would be set.

[@RobertJohnson-lb3qz]

@@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb Thanks for your answer. The AGI that I know of is out of Napa, CA. It’s been quite a while since I checked on the schools or colleges and I don’t remember the location of the college. But the one you mentioned sounds pretty good. I plan on moving to TX when I can. It would be good to have an instructor that I’m able to speak to.

[@alanmeyers3957]

The custom pistol smith cannot be replaced, the factory’s cannot seem to get them fit right.

[@alanmeyers3957]

Some are getting close, if you take a sig or a Glock and buy a replacement barrel, they will be reliable and accurate, you cannot say the same for the 1911.

[@leftyo9589]

they can, but 99.5% of people are not willing to pay for it.

[@D5quared91]

A bunch of unneeded finery. A stock USGI Remington-Rand shuts me fine and rides by my hip ever day. God bless.

[@MarkSmith-st5nr]

Please talk about the future election coming up in November

[@arthurparris6223]

I would welcome your thoughts on the election.

[@robertfrapples2472]

It takes a special kind of evil to name a kid "Richard" when his last name is pronounced "Hiney."

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

Having grown up with the nickname "Dick" I couldn't agree more!

[@tomcleave2622]

Thanks Dick, I alway enjoy what you do for us. Please keep it up

[@edmundcharles5278]

Toooooooo slow of getting to the point! Bottom line upfront please!

[@Kinetic.44]

Toooooooooo foolish to watch at increased playback speed! Get your OCD under control please!

[@theoriginalOSOK]

Trump Now... we can't afford to wait until November.

[@pjp1184]

Thanks great video from the miserable liberal socialist state of New York….

[@zacharydalton8132]

I absolutely love hearing about the history of custom gunsmiths particularly the 1911 and similar pistols. Great video sir, Also I have to say I love your intro, I’m usually not into channel intros and will fast forward them but yours is especially tasteful. 🫡

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

Thank you.

[@notlisted-cl5ls]

meh. i got a couple different 1911s. 1944 ithaca, and a 2011 src1911. src1911 most accurate factory gun i ever shot, but i still carry a g19 or 48. never understood the fudd 1911 boomer scum love. just like the boomer scum love a harley.

[@lockloadwithdickfairburn-cr1jb]

Why do you feel boomers are scum?