Customized Tokyo Marui 1911 Springfield .45 Operator
Custom Masterpiece II from Qarmory

“It’s bringing all kinds of Sexy back!” is the first thing that comes to mind when you see this custom piece.

Thanks to the latest developments from our subcontractor CNC shops in Hong Kong and the meticulous efforts of QArmory technicians, this unique pistol was created for our ever-demanding clientele. And many to follow!

Utilizing some of the same CNC shops that produces many Kimber type slide kits, now known as Airsoft Surgeon and NOVA, our techs got to work. They first began the base selection and no doubt chose Marui’s 1911 government model because of the excellent results from the previous review in 2007. Gutting the entire pistol and examining which parts needed tuning as well as upgrade replacement; the decision was to completely rework this baby for the pure sake of exceeding our client’s request.

In order to compensate for the weight of the custom metal slide, all the mag valves were ported on the mill to output a greater volume per cycle; therefore as a true single stack 1911, one can achieve about 15-20rds per fill with Red bottle Gas 2000ml (22) using .20g precision BBs = 325fps max given the smaller mags versus the HiCapa’s 360fps max achievability.

To further improve the action, adjustment to the trigger as well as the sear connection points were made for a feather-light response as well as crispness in each shot-cycle. The main rails of the frame and slide were measured by digital calipers to ensure both proper clearance as well as low friction due to speed of cycle. In this case, we had to mill to within .01mm tolerances on specific areas of the frame. Then we took the slide and used our high-speed polishing wheel with the finest compound to ensure a glass-like finish collectively. Matching the slide to frame is always a challenge when sourcing from two different manufacturers!

The fun really begins when we researched what available parts exist in the aftermarket arena. Selecting the majority of Japanese CNC'd parts and Q ingenuity and machining skills, a finely built and fully upgraded version is birthed.

When we had worked for The Q Project (2002-2007), we heard a customer claim they discovered the secret of our installations… “Polishing!” they said. Well to our delight and humor, there is more truth to this than assumption. We do quite a bit of polishing work in-house to improve components, but only using industry grade buffing compounds and precision mill and buffing machines. Doing so by hand is tedious and inaccurate when dealing with internal surfaces that exceed sizes greater than a dime.

Spring selection is critical for not only the recoil, but also the hammer. This is why we include a User’s Guide with every upgraded GBB stating “CAUTION!!! Never rack the slide when the catch is not installed - this can result in launching it airborne!” Many use Intrudershop spring sets, but we’ve since been able to find some private suppliers with slightly stronger gauges and lasting compression characteristics. Referring to our parts bin for both OEM and upgraded springs from McMaster Carr and local hardware providers, we found just the right gauge and diameter to cleanly activate the sear group. The results for double-tap shooting are able to be more effective for the blowback when fine-tuning is done. And for those with soft trigger fingers, some further adjustment is required since not doing so may cause the gun to improperly drop the hammer.

One of our favorite hammer housing chambers is derived from Clarence Lai’s design and this was selected along with the Shooter’s Design valves. The Airsoft Surgeon GBB line-up of upgrades is something that we’re cooperatively working on to produce some Open Class type IPSC pistols as of this summer. Being that we’re closely tied to Redwolf and therefore the Airsoft Surgeon in Hong Kong, the techs are able to directly work with the latest concepts in these technologies beyond our own research and testing. In this review, we stayed with the standard class of designs since our client wanted something closer to the original to the operator single-stacks.

Nineball parts are few, but of those offered, the medium weight hop up bucking is pliable yet strong to handle most applications for the 300+ range of FPS GBBs we have built. Also the piston head from NB is a valuable upgrade part when matched with some of our proprietary valve and chamber parts. One in particular that we always use replaces H51-21 & 22 and the o-ring (well worth the extra cost).

PDI’s full-length recoil rod was also considered for the upgrade. To avoid slide blowback interruption, this part not only allows for smooth compression of the recoil spring but ensure alignment as well. It's a must for every 1911 in our opinion.

We’ve anodized these parts to match NB’s for those that like looking “under-the-hood”! PDI’s 6.01mm inner barrels are the choice stainless steel version we’ve relied upon for years now. On a side note, adjusting the hop up dial requires take down of the slide. We don't recommend this too often due to wear on the chamber components. So set it for your choice weight BB and leave it until cleaning time!

During the time of this build, there were no aftermarket furniture parts for high-polish silver tones. So we got to work using a three part chemical process to remove both anodization and impurities from the external trigger, safeties, hammer housing, and other action parts. Usually this take 1-2 days of chemically treating the parts and then the buffing process begins. After the appropriate level of shine is achieved, a chemical clear coat is applied to protect oxidation and transferred body oils discouraging discoloration. Now, thanks to NOVA, many of the furniture pieces for TM’s 1911 series are available without the aftermarket work we provide. It’s good knowing that our collaborative affect in the industry brings about great offers from the manufacturer level!

Installing Novak style or tritium dots on the sights is always an option for night action. Years ago, we found Sheriff Japan doing this at a premium. That’s some excellent inspiration for us in the states!

Any qualified GBB tech will agree that the outer barrel and chamber is a very important part. Selecting the wrong one, be it too loose or too tight, will prevent proper alignment of the hop up and inner barrel. Results usually affect the output pressure and in some case prevent the slide from racking correctly. We’ve found that the PGC and Shooter’s Design versions require less modification. PDI is always another manufacturer to consider if available. Our choice of selection was PGC in this instance. Taking every part’s angles and ensuring smooth fit and function consumes many hours for each custom gun we build. So installation isn’t taken lightly. When something can be improved on first inspection, it usually is at Qarmory.

There are a number of really cool grips ranging from Hogue’s rubberized, Pachmayr wood to even fiber-reinforced designs. The American Legend was within budget and sexy enough for form and function! All in this entire rig topped out at $1000 without the spare mags. Less than a lot of the Asian airsoft gunsmiths’ offers and made right here in the USA!