quote:

Originally posted by 12131:
Here we go, "PROTO-1".
And, it would appear that they had MGW did the frame modifications. So, who is MGW? Is it Maryland Gun Works? Or, is it Midwest Gun Works?

I can't believe waynewash left this out of his initial post! This is amazing. Congrats to 12131, I had no doubt it would end up with you, as well it should.

As an aside, I'm not a business major and it looks like the mystery may be solved, but it seems like there should have only been one company officially operating under the "MGW LTD" title, and it ought to be documented somewhere.

Yes, it seems like a detail you'd want to include.

Yes, I was pleasantly shocked, too, as you can tell from the original post.

quote:

Originally posted by 12131:
Yes, I was pleasantly shocked, too, as you can tell from the original post.

Nothing like finding it stamped Holy Grail as a happy affirmation of your purchase!

Thanks for the write up and the wonderful photos.
Of course you'll give an analysis when you come back from the range

12131 - Congratulations Again to you for being able to secure this beautiful piece of history that could have been lost had it not been for Para, Wayne, and SIG2340. Also as other have said thanks for sharing the details on your great review. The detailed pictures are wonderful to help tell the creation of this pistol.

One question that I have to ask because it stands out - to me - when looking at the pictures. One side of this pistols frame reflects that the top grip screw hole in the frame is different - almost like it is missing the insert. Am I seeing this correctly? Just curious as to why this one grip screw connection point on the pistol frame looks different....

Again Congratulations Sir - this pistol could not have gone to a better person that I am sure will continue to follow every possible lead to learn as much about this pistols history as anyone who loves to shoot and collect these beautiful works of art.....Mark

When Lee Salter told me about the development of the 228, he said the original R&D pieces were actually 226s.

I specifically remember him talking about cutting the slides, removing a section, and welding the end caps onto the main portions of the slides. The way he talked about it, I got the impression that was done in the US. Maybe after their testing, they found it was better to just go with a 225 slide?

He also said one sticking point they had was with the springs for their cut down pistol.

12131 congratulations on your great acquisition!

Looking at the image comparing PROTO-1 to your P228, I was struck by how it reminded me of the profile is to a SIGPro, especially the bottom of the grip and pinky extension. Now there is no likelihood of genes from PROTO-1 making the leap back to Switzerland, but it seems similar.

Just shot an email inquiry to MGW Ltd in GA. We will see.

Thanks, everyone, for the kind words.
sigarmsp226, the "missing" grip screw insert was just together with the screw itself.

Awesome, congrats on winning the auction and many thanks for sharing the dissection of this historical pistol!

very nice.

How do this compare in size to the Beretta Type M or Type L?

***** UPDATE from MGW Ltd (yes, Maryland Gun Works)*****

Back in the early to mid 80's, when MGW was still in Maryland, Sig
consigned them to actually machine from raw stock some frames out of 7075
alum. It was basically an exercise to prove that the frames could be
machined in the states.

None of them were supposed to go on actual production
pistols.


They could not tell me anything specific about PROTO-1, but obviously, although PROTO-1 was not machined from raw stock at MGW, they did work to modify the original full size P226 frame into the compact.
So, there you have it, my friends, the final piece of the puzzle is found. WOW!!! What a story.

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And there ya go.

Great news, 12131...this is as good as a Paul Harvey ending!

quote:

Originally posted by got2hav1:
I bet the anticipation of its arrival was huge indeed.

I'm not sure I could have handled having that shipped... I might have had to go get it...

What an incredibly cool story

Did you ever confirm is the the base pad is a modified Beretta 92SB or F compact L base pad? It sure looks like it. Even the way the grip flares at the bottom is very Beretta like.

^^^^ Sorry, I can't confirm, as I no longer own any Berettas, and never did own a compact like that. But, it (the base pad) sure does look the same. I can tell you that it is metal. Is the Beretta's metal, also?

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I really like that they marked the pistol like this. No doubt to be # 1, friggin awesome piece sir.

Dang I want to ask about something here but cant get my memory and brain to work together.

I had a custom piece worked on years back, S&W revolver. Pistol Smith of the year, George Wessinger from S. Carolina did the conversion.

George and, another former LEO were friends. His friend I thought worked at MGW and at one point was President of the Pistol Smiths Guild. If his name comes to me, I will post it.

It all may mean absolutely nothing but I find it interesting with the MGW marking.

Alan Marvel ! Just thought I would mention this and I still may be off base as Marvel was in Maryland.

quote:

Originally posted by David Lee:
George and, another former LEO were friends. His friend I thought worked at MGW and at one point was President of the Pistol Smiths Guild. If his name comes to me, I will post it.

Probably Lou Ciamillo, the owner/founder of Maryland Gun Works, originally in Hyattstown MD, and then later MGW which moved to GA. Lou was a retired LEO, a charter member of the American Pistolsmith's Guild, and a past president as well. During the 70's, his specialty was revolver work for for PPC competition.
 

Thank you Henry, it was my PPC gun but I guess the LEO, Mr. Marvel had no attachment to MGW. My confusion.