One of the best gun series made by old school craftsmen in Los Angeles. Pachmayr left LA for the suburbs years ago and it was later purchased by Lyman. Guns modified by Swenson generally have squared off trigger guards. The big three southern California shops at the time were Pachmayr, Swenson and King Gun Works. All three are out of business. No idea on value, but not worth as much as you might think.

 

To me it is a quality piece of combat handgun history.. Old Frank and his gang there in Cali really knew what they were doing...Nice gun..thanks for the pics...Value is what you are willing to pay for it of course..Too me it is worth $1k but im a cheapskate...

 

I,d say the last half of the last sentence is correct at least!

 

Something rare like that is going to be the old its worth what someone will pay since they do not come up often.

Best bet is to search completed sales on gunbroker.

 

IIRC, the Signature Models used a different wide barrel link & also had an adjustable part below the dust cover that tensioned the slide & was adjustable to account for wear. I do not see the tensioner on the one you posted, but it could be that it was an option & not installed on all Signature Models. One of Pachmayr's gunsmiths was named LaRocco & I believe he is still in business. He may be able to give you more information on the weapon.

 

If it were complete, I'd pay $3K. It's missing the stabilizer that attaches under the frame and the slide stop looks wrong. The two tone and bomar config is the most sought after, at least for the combat specials. This is built on an especially cool base gun too

LaRocca can and will refurbish/maintain pachmayr guns.

 

It was based on a 1966 GCNM. Might suggest about when it was created.

 

The slide definitely looks like it had been cut for the patented frame-mounted slide guide. The pistol also has the patented nose-cap for the slide that contains a spherical bushing.

US Patent #3,411,407 - Gun slide guiding devices

US Patent #3,411,404 - Gun barrel locating structure

 

"Old School" Pachmayr. Those, Swensons, Clarks, etc, were the top of the custom .45 world back in the day. I can see the bevel on the bottom of the slide, but couldn't say it was originally a slide guide equipped gun, since many slides were beveled a little or a lot on the bottom. My only concern about the base gun would be that, if the slide is original, it will be a "light slide" with steel machined away internally to make function with light target ammo more reliable. This can be determined by locking the slide open and looking at the exposed bottom of the slide. If it is a light slide, it will have material machined away on both sides of the disconnector rail, exposing the extractor. If light slide, it will also have material machined away internally forward of the slide locking lug area. I suspect that if such a pistol were offered for sale on GB or similar auction sites it would sell for WAY over $1K.....ymmv

 

This belongs to a member of this board.


You can get a new version from another former Pachmayr gunsmith.
From Pistol Dynamics

Frank Pachmayr's Combat Special is one of those unusual
products that has left an indelible mark in history. Much like
Carol Shelby's 427 Cobra, just enough were made to
penetrate the market, develop a mystique, and eventually
lead to a dedicated following amongst collectors. The
Combat Special was a unique handgun, no one who knew
anything about them could mistake one and very few who
tried to reproduce them were ever fully successful. Until now.
Paul Liebenberg styled the last iteration of the Combat
Special and built most of the final pistols ever to be delivered
with Frank Pachmayr's name on them. The pistol we offer
today is a practical duplicate of that model and is built using
the same methods and tooling that was used 25 years ago.
All cosmetic and technical design features are in place. The
only variance on the handgun that you can order today is the
signature on the slide which now identifies the pistol as a
'Liebenberg' Combat Special.
These 'Classics' are built on our new Pistol Dynamics 1911
platform and they include a Bar-Sto Match Grade barrel,
20LPI radius slide lining and de-horned Bomar style sights.
Even a genuine Colt Commander hammer, Swenson style
ambi safety and Pachmayr grips are fitted to ensure
correctness.
The same options that were available in 1980 are available for
the 'Classic' of today. These include a squared and
checkered trigger guard, 30 LPI checkering on the front strap
and MSH, and your name engraved with the "Custom Built
For:" inscription typical on the guns of the time.
The Liebenberg Combat Special is a revival of a distinctive
custom handgun built with all the knowledge and experience
required to ensure the level of authenticity the pistol
demands.

Base Guns - Pistol Dynamics
■ Material - Carbon Steel
■ Slide Lengths - 4.25" - 5.0"
■ Calibers - 45ACP
■ Sights - Bomar Style Adjustable
with Ramped Front
■ Ignition System - Genuine
Commander Hammer with PD
Sear and Disconnector
■ Safety - Swenson Style Ambi
■ Checkering - Hand Cut 20 LPI
on Front Strap and MSH.
Optional 30 PLI
■ Finish - Blue, Hard Chrome or
combination
■ Signed Test Target - Sub
1"@25yds Over Bag - More on
Accuracy
■ Price - Starting at $4600 -
Includes PD Pistol Platform
■ Availability - Please Call.

Pistol Dynamics - 2510 Kirby Ave. N.E. - Palm Bay, Florida - 32905 - 321.733.1266
www.pistoldynamics.com - info@pistoldynamics.com

The above is for information only. It is NOT an offer to sell. I am not employed by Pistol Dynamics and I am not connected to them in any way.