Jim selected a 1905 Colt SAA because it was the birth year of one of his favorite musicians, the King of Western Swing, Bob Wills.  Originally the Colt was pitted on the outside so he sent it Jim and Bill Adair in Carrollton, TX who reworked and case hardened the frame.  Bill Adair engraved the Texas Cattle brand design created by Jim and applied the rich, deep bluing to the rest of the gun.  Jim completely rebuilt the action and hand crafted the exquisite mesquite burl grips. The project took 4 years to complete.

Chambered in Jim's favorite caliber, 44-40, this pair of nickeled 3rd generation Colt SAAs are Jim's tribute to the great state of Arizona. He hand crafted the Wooly Mammoth Ivory grip and designed the engraving pattern selecting cattle brands from the famous working ranches of the south west. 

Jim was originally awarded a 4 3/4" .45 Colt SAA for winning the California State Championship.  Since his prefered Colt is a 7 1/2" 44 caliber single action the prize sponsor, Greens Sporting Goods, allowed Jim to exchange his prize for one that he would enjoy shooting.   Knowing Jim did not shoot wimpy loads famous Fast Draw gun builder, John Phillips, handcrafted a stainless steel cylinder for Jim as a welcome gift for him when he moved from California to Arizona.  Decades later Jim still really enjoys shooting this gun.