Dennis The B
US Veteran
About 2.5 years ago, I was in a LGS, and saw this pistol in the display case. It was an eye catcher, not for the aesthetics, but for how it was built. The consignor had stated that it was a "Wiley Clapp" pistol, but was flexible on the asking price, so I bought it. The bottom of the firing pin housing is engraved very nicely with the name "MCDONALD". I'd believed he was the original owner, not the builder.
I spent a bit of time trying to contact Wiley Clapp through the NRA and Guns & Ammo, but to no avail.
In November, I attended a local gun show, and saw a pistol for sale that had a lot of similarity to mine. I discussed our similarities with the owner, and he solved the mystery. It turns out the pistol was custom built as a pin gun by a local smith, McDonald & Son, located in Redford Township, outside Detroit. Unfortunately he's no longer in business here, and he believes they relocated to Florida. I've searched for gunsmiths in Florida, but haven't run across the business.
The Bar-Sto barrel set up is extremely accurate, and groups inside 2" @ 25 yards from a bench rest. It also has the original MkIV barrel, and it's fitted so tightly, that I have to use a bushing wrench every time I take it down.
The frame was shortened permanently, uses standard size grips but need about .25" removed to fit. I keep a set of modified Pachmayr's on it.
The trigger, safeties, hammer, etc., are very crisp and the trigger comes in at less than 4#.
I use 185gr and 200 gr SWC's, and they're a ball to shoot. I use 12#-14# recoil springs depending on the bullet.
I spent a bit of time trying to contact Wiley Clapp through the NRA and Guns & Ammo, but to no avail.
In November, I attended a local gun show, and saw a pistol for sale that had a lot of similarity to mine. I discussed our similarities with the owner, and he solved the mystery. It turns out the pistol was custom built as a pin gun by a local smith, McDonald & Son, located in Redford Township, outside Detroit. Unfortunately he's no longer in business here, and he believes they relocated to Florida. I've searched for gunsmiths in Florida, but haven't run across the business.
The Bar-Sto barrel set up is extremely accurate, and groups inside 2" @ 25 yards from a bench rest. It also has the original MkIV barrel, and it's fitted so tightly, that I have to use a bushing wrench every time I take it down.
The frame was shortened permanently, uses standard size grips but need about .25" removed to fit. I keep a set of modified Pachmayr's on it.
The trigger, safeties, hammer, etc., are very crisp and the trigger comes in at less than 4#.
I use 185gr and 200 gr SWC's, and they're a ball to shoot. I use 12#-14# recoil springs depending on the bullet.
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