Description:
Now in my 70s, and w/ dreaded arthritis in the hands, I can still get most of 'em on the black, but it can be a painful chore to do so. That, coupled w/ now living unfortunately nowhere near any Bullseye clubs, has finally prompted me to consider the sale.
Ten years ago or so, when Bob Marvel was still fashioning his exquisite work in NE, I contracted him to build a matched Bullseye set: .22lr and .45 -- two separate guns with identical feel, meaning same bottoms along w/ same Nils identical grips on each. We started w/ like bottoms (I can't remember the brand, but his choice as the best), and to that added a Caspian slide to the top of the .45. And to the .22, he mounted his original "Marvel .22" upper. When complete, and since, I've had the luxury of in essence identical "feel" of the two pieces, all of which has promoted uniformity and consistency when "on the firing line." It's been great.
I'm keeping the .22 for sure, as I've been able to start our local club's "bullseye" group (.22 only). Not one shooter has ever participated in Bullseye, so I've had the job of getting things going from the very basics on up. We don't even have turning targets, but do shoot for score (25yd. S/T/R) according to usual NRA standards. I still love it and hope the hands will hold out for a good while yet.
Well, on to the .45!
Mentioned in the title above is "one of a kind". I say that because Bob and I would often talk by phone when he was building the gun as to whether or not I wanted this or that add-on or change, such as the special "groove" work he cut into the top of the slide (gorgeous, see photos). And like the 3 mags he supplied, each numbered. Bob wasn't married at the time and told me he did some of his best work late at night. We had interesting conversations and he taught me a lot -- over the phone -- how to get that eternal wooble under control without disturbing aim. One great guy, IMHO. I understand at this point, Bob has been teaching classes and may no longer be involved directly in custom work; instead I've heard it's more about teaching others his craft . . .
It's been over 5 years since I shot on the line with the .45. Last month, though, I took it out and threw some of Terry Labbe's quality heads (are you still around Terry?) down line. She still works like a charm, using Terry's #801s I've had for years and years. I've used the 801 over V V N310 at 4.0gr and it's done wonderfully w/ that mix.
Condition? I'd objectively call it Excellent +. I'm very fussy about care and handling-- this pistol shows exactly that. As to inherent quality, frankly, I've seen a lot of pistols, top notch ones, but none with the exacting and critically tight tolerance Bob integrated into his build. I guess he could be called a Master pistol maker / machinist, or something similar. From what I've seen, his work is as good as it gets.
Accuracy? Well, it made me nearly Master at one point. Put in the right hands, I can't imagine it's not High Master material. As you may know, accuracy and grouping are greatly dependent on loads and their variability, to say nothing of the guy pulling the trigger. All in all, it's been dependable as the day is long.
Before the Marvel, I was weaned on a Les Baer, another quality pistol. The Baer, to me, was like a Mercedes; the Marvel like a Rolls :-)
Serious interest only, please. Do contact me via GA and I'll get back to you promptly. Thank you. John Lewandoski, VA
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Condition:
Used - See Item Description
Brand:
Bob Marvel Custom
Model:
Bullseye Competition .45ACP
Caliber:
.45 ACP
Location:
VA
Trades Accepted: No
Shipping Notes: To be discussed with buyer.
