The author assesses the Finks GSP 1911, a hand-tuned 1911 known as the Gunsite Service Pistol.
Why is an over a century-old handgun design still so popular? The answer is simple: The 1911 is popular because it works. Of course, modern 1911s have evolved from the original, incorporating various custom modifications that have become standard. The Gunsite Service Pistol (GSP) is an example of which modifications are important.
Origin And History
In 1976, Jeff Cooper, a Marine, international firearms trainer, and founding president of the International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC), transformed a ranch in Arizona into a shooting school, the American Pistol Institute (API), known today as Gunsite Academy. The academy, which also trains military and law enforcement, is the world’s oldest and largest civilian firearms training school.
Students at Gunsite Academy often had their handguns customized by the Gunsite Smithy according to Cooper’s standards and eventually, Gunsite began offering custom pistols. The Gunsite Service Pistol (GSP) was introduced by Gunsite smithy Robbie Barrkman of ROBAR fame. However, when Buz Mills purchased Gunsite in 1999, the manufacturing of custom 1911s ceased. It wasn’t until a few years ago, with the help of Finks Gunsmithing and Tyler Gunworks, that the GSP was revived.
The Finks GSP is designed to embody nearly 50 years of lessons learned at Gunsite Academy, making it possibly the best example of a fighting 1911. It is 100-percent hand-built by Finks Gunsmithing at Gunsite, making it a pistol of great value and history.
The Details
The Finks GSP features a 70 series, forged steel frame and slide fitted with several custom modifications, including the installation of a Wilson Combat thumb safety, long skeletonized match trigger, and a satin blue finish. It is also equipped with a U-notch Wilson Combat battlesight and a Novak yellow outlined tritium front sight, among other features.
Unique to the Finks GSP is the Commander-style hammer with a cutout in the shape of the Gunsite raven and an engraved Gunsite raven on the slide. The pistol is further customized with additional features that enhance its functionality. These features make the Finks GSP not only visually appealing but also a high-performance fighting 1911.
Range Time With The Finks GSP 1911
The pistol’s performance on the range is impressive, shooting accurately and reliably with various drills and ammunition. The Finks GSP proves to be a capable and reliable fighting handgun, delivering impressive precision and performance.
Deserving
The Finks GSP is deserving of its Gunsite and GSP name. With its rich history and exceptional performance, this 1911 is a remarkable example of a reliable and trustworthy fighting handgun.
Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared in the March 2024 issue of Gun Digest the Magazine.
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