【WESTERN ARMS】Bob Chow Matte Black Ver. with Real Wood Grips

Western Arms products are gas guns made of high-density plastic, allowing you to enjoy the same weight as a real firearm. The "Magna Blowback" mechanism, which controls the gun's core, provides a powerful recoil shock akin to a real firearm, allowing you to experience realistic and impactful shooting. It uses safe, low-pressure gas to fire 6mm diameter BBs, following the same process as a real gun.

A ferocious presence, as if stripped of all excess. The legendary fighting gun, reproduced with an overwhelming presence, is resurrected as a matte black version with a baked-on finish.

A one-of-a-kind custom gun that swept through Japanese gun enthusiasts in the 80s.

Frank Robert Chow (1907-2003) was born in the United States to Chinese immigrant parents. His family and friends called him Bob (a nickname for Robert) Chow.

In the early 1930s, Bob Chow became a naval reservist, becoming a non-commissioned officer, which was rare for an Asian American at the time.

He was also well-versed in shooting competitions, setting 37 world records in handgun shooting and achieving excellent results as the first Chinese American to compete in pistol shooting at the 1948 London Olympics.

After retiring from military service, he settled in San Francisco and ran a gun store until the 1960s. In his later years, he worked as a gunsmith, and his custom guns, known as the "CHOW" brand, were highly regarded, especially among bullseye shooters.

Bob Chow's custom work in the US is primarily known for precision shooting pieces, such as .45 automatics with adjustable rear sights. However, in Japan, a custom .45 auto based on the Colt Government, commonly known as the "Bob Chow Special" (hereinafter referred to as Bob Chow Spl.), remains an absolute legend, spoken of even today.

This unconventional Government custom, introduced in the October 1981 issue of "Monthly Gun" magazine published by Kokusai Publishing, which was the bible for gun enthusiasts in the Showa era, was not designed for shooting competitions, which Bob Chow specialized in. Instead, it was created as a complete fighting (practical) forty-five, infused with all of his knowledge of .45 autos.

He said, "I pursued what kind of gun would be best for real fighting," and the concept of constantly carrying it and drawing it quickly when needed is clearly evident from its form, with every edge meticulously smoothed down.

The Legend Revived in Modern Times by WESTERN ARMS' Craftsmanship

The actual Bob Chow Spl., said to have been almost custom-made with a Colt Mk4 frame combined with a military National Match slide and barrel, is attractive for its unique style, so rich in detail that it would be difficult to find any part that hasn't been modified.

WESTERN ARMS has reproduced each and every part using machining and handcraft, bringing Bob Chow's masterpiece back to life as the pinnacle of Magna Blowback models.

The slide and frame are made of carbon black heavyweight (hereinafter referred to as HW) material, which is highly acclaimed for its substantial feel and texture, and finished with a tough, matte baked-on coating, creating a jet-black matte black version.

In the case of WESTERN ARMS' HW models, which leverage the texture of the material, maintenance using silicone oil and other products is essential to prevent oxidation and discoloration of the material's surface. However, with the matte black version, which is covered with a painted coating, such care is unnecessary. This specification is highly recommended for those who want to use it hard and enjoy holding it every day.

Of course, the substantial texture unique to the HW model remains unchanged. Coupled with the firm, rigid feel characteristic of HW material, anyone who picks it up will undoubtedly enjoy a tangible response that cannot be experienced with conventional ABS resin models.

Custom Points of the Slide Assembly

The slide, which has been filed down almost beyond recognition, leaving only the details of the National Match it was based on and the inclined cocking serrations, has been reproduced by creating a dedicated mold.

The rounded muzzle area and the greatly enlarged ejection port details are the result of meticulous hand-finishing.

All dedicated parts have been incorporated to realistically model the minimally ground-down, low-mounted, fully adjustable micro rear sight, the highly visible front sight designed not to snag on clothing when drawing from a holster, and the snag-free bushing with the brilliantly gleaming CHOW engraving.

The marking on the left side, which was re-engraved with a lot number because the original engraving was polished away, and which later influenced the Snake Match, is also one of the symbolic features of the Bob Chow Spl.

Custom Points of the Frame Assembly

The non-slip stepping (or stippling) on the front strap of the grip and the front of the trigger guard is a major highlight of the frame that makes the Bob Chow Spl. so distinctive. This fierce form has also been reproduced by manufacturing dedicated parts.

The newly crafted rosewood grip panels feature a traditional full checker pattern with neatly carved checkering all over. The bold scalloping that assists easy access to the magazine catch button has been reproduced.

While providing a firm grip, the soft feel and warmth conveyed to the hand when held can be said to be the unique charm of wooden grips made from natural materials.

In addition to the snag-free Mark IV hammer and A.D. Swenson ambidextrous safety, it's worth noting that the thoroughly deburred slide stop has had the protrusion of the right-side pin, which is operated during disassembly, removed.

Furthermore, it incorporates an adjust screw built-in long trigger updated for IPSC (International Practical Shooting Confederation) competitions, a wide grip safety, and a stippled straight housing, encompassing the style referred to as "Version 1.5" of the existing actual model.

And the belt clip, known as Bob Chow Spl.'s companion, comes standard. This item is very useful when carrying the gun directly inside pants, etc., and like the real gun's counterpart, it is made of thick steel, making it highly practical.

This is a custom gun in the true sense, crafted by a top-tier gunsmith in the good old days of America using his own hands and knowledge, distinguishing it from manufacturer-made tactical customs.

It is with confidence that WESTERN ARMS presents the "Bob Chow Special" as one of its flagship models, resurrecting that spirit in modern-day Japan.

【Specifications】