brain back in gear...much thanks to jhp147 for the jumpstart
the maker of the nova 9mm is tim lafrance. due to the location of the slide stop pin, he can make a smaller gun than from a smith or colt clone.
the nova weights, the last time i checked, about 20oz, has a alloy frame, 1911 stlye thumb safety, sa trigger, teflon coating and beveled exterior. when i last talked to him, his goal was to keep the price down so that officers could afford them. WARNING: this was quite awhile ago.
he also made a great bush rifle (16" barrel) out of a M1A