Scott, McDougall & Associates Mods

[Kentucky Rifle]

For a long time I've wondered if my perfect (except for a few scratches) Colt Mustang Pocketlite could possibly be made better. The SM&A mods cost a hefty $290.00. Is there anyone who has had it done and, more importantly, do you think it's worth the cost and would you spend that much money again? That "Gnomecoat" black finish that they put on Pocketlite frames looks mighty good. I can also see the value of the stainless recoil rod and metal trigger.
However, one of the things that gets to me is buying something and then regreting I spent too much. It doesn't matter if it's a little price or a large price, I want to feel that what I bought is worth it. So, how about it? Has anyone sent a Mustang or Pony Pocketlite to Scott, McDougall & Associates for their carry package. What is your impression?

Thank you,
Kentucky Rifle

 

[CZ_]

General impressions

I actually live within driving distance of Scott McDougall, & Co. Montana Hawk (the shooting range next to their place) is where I do a lot of my shooting. Anyway, I have had them work on some of my pistols before (not a Colt Mustang though). SM& Co. does a very good job but IMO their prices (for a lot of their work) are too damn high. I can't help you about the Colt Mustang, but I just wanted to give my overall impression of the place...which is they do very good work, but grossly overcharge. An example is when they use to do DA action/trigger work on Ruger and S&W revolvers. They wanted $200 dollars to smooth up the DA trigger pull. I was able to find several other places that could do the same work for a lot less. FWIW, Scott McDougall & Co mysteriously gave up on doing trigger work on Ruger revolvers about three years ago.

 

[johnwill]

I had my Colt Mustang Pocketlite done by SM&A a few years back. I didn't get the Gnomecoat finish, because most of those finishes aren't any tougher than a standard finish, and they cost more. I love the work they did, and at the time, it was pretty reasonably priced. I now have real sights, a very nice trigger, a gun with no sharp edges, a steel trigger and guide rod, and a stiffer safety to prevent it being accidently knocked off. I'd do it again, FWIW. My Pocketlite is still my favorite CCW gun.

I have a SS Mustang in my safe that I'm considering sending off to SM&A for the same treatment, it'll be a backup to the Pocketlite.

I also had an NAA Guardian done by SM&A, and while they did a good job with it, I didn't feel the gun needed it as much as the Mustang. Of course, after shooting the NAA some, and carrying it around a bit, I feel that I'd rather have the Mustang with me. I've never totally trusted the NAA, it's not as pleasant to shoot as the lighter Mustang, so it's a "safe queen".

 

[Mike Irwin]

CZ,

No "mysteriously" about it.

Scott McDougal pretty much gave up Ruger work because they were becoming so swamped in semi-auto work, and they more and more began to specialize in that. Rugers also constituted a very small share of their revolver work as compared to S&W & Colt.

That comes from Mac Scott himself.

As with anything, I suspect their prices are supply and demand. High demand, and they are only able to do a limited supply.

 

[TekChef]

I happen to live about a 10 minute walk from SM&A and Montana Hawk in Cotati, CA.
I have handled some of the handguns they have modded, and I have to say, they do one heck of a job; I also think they are a hair pricey.
At least you get the quality for the money, and I have never heard of a complaint.

 

[ctc]

Kentucky Rifle -

I had SM&A do their magic on a Colt Mustang Pocketlite last fall. I got the PCP + package - all the PCP stuff plus 25LPI frontstrap checkering, tritium inserts on the Novak sites & gnomekote (in gray). Turn around time was as predicted - 4 months. The work is fantastic. Fit and finish excellent and function flawless, ~500 rounds so far & nary a hiccup. As for "value for money" I did do some online comparisons and found them to be on par or better than other "smiths" of the same high caliber. Would I use them again – yes without a doubt. Below are a few pictures:

Mustang in Ivory

Close up of the front “melt down”

Front Strap Checkering

-- Chuck