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I am a full time law enforcement officer in Florida with extensive experience working robbery and violent fugitives. I am
currently assigned to firearms training and SWAT, duties in which I oversee the expenditure of approximately half a million
rounds per year. I am the lead instructor for my team, responsible for providing training in firearms, CQB, and tactics.
I am also responsible for RDT&E of equipment. I carry a 1911 every day on duty, and have spent a great deal of time examining
what makes the guns succeed and fail.
I started out by building 1911s in my off duty time, and my busy and unpredictable schedule certainly inhibited a steady outflow
of custom gun work. I have been around 1911s since the early 1980's, and was an active IPSC competitor well before the formation
of USPSA. I had always been drawn to the latest developments in 1911s, and was among the first in my club to have a Devel
8 round magazine, as well as being on the forefront of my region's development of high capacity optic mounted raceguns. I
represented Behlert's, Bruce Gray, and CP Bullets in local USPSA competition, where I had numerous top placing finishes.
My first gunsmithing mentor, Bruce Gray, used to work with Charlie Kelsey during the Devel days. I learned much from shooting
countless IPSC matches with him and sitting by his workbench for hours on end. During my initial gunsmithing pursuits, John
Yanek and Steve Nastoff provided guidance. I later met legendary Army Marksmanship Unit armorer John Miller, who generously
shared his experience with me. Small arms guru and IPSC/IDPA founder Ken Hackathorn provide much mentoring along my path,
and helped me greatly in the industry. Under the tutelage of Larry Vickers, who shared with me his keen eye for detail and
depth of understanding of the function of the 1911, I was able to achieve my full potential as a gunsmith and understand the
role of the 1911 as a service pistol. As I developed, George Smith, Chuck Rogers, and Pete Single also provided countless
insights and machine work as I stumbled along. I owe much to these generous individuals who have shared so selflessly of
their hard earned experience.
10-8 Performance is a family owned and family run small business. All 10-8 sights and components are proudly made in the
USA.
Thanks for your support. Good hunting.
Hilton Yam
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