After seeing some pictures of Robert Miller’s skillful work on several Internet forums, I contacted him about working on a pistol.  I had, at that time, just recently purchased a Rock Island Tactical 1911 that was to be my “knock-around” gun.  My idea was to utilize the less-expensive pistol as a hard use shooter for training classes, USPSA and IDPA competition and general all around use.

I’ve been an aficionado of the 1911 pistol for several years and have a number of pistols that have been modified or customized by some of the “big boys” in the industry.  I also own some higher end pistols from Springfield Custom, Wilson Combat and Les Baer.    While I do own other 1911’s, most are too valuable for me to want to scratch, abuse, bleed on and otherwise tear up.  That was why I decided to go with a less expensive base gun.

I sent the pistol and parts I wanted installed to Mr. Miller with a list of what I wanted done.  Basically I asked him to gut the Rock Island and rebuild it with good quality parts.  I also asked him to perform some cosmetic items such as cutting serrations to the back and top of the slide. 

Robert was great about staying in contact with me all the way through the build process.  He never did criticize my choice of pistol or parts nor did he try to talk me into performing expensive modifications or work that I had not asked him to do.  He was always pleasant on the phone or in his e-mails and always returned calls and e-mails promptly.

When I got the gun back, I couldn’t believe my eyes!  The pistol is now a completely different handgun and, if it wasn’t for the serial number, I’d swear it’s another pistol entirely!  It’s now very difficult for me to view this pistol as a “knock-around.”  It’s almost too pretty to shoot.  Almost! 

Nicely done, Mr. Miller!

Andrew in Arizona 

07.08.2007

Robert Miller, Pistolsmith

Miller Custom, Geneseo, Illinois

            I have worked with Mr. Miller on five custom 1911 projects, from the basic tune-up and refinish job to the complete full house project, from 9mm to 45acp calibers. There was never a time during the process that Mr. Miller did not keep me informed of the statuses of my various projects, nor make the utmost efforts to get a complete understanding of what I desired in my finished product. His professionalism in dealing with delays related to outside venders is commendable, and his honesty in relaying this information is a rare and valued quality in today’s world.

These intangible assets lend themselves well to a successful business model, and Mr. Miller adds years of experience in the custom 1911 arena to make his finished products true works of art. His pricing scale is very fair, and combined with his support of the Law Enforcement Community and U.S. Service Members, yields a true bargain in the custom 1911 market. Robert’s concern for the customer made me feel very comfortable in entrusting him with the many thousands of dollars these projects required.

The true test of “worth” is in the finished product. I can say, without hesitation that holding my first custom from Robert was a truly enjoyable experience. His attention to detail was apparent from a distance, and it stands up under microscopic examination as well, by exhibiting perfectly straight lines blending into exquisitely contoured curves and angles. Upon doing some range work, the pistols continue to perform as expected, with smooth feeding and very commendable accuracy.

My ultimate testimonial for Miller Custom is that I wear my 9mm 1911 both on the job and off. I could pick any handgun I want, but performance wise, none stand up to my Robert Miller built1911. 

                                                                                    Dan Paz

I can recommend Robert Miller wholeheartedly as an outstanding gunsmith. Bob fitted barrel, safeties, trigger group, sights, checkered front strap 30 LPI, flat toped/serrated the slide and polished flats beautifully on Colt XSE. He improved/straightened the lines on the slide and beveled entire pistol artistically. All of this was done in just a few months with almost no waiting time, and his prices are modest. Bob provided ransom rest test targets at 50 yards with the pistol. Communication with Bob has been excellent and very cordial throughout the process. Bob is surely a talented gunsmith and both my son and I look forward to working with him on our pistols for years to come.

 L.B.

  Bob, I received my Rock River Basic Limited Match back today, and as expected, I am very pleased with all the upgrades completed on this pistol.  The attention to detail is what makes this pistol stand out

Thanks again for another fine pistol.  Keep up the good work.

Thanks,

Eric

    I received my Caspian titanium ground up build today. Couldn't be more happier with it. I knew it was going to be a nice pistol from the start but after receiving it, it is about as nice as anyone could hope for. Fit, finish and feel of the entire pistol is top notch. Sure it may not have all the bells , whistles and flash of other custom pistols but it is everything I asked for.  "PURE AND SIMPLE" is the way I like them. You know all the intimate details of this pistol so I wont go into detail. I Look forward to sending you a titanium commander frame to build somewhat of a twin to this bobtail government.

Thanks for this exceptionally fine pistol.

Eric

Bob,