This thread is for everything and anything to do with Rodger Kotanko's Dark 40 40 cal 1911.
I started this thread because there is no info or feedback for the owners and potential owners out there.
There Dark 40 is a 40 cal double stack 1911 designed by Rodger Kotanko of Dark international and Trading Company/RK Custom Guns.
The Pistol's frame, slide, and barrel are manufactured in China by Chinese Arsenals. It is NOT a Norinco. Norinco is the exporter of there own Pistols from Chinese Arsenals.
The Frame and slide may look like the Norinco NP-30 or NP-28 or Para Ordnance, but that's where the similarity ends this pistol was designed and built specifically for the 40 S&W Cartridge the frame has a 40 S&W breech face and a supported barrel. The grip is slimmer than for example a Para Ordnance therefore it will only accept it's own Mags, it will not accept Para Mags. The Ambi Thumb Safeties are wider and won't bite your hand.
The Chinese forged steel is far superior in strength (bomb Proof) then the steel North American Gun makers use. Another example, Para Ordnance uses cast steel.
It is sold stock $650 as is from the factory. Half the price of a Para. But most people use it as a platform to build upon which would end up costing for Example about the same price as a new Para Ordnance stock. Then Factor in the cost of building up a Para to an IPSC Standard Pistol, the math speaks for itself. Rodger Kotanko is also the Gunsmith that does all the work on them.
Features include stock: Full length guide rod, Modified and wider ambidextrous thumb safeties, Modified beaver tail, Extended slide release, Supported barrel, Front & rear serrations, 1911 Style rubber grips, Highly visible sights, Tempered steel magazines, 2 ten round magazines.
With stock parts a 3 pound trigger weight can be achieved, and with aftermarket parts e.g. Hammer, Sear, Trigger, a 2/2.5 pounds respectively.
Rodger is also know for his popular Magwell work. When he mounts a magwell he doesn't just attach it to the bottom of the grip, he Cuts part of the grip off and welds the magwell to the frame refinishes it and reblues it. one of the many advantages is that this gun will now fit in a IPSC Size Box and also never come loose Price for this......$150 installed parts and labor! wow!
There are many other features that can be added: Magwell, Match barrels (Bull), fiber optic front sites, Bomar/ LPA/ 10-8 rear sites or many others, checkered backstraps, Customized Trigger, Match Grade Internals, Chroming, Lightening of the Slide. Rebluing etc......
And the magazines that come with this gun are all tempered by Roger for maximum strength and durability.
$650 CDN for a New Stock Dark 40.
This One is mine and Customized. It has a Clark Match Bull Barrel installed. Pardon the unprofessional Pictures.
http://ww w.darkinternational.com/
I finally had time to head to the range. I tested my customized Dark 40 and a Standard Dark 40. They were both extremely accurate. I put 200 rounds through both pistols without malfunction. The action was so smooth. The Mercury Guide Rod really did work. I was suprised, I had always thought they were just a gimick. It smoothes out the felt recoil, softens it. And i was very suprised to find that the regular pistol had very little recoil and that's without a bull barrel and a Murcury Guide Rod. Both pistols had the factory sights and they are excellent, and sight picture acquisition was very fast. I think i will get an adjustable rear STI competition sight put on mine. I own a CZ Tactical Soprt also in 40 S&W and until I shot the Dark 40 I thought it was the best pistol out there for me, now it`s hands down the Dark 40.
I'm very happy with my Dark 40's and feel that it was money well spent.
I live in Winnipeg, MB and am offering demo's to anyone interested in trying it out.
Please feel free to Private Message me and leave your phone number or e-mail where i can reach you, and we can set up a time, date, and range to meet.
(NOTE): Individuals interested must possess and show PAL Licence. Only factory Ammunition provided by you is accepted. (NO Reloads) If you are not able to purchase your own factory ammunition, under certain circumstances i can provide ammunition for a fee. Please indicate this in your e-mail.
Comments about Para Ordnance are comparisons only. Para Ordnance Makes time tested Quality Firearms.
Thanks.
Note that i am not an employee of Dark International. I am a customer on here during my free time because i want to promote Rodger Kotanko's skills as a Pistol/Gunsmith.
I started this thread because there is no info or feedback for the owners and potential owners out there.
There Dark 40 is a 40 cal double stack 1911 designed by Rodger Kotanko of Dark international and Trading Company/RK Custom Guns.
The Pistol's frame, slide, and barrel are manufactured in China by Chinese Arsenals. It is NOT a Norinco. Norinco is the exporter of there own Pistols from Chinese Arsenals.
The Frame and slide may look like the Norinco NP-30 or NP-28 or Para Ordnance, but that's where the similarity ends this pistol was designed and built specifically for the 40 S&W Cartridge the frame has a 40 S&W breech face and a supported barrel. The grip is slimmer than for example a Para Ordnance therefore it will only accept it's own Mags, it will not accept Para Mags. The Ambi Thumb Safeties are wider and won't bite your hand.
The Chinese forged steel is far superior in strength (bomb Proof) then the steel North American Gun makers use. Another example, Para Ordnance uses cast steel.
It is sold stock $650 as is from the factory. Half the price of a Para. But most people use it as a platform to build upon which would end up costing for Example about the same price as a new Para Ordnance stock. Then Factor in the cost of building up a Para to an IPSC Standard Pistol, the math speaks for itself. Rodger Kotanko is also the Gunsmith that does all the work on them.
Features include stock: Full length guide rod, Modified and wider ambidextrous thumb safeties, Modified beaver tail, Extended slide release, Supported barrel, Front & rear serrations, 1911 Style rubber grips, Highly visible sights, Tempered steel magazines, 2 ten round magazines.
With stock parts a 3 pound trigger weight can be achieved, and with aftermarket parts e.g. Hammer, Sear, Trigger, a 2/2.5 pounds respectively.
Rodger is also know for his popular Magwell work. When he mounts a magwell he doesn't just attach it to the bottom of the grip, he Cuts part of the grip off and welds the magwell to the frame refinishes it and reblues it. one of the many advantages is that this gun will now fit in a IPSC Size Box and also never come loose Price for this......$150 installed parts and labor! wow!
There are many other features that can be added: Magwell, Match barrels (Bull), fiber optic front sites, Bomar/ LPA/ 10-8 rear sites or many others, checkered backstraps, Customized Trigger, Match Grade Internals, Chroming, Lightening of the Slide. Rebluing etc......
And the magazines that come with this gun are all tempered by Roger for maximum strength and durability.
$650 CDN for a New Stock Dark 40.
This One is mine and Customized. It has a Clark Match Bull Barrel installed. Pardon the unprofessional Pictures.
http://ww w.darkinternational.com/
I finally had time to head to the range. I tested my customized Dark 40 and a Standard Dark 40. They were both extremely accurate. I put 200 rounds through both pistols without malfunction. The action was so smooth. The Mercury Guide Rod really did work. I was suprised, I had always thought they were just a gimick. It smoothes out the felt recoil, softens it. And i was very suprised to find that the regular pistol had very little recoil and that's without a bull barrel and a Murcury Guide Rod. Both pistols had the factory sights and they are excellent, and sight picture acquisition was very fast. I think i will get an adjustable rear STI competition sight put on mine. I own a CZ Tactical Soprt also in 40 S&W and until I shot the Dark 40 I thought it was the best pistol out there for me, now it`s hands down the Dark 40.
I'm very happy with my Dark 40's and feel that it was money well spent.
I live in Winnipeg, MB and am offering demo's to anyone interested in trying it out.
Please feel free to Private Message me and leave your phone number or e-mail where i can reach you, and we can set up a time, date, and range to meet.
(NOTE): Individuals interested must possess and show PAL Licence. Only factory Ammunition provided by you is accepted. (NO Reloads) If you are not able to purchase your own factory ammunition, under certain circumstances i can provide ammunition for a fee. Please indicate this in your e-mail.
Comments about Para Ordnance are comparisons only. Para Ordnance Makes time tested Quality Firearms.
Thanks.
Note that i am not an employee of Dark International. I am a customer on here during my free time because i want to promote Rodger Kotanko's skills as a Pistol/Gunsmith.
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