Now Hiring CAD/CAM Engineer for:
Joseph Brazier, Ltd. (Colorado)
Address:1419 Woolsey Heights, Colorado Springs, CO 80915.
Type: Full-time, Part-time
Job Description:
We are hiring a Siemens Unigraphics NX5 qualified CAD engineer for design entry, reverse engineering and internal designed parts for production. SolidWorks, ProE qualified engineers will be considered. Cross over to NX5 and NX6 is not difficult but required. We have about 25 years of work ahead and currently building an engineering shop. Our primary design work is in firearms but can extend from tooling to fishing reels. We have been supplying the Trade with design engineering and products since 1827.

Karl Lippard, Chief Design Engineer
Apply to:
Email:karl@josephbrazier.com or
Contact page on this website

Authors Note: Don’t forget to read the article on the “Combat NCO Revisited” found in the article listing to the right of your screen. References made to the NCO Model pistol here for those not familar can come up to speed on that by seeing and reading this article….

This copy covers a number of areas that concern a lot of people. And that is an issue of gun weight. Recently I responded to an email/article with a little dissertation on gun design wherein the issue of weight was part of the topic. The understanding of the relationship of a guns weight relative to recoil is important and before a gun is designed a certain criteria must be met mentally FIRST before one begins. For those interested in Colt Model 1911’s or Sniper rifles, this commentary might have value for you. I extracted some text from that conversation for you to read.

Quoting from Karl Lippard correspondence to a retired Marine Corps General on the subject and various Marines in copy:

“On the business of guns the issue of weight to caliber ratio I have come up with has been foremost in mind when designing a Shotgun, Rifle or pistol. All are based on criteria of application of course. That equation is the basis of thought before any gun design is even considered. (I guess in the Space Program is where it began. “We are going to the moon and this is all the space and weight we can give you. Make it happen.”) But the analogy to understanding would be like this. You and I would agree that a .22 should not weight 20 pounds. We would also say that 1 pound might be too light. So what would that correct weight be? And the answer would be: a “comfort level that the rifle could be used effectively.” So if we extrapolate that to a 1911 Combat NCO as example we know that the pistol should weigh (and is) 3.7 pounds (2.14 unloaded) this to offset a projectile of 830 grains at 802 fps. This is 7 ounces MORE than the M1911 specifications and 2 inches longer than the 8.593 inches specified. But, the original Colt M1911 was not made to an equation but a similar weight and barrel length of a Single Action Colt. Therefore if one has the equation for a pistol, shotgun or rifle and apply that to a given caliber, there the effects of different applications can be discussed before a design is begun. We know for example that a Commander length weapon has some disadvantages because of its length sure. But, the comfort level goes down as recoil is increased and a host of other issues that are obvious. But if the pistol being short has a use criteria of defense at the defense range of 7 feet… and not used often, then the added inaccuracy and recoil associated are generally not a factor. There-fore Commander, okay. And also it can be seen that a .38, .32 etc. need not be as heavy a pistol either BUT, that a .500 S&W we will need to do something to bring that caliber back into the ratio of comfort/weight/velocity/mass, in line. The “how much” is in the equation.
So now that we are all on the same equation basis and we look at a loaded .308 at 10 pounds we can see that is about right. But the comfort level being 8.5- 8.8 can we just cut weight out of it to get there? No. But we can make the rifle gas operated semi automatic and reduce it can’t we? And we can maybe use Karl’s compensation design of opposing forces can’t we. And now we have our weight of 8.5 on the rifle. But if we used sabots we can drop it further to 5 pounds? Ahhhh. And if we change the way barrels are lined to reduce friction can we drop it to 3.5? Sure we can and the cost goes right down with it too. Ahhhh!”

Well, as you were not in the conversation and don’t know really what we were talking about specifically I think you can understand the jest. Math says the M9 pistol is NOT a useful platform for the purpose intended. (Neither was the Walther P39 from which it came) The criterion should be designing guns for an intended purpose using a formula for effective use. The Model 1911 in .45acp DOES meet the criteria for military application and needs only a few upgrades to be serviceable for another 100 years……And we have the Patent Pending on those modifications. Every other weapon in the military has been changed, enhanced, and or upgraded except the M1911 pistol. Why is that? And they picked a 9mm M9 to replace it? I thought we learned something in the Philippines about the .38 calibers?
And that also says the M40 Sniper Rifle in use today is entirely wrong as well. Why would I design a weapon for any hand held purpose over 20 pounds? Oh, and have the Marine carry another rifle to defend himself and drag the M40 in a bag! The man who sold that plan to the military can sell sand in Arabia!!!
What we re-learn all this again in Iraq? Please. Oh we are not? So why are we reading this now?

“Marine Corps, Army want long-range sniper rifle”
By Matthew Cox - Staff Writer
Posted : Wednesday May 21, 2008 10:37:29 EDT
DALLAS — The Army and the Marine Corps both want a new, long-range sniper rifle, designed to kill enemy out to 1,800 meters.

Responding is Karl Lippard again:
“For sure there are two of us here that can shoot and shoot at the distance required. The first criterion in 1987 was a Russian Anti-tank Commander rifle to shoot tank commanders before they closed up at 1,250 yards. (No offense here to the Russians. This was a defense application) Funny, the rifle caliber case we used is the one I use now. A .423 WR. (Standard length action) It used a .416 projectile. Now of course for civilian use I use a .434 bullet for elephant (some call them tanks) and Sabot those also to .358 at over 6,000 pfs. I intend to play (with my new bullets) at over 10,000 fps which will reduce my recoil and fly farther than anything conventionally made today. I think I can say without testing that we can do this distance accurately right now AND, with a 9 pound rifle. Let me play a little with my new barrels and new designed Sabot and we can go 3,000 meters plus plus. As no one has been there, (not with my type bullets, barrels and sabots) I do not know its maximum range. My bullets levitate in air that lets them fly faster and farther than any bullets ever made. It is so simple it is stupid really.
So I guess when I can get to it we’ll see. BUT, if someone really wants to make a rifle like this, show me the money. Doing it is really nothing. When the target was going to the moon THAT was a challenge!
If they (the military) want a semi-auto rifle it can be designed and produced in one year from nice, nasty or scary version depending on how far one wants to go. Like the Stealth, I prefer scary. I say go there while you have the chance. AND, I can draw all three versions of these weapons in ? say, 30 minutes.”

Really now 30 minutes?

Actually yes. We did that at Joseph Brazier offices before a General Grade Officer and staff from criteria given. We think a fine Marine Corps Sniper and an issue rifle too that exceeds all criteria given in conversation. For IF a weapon designer cannot draw a concept to meet a criterion, without preparation, before your face,…..in less than 30 minutes, then he isn’t worth his salt and you have got the wrong man.
The “wheel” as example has been around for what ? thousands of years? Have never discarded it have we? In fact we are “in LOVE with the wheel.” So much so in fact that it has been advanced and revised in design many times. But, when it comes to say a pistol, the Colt 1911 A1 the military has changed nothing to make it more accurate, improve it sights, extend its life or reduce its recoil since 1911!! Since 1895 to my criteria above. Why is that? I can say with authority that over 100,000 M1911’s out of service can be put back on the line for $7.00 each and be accurate. In fact they have the parts I sent for that purpose right now…….That designs exist that can further upgrade a M1911 to a A3 and A4 to surpass military needs for 100 years at 1/3rd of the cost of a M9……AND, even a housewife can shoot it accurately. (Did someone say, “Combat NCO” model A2? Hello? How many patents or patents pending on that 1911? Seven. SEVEN!!! And not one modification on the Military 1911 A1 since 1911? What? What’s wrong with this picture?) That a new military rifle design is available to suit our needs for 100 years…..Designed and can be made in the USA by the way, not some foreign land that bleeds American’s of jobs. So what IS THE PROBLEM? The problem my friends is US.

The United States has made it so difficult to make and produce firearms in the USA that just about all guns are foreign made today except maybe Colt and those are copied, made in Brazil, have a shinny finish and mostly are junk inside. The US eats baby food and hands it troop’s guns they used to give to Indians. They rely on foreign powers to feed them guns without criteria; build ships, aircraft, missiles, computers and electronics and nearly everything else overseas bleeding our economy and manufacturing white collar workers. (H&K produces 60% of all military weapons in the USA. In Austria.)

So your question I would guess IS, “Can your (Joseph Brazier/Karl Lippard) M1911 Combat NCO be made for less than $1,000.00? Can you make quality rifles, pistol and shotguns to compete with other government subsidized imports?

My answer to that is yes. But not making them by hand one at a time.

We possess in America all the tools and designs “in the can” so to speak to crush the imports……….My question is, “When are American’s going to take their production back?”
I answer, “When American’s are tired of this outflow of technology and jobs to other countries they will eventually stand up and say so.”

And when is that?

It is when you finish this article and have what it takes to pick up the phone or write an email to the Senate. We hired men up there to manage our country resources. And if by chance they don’t know HOW to fix that probem, have them call me. They know my number and I will be happy to explain…… for the hundredth time. There is no pork in offshore manufacturing. Take the pork off production here and we can compete and America benefits.
America benefits 4 to 1 over a foreign bid. Why? Because our economy keeps the money here. Our government keeps the taxes here. The technology is kept here. The revenue to buy houses, cars; the challenge to education to produce engineers and blue collar workers would remain here. The standard of living would be supported and the outflow of dollars for imported goods brought back into balance. Bring the value of the dollar back in our hands and not the Federal Reserve. So if this is what you want, take it back. Take America back today before it is bled out completely.

My name is Karl Lippard and I approve this message. (Smile)

You know, when a company does engineering for the Trade and makes parts, rarely do we have the opportunity to see the finished product come to life. With permission from Coppercrow.com to use their pictures, here for eye food are some of the guns from Karl Lippard Designs.

A pair of Karl Lippard Custom O/U 20 gauges engraved by Lee Griffiths.

Another fine example engraved by brother Gary Griffiths. The customer picked the beautiful pattern from a Joseph Lang shotgun seen in Shooting Sportsman Magazine. Interesting thing too about this gun; the owner ordered it before the drawings of the shotgun were completed. There was no prototype ever made!

How about a peek at some Brazier wood on one of these guns!

Here another fine example engraved by Barry Lee Hands.

And yet another example engraved by Charles Lee.

A Karl Lippard Signature model is just a complete package isn’t it?

What can one say about these American designed and made guns? SolidSolid ™ one piece barrels, S7 vacuum arc remelt steel throughout. Whew!! It makes us happy to have been a part of these very technically advanced firearms.

Can we make components or design something for you? Joseph Brazier, Ltd., we make things happen!

Joseph Brazier, Ltd. has perfected CNC wood production using a State of the Art Bacci CNC machine that holds 25 micron tolerance.

From a solid blank to a finished piece of wood in one setup.

Wood actually selected at the Joseph Brazier factory for a Karl Lippard designed O/U sidelock shotgun, can be made while the customer has lunch! That’s right, lunch. Any other manufacturer it would take months to make a stock and custom wood…try 6 months to two years.

A Karl Lippard designed O/U is the ultimate shotgun for the connoisseur. Not only does it sport interchangeable wood from Joseph Brazier, but all metal parts are made of S7 VAC tool steel. The barrels are also made of ONE PIECE OF STEEL. The only shotgun made in the world with this Patented process.

Soon, Browning, Kreigoff, Perazzi, Beretta and other fine gun stocks will be in CAD at Joseph Brazier. Ordering an unfinished stock will be fast and accurately made ready for stock finish and checkering.

A one piece CNC operation on a Karl Lippard designed O/U sidelock shotgun.

Sidelock shotguns are complicated and difficult to head-up much less cut to specifications. But by CNC it requires a very qualified person to reduce it to CAD/CAM. And while it may be a short period of time to make, the actual CAD/CAM time is often 40 hours of dedicated labor to achieve a good result. A sidelock buttstock of the Karl Lippard complication cost $1,950.00. and up plus wood. A Browning or Perazzi stock start at about $900.00 plus wood and Pad. So contact Joseph Brazier or ask your favorite gun manufacturer or gunsmith to consider the Joseph Brazier solution for your stock requirements.

The “Head” of the stock is the most difficult to make.

An accurately cut forend for a O/U.

Joseph Brazier, Ltd.

Many people ask about the “Combat NCO” pistol, its history, why no one has ever written about it and basically what’s it all about.

First of all, it is only life time warranted pistol ever made. I repeat, “It is the only Lifetime warranted pistol ever made.” Excuse me! Uhhh, what does that mean?
It means wear something out and we replace it. Shoot out the barrel, burn a hammer; so what; it’s in warranty…….
Beyond that, lets digress a little.

John Browning designed Colt Government Model 1911 A1

John Browning invented or began designing the to be Colt model 1911 automatic pistol and filed his first patent September 14, 1895, for a Firearm: Blowback Pistol. In short, various changes were made until 1911-1912 it was adopted. Later it was changed to military specifications and refined until in 1923 the modified pistol 1911 Government model was completed and in 1925 renamed the Automatic Pistol, Caliber .45 Model 1911 A1. Since 1923 nothing really has been done to upgrade the pistol in the military. Clones with upgrade components are everywhere but few if any have done more than just cosmetics to improve the accuracy of what otherwise is a good shooting platform.

The problem with the 1911 designed by John Browning is: a. It was designed to function loosely as a Defensive Weapon for military applications. b. It was not possible in the late 1800’s to hold tolerances due to the type of steel and machines available to cut it and even though the tolerances were tightened up in the 1930’s. No CNC. No CAD. Loose tolerances. It STILL remained a “defensive” sidearm for very close work.

In 1986-87 while General Manager of Pachmayr Gun Works in Los Angeles, CA , Karl Lippard was approached to revise the 1911 A1 for specific use in the Marine Corps, Delta Force and “Other Government agencies” so to speak. The result was three entirely different pistols: A “NCO Grade Combat”, and “Officer Grade Combat, and a “General Grade Combat” pistol.

The problem at hand was terrorist activity. The Military namely the Marine Corps, had a tired old pistol called the M1911 A1. You could not shoot yourself at 10 feet, they rattled like a can full of stones, had a trigger pull often over 6 pounds, sights so small that it required magnification to see them, excessive recoil to the hand and as I said were not accurate……Fact was, no body could shoot one much less agress live targets danger close. The terrorists had to be engaged and taken down. What could be done about it?

The result was (and still is) the Combat NCO M1911 we call the A2 .45acp.

Karl Lippard redesigned 1911-A1 model pistols for the military at Pachmayr circa 1987 including the Marine Corps fighting knife shown.

Now here we come to the difficult part of the discussion on the “Combat NCO,” of where here to begin. I will try and get that straight without being too pious.
I guess it begins in Vietnam 1965 in a place called Cam Ne 3. Then Corporal Lippard while having been wounded several times, could no longer carry heavy equipment or wear body armor. Nor could he carry anything heavier than a pistol to engage the enemy with. That pistol was a USMC model 1911-A1 standard issue. The shortcomings of THAT pistol and the resulting combat experiences in Cam Ne and An Trac 3 forever made an imprint on the future gun designer. That pistol, eccentual to ANYONE engaged in heads up, face to face combat; HAD to be modified.

Was that put softly enough?

Therefore when the “military” came calling for an “Offensive sidearm weapon”, that heavy combat experience with the 1911-A1 Colt at Cam Ne was applied to their requirement.

The military et al criteria was a “Multiple use Offensive pistol for close combat under all conditions”. HALO operations, Delta Force, Force Recon, SEAL use, all were to be taken into consideration. Concentration was on Terrorists application and engagement. Aircraft assaults against armored adversaries. Use in extreme cold such as HALO insertion the weapon must function and not freeze to the hand; operate in extreme heat of the desert with sand to clog its functionality. They would like the firearm to have more range than 50 yards for open conditions and to “remain essecentually a modified 1911-A1 weapon currently in use”. It had to be suppression compatible…..” In other words, a serious offensive weapon within the confines of a 1911-A1.

The end result was the “NCO Grade Combat”. Why NCO? Well first, an NCO would be the user of such a weapon. Second, an NCO does it all. He goes where he is ordered and gets the job done. Anytime, anywhere, under any conditions. The pistol meets all of the military requirements asked then….and the ONLY ONE that meets it today.

25 rounds from 5 magazines rapid fire at 25 yards fired on a 50 yard target witnessed by the owner: Lt. William Davis, USMC

Fast forward 2006…..Iraq. Afganistan. Individual Marines and Army personnel requested the “NCO” again and would pay whatever the price personally it cost to have it in hand when the chips were down. The 9mm would NOT do on an enemy up on drugs that could not be stopped with a rifle…..So “Fully Cloaked” NCO’s were (are) made to keep our men alive. And why cloaked? The military today will Court Marshal anyone with a personal weapon in combat….Therefore the “Combat NCO”, (which has been requested and used since 1987), is hidden INSIDE the skin of a normal 1911 or 1911- A1, to provide functionality, accuracy, a 2.8 lb. trigger and still be quickly changed to assume the assignment of the owner.

This is a cloaked Colt Government Model 1911 delivered in 2007 for a U.S. Army soldier. External NCO components were not used.

So what is it exactly that comprises a now called “Combat NCO”?

The “Combat NCO” is a malleable shooting platform based on the Browning design. It has over 19 components that have never been sold to the public before and many components never viewd by anyone but an enemy on the receiving end of it. It is best described as a shooting system which exceeds all military requirements. It is a pistol that requires average skill to aggress targets up to, and beyond, 350 yards. It can be fully suppressed, changed to an “Urban Sniper Rifle” firing 5.56mm rounds in 3 minutes. It can laze targets for aircraft and other assets without alteration. It is balanced by an extended nose piece which incorporates other features that retard night blindness during engagement under fire. It is a unimanual operating firearm. In other words, the shooters hand never moves from its shooting position during multimagazine shooting events.

A Slide Stop must extend back far enough to be operated by the shooting hand. A common feature on Frank Pachmayr Signature model combat pistols in the 80’s.

Here is shown a standard length, an extended length and a Brazier NCO length Slide Stop.

That also means that the “Slide Stop”, and “Magazine Release” must be accessed with the shooting hand while the exchange of magazines and subsequent control of the weapon is dedicated to the other hand. I say other hand because the firearm is ambidextrious. A shooter MUST (as at Cam Ne) be able to shift to another hand with equal ease if wounded. (FBI Florida shootout could not) The magazine must jettison clear of the firearm by way of a weighted device AND, if stuck, to be removed by the use of it. That part is forever called a “Cam Ne” from that experience.

The “Cam Ne” and “Combat NCO” sights are part of the shooting system. Now available for your gun are the NCO components that make the difference. Barrel, links, sites front and back or the entire gun!

The sites must not reflect back to a shooters face in all possible angels of engagement. A NCO doesn’t. It has the ability to engage targets in “double tap” to 100+ yards, and, engage effectively to 350. (Using the NCO/Lippard/Elmer Keith methods)

Test report witnessed of the first “NCO Grade Combat” to 400 yards is shown above.

Recent testimonial: “This weapon is not only everything you billed it to be but way beyond. Holly shit this 45 is great. I finally shot it this last weekend. I was impressed buy the groups at close range but also at my 100 yard range. Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ” Steve Hammers, COS, CO. 11/26/2007.

Well there ARE a host of M1911 clone pistols made today. Most like Kimber, Springfield, Thompson, Dan Wesson, all main materials like frame and slide etc. are made outside of the United States. Just look on the frame next to the grips for that information. The Combat NCO is made here in Colorado Springs one at a time. Tested by the man who designed it with retired Marines on the bench with him making the guns. We use the finest parts and components made for the pistol and as a result, will repair at no charge the pistol for the lifetime of the owner.…..Uuuuuh, how is that? You send us a gun through normal wear that fails to function properly and we will service the gun for free…….
What if the owner shot 100,000 rounds through the gun?We don’t care if you shot 150,000 rounds we would like to service it. Our Patented Parts and or designed components are designed to extended the life of the M1911 by 1000%. That’s One Thousand Percent! 165,000 rounds to you. Now it is probable the barrel will not last that long but the NCO will. So you call the ball. If what you need is a NCO and not a cheap substitute, think again about the Lifetime warranty. The only Pistol on earth that has one. The only Pistol on earth that is an NCO with the accuracy we claim and the warranty to back it up when you have done your worst to wear it out……..Whisper to me who makes the finest M1911 in the world. Its called a NCO and its made in Colorado.

The “Combat NCO” frame and recesses have been altered to function up to -76 to a plus 1200 degrees fahrenheit. The barrels made by Joseph Brazier have the new “Lippard Military and Lippard Wide Link” to insure absolute return to battery extending pistol and barrel life from a conventional of 15,000 rounds to well beyond 100,000 rounds. (The “Wide Link” is a elaboration and variation of Frank Pachmayr’s design)

Patent Pending “Lippard Wide Link, Lippard Military” left and center. A conventional Colt 1911 A-1 link of today, right.
There are 7 Patents or Patents Pending by Karl Lippard on the 1911/Pistols/Cannons/Shotguns. No other pistols use NCO Patented components.

The “Lippard Military Link” allows for new barrel or conventional barrel installation without alteration. The “Lippard Multi Caliber barrel” (not shown during patent application) allows for changing of worn barrels in less than 3 minutes. Further, the Combat NCO fires unaltered 3 calibers of munitions. Only the Hardball Military ammo is discussed. However, the other two make the “Combat NCO” THE MOST LETHAL PISTOL SYSTEM IN EXISTANCE to any range where the human eye can decern a target.

Welllllll, ….is there more?
Uuuuuh….YESSSSS, there IS! …..But this WAS a general answer to the question.

Is the “Combat NCO” available today?…

Since 2008 for civilians, yes it is. Largely they are hand made to order, in small quantities with critical components of S7 VAC tool steel. Price is $5,000.00 each with the order, (plus extra’s) from Joseph Brazier, Ltd. ……And as all Marines and Army who are using the pistol today know, the man from “Cam Ne” builds and shoots the gun personally first, has been in harms way, and together with them joins the shooter where the metal meets the meat…… How many guns are made today and shot but the man who designed it?

These boys are military and share something in common. They all screw into a part that makes them silent.

The Marine Corps “Combat NCO”. Now you know something about what it is and the men perhaps who carry it. But like its namesake the Marine NCO, you have no idea of its full capability.

A cloaked NCO comes in unexpected containers.

Alone the military version lacks few accessories.

Combined with a knife designed for Marine Corps hand to hand combat system these tools come with training manuals for proper use and are not available for export.

For more information here read: “Combat NCO” Pistol Debut in .45 ACP, here in the “News” catagory.

Note: Joseph Brazier, Ltd. et al, extends it services and technology to the military for free and to the limits of its ability, to all men fighting in combat, anytime, and anywhere , it is requested.