Jesse James Donates First of Rare Damascus 1911s to NRA Museums

Jesse James made a name for himself building custom cars and motorcycles, rising to acclaim at the head of West Coast Choppers and through his various television programs showcasing his unique, awe-inspiring customizing skills.

Jesse took this one-of-a-kind personality for design and metalworking ability and launched Jesse James Firearms Unlimited, building high-end custom guns replete with all the nuances and intricacies one would expect from his hands and imagination.

Every firearm he builds is a piece of art, but the new Damascus Cisco 1911 takes the craft to a whole new level.

The best part? The very first one, serial number #001, now belongs to the NRA Museums!

James, an NRA Life Member and fervent supporter of the NRA – he even launched an NRA fashion line in NRA Originals -- donated the incredible pistol to the museums, where it will be proudly displayed in the NRA National Firearms Museum’s Artistry in Arms Exhibition later this month.

The ornate 1911, chambered in .38 Super, is forged out of 1084 and 15n20 steels, with the swirling, wood-like aesthetic of the Damascus steel prominent throughout the firearm’s slide, frame and even the grips. The pistol is outfitted with a side-mounted red dot sight, a compensator, and features an oversized cocking handle – also forged from Damascus! 

The Damascus Cisco 1911 comes with one spare magazine, and will be displayed in a hand-built custom JJFU wooden presentation case. 

James said the incredible semi-auto took him about two years to make, and he believes he is the only gunmaker in the world producing a pistol like it.

We know you’re probably asking, “Where can I get one?” Serial number #001 will live permanently in the NRA Museums collection, but you can order your own from JJFU, where the master himself will hand-build your Damascus pistol… for a cool $85,000. 

Out of your price range? Take a look at some of Jesse’s other incredible custom firearms at www.jjfu.com. In the meantime, visit the NRA National Firearms Museum beginning later this month to see the JJFU Damascus Cisco 1911 serial number #001 in person – it’s the only way to do it justice.