SK Customs Unveils Mayan Empire Series

A limited run of 500 Colt 1911s chambered in .38 Super channels the majesty and ingenuity of the Mayan civilization in exquisite form.

by
posted on December 1, 2025
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
SK Pakal 1
A tribute to ancient grandeur: The first SK Customs Mayan Empire Colt 1911 emerges as a handheld monument, etched with pyramids and gold accents honoring Pakal the Great.
Photo courtesy SK Customs

In November, SK Guns quietly opened a portal to the past with the announcement of its new Mayan Empire series featuring Colt 1911s chambered in .38 Super. Only 500 will be made, each marked with its unique engraved edition number, ensuring that every piece carries both rarity and reverence.

The Mayan civilization, which flourished across Mesoamerica from roughly 2000 B.C. to 1500 A.D., was a society of astonishing sophistication. Towering pyramids pierced the skyline, intricate carvings narrated history and belief, and astronomical insight charted the heavens with precision that still impresses scholars today. It is this intricate interplay of art, science and spirit that SK Guns channels in its latest creation.

SK Customs Mayan Empire Colt 1911 .38 Super handgun
Framed by 24k gold detailing and shaded Mayan motifs, the limited-edition SK Customs Mayan Empire Pakal the Great Colt 1911 chambered in .38 Super is a work of art. (Photo courtesy SK Customs)

 

The inaugural run pays homage to K’inich Janaab’ Pakal, or Pakal the Great, who ruled Palenque for nearly seventy years beginning in 615 A.D. Under his stewardship, the city-state blossomed into a beacon of architecture and learning. The Temple of the Inscriptions, still standing, shelters Pakal’s elaborately carved sarcophagus—a testament to his era’s ingenuity and grandeur.

Every curve and surface of the Mayan Empire Pakal the Great 1911 is meticulously considered. The left and right sides of the slide showcase engraved pyramids bordered in 24k gold, intertwined with scrollwork depicting hieroglyphics, sacred beliefs and patterned textiles. The slide’s crown displays Pakal himself, surrounded by additional hieroglyphics and a depiction of the Mayan calendar.

Polish meets power in the frame, slide, barrel and hardware, accentuated with strategic 24k gold highlights. The controls are finished in a deep Colt Royal Blue, and the presentation-grade black grips feature jade-like medallions crafted from Kirinite and inset with gold, a tactile nod to the civilization’s opulent artistry.

“This new series celebrates a culture that was far ahead of its time and set the groundwork for the cultures of modern Mexico and Central America,” Simon Khiabani, owner and founder of SK Guns said. “The first edition of the series honors one of the longest and most impactful eras of the empire. Many of the great innovations and architectural works of this period still exist today, and this installment is just one of many ways that the legacy of this empire lives on.”

Collectors and enthusiasts can expect shipments to begin in January 2026, with an MSRP of $3,000. Each pistol is not merely a firearm—it is a handheld museum piece, bridging centuries with every meticulous engraving. Go to skguns.com to learn more.

Latest

Glockgen6 Debutdec2025 1 Lede
Glockgen6 Debutdec2025 1 Lede

A Brief Review of Glock’s New Gen6 Models

A first look at Glock’s Gen6 pistols, featuring a new optics-ready system, revised ergonomics and meaningful updates across slide and frame.

Classic SSUSA: NRA National Firearms Museum Match Gun Tour

A private tour of the “match case” of historical tournament firearms and other mementos, as well as a peek into the rarely visited vault.

New: Magpul RXM Full-Sized Enhanced Handgun Grip

A new full-size grip module expands the RXM’s modularity, turning Ruger’s compact 9 mm into a more confident duty or competition companion.

USA Clay Target League Shatters Records With More Than 55,000 Student-Athletes in 2025

USA Clay Target League announces 55,832 student-athletes participated in its programs in 2025, marking a 31st straight record-breaking season.

Glock’s New Gen6 Handgun Lineup Redefines Familiar Territory

Glock’s new Gen6 pistols bring refined ergonomics, deeper slide serrations, a flat-faced trigger and a redesigned optic-ready system to the G17, G19 and G45.

New: Beretta 92X Performance Carry Optic Dark Series

Beretta’s 92X Performance Carry Optic Dark Series updates a competition favorite with fresh colors, optics support and refined match-grade upgrades.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.