nettlle
Contributing Member
I have a couple of 1911's and like them a lot. The most I will spend on a handgun is about $1200.00. If all the nice 1911's cost $1200.00 I wouldn't hesitate to buy a Baer.
Can't believe everyone is so afraid to voice an opinion on what they like, or don't.
If you've spent that much money on a gun, you should tell the OP about your experiences instead of worrying about ruffling a few feathers.
And luck.It really is about preferences.
And luck.
If anything this thread shows how finicky and moody the 1911 can be. One $2000 gun might be a dog, the next one down the line might be the greatest competition gun ever.
Trouble is you don't usually get to test drive a custom/semi-custom gun. Plunking down 2 grand on one you've never seen is a gamble.
And luck.
If anything this thread shows how finicky and moody the 1911 can be. One $2000 gun might be a dog, the next one down the line might be the greatest competition gun ever.
Trouble is you don't usually get to test drive a custom/semi-custom gun. Plunking down 2 grand on one you've never seen is a gamble.
Still no answer on which semi-custom maker to buy from.
For a mass produced 1911 I'd go with Dan Wesson. A full on custom? Chen.
While I don't usually bury mine in dirt, I do expected them to run if they get mud on them during competition or in a training class. I ran mine ($4k) for a week at Gunsite without cleaning it...I did add lube.I treat my 1911's like my Glocks though and expect them to run
I wouldn't argue with the above.For a mass produced 1911 I'd go with Dan Wesson. A full on custom? Chen.
Of the ones listed in the OP, I'd go with Nighthawk...with esthetics being the tipping factorStill no answer on which semi-custom maker to buy from.
While I don't usually bury mine in dirt, I do expected them to run if they get mud on them during competition or in a training class. I ran mine ($4k) for a week at Gunsite without cleaning it...I did add lube.
still in the semi-custom category, I'd get a Springfield Armory Professional.
The question then becomes, how many of the ones mentioned in the OP have you had experience with to make that comparisonI don't see how you can get any better in a 1911.
Naaaa. No N.D.A. It's just that I don't think anybodies mind is going to be changed. Everybody has a favorite and everybody has their least liked gun. I think that any of the "Custom Shops", (which are actually semi-custom production lines) can build you a fine gun. But I think Les gives you the best value per dollar spent. His guns are usually quite a bit lower in price than the rest.Ol Les make you sign a non disclosure agreement?
Concur in full. Though I have experience only with a LB TRS (should never have traded it off), a WC (also traded off) and an Ed Brown (still have).I think that any of the "Custom Shops", (which are actually semi-custom production lines) can build you a fine gun. But I think Les gives you the best value per dollar spent. His guns are usually quite a bit lower in price than the rest.
And luck.
If anything this thread shows how finicky and moody the 1911 can be. One $2000 gun might be a dog, the next one down the line might be the greatest competition gun ever.
Trouble is you don't usually get to test drive a custom/semi-custom gun. Plunking down 2 grand on one you've never seen is a gamble.
To be fair, my Baer was fitted better than any gun I've ever owned. Slide to frame was perfect, it had obviously been fitted/lapped. Barrel/bushing to slide, again perfect.
I think the move to the new plant forced them into some cost savings measures.
It was also ~ 10 years ago, so maybe things have improved.
Can't believe everyone is so afraid to voice an opinion on what they like, or don't.
If you've spent that much money on a gun, you should tell the OP about your experiences instead of worrying about ruffling a few feathers.
Les Baer, Nighthawk, Ed Brown, Wilson Combat? An interesting question with, I'm guessing no right answers. Hopefully an interesting conversation!
If you can talk him into it...Larry Vickers