Is there a best, out or the 3 top names

[gym]

Between Wilson, Nightwawk, and Les Baer, which is best and why. I have been a fan of many of these beautiful guns for decades, but which model is truelly best. Best for carry, Self defense,and competition "for the most part, as that is the role they play. Seldom will you see a soldier or other military operator, other than possiblly a seal, carry a 5 or 6 thousand dollar pistol around. If I am wrong I stand corrected. Are they just for showing off, and their beauty, or are they really "better" at what they do than say a TRP or a high end colt or S&W performance shop gun for around $1,500.00-$2,500.00.
I really don't hear much about them as far a matches go, they seem to be more for the man who has everything type of situation.
What makes a gun worth that kind of money?
I have tried to justify one for myself for years, but knowing how pissed off I would be if it were scratched, I have always passed.
My wife won't even drive my car because she isn't bothered by little things like I am. I can't see getting it worn and handled, in an every day gun rotation like a polymer or less expensive colt. Am I looking at this wrong?
like the beer guy on tv, when I drink beer I drink Do----. I don't always shoot bad guys, but when I do, I use a "fill in the blanks"

 

[mljdeckard]

I have said for years thet the cost isn't justified. They are like the $5 milkshake in Pulp Fiction. Wow. FANTASTIC. But not worth $5.

I think that the law of diminshing returns kicks in at $1000-$1200 for 1911s. You can pay a LOT more than that, but the investment will not be proportionally returned. I shot a Nighthawk at a rental range that had a sticker of more than three times my Kimber. Great, yes. Better than my Kimber....I suppose in some ways. But it also jammed on me.

Not worth it to me. I think if I had the means, rather than buy hig-end pistols, I would buy conventional-level pistols, and buy a lot more ammo and training.

 

[hardluk1]

Les Baer for sure but a springfield officers model will do just fine. Theres also no way I would spend money on a SW custom shop gun ether todays it more like a production handgun from years gone by. I will carry what has proven to work at the best value and that my go to gun. I don't do safe queens so know use for them.

 

[pinstripe]

Wilson combat because it is made in the great state of Arkansas.

 

[Ala Dan]

Another vote for 'ole Les Baer; as he personally test each firearm himself~!

 

[Badlander]

I do not own one of the models mentioned. I did years ago have my dream 1911 built for me by Rock River Arms. This was 15 or so years ago. It is A beautiful accurate pistol that gets shot little. I found that I shoot just as well with my Springfield Armory guns. And they are also easier to strip to clean. This does not mean It is not more accurate, just that I am not able to use that accuracy to its potential.
It was near $2000 back then. I could have bought 3 or 4 1911s for the price.
I don't know if it was worth it or not.

 

[9mmepiphany]

I moved this thread to Autoloaders

If you are interested, here is a poll I ran a bit ago to see how many member actually had experience with high end production 1911s (there were 7)

At the upper end of production 1911s, it is really more a matter of style and taste combined with a bit of price, rather than one really being better

Seldom will you see a soldier or other military operator, other than possiblly a seal, carry a 5 or 6 thousand dollar pistol around. If I am wrong I stand corrected. Are they just for showing off, and their beauty, or are they really "better" at what they do than say a TRP or a high end colt or S&W performance shop gun for around $1,500.00-$2,500.00.

I know several LEO who carry more expensive 1911s as duty guns. Most will agree that the $2500 Springfield Professional is a pretty good starting point, it doesn't meet the requirements of all folks who have developed likes and dislikes for 1911 options over years of use.

I've also seen a number of competitors shooting $4000+ 1911s in both IDPA and USPSA action matches

 

[tarosean]

Wilson combat because it is made in the great state of Arkansas.

So is nighthawk.



The best will always be subjective when it comes to machines.

 

[Badlander]

So is nighthawk.

By ex Wilson employees.

 

[Rinspeed]

Very happy with my Baer, can't afford a Wilson and would not own a Nighthawk.

 

[LeonCarr]

Rock River Arms was founded by Ex-Les Baer employees.

High end 1911s are nice if they run. YMMV, but the ones I have owned in the past have not. I refuse to pay that insane amount of money for a non reliable gun.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

 

[tarosean]

and would not own a Nighthawk.

Why if you don't mind me asking?

 

[Rinspeed]

Why if you don't mind me asking?

I've seen too many dogs that should have never made it out the door. They certainly have the ability to make a gorgeous accurate 1911 though, I have a couple friends that own them.

 

[Ky Larry]

To me, this is a question that can only be answered by each individual. What's valuable to some is just window dressing to others. Some people think my Kimber is a fancy gun. Others think it's just a "starter." YMMV.

 

[valnar]

Unless I was rich or wanted bragging rights, I wouldn't buy a 1911 any better than the DW Valor. Fantastic gun, that is.