People's Experience with Highend Production 1911s

Which of these 1911s have you had experience with

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I have an Ed Brown Executive Target in 45 ACP.

Smoothest, most accurate gun I've ever shot. The slide is so incredibly smooth,
It is hard to describe unless you feel it.

I did have probs with igniting Win primers but I believe they use 9mm/38 super FPs. Easily solved by switching to Fed pistol primers.

And I own SVI, Kimber, Bruce Gray Custom, Colt, etc. I've spent time pulling Springfield Custom and Les Baer triggers also.

Ed
 
I have a Les Baer Concept II and the Springfield Custom Carry. They aren't the same as the guns you asked about , but the quality is the same. The only differences are external features -- parts quality and workmanship is equal to the Premier II and Professional.

I really like the Baer. Shooting it is a breeze, I can understand why Larry Vickers says that the 1911's trigger is a crutch for some people. I got the Baer because I wanted a 1911 that was made the way JMB designed, using quality parts and built by skilled gunsmiths. It's not as refined as Brown or Wilson, but it's significantly cheaper. I don't mind it at all, I like Baer's old school aesthetic. And I don't have any complaints, my Concept II is reliable, accurate, and smooth.

That said, I like my Springfield Custom Carry a little more. Part of it is looks, I prefer the lack of front cocking serrations on the CC. But mostly the dehorning job is better on the Springfield Custom. It feels a little bit better in my hand.

Both of these guns are tightly fitted. When in battery the slide and frame feels like it is a single piece of steel. I like this solidity. Others don't. Only way to find out is to check out guns from the different manufactures and see what you like. I will tell you that I've never experienced any problems because of the tightness, both guns have run since the first magazine.
 
I voted for the Wilson Combat CQB, but do not have more than 30 rounds through one. I didn't read that you wanted more than 100.


Absolutely gorgeous gun, though.
 
I am lucky enough to have a Les Baer PM II, and a S&W PC 1911. The LB is an incredible shooter but my STIs do everthing it does, but better and cheaper. The S&W Performance Center 1911 which I found used, shoots in a class of it's own, great trigger and fit on this pistol but the finish seems thin and there was surface rust on the rear slide serrations. Still my STIs cost less and shoot nearly as well as the S&W, the PC does have a nice aluminum case to sit in the safe while I am out shooting the STI Trojan 9mm, it is not the gun but the price of ammo that keeps it at home most days. I don't reload, wife is too pretty, it's a wonder I can find any time to go shoot... might have to get out the Les Baer and the Performance Center pistols... and take the wife.
 
Not a 1911 but with many 1911 features, my Smith Model 945 is easily the equal of my Series 70 Colt Gold Cup in terms of accuracy; is ultra-reliable and the build quality, workmanship and finish befits its $1,500.00 price range. It's my favorite .45 ACP pistol-and I have a couple of nice 1911s to compare it with.

In terms of the poll, I have shot the S&W PC 1911 fairly extensively (albeit a few rounds under the thousand round benchmark) and believe it to be an extremely well-made, reliable and accurate pistol. I only wish I could say that I've had experience with the other pistols being compared in the poll.
 
9mmepiphany,
Does your poll focus on 5" models? Also, what sort of information are you looking for specifically?
 
I tried to select the models at the high end of Springfield Armory, Dan Wesson and S&W lines to compare with the entry level models from the High End Houses because I believe that appeal top the same demographic.

I was focusing on the 5" models as all manufactures named offer a representative model.

I was trying to determine how many folks who offer recommendation of High End Production 1911s actually have some experience, especially with more than one manufacturer, or are basing their recommendations almost solely of desire and rumors.

I was also looking to see if price or renown made a difference in the manufacturers experienced...I must admit to a bit of surprise at how even the representation has been.

Something unintended is that I now have an idea of the level of creditability of folks who post on 1911 threads...this isn't based only on this poll, I already had a fairly good idea from reading memember's post.

The qualifications that I set to validate posting/opinion was based on my personal exposure with the above models. I wouldn't even consider my knowledge to be anymore than baseless opinion in a 1911 thread if I didn't have that background.
 
I was trying to determine how many folks who offer recommendation of High End Production 1911s actually have some experience, especially with more than one manufacturer, or are basing their recommendations almost solely of desire and rumors.
Click to expand...

I see a lot of votes, and not many posts by those backing up their experiences. How can you be sure of validity?

Something unintended is that I now have an idea of the level of creditability of folks who post on 1911 threads...this isn't based only on this poll, I already had a fairly good idea from reading memember's post.
Click to expand...

What are your conclusions? Give me a sec to grab my tin foil hat :p
 
I have the Les Baer and an Ed Brown. They have caused me to sell off several of my many 1911's.

Have to admit, however, that they are very boring guns. Always work, always shoot very small groups-time in, time out, day after day. NO exciting jams, snags, wild shots, etc. I have several thousand rounds through each of them.
 
I have a S&W PC (in .38 Super). A complete joy.

Unfortunately, I have no experience with the others, and can make no comparisons. But only praise for the looks, function, and accuracy of the S&W.
 
My wife owns a Nighthawk, but not the model listed. I personally have ~150 rounds through it. Fine fit and finish. Very accurate. It's not usable in IDPA's CDP division.

I owned a S&W PC 1911. A very fine pistol. Smooth crisp trigger, good melonite finish, good fit on all parts. Also very accurate with ~300 rounds through it. Oddball sight dovetails. Sold it to help finance the Nighthawk. My friend has it and uses it for carry and IDPA. It has functioned perfectly for him through several matches and practice sessions.
 
I grant you that- but you sidestepped the question with the skill of a politician :D What is your impression of post quality on high end 1911 threads? I really have no idea because I usually don't give them much thought (too expensive for me.. at least for now)
 
Not sure which model, but a student brought a new Wilson Combat to a recent CCDW class. I wasn't $1,500 more impressed than any of the standard production 1911s (I own four SA and Colt versions in .45 ACP and 9mm and used that as comparison).
 
cyclopsshooter said:
I grant you that- but you sidestepped the question with the skill of a politician :D What is your impression of post quality on high end 1911 threads? I really have no idea because I usually don't give them much thought (too expensive for me.. at least for now)
Click to expand...
...and I thought I'd be able to slip one by you :neener:

I thought you were asking about my perception of the creditability of posters. :scrutiny:

I believe that many folks who post of High End Production 1911 threads either don't have any experience or don't have the breath of experience needed to make a valid comparison...but, they'll vote for what they've always been told are the top names.

A common give away is when they insist that these are really custom made 1911s or if they start the post with "I've always wanted..." or "#1 on my list to buy is..."

I once had a top tier pistolsmith tell me ;) to beware if the word Custom was in the name of the shop
 
I was also looking to see if price or renown made a difference in the manufacturers experienced...I must admit to a bit of surprise at how even the representation has been.
Click to expand...

Honestly, I'm not that suprised it's even. If any one maker/brand stood out as a dog or as an amazing value it would have been pretty well vetted by now.

About the only one who comes close is Dan Wesson and I've drawn the conclusion that you almost have to take DW on a case by case basis.

Before anyone draws their swords, let me qualify that by saying I feel all of the DW's are excellent firearms, I own three of their 1911's currently and have owned more. Based on current pricing their 1911's are exactly where they should be price wise offering a slightly better value IMO than some higher end pieces. If you have the opportunity to hand pick from a selection of the same model guns you may find one that rivals guns costing much much more. This is the case with my Valor, I had the opportunity to hand pick it from a supply of 5 or 6 and I will put it up against any of the more expensive 1911's I own.

When I paid $950 for my CBOB it was a spectacular value, but alas the pricing has almost caught up to the quality.

Currently I own a Brown Kobra Carry, Baer Stainless Stinger, S&W PC 945, Benchmark Precision Custom 9mm, DW Valor, DW CCO, DW CBOB.

Price aside here's a seat of the pants rating on how I feel about them overall:

- Brown Kobra Carry
- DW Valor
- Baer Stinger
- Benchmark Precision Custom 9mm **
- DW CCO
- DW CBOB
- S&W PC 945

** The Benchmark Precision I have is a highly tuned Springfield, not one of his full custom pieces. I rate it higher than some guns I have more $$ in.

I owned a Nighthawk and while it was a great pistol I just didn't feel like my sample met the standards I've come to expect from other high-end makers.

I have owned up to 4 Sig 1911's and while I think they are great they just aren't in the same league as the ones being discussed here. I do Still own a Sig Tacops Commander that I had worked over by Benchmark Precision and honestly it's one of my favorites, not really sure why ;)
 
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