Recommendations for custom 1911

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dmallind

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I am fortunate enough to have a chunk of change to spare right now, and lack a full size 1911. I also lack a true "custom" 1911, so two birds is the order of the day.

So say you are playing with $2-3K and wanted a nice full size 1911, with the intended use of target shooting and possible IDPA style competitions for fun. I'm getting decent enough where I wouldn't be flat out embarrassed to try this now, while I harbor no illusions about my likelihood of any great success for quite some time.

What makers would you recommend? I'm thinking Wilsons, Baers, maybe Yost etc. Aesthetics is secondary to performance/accuracy but I like the grey/black Wilson CQB combo to give an idea of my visual preferences. Any specific features I should go for?

My most accurate gun right now - although a close call - is the 1911PD Commander. Even on rapid fire one handed drills I seem to have no real problem with the recoil (I'm a very large ex-weightlifter which may help) and while weight is not a major issue either for this purpose and for me obviously I like the feel of the lighter weapon over my heavier DW all-stainless. Any of the custom boys do good things with scandium or similar frames?

Thanks all!
 
See the 1* Elite at www.yostbonitz.com

Take a look at Ted Yost's 1911s at www.yostbonitz.com

I have a Series 80 Colt Gov't. model which Ted built into one of his 1* Elite 1911 package guns. It has Novak tritium sights, serrated flat top slide, ambidexterous safety, flat main spring housing with recessed lanyard loop, crowned muzzle, serrated frontstrap, gorgeous hardwood grips and a hardchrome finish.

Along with all that, it has Ted's reliability package, tool steel slide stop and Ted's own ignition package (sear, firing pin, etc.) and is hand tuned fro reliability, then test fired.

It is a beautiful 1911 - sorry, but I don't have photos of it to post. IMO, Ted's work is equal to or better than anything else being produced by the big name 1911 builders such as Ed Brown, Les Baer, Wilson, Nighthawk, etc.
 
I own a Les Baer concept V which I bought with several upgrades, total cost was right at the $1900 mark. I think that for the money, the Baer pistols are an awesome value (they’re generally a little less expensive than the Wilson’s and Brown’s), especially when you compare them to an equally equipped gun from the other manufacturers.

My Baer has been great, and after 4K rounds is only getting better. It is amazingly accurate, it even makes me look good.

However, if you’re willing to spend in the 2-3K range, I’d take a hard look at one of the Ed Brown pistols. They’re fit and finish is extremely good. The couple I’ve shot were awesome.

Chuck
 
Wilson , Brown , Les Baer
Kimber Custom Shop Match Target all come to mind in the 1600 - 3000 range
There are some other Custom builders out there in that price range you have its not gonna be a problem.
 
If you are interested in a big name gun thn Les Baer or Clark Custom or Kimber. You can also give this guy a call:

http://santurriltd.com/

He built a bullseye and a ball gun for me. Functions flawlessly and is super accurate. I won the 2005 Maine and New Hampshire outdoor conventional pistol state championship with the bullseye gun and I am only 2 points away from being distinguished pistol with the ball gun.

He starts with a caspian slide and frame. He's also very fast. Les Baer or Kimber will take 6 months. This guy will take a few weeks. In fact, I dropped off the slide and frame for the ball gun on a Monday and I got a call back on Friday that the gun was ready.
 
Just to seize on a couple of items...

If you expect to ever shoot real IDPA, get a bushing barrel, Bill W. doesn't allow bull barrels over 4.2", and I recommend a 5" for anything but concealed carry.

If you like a lighter gun; I don't know of anybody making scandium alloy guns other than S&W. You could, no doubt get one of their SC's customized to your tastes.

You could get a STI or SVI modular half-synthetic gun or have one built on their receiver. Weight of a STI Eagle 5.0 is 34.5 oz vs usual GM of 39oz.

Ted Yost will assemble a gun on a Caspian titanium receiver, finished weight will be about 5 oz lighter than if in steel. $1899 on your Ti frame, which is $425 and up, plus options and extras as you might want different from his base model.

I have a 30 oz 9mm built as a MixMaster from two Springfields. It is a fine shooting pistol but I would not want it in .45. You may have the strength to manage it but the kick is there and affecting you nevertheless.
 
I just got this Black/Grey Wilson CQB fairly recently. So far I like it alot:


wilson.jpg
 
custom 1911

I like the ideal of a hardball gun for the 1911. The old round nose 45 is proven. You can get a super custom gun less for less than $1400.00. Look at Clark guns you can get a new hardball gun for 1375.00 that will shoot a 10 shot 2.5 inch at 50 yards. If you shoot 12,000 rounds through and it becomes a little loose they will re-work the gun for about 200.00 which include the trigger, barrel, and re-tighten the slide to frame fit.

Also look at Bob Marvel. Purchase a Colt, or Springfield send it to him and for 500.00 he will install a match grade barrel and do a trigger job. So for about 1000.00 you have a custom match grade gun.

Same thing with David Sams Guns.

The above will give you a gun better than Wilson, Baer, Brown for about half the price. Then spend the other 900.00 on an H&K Tac. I have several custom 45s and the H&K Tac is right there with them It's that good. I could always outshoot my Baer with the H&K Tac.

TJ
 
Avoid weapons that are too tight.

Wilson, Baer, Kimber, all the 1911s that jam at our leagues are the super tight fits.

Good luck!
 
My Baer was super tight (took 2 hands and a table to unlock when new), but has never jammed or failed to unlock/extract. It is also very accurate and well made. However, I'm not at all sure it's worth what I paid for it. If I get another high-end 1911, I will be looking at Ed Brown, Nighthawk, Guncrafter, CT Brian, etc.
 
CritterGitter, you're an unusual man!

In most people, their perception changes, once they've spent lots of money for a weapon.

I look forward to hearing from you about future weapons.
 
A 1.5" guarantee Baer Premier II is going to be awfully hard to beat. Rock River is a name I didn't see mentioned yet, the one I have seen and shot was uber sweet.

My next one will be an STI Eagle in 40, from there I will lighten the slide and frame as much as possible. Fit and finish Brown safeties, EE sear and disco with a Koenig hammer, STI short flat trigger, Dawson Ice magwell, Bo-Mar rear sight and an EGW fiber front narrowed to .070", hard fit a Kart barrel, tighten slide to frame if needed, hard chrome and put a red Roupe grip on it. I don't have it planned out or anything.....

I like REALLY light guns, the lighter the better. Alloy is out though, I want a gun that will take 100K rounds and I haven't found an alloy frame yet that will pass 50K.
 
1911

I had a Wilson, traded it for a Baer well built but terrible trigger traded it for an Ed Brown later traded the Brown but keep the Rock River and still have it. The Rock River is the best of the big names in my book but still hard to beat the Clark or Marvel for the money.

TJ
 
One that was just mentioned in passing so far is the Nighthawk Custom. All versions have a 1" accuracy warrentee, you can choose whatever color you like. Actually you can have it built however you want it. Mine has the best trigger I've ever used, and have never had a malfunction with it. A truly first class firearm, and a first class company.

Jack(just my 2 cents and worth every penny)
 
Interesting thoughts so far guys (please keep em coming!).

Here's what I'm thinking so far and some more questions:

Baer - seem most economical (in this bracket that is - not in general. A Premier II with a couple extras comes in under $2K) but a couple of issues raised already make me a bit hesitant. I don't like the idea of having to use the edge of a bench to unlock the thing the first time, nor comments on other threads about sloppy prep. Now a grumble about the triggers arises too. However others seem to love them so not out of the running yet - but not at the front.

Wilson - nobody has any bad words so far except a passing comment about some jams amongst all super-tight brands. Probably among the least economical, with their top model a tad out of my comfort range - but other models like the CQB smack in the middle of it. Still a strong contender but it doesn't seem you get as much for the money as others. Would very much welcome comments from other users to see if benefits make the cost appropriate.

Ed Brown - Executive Target model is probably leading in my mind so far. Little detailed feedback received on these so far - especially interested in those who have shot one of these. Super tight? Impossible to unlock/reassemble? Or precision made and no worries? Goes into less detail about his triggers than most - and I am very picky on trigger action on 1911s (yeah I know I shoot Glocks too - but different purpose). Feedback?

Nighthawk - a latecomer to the leader pack but making a strong showing based on some impassioned support here and elsewhere, and their aesthetic creativity (I kinda like the looks of desert tan). Somewhat concerned about resale value should I ever need to as don't have the name recognition of other brands it seems, but that doesn't bother me at all as far as initial purpose - I could care less what name's on it. Could be a contender.

Yost - Less enamored with them than I was, and maybe just need to hear more about their accuracy and reliability.

Don't like the looks of STI. Rock River Limited Match seems a good choice but heard little about them as noted.

Now one I have heard nobody mention though which looks like it could be a really valid option is the SA Custom shop specials - the Expert Limited (9403 model number) especially. Has all the goodies that the custom makers offer and lists for $1900 or so. Looks great with a nice matte blue fininsh too. I know a lot of competition shooters use SA 1911s as bases for modification because of their reliability and good construction, and some of the custom builders like Yost use them too. I would REALLY like any feedback or user experiences on SA custom pistols. If I could get some buzz there the combination of price, known reliability of base brand, looks, and frequent use of base brand in competition would vault it right to the front of the pack.

Without that feedback it may be a tossup between Ed Brown Exectutive Target and a Wilson CQB, with a chance for Rock River Limited Match or Nighthawk Talon to grab my attention too.

FRankly as you can see still up in the air. Unlike normal guns you can't rent these at the range or try em out too many places so I am relying far more on anecdotal evidence and user opinion than I would for an off the shelf gun. Like the input so far guys but please keep it coming.
 
dmallind said:
Interesting thoughts so far guys (please keep em coming!).

Here's what I'm thinking so far and some more questions:

Baer - seem most economical (in this bracket that is - not in general. A Premier II with a couple extras comes in under $2K) but a couple of issues raised already make me a bit hesitant. I don't like the idea of having to use the edge of a bench to unlock the thing the first time, nor comments on other threads about sloppy prep. Now a grumble about the triggers arises too. However others seem to love them so not out of the running yet - but not at the front.
Click to expand...

A small piece of wood stuck into the ejection port holding the slide about 1/4 inch out of battery works wonders for removing tight barrel bushings.

dmallind said:
Wilson - nobody has any bad words so far except a passing comment about some jams amongst all super-tight brands. Probably among the least economical, with their top model a tad out of my comfort range - but other models like the CQB smack in the middle of it. Still a strong contender but it doesn't seem you get as much for the money as others. Would very much welcome comments from other users to see if benefits make the cost appropriate.
Click to expand...

I live in Arkansas for at least part of the year. I've run into several smiths who used to work at Wilson Combat. I've yet to hear anything good from them about Wilson.

dmallind said:
Ed Brown - Executive Target model is probably leading in my mind so far. Little detailed feedback received on these so far - especially interested in those who have shot one of these. Super tight? Impossible to unlock/reassemble? Or precision made and no worries? Goes into less detail about his triggers than most - and I am very picky on trigger action on 1911s (yeah I know I shoot Glocks too - but different purpose). Feedback?
Click to expand...

I've no shooting experience with Ed Brown pistols personally, but a lot of places carry his custom parts and I've not heard anything bad about his pistols. He makes wonderfull looking pistols.

Another maker you should consider is Nowlin. http://nowlinguns.com They make their own barrels so a 1911 in your choice of caliber is much more likely if you want something like 9x23 or another not so common round.



dmallind said:
Nighthawk - a latecomer to the leader pack but making a strong showing based on some impassioned support here and elsewhere, and their aesthetic creativity (I kinda like the looks of desert tan). Somewhat concerned about resale value should I ever need to as don't have the name recognition of other brands it seems, but that doesn't bother me at all as far as initial purpose - I could care less what name's on it. Could be a contender.
Click to expand...

Try Dawson Precision. Anything you want using STI frames and slides. http://dawsonprecision.com/


dmallind said:
Yost - Less enamored with them than I was, and maybe just need to hear more about their accuracy and reliability.

Don't like the looks of STI. Rock River Limited Match seems a good choice but heard little about them as noted.
Click to expand...

Try SVI, http://sviguns.com/
check out their gun builder. You now have to create an account and login, but do check it out. I personally have an SV Infinity and can tell you fer sure it's a fantastic pistol. Everyone who shoots it wants one.



dmallind said:
Now one I have heard nobody mention though which looks like it could be a really valid option is the SA Custom shop specials - the Expert Limited (9403 model number) especially. Has all the goodies that the custom makers offer and lists for $1900 or so. Looks great with a nice matte blue fininsh too. I know a lot of competition shooters use SA 1911s as bases for modification because of their reliability and good construction, and some of the custom builders like Yost use them too. I would REALLY like any feedback or user experiences on SA custom pistols. If I could get some buzz there the combination of price, known reliability of base brand, looks, and frequent use of base brand in competition would vault it right to the front of the pack.

Without that feedback it may be a tossup between Ed Brown Exectutive Target and a Wilson CQB, with a chance for Rock River Limited Match or Nighthawk Talon to grab my attention too.
Click to expand...

Nix the Wilson CQB, do a search for CQB problems.


dmallind said:
FRankly as you can see still up in the air. Unlike normal guns you can't rent these at the range or try em out too many places so I am relying far more on anecdotal evidence and user opinion than I would for an off the shelf gun. Like the input so far guys but please keep it coming.
Click to expand...


Go to any IDPA or similar match. Watch the competitors and see who's using something you are intersted in. Ask some questions and show interest and they might just let you shoot the gun in question. It's how I found out about SV and STI.
 
EGW

Well for what it worth. I had a custum one built by George AT EGW and without shooting or owning all the other ones that have been mentioned here I LOVE my commander he made for me. It's great for ccw and everyone that has held it and shoot it says that it's real nice. Good luck in your search with the money you are looking to spend you should have no problem getting a real nice piece. I only wish I could get another one.
 
Thanks all...

....I am pretty much decided I'll go with the EB Executive Target. May give up some custom options but I suspect Ed and his family know more about making 1911s work as complete packages than I ever will (fairly safe suspicion eh?:eek: ), so probably best to take it their way at least at first. To be honest the only mods I would have ordered from that design were a short trigger and maybe an extended safety - it's pretty much what I would have got from the custom guys apart from that. Given the universally good feedback about EB pistols and the reputation they have I'll go with the sure thing first. Maybe I'll get a bit more adventurous next time I have a chunk of change to spare and have SVI build me a bullseye gun :)

Have found a pretty decent discount that gets it very close to RRA and less than Nighthawk. In the end just couldn't shake the idea that I wanted to avoid the overtightness issues and get one that NOBODY had a complaint about (and I mean nobody - I scanned every forum and article I could find and posted on a few - not a bad word about Brown did I find as far as quality and performance - only their "our way or the highway" attitude and their prices drew any beefs at all).

Of course I don't mind admitting that another advantage is I lose the 1yr or so wait!

Should be placing an order in the next few days unless a blinding insight or amazing deal drops in my path.

This should be fun.....
 
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