Sweet SA 1911, but is it worth it?

[Wesson Smith]

My local dealer just received a real gem from the Springfield Armory custom shop. It's a custom Compact Carry, with a 4" bbl. It bears many similarities to the Colt Officers. The pistol is entirely black (including the aluminum grips) with the Cera-Kote finish. All of the edges are rounded, for enhanced concealability. It has Heine night sights and is of course custom fitted with a match barrel. The front strap has that intensive checkering that is often found on SA custom models. I'm not real fond of that feature, as I've found it to be rather uncomfortable in prolonged practice sessions. I can certainly live with it, as the primary purpose for this gun is definitely for CCW. My dealer is also tossing in a couple of Wilsons in addition to the 2 factory mags. Several of us were standing around in the shop when he unpacked it. We passed it around, an the consensus was "ultimate concealed carry 1911".

Here's the rub. The dealer is asking plus or minus $2600.00 for the gun. I think that because I'm a loyal customer I can barter on that somewhat, and probably get my cash outlay to a reasonable level with a strategic trade-in. I guess what my question to my pals here at THR would be is this: is any custom-made 1911 that's not a collectible really worth that much? I'm not really questioning the quality-to-cost variable, as I already own 2 SA 1911s which have performed flawlessly for me through thousands of rounds. I just totally fell head-over-heels for this gun, but I'm really hesitant about the cash outlay. Thoughts or helpful suggestions would be mucho appreciated!

 

[WmCC]

Opinion: It may well be worth it...especially if it is to you.

If the cost is north of $2m, you are in the semi-custom range...i.e. Wilson and Baer country. I've never really "over-valued" the name on a 1911... I tend to judge based on craftsmanship (certainly) but also performance. I've seen every conceivable brand not only win matches but also fail.

The bottom line is that it is your call. First impressions are normally valid.

Good luck.

 

[Quack]

do it
i have custom shop gun (TGO1) and its the best 1911 that i have (better than my Brown or Wilson)

you can either buy the one that came in, or have one built to your spec's.
i'm thinking of having a 1911 built by the Custom Shop.

btw, what shop has it

 

[MADBMW]

Yes, it's worth the money (thoug I would try and go in the 2,200 range). I recently had a Springfield Custom, full size Custom Carry built by their custom shop. MANY people confuse Springfield Armory production line 1911's (yes even the TRP) with their custom shop guns. The custom shop guns are full on, hand built custom 1911's, and none of the Springfield production 1911;s (even the TRP) come close (even though they are good guns). When you order a custom shop gun, it is usually a one year wait as they build the guns one at a time. Guns built by the custom shop are every bit the equal (an in my opinion superior in many ways) to Wilson, Bear (of which I own or have owned both).

The Springfield Custom Shop is a true custom gun shop, unlike the "custom shops" of Kimber and Colt.

 

[Quack]

plus the Springfield Custom Shop builds the Professional for the FBI. I recently heard that the DEA approved 1911's and a Custom Shop 1911 is on that list.

 

[skipsan]

Sounds like a beautiful piece but in that price range there's some pretty nice competition from Wilson, Brown, Baer, etc. I've just taken delivery of a new Baer which is making me wonder why I spent so much more on other alternatives.

I have a SA Pro and the aggressive front strap checkering is not a problem and in fact I prefer it over some of the competition's offering. The Pro will NOT function reliably on Wilson magazines so the offering of free Wilson mags wouldn't go very far.

In that price range you should be getting EXACTLY what you want with no compromises, so I'd check the alternatives before dropping the hammer--pun intended. I've not seen that model on a retailer's shelf bfore and would wonder whether it's there because someone backed out of a sale. If so, the dealer probably already has made some money on it in the form of a forfeited deposit, so there might be a real bargain lurking. Good luck.

 

[Wesson Smith]

Thanks for the input. I definitely learned something about SA's custom operation. Sounds like this pistol would be something I would be proud to own. Skipsan, you have me thinking that it would be prudent of me to look into exactly how the dealer acquired this firearm. Now that I think of it, it is highly unlikely that he ordered the build for resale. It sounds to me like the custom shop's work is done primarily through orders placed by individual buyers. This is definitely food for thought. With regards to the Wilson mags not being compatible, that has me scratching my head. I use them without problems in all of my 1911s, SA or otherwise.

 

[kamagong]

I have a full-sized Custom Carry. It's a great gun and the gem of my meager collection. The Custom Shop does great work, I'd have no problem recommeding it to anyone.

That said, I wouldn't advise you to get that gun. It seems that there are a couple of features you don't like. At that price, the gun should be just the way you want it. If you really want a Springfield Custom 1911 place an order and wait your turn. They'll build it to your specs, so there is no reason to settle for anything else.

 

[benderx4]

I owned a Springfield Loaded and a TRP and they were both great, dependable guns. Then I fell into a deal where I picked up a Rob Leatham TGO1 from the Springfield Custom shop and it is like day and night. Seriously, even the TRP does not come close to the fit, finish, operation, and relilability of the Custom. My TGO1, and your future gun, are true "semi-customs", HAND BUILT one by one, by the best gunsmiths of the best 1911 building company EVER, other than Colt.

I currently own close to 30 guns, and if they changed the laws to only being allowed to own one gun - this would be it! It is one of my only guns that I take out of the safe to just admire and fondle. Truly a piece of art.

And BTW, my Springer works absolutely flawlessly with both Wilson Combat 47Ds, ETMs, and Tripp Cobra mags. As for the money involved, only YOU can answer that question. Sounds like you have a trade in, or trade ins, that would make your cash out lay a bit more manageable. My experience has been that I've gotten WAY MORE money selling my guns on these forums as opposed to trading them in.

Last point - unlike Baers, Browns, and Wilsons, sweet guns from the Springer Custom Shop are VERY HARD to find, new or used. Goes to show, once you're lucky enough to have one, you're going to hold onto it. Good luck , happy shooting, and an early CONGRATULATIONS on a fine purchase!

 

[wditto]

2500 ? is this a typo-error?
it is a Springfield, right?

 

[benderx4]

it is a Springfield, right?

No, actually it's not. It's a Springfield Custom. Two entirely different guns.

MANY people confuse Springfield Armory production line 1911's (yes even the TRP) with their custom shop guns.

Ya think?

 

[Shipwreck]

Love my Springfield Custom

 

[kamagong]

Are we showing off our Custom Shop pistols now? I want to play...

 

[Walkalong]

I'll play. Bought used, quite reasonable. I updated the Aimpoint to a newer one.

 

[Quack]