...Which 1911 to Buy?

[charliemopic]

7 years ago my brother Louie gifted to me a Norinco (Made in China) 1911A1 clone which got me started activly on guns and shooting regularly.
The Nork had been treated to a Wilson match barrel & bushing, trigger job, reliability package and adj. sights at Wilson in Berryville, Ark. then acquired from a Catholic priest in the 1990's as part of a multi gun deal.
I also have a CZ52 that I got in unissued condition and with over 2000 rounds of Romanian mil-surp and 300 rds. of factory fresh ammo thru it I found it to be totally-150% reliable with its speedy 7.62x25 bottle necked round but! Its difficult (for me) to shoot accuratly anywhere past 10 yards.
Dec.07 I bought a brand new CZ75 SPO1 in 9mm that with a recoil spring swap is also dead-nuts relaible and I like it alot.
Now I want a good 1911A1 Gov. or 6" long slide that costs Less Than $1600 maybe $1700. I may even sell off a few guns to help with the finance.
Glancing thru GunBroker.com I seen a LES BAER 1911 THUNDER RANCH SPECIAL , new with a $1750 Buy It Now price, and a New Stainless Steel Caspian XR 1911 .45 ACP Fitted, Assembled, and Tuned by Sportac Custom (Prescott, AZ) with a $1250 BIN price. Are these good 1911s at a good price for here in 2009? I really don't know!
I like Ed Brown 1911's mainly because of their low production numbers.
I'm not looking to buy a gun then send it out to have it upgraded. I want one that is done-completed. I am going to get one but am not in a hurry. I want to shop and learn about this level of 1911 before I chose and buy
Any suggestions?
Any first hand experiences with this level of 1911?

Thanks For Your Time
Any suggestions for a good 1911 clone

 

[kamagong]

I'm not familiar with the Caspian, but the TRS is a very good gun. I have a Baer Concept II myself and it's the gun I most enjoy shooting.

I suggest you check out both Browns and Baers if you can. Although they are both 1911s they feel slightly different in the hand due to the finishing touches that each maker puts on his guns. You may find that you like one maker more than the other.

 

[wccountryboy]

Caspian doesn't make complete guns to the best of my knowledge. They provide frames, slides, and various small parts for assembly by either custom smiths and shops, or DIY smiths. The Caspian may be a great deal, check with Sportac and see whats been done with this pistol. Also, do a little reserch and see what kind of reputation they have as a 1911 shop.
Baer and Brown both make great semi customs, along with Wilson and Nighthawk. Any of these may be had in the price range you're lookng at

 

[TX1911fan]

I would probably look at Ed Brown first. I think their pistols are first rate. Next would be any of Les Baer, Wilson, Nighhawk or the Springfield Armory Custom Shop.

 

[1911shooter]

Wilson CQB, i mean if your gonna spend the money might as well buy the best. i have a couple baers, an ed brown 2 Night Hawks and even a few others but my 4 Wilson Cqbs are the best most reliable 1911,s i've ever shot. carried or owned period. just my oppinion.

 

[Oro]

I am going to get one but am not in a hurry. I want to shop and learn about this level of 1911 before I chose and buy

My recommendation in this category is one of the options you've already found - find a gun outfitted like you want built by a reputable, known gunsmith on Caspian components. You will get what costs $2500 or $3k from Baer or Wilson for half the price on the used market. The reason you get a good deal like this is you've done the homework to know that Caspian components are top-drawer, and have researched the gunsmith's work.

This is my favorite 1911, a custom Caspian by Shooter's Choice, two toned blue/nickel, Bar-Sto barrel, etc. I took a long time shopping and found it used for 1/2 the cost of building it fresh. Something like this should fall really easily into your price range.

 

[benderx4]

For that money, I think you already found the best value on the market:

Les Baer Thunder Ranch Special

 

[rdan]

Do yourself a favor and check out Dan Wesson.
They are a semi-custom 1911,forged frames, hand fitted, no MIM or plastic.
Use Ed Brown parts and can be had for under 1K.
I've got a CBOB from them which has been just delightful in every way.

rdan