I really like my S&W 1911PD (and my other S&W's, too) but every now and then, I find myself looking at one of those $3,000 1911s, like Wilson Combat, Ed Brown, or Nighthawk Custom, and I wonder, "Am I missing something? What would one of those be like? Would it be worth the price difference?"

What do you guys think?

Some might disagree, but yes, you are missing something. I own and often carry a Nighthawk Talon II Bobtail in 9x23, and recently sold its near-twin. I also own a Wilson CQB Compact in .45. If you understand and can appreciate the difference in fit and quality between the high-end guns and good, but not great 1911s like run-of-the mill Kimbers and Smiths, you'll be hooked, once you experience The Dark Side.

In fairness, though, my most frequent EDC gun is a customized Kimber Aegis in 9x23, and it doesn't take a lot of parts or work (or money) to put a high-end Kimber in the same class with a Wilson, at least. (Don't know if it's still true, but for a long time, Wilson and Kimber frames and slides were made by the same factory.)

I don't really know. I find myself asking the same question at times. My 1911 is the Kimber Custom TLE that LAPD SWAT uses. I paid 500 bucks from a buddy of mine. I cant really imagine that LAPD SWAT would use an inadequate firearm. Still I would like to know. Might be like the difference of driving a Toyota compared to a Mercedes

Chad

Search for the word boutique. There was just a big discussion here of the high end 1911's.

the performance center 1911 from SW is excellent.

b

I will match my Springfield 1911 Loaded series against any of the high end pistols. My gun is 100% reliable, more accurate than I can shoot and has many of the "high end" enhancements in it's factory form! All for the low end price of $800ish new! Check them out, probably the best bargain out there!
My $0.02

I have a Springfield Loaded which is 100% reliable and accurate -- an excellent gun. But, it's not the same as a couple of Ed Browns I own.

For some, a Honda CRV is a reliable, economic auto that can go in the snow. Others wouldn't have one and might want a full sized truck with a Cummings engine or maybe a Jaguar. Me, I'm happy to drive an 8 year old Honda but I really appreciate my Browns for the fine machines that they are. Only you can decide if the extra money is worth it.

If your production gun does what you're after, it doesn't make sense to spend the money for a custom IMO.

I got my custom 1911 years ago when the prices were around $1200. $3000 seems too steep for what you get. Mine is flawless, but after the initial wow factor you get over it. I only notice the difference at longer ranges.

I don't think tight 1911's make the best combat rig if that's what you're after.

Yes, there quite a step up in quality when you get up there with Les Baer, Wilson Combat, and the Dan Wesson 1911's.

I'm very happy with my Les Baer P2,and think I have an appreciation for the fine stuff,but I have difficulty in seeing why some of the other brands are 50% more and up.Is an Ed Brown Exec Target worth another $800?

quote:

Originally posted by Camster:
I'm very happy with my Les Baer P2,and think I have an appreciation for the fine stuff,but I have difficulty in seeing why some of the other brands are 50% more and up.Is an Ed Brown Exec Target worth another $800?

Not for me. I have a P-II, and it is a keeper, but an Ed Brown Kobra and Kobra Carry are no longer with me. They just didn't float my boat, even though they were beautiful, didn't speak to me the same way.

If I had the money to spend, I'd probably buy one. I don't, so I haven't.

A couple of years ago, I sold a S&W PC 945 and ordered a Les Baer Concept VII pistol, with a couple of custom features.

It took 5 months to get it, and it is very beautiful and well-made.

It also will not feed hollowpoint ammo reliably.

It is 100% reliable with FMJ loads, and stunningly accurate, but with hollowpoints, almost every magazine has at least one failure to feed properly; typically, the round hangs up feeding into the chamber, or the pistol appears to be okay, but it won't fire and upon examination it is just slightly out of battery.

What to do? Well, it's a tough call. This is a stunningly accurate pistol, but I wouldn't dare use it for self-defense, as it isn't reliable.

Send it back to Baer? Why? If they didn't build it right initially, what will they do to it now?

Have another 'smith work on it? That will void any claim I might ever have, should something else break on it.

Sell it? And stick someone else with the FTF problem? I wouldn't want someone to do that to me!

So it sits in my safe, a beautiful white elephant. I shoot it once in a blue moon, and only with FMJ ammo, and it is accurate, but I sure wish I hadn't sold that 945...

My vote would be for the S&W 1911 from the Performance Center. I have used the S&W 945 PC for Bullseye pistol. It feeds every bullet shape in a wide variety of handloads. If the performance center 1911 is anywhere near the 945's relaibility and accuracy it would be my pick. For concealed carry I prefer the S&W 642 or Kahr PM9.

The other 45 pistol you might want to consider is the Pardini GT-45. Supperbly accurate with an awsome adjustable trigger. One must adjust to the grip angle which is similar to the Pardini SP 22's, the wide body magwell, and the lack of aftermarket grips. I shoot the Pardini SP in bullseye so the grip angle was comfortable for me. The wide bodied frame and lack of after market grips finally persuaded me to sell my GT-45 which I often regret.

I have an Ed Brown Cobra Carry (Commander size with bobbed mainspring housing). It is the only 1911 I own; I'm not really a 1911 person.

It has never failed to feed, fire, eject, or whatever with any ammuntion. It is a superb piece of machinery.

I almost never carry it; I'm habituated to the TDA S&Ws. Still, it's a joy to own.

BTW, I had a Les Baer in stainless. It was so tight that, unless it was perfectly oiled, it would gall.

It seems to me that Les Baers are primarily target guns and the Ed Browns are designed for carry.