Wilson combat and Les Bare. Are there any others you would recommend?

Any one of three. Ad Ed Brown to that list.

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Heavily armed old man.

Nighthawk and Ed Brown come to mind, and there a several smaller shops.

1911 Custom Pistols and Handguns from Nighthawk Custom

https://www.edbrown.com

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Alden
Guns N' Rosés

That would be Baer, Les Baer.

I've read that new, Baer's guns are very, very, very tight. They loosen up and settle in after 500 rounds or so, as designed.

I had a couple of Wilson Combats. Beautiful guns, but I decided I am not a 1911 guy, so off they went.

D&L Sports, Dave Lauck.
The best unknown .45 smith in the country.
The Home of Quality Custom Firearms, Tactical Training and The Tactical Marksman's Match...

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John

I’m partial to Wilson but don’t own one. Shot several and find them superb.

However, I didn’t want to spend quite that much. So I bought a Dan Wesson. Sent it to a gunsmith for a trigger job. For under $2000 it will rival most any custom 1911 in fit and finish, reliability, and accuracy. Although I’m sure 1911 snobs would disagree.

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Life Is A Gift. Defend it!

For about $2,400 Les Baer has guns that are guaranteed to shoot 1-1/2" groups at 50 yards and I always wanted to shoot one just to see how good I would do.

Thank you for the replies.

Wilson Combat stuff is very good quality, but overpriced.
You can get the same quality for about 30% less elsewhere.

Wilson Combat is top-notch quality, but overpriced.
You can get the same quality for about 30% less elsewhere.

They are the Starbucks of the tactical gun world.

I have only one custom gun (Wilson Combat Master Grade conversion of a Colt Government Model)----a thing of beauty, and shoots bullets which most certainly must be guided by radar------------this from 1995, and has deteriorated not even a little bit. I have another, a quasi-custom gun, this one also from Colt (only Colt). It's a Special Combat Government Model, circa 1994. While the Wilson gun is so tight it squeaks, I swear the Colt is so loose, it most certainly rattles. The interesting (rather puzzling) thing is the test targets accompanying each gun show virtually identical results----one ragged hole----same range, same number of shots fired.

Ralph Tremaine

I lean toward the old school. I have .45s that were worked up by John Giles and Jim Clark. Jim Clark's grandsons have now taken up the business. John Giles has passed on but his guns turn up for sale every so often.

Certainly not saying this happened with your Colt but Colt has been caught lying with test targets before. A memorable one was a revolver that had missed a step in manufacturing — no hole in the bore, shipped with a SN-matching test target showing a lovely group.

Nope, no proof, sorry. I still found the tale hilarious.

My F-I-L has 2 Ed Brown 45's. He went NRA Distinguished using them.

Ivan

I like Novak .45 Shop and Heine if you can find one that he customized

Look at Alchemy Custom Weaponry. Rob Schauland, the owner still builds guns as far as I know. They are a no frills / old school builder. I have one on order, should be here end of October. He worked at Springfield for awhile and was recruited and hired by Cabot. Alchemy is his own brand while currently working for Cabot. I didn’t do a ton of research on his history so my take on his “history” could be way off.

I have basically zero experience, I’ve only shot a couple of Colts. This will be my 1st 1911, so what do I know? I figured if I’m gonna own an “American legend” firearm, I want to “go big or go home”.

They advertise about a 10 month wait. Ordered mine last Feb.Lots of videos on their pistols on internet.

Good luck!
Bob

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Keep on keepin on
SWCA #-3282

Having been in AMTU , lucked out couple years ago , picked up 1911A-1 done by military armorer. Shoots better than I can now after several hand, wrist and elbow surgeries, very happy and was less than 1K. I got a “ deal, deal”.

Had a number of 1911s some expensive some cheap. With a little tuneup all of them were more than capable weapons.

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Hue 68 noli me tangere

Alchemy would be somebody I would suggest looking into.

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Dave Ramsey Cultist

I had two Les Bares,and when new are extremely tight. So tight,in fact,I was unable to rack the slide.I think I had to put the muzzle on a table top and use both hands to push it down. After a hundred rounds it was easier.Bare makes ,in my opinion,the guns with the best blueing and finish.I also had another top makers 1911,which,incidentally,was the worst 1911 I ever owned

Bill @ Cylinder & Slide has been a magic gunsmith since my late father shot with him back in the 70's and I picked up their brass.. he doesn't really have a "gun model" for sale retail.. but since he is still about 35 miles down the road it is a no brainer for me.

Ever since I was little I loved the 1911 45, I bought my series 80 gold cup in '98, it needed a few things and I've put 4,000.00 into it, never expecting to get a return but its just the way I want it and tight as a drum, no fancy name but damn fine gun. Also its the only gun I have with rubber grips.

I’m a big fan of of Colt 1911s, and have several, including a chromed Special Combat Government. For the high end 1911s, I’ve got a Les Baer, and love it. I ordered it with tye 1.5” at 50 yard guarantee, and no front cocking serrations. It’s a beautiful gun, and yes, it’s got a nice tight fit….

I really like the Baers, they are all business; everything you need, and nothing you don’t need. I’m sure the gun can shoot 1.5” groups at 50 yards, but I sure as heck can’t…! .

Not a great photo, but here’s my Baer.

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NRA Life Member

I hate to say it, but I have to agree with the others who have already said it - Wilsons are nice weapons, but more than a bit pricey, at least in my opinion. Baers are good value for the money spent, iMO, and are “a known quantity,” should resale become necessary. If you would happen to have a problem, I think Baer will stand behind their guns. I would not spend the extra bucks for one of the 1-1/2” capable guns. I’d buy an ordinary Premier II, shoot it a year or two, and see if I liked it.

I’ve been happy with Baers. I’d love to have a Wilson Super Grade, but I have to face reality. I’m too cheap to ever lay out the clams, the price hasn’t gone down, and no one’s offered to give me one because I’m a nice guy.

Rock River used to build an excellent 1911 (I think it was founded by former Baer employees). Then they quit to concentrate on AR15s. I think they recently got back into 1911s, no idea how they compare to their old ones.

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Common sense isn't so common.

I own a Baer and a Wilson. They are both really nice and a pleasure to shoot. I would say to spend the money and give one a try. Used ones are not hard to sell. Besides if you keep it a while you may even make a little money, if you decide to sell.

Strayer-Voigt, Inc. (also known as SVI) make fine-custom double-stack 2011/1911-pattern guns for competition with a steel upper and plastic magwell/grip. I think they might do some more conventional stuff as well. I think prices start at $4.5K

I have owned Wilson, Nighthawk, Les Baer, and Harrison 1911 pistols.
I parted with all of them.
I have an Ed Brown. Its a keeper.

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ROCK RIVER ARMS ARE THE WAY TO GO. I HAVE SEVERAL. I'VE HAD SEVERAL OTHER CUSTOM BUILDERS AND NONE COULD HOLD A CANDLE TO THE ROCK RIVERS.

ORIGINALLY HAD BOUGHT A BAER WITH THE 1.5" GUARANTEE. IT WAS A 5.5" GUN AT 50YDS FROM THE RANSOM REST. AFTER SEVERAL CONTACTS WITH THEM; LES SAID" SEND IT BACK AND I'LL SELL IT TO SOMEONE WHO KNOWS HOW TO SHOOT.". FUNNY THING IS I WAS(THAN NOT NOW) A HIGH MASTER CLASS SHOOTER WITH 4 DISTINGUISHED BADGES IN 2 DIFFERENT DISCIPLINES. I THAN WENT TO ROCK RIVER AND HAVEN'T LOOKED BACK. THAT WAS 20 YEARS AGO.

I HAVE MY OWN RANSOM REST. EVERY ROCK RIVER GUN I'VE BOUGHT MET THE 1.5" 50 YARD GUARANTEE.

Back about twenty years ago, I found a Colt's Gold Cup in my local gun
store. Thought it looked alright so I bought it. Took it to the range to
fire it. First shot the front sight fell off. It also had some reliability issues.

Then I took it to my local gunsmith and had him put a AO big dot sight
on the front. He suggested Wilson Combat magazines for the reliability
issues, which helped a lot.

In 2003 I read an article about Karl Sokol who did business as Chestnut
Mountain Sports. I was impressed by some of the comments: "extreme
reliability in every gun that leaves his shop" and "When it absolutely,
positively must work, knowledgeable people from all over the world send
their guns to Karl Sokol."

So I sent it to Karl. He did his reliability package, replaced most parts
with Ed Brown parts, and did his Mountain Tuff Finish. A wear-proof
finish that is impervious to anything, and it's natural lubricity increases
the gun's reliability.

A little later, I got a set of Herrett's double diamond cocobolo panels
and put them on. The pistol has been 100% reliable for twenty years
now, and it is far more accurate than my capability.

Here is a photo at left, and a picture of it's favorite ride gifted to me by
my friend Red Nichols. It was Red's proto-type for his Brill-Persons.
His belt is a Sidewinder.

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In Omnia Paratus

ACW Alchemy Custom Weaponry

I have a Custom Carry and the level of hand fitting for the money is an excellent value.

There are used ones avail or place your order and do the 6-8 month wait game.

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if you're gonna be a bear...

Fortunately, I am a big fan of Dan Wesson 1911s, so, I will likely never throw big money at a 1911... If I were to want to really empty the wallet on one 1911, it would most likely be from Turnbull...

My preference is Baer. My marksmanship ability is a RIA. My wallet doesn't allow many choices.

I own Colts and Dan Wesson's and about 10 years ago, I did roll my own using a Caspian frame and slide. My home brew cost me about $1600 more than if I bought Baer or Brown, this was due to buying tools, jigs and such. Fun project, but I would not suggest it for a one off pistol.

Buy a Colt or a Dan Wesson, spend the money you save from buying a custom on ammo, magazines and good gun leather.

Wilson Combat 1911's are well made and of high quality materials. Wilson's will warrant them. I've had their proprietary rear sight fall apart (rear leaf fell off) after some 20K rounds. Had an early design of their magwell break. In both cases they handed the repairs well on their nickel. Replacement magwell required blending to frame to they got to refinish the frame in the process.

Recently I have been looking around for a series 70 Colt 1911. Nice ones seem to go for more than I want to tie up in a 1911. My oldest son has a Wilson . Nice gun, but I know he paid a lot for it. So I kind of got my mind made up that I am not going down the 3K rabbit hole for a custom 1911, although I want is just a standard 1911 Govt model. I don't really care about the tack driving accuracy feature.

I guess i will just stay with the Officer's acp that I bought new in about 1985, and actually walked it into the Colt Custom Shop for tuning. I worked in Hartford at the time.

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Pete
I ain't no fortunate son

My Colt Gold Cup will shoot 1 1/2 inches at 50 yards!

The makers being discussed (Baer, Brown, Wilson) are actually semi-custom manufacturers. That is not to say they don't make great pistols- they absolutely do. I've handled Ed Browns-smooth as silk and fantastic fit and finish- and was fortunate to pick up a secondhand unfired Wilson at a good price. It is long past being unfired and is a keeper for sure. One of the few pieces that I would not consider selling. The semi-customs have their set line of models that you can buy off the rack or order with a limited number of predetermined specific changes to suit your likes and needs. They should be there to provide excellent customer service and support if you have any issues down the line.

True custom builders will work with you individually to create an entirely bespoke pistol to your full specs from the ground up. Of course, you will pay dearly for the privilege and anticipate a long (years-plural) wait til you see your gun. Get as much info about each individual custom craftsman as you can, interview them, discuss your wants and needs, look at their gallery of past pistols, be sure you can work with them and that they will support you with service after the pistol is in your hands. Ask yourself whether you really need what they can offer and whether the cost or wait is worth your time and $. Lots more specific guidance available on line.

Then, there are some excellent factory production 1911s whose quality is virtually indistinguishable from a custom or semi custom 1911. I place my Dan Wesson commander-sized Valor in this category. In fact, I like it better and shoot it way more than my custom full size.

FWIW, If I had to do it all over again, I would have passed on a custom and saved my coin for something else, being beyond happy with my semi --custom Wilson and factory Dan Wesson.

Good luck in your decision.

LES BAER is the BEST 1911 in 45 ACP. I carry mine every day that I don't carry MODEL 29 or Model 57.
Can you tell I like the number 4 ?

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V/r,
Markham

Yes! John Giles actually built the guns he sold. So did Jimmy Clark in the old days.
There are still guys who do great work on 1911s on an individual basis. But one guy can't serve national level demand/attention and do his own work. In other words, if you want "big name" understand that you're buying a brand name, and you have no idea who built your gun, or for that matter, how many guys had a hand in it. Many people have bought, say, a Baer with a 1.5" guarantee (not to single them out) and then had to pay someone to improve the trigger.
Your best bet is word of mouth. Attend local matches. Bullseye matches are best as the performance demands are highest. Alternatively, you could lurk around the bullseye L forum.
There's some really great smiths out there that can build you an outstanding personal gun for very reasonable money and fairly quick turnaround times.
Put an emphasis on accuracy, trigger, and reliability. Besides the sights, everything else is just "bells and whistles".

Currently, my only semi-custom is a Guncrafter No Name. It's a very well built 1911.



I have an Alchemy Prime that just shipped to my FFL that I have not seen yet. I wanted something that looked like a classic 1911 and only has the necessary upgrades for shooting comfort. The ACW fit the bill, and I have heard nothing but great things about them.

I own Brown’s Baers and Wilson. All are great guns, but prefer Ed Brown 1911s.

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213th FBINA

Hello 👋, I didn’t see the APW,Accurate Plating and Weaponry, I have 2 of Bob Cogan’s Cohan custom speed comp from the 80’s.
I’m bias but they are some of the finest 1911’s I have ever seen!
Semper paratus

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NRA Life Member
CPO

Turn off the caps lock.

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That's just somebody talkin.

I agree with Kanew...those Dan Wessons sure seem like a heckuva value.

I bought this dude NIB and later sold it because of the finickiness of 9mm single stack mags. I bought it back because it was a good shooter plus I will deal with 9 round mags instead of 10s.

Danny Wesson Valkyrie aluminum frame


my retirement gift to myself even though I have not taken the plunge. Some cool grips are in the works for this piece.





I have had this dude since 2008 and 15K of hard use later... still running


I recently parked my 2008 from duty carry in favor of a issued 2005 model.

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if you're gonna be a bear...

and when I shot PPC, this SACS guy was a shooter



my dads Colt that was tuned by Sams Custom

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if you're gonna be a bear...

Y'all know that I'm a 1911 kinda guy and I have a bunch of 'em.
As much as I can admire and drool over the high priced custom guns, They just ain't worth the money to me. At my age, I'm just not capable of shooting these fine firearms up to their full potential. I can take a standard production gun, tweak it a little and still end up with one that shoots better than me.
I do own a 70 series Gold Cup that is a remarkable shooter. I really like this one.
The only true custom 1911 I own is a 1964 Clark Longslide. Even after 67 years, it still locks up like a bank vault and in the hands of a good shooter can still shoot clover leafs at 25 yards.

LES SAID" SEND IT BACK AND I'LL SELL IT TO SOMEONE WHO KNOWS HOW TO SHOOT.".

“Duly noted.” I’ve seen this before from Baer and it does not inspire confidence, but overall, I still believe that generally their guns are pretty good value for the bucks. Of course if you get a lemon and there’s no willingness to help…

What Waxter60 said. I have owned 4 full customs over the years. Two of them were from CT Brian, one of the best known custom builders in the US. I still have one of them but I had it built when his guns were a whole lot less than they are now!!! Many of the top custom builder's guns are now in the $10,000 range, ouch!