Let's talk custom 1911 makers

[ohiojerry]

I will occassionally get the urge to buy a custom 1911. That urge has reared its head again and is kind of hanging on longer than usual so I've been looking around websites, reading, etc.

I am considering the "big 3"--Wilson, Baer, Ed Brown. Of the three, the EBs are by far the most aesthetically pleasing to me and retain a more "classic" look than the other 2. Plus I like the fact that you can get them with no engraving on the slides.

Beyond appearance, are there really major differences between these makers or is a $3K gun a $3K gun regardless of what name is on it?

What have your experiences been with these or other custom makers?

I'm looking for honest feedback but please keep it civil so the thread doesn't get closed.

Thank you.

 

[Maximumbob54]

I agree with you on the Ed Brown "looking" the best and that is really my only reason I would pick that one over any other.

But really no matter which one you go with I don't think you can go really wrong.

 

[Alnamvet68]

Personally, I don't consider the above three real "custom gun" makers. They are still production guns, just expensive, which doesn't make them custom. Now, IMO, if you want a custom 1911, buy the least expensive Colt or Springfield, used would be fine, and take a gander at what real custom is all about. The forum is the hangout for all custom 1911 smith's worthy of your hard earned dollars...

www dot louderthanwords dot us

You'll be glad you did.

 

[Malpasowildlifer]

If you can swing it:

Mark Morris Custom Pistols

Awesome guy and true artist

 

[ACP230]

I used to see the smiths from Cylinder & Slide at the Second Chance
Bowling Pin Shoot. Their .45s and BHPs were excellent custom guns.

If I had the cash, I'd call them.

 

[M&P Freak]

Wilson's customer service is better than S&W. That's something to consider when you're talking about real expensive things. I've owned a few and liked Wilson's build quality the best.

 

[A10]

Don't forget about Nighthawk Custom, they do a good job as well. If I were going for a big name custom my choice would probably be Wilson. Truth be told, there are some darn fine production guns out there now, including Dan Wesson, the Sig traditional line (I'm thoroughly impressed with the ones I've seen, though they all seem to need a bit of trigger work), and the Smith E series.

 

[Sprefix]

Of the three, I've owned from two of them. Wilson was excellent for a "shelf custom". I wouldn't give a bucket of cold !*$$ for another LESS Baer (spelled the way it should be when refering to his guns). My next and last "shelf custom" will be an Ed Brown.

 

[novalty]

Agree with the sentiments on Ed Brown. For some reason their 1911's I am immediately drawn to, could never afford one, but would be my number 1 choice.

 

[McGivern]

FYI, you can get a Wilson without 'engraving' on the slide, also. Of the big 3, I have owned all at one time or another. My first choice is Wilson and only own Wilson at present. If you have a problem, which is rare, Wilson's no BS policy is to make it right. They pay for shipping BOTH ways and fix whatever it is to your satisfaction. I have found that the other two may or may not take care of you, depends on the which way the wind is blowing that day.

 

[george minze]

Look at some of the 1911 Novak pistols......Wayne does one hbeck of a good job, not cheap but worth the money if you want something made for you with what you want if practical.....

 

[Frank237]

I've owned most of them. Still have a Wilson and a commander length EB.

Had a NOVAK 1911 as well and he also did a lot of work on a BHP for me. Can't go wrong with Novak. Same for Nighthawk

I agree 110% on the Baer guns....stay away. Especially feel sorry for anyone wanting CS from Baer.

I'd look at Wilson...one can get a bare slide, no FCS, etc. Same for EB.

I ordered my last EB three years back. I put $100 or $150 aside every month or so. Gun showed up in 5 months, was about $1900. I didn't have to dig too deeply to come up with the balance. Painless.

For the nay sayers who will start bringing up their Sprinfield's , Rugers, etc. And stating how their $800 pistol is no different than a $3K Wilson or NH.....They are WRONG. Few things as pleasurable for the true pistol nut ,like a well done 1911.
SMOOTH, accurate...an absolute pleasure and a joy to shoot.

 

[novalty]

I agree with you Frank, my S&W 1911 target model is not in the same league as a Wilson, or Ed Brown, but it was less than half the cost, and I know my skills won't improve over the cost difference. If I was going to lay my hands on a more expensive 1911 that would be easier on my budget I'd get another Wesson--Dan Wesson (pre CZ).

Will be waking this old girl up from a long winter's nap and getting her ready to pounds some plates this weekend.

 

[JayCeeNC]

Dave Lauck, D&L Sports, Inc.
American Pistolsmith of the Year 2012, and one of the most meticulous 1911 builders in the country. I own one of his guns, and I used to do his photography so I've handled dozens more. None finer, in my opinion.

The Home of Quality Custom Firearms, Tactical Training and The Tactical Marksman's Match...

 

[harleyvato]

Wilson for me as well,I have never had experience with the other makers, but service after the sale is what sold me on them, not that I have needed it. I bought mine(from an individual)and called them and must have spent close to half an hour answering my questions about the pistol, warranty etc.later I sent a kimber back to kimber and the Wilson magwell I installed was broken in the process(by kimber)the Wilson response:just send it back we will replace it! I have heard stories of them replacing tritium sights after they dimmed as well

 

[mkk41]

I guess I have a different definition of custom. Ya don't buy a custom gun , car/motorcycle/home. Ya build it or have it built to your specs.

Never saw much sense in taking a brand new factory pistol and removing half the original parts and replacing them with aftermarket (custom?) parts which may be of lesser quality either.

There's plenty of used of previously customized or not so new guns out there just waiting for some TLC.

Before I got it , someone had tried to weld a vent rib on the slide of this Colt Ser.70 , and must have worn out his Dremel with the frame ramp and barrel throat ground the way they were. The "trigger job" was , , , like no other!

Millett sights , a Bar-Sto ramped barrel and new internals from Chip McCormack made everything right again.


Of course , ya could always go with a tactical custom!

 

[H Richard]

This is my custom. Made by me, over a 3-4 year period. Worked under the direction of a close friend gunsmith and we tightened the frame to slide fit, fit up a solid bushing, polished the feed ramp, installed a beavertail safety, installed Bomar rear sight and patridge front, stippled the top of the slide, front strap, and re-contoured and stippled the main-spring housing. Installed a McCormick Titanium hammer, and stainless mag well. Enlarged mag release, and new grips. Action tuned to a 3 1/2 lb trigger. Frame refinished by Metaloy, slide blued by a local.

I have had this one for over 25 years and it still shoots a 200 gr cast bullet into 2 1/2" groups at 25 yards. No, I have no idea how much I have in it, but learned a whole lot over those years.

 

[sar4937]

I have Wilson's & Les Baer's, I compete with an Infinity 2011. Brandon Strayer at Infinity builds an excellent, hand built 1911. An Infinity is not the same as an STI. Most of Wilson's pistols are coated and not blued. There are quite a few excellent used high end pistols, I bought my last Les Baer for $1400. People buy them and don't shoot them, times get tough and they sell them.

 

[Kanewpadle]

Sounds like you want a nice 1911 for the prestige of owning one. Nothing wrong with that. Buy a Wilson.

If prestige has nothing to do with it, buy a Dan Wesson, Springfield, or Ruger.

I don't care what anyone says, my Ruger can keep up with any custom gun at self defense distances when used for self defense. Bulls eye shooting might be a different story.

For the sake of argument, I have put a few thousand rounds through Wilson and Ed Brown pistols. And yes I did notice a difference. But for me the difference in cost doesn't justify the little difference in quality.

 

[Onomea]

I like H Richard's approach above. I would love to do that, but would need a gunsmith pal to help me out.

I have a Wilson. I agree it is not a full custom, but one can specify whatever features one wants. Or does not want. I bought it because I wanted a very nice 1911, had the bucks to do it, but did not know a whole lot about 1911s.

I researched a fair amount. Learned that Nighthawk was founded by guys that broke away from Wilson, for example, and that Les Baer's guns are extremely tight initially. Both Ed Brown and Les Baer have a rep for being crotchety old codgers. Joanie Lynn, who used to post here and is really into to 1911s likes Baer. But she knows 1911s really well. I did not want to get a great 1911, have questions out of ignorance, or need service, and have to deal with a crotchety old guy, however skilled. (I am increasingly a crotchety old guy myself, so one of us is enough!). So I went with Wilson for the reputation of their guns, and for the reputation of their terrific customer service.