Which "Custom" 1911 .45acp?

[Protected One]

I have decided to buy a custom 1911 (.45 acp) next spring. Having looked at several different makers, it come down to Les Baer, Wilson Combat, Nighthawk, or Ed Brown. I'm leaning toward an Ed Brown but wanted to get some input from forum members on your experiences.

I don't think any choice will be a "bad one", but I want to make the "best one".

Thanks guys and gals!

 

[oneounceload]

Which one has the features/options you want? The 1911 itself should feel the same since the frame isn't any different in size or shape. Some offer other enhancements that you might like.

 

[ContinentalOp]

I'm not as much of a 1911 aficionado as many here, but I would agree that it would be hard to make a "wrong" choice.

Of your choices, I would narrow it down to Wilson vs. Brown.

Les Baer's always seemed to border on "too tight" for me (but they may be just fine for everybody else). Plus, if I'm not mistaken, they're set up in such a way that you can't slingshot their slides (I'd like to have that option); I hope someone corrects me if I'm wrong.

I don't actually know much about the Nighthawks, but from what I've seen they don't seem to offer anything that really appeals to me, usually too much of something or not enough of something else...I can't remember, exactly...it's been a while since I've looked at their offerings. [Sidenote: I am intrigued by their Hi-Power, though.]

I like the fact that both Wilson and Brown give customers a variety of options. Personally, I went with Ed Brown for the vote. I've even played with the customization page on his website. I particularly like that I could select a 4.5-5lb trigger option as I prefer a heavier trigger on 1911s. I'm rather fond of the two-tone Special Forces Carry Bobtail model, with some VZ Tactical Carry grips (it's not like I've given it much thought, or anything... ).

However, if I were going to spend that much money on a 1911, I would most likely have one custom built by JD Harrison as I'm rather fond of his retro options.

 

[Protected One]

I'm not as much of a 1911 aficionado as many here, but I would agree that it would be hard to make a "wrong" choice.

Of your choices, I would narrow it down to Wilson vs. Brown.

Les Baer's always seemed to border on "too tight" for me (but they may be just fine for everybody else). Plus, if I'm not mistaken, they're set up in such a way that you can't slingshot their slides (I'd like to have that option); I hope someone corrects me if I'm wrong.

I don't actually know much about the Nighthawks, but from what I've seen they don't seem to offer anything that really appeals to me, usually too much of something or not enough of something else...I can't remember, exactly...it's been a while since I've looked at their offerings. [Sidenote: I am intrigued by their Hi-Power, though.]

I like the fact that both Wilson and Brown give customers a variety of options. Personally, I went with Ed Brown for the vote. I've even played with the customization page on his website. I particularly like that I could select a 4.5-5lb trigger option as I prefer a heavier trigger on 1911s. I'm rather fond of the two-tone Special Forces Carry Bobtail model, with some VZ Tactical Carry grips (it's not like I've given it much thought, or anything... ).

However, if I were going to spend that much money on a 1911, I would most likely have one custom built by JD Harrison as I'm rather fond of his retro options.

Thanks for the comments. I too was intrigued enough with their Hi Power offering that I considered getting one, but already having a Hi Power I decided to go a different route. BUT THAT IS ONE SHARP GUN! ...and from what I've read the performance matches the looks!

The Ed Brown Special Forces model is nice, but the Executive Carry Model is the one that has my eye. Wilson has a couple that are making it a difficult decision. That's why I'm not rushing into this choice.

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

Always dreamed of owning a Wilson Combat. A while back I got the opportunity to shoot two new ones, 45ACP and 9mm. Great guns in all respects, particularly frame/slide fit... really feel the difference compared to an off the shelf example. But... no magic. Kinda wish I never handled one and still had the dream.

 

[Protected One]

Always dreamed of owning a Wilson Combat. A while back I got the opportunity to shoot two new ones, 45ACP and 9mm. Great guns in all respects, particularly frame/slide fit... really feel the difference compared to an off the shelf example. But... no magic. Kinda wish I never handled one and still had the dream.

Me too! In Arizona last year I got to handle a couple of Wilson Combats and an Ed Brown model. The frame/slide fit is incredible, and then there's the other special touches that make them what they are.

My motto use to be - "I have the simplest of taste...I only want the best". Haven't always been able to meet that goal, but, God willing next spring I can do so with a handgun.

 

[4barrel]

Why not go to some gun shows and handle a few. You can buy a used one like new for less than 1/2 the price. Most good 1911 shooters can feel of a gun and tell if it will do good. Most will not function with a lot of different ammo. If you are looking for a carry gun I would lean to Kimber. There are lots of Wilsons and Clarks in my area. You cant wear them out. $1200 should get one 90% or better that will hit the 10 ring. Let us know what you end up with. I like photos. I get to shoot a lot of custom guns each week.

 

[johnbeaver]

I voted Brown because I have a Kobra carry. Very smooth and accurate.
The only other I had any experience with is Baer. But for the money, Glad I went with Brown.

 

[Bullseye 2620]

To each his own, but for the kind of money all of these guys charge you might think that each pistol is built solely by the guy whose name is on the slide, and, that each pistol can put 10 consecutive rounds into a 2 inch center to center group at 50 yards out of a Ransom Rest.

Yes, you might think that.

On the other hand, there are pistolsmiths around like Alex Hamilton and Robert Garrett whose 1911s meet those qualifications.

 

[colt_saa]

Your title says "Custom"

Do you really mean "Custom" or are you looking at one of their standard off the shelf configurations?

It is VERY hard to be dissatisfied with any of those selections be it a "Custom" project or one of their standard off the shelf models.

I went with Les Baer since he already had a start on what I wanted and was easy to work with. I began with a Long Slide

The oversize mag release, smooth laser logo grips and Baer coat were added at the request for the build. Most of the other features were things that he put on his off the shelf models already,

 

[Protected One]

Why not go to some gun shows and handle a few. You can buy a used one like new for less than 1/2 the price. Most good 1911 shooters can feel of a gun and tell if it will do good. Most will not function with a lot of different ammo. If you are looking for a carry gun I would lean to Kimber. There are lots of Wilsons and Clarks in my area. You cant wear them out. $1200 should get one 90% or better that will hit the 10 ring. Let us know what you end up with. I like photos. I get to shoot a lot of custom guns each week.

The guns show near me has never had a vendor with ANY of the gun makes that I mention, which is surprising considering there are 600+ tables! If I could find a 90% for a substantially lower price I would sacrifice having one custom made for me.

As to KIMBER. A good friend has one that he cherishes, and when I finally got him to bring it to the range so I could shoot it, well, lets just say that we couldn't get a full magazine through it without a failure of one type or another. Thus, for me, Kimber is a no go.

 

[Rio Laxas]

Have you considered Guncrafter?

I looked at the options you mentioned and was really leaning towards an Ed Brown Classic Custom, but then I looked into Guncrafter, and I really fell in love with the simple configuration of the No Name Government (not that you can't customize the heck out of it). I just put a two tone model (melonite upper and hard chrome lower) on their one year layaway with a $500 deposit, and I can't wait! They don't have the name recognition of the bigger custom shops, but they have an excellent reputation.

 

[03hemi]

Wilson for the win.

 

[colt_saa]

The guns show near me has never had a vendor with ANY of the gun makes that I mention, which is surprising considering there are 600+ tables! If I could find a 90% for a substantially lower price I would sacrifice having one custom made for me.

As to KIMBER. A good friend has one that he cherishes, and when I finally got him to bring it to the range so I could shoot it, well, lets just say that we couldn't get a full magazine through it without a failure of one type or another. Thus, for me, Kimber is a no go.

I did not talk about Kimber because it was not in your list.

To stereotype an entire company because of one example that is not 100% is not fair.

Kimber makes some very nice pistols on their upper end. I have been shooting a Polymer framed Kimber Gold Match (14+1 rounds) for many years now and The Gold Match is a spectacular pistol for the money in either the single stack or double stack configurations.

Then there is the Kimber Super Match

I removed the magazine funnel on mine, but this firearm is the equal of most all examples of the four manufacturers that you mentioned that I have had the pleasure to shoot

My Les Baer Long Slide out shoots it, but not by much and the Kimber Super Match shoots better than my Les Baer Concept VII

The only other two 1911s that turn in better performance than my Kimber Super Match are my Ted Yost Signature model and my Forrest Special

It is a shame you are not in Florida, I would gladly meet you at the range to shoot one day. I can not tell you how many fellow Forum members I have corrupted over the years letting them shoot firearms the had not had a chance to handle before

Perhaps one of the other folks in this thread is close to you and willing to make the same offer.

 

[BE Mike]

I have decided to buy a custom 1911 (.45 acp) next spring. Having looked at several different makers, it come down to Les Baer, Wilson Combat, Nighthawk, or Ed Brown. I'm leaning toward an Ed Brown but wanted to get some input from forum members on your experiences.

I don't think any choice will be a "bad one", but I want to make the "best one".

Thanks guys and gals!

Other than replacing Les Baer with Rock River, I think you are on the right track. Rock River pistols are superior to Les Baer, IMHO. The only custom 1911 pistols I own are from Clark Custom, but I've some experience with Rock River and like them more. I don't carry a 1911, but I have a Springfield Armory Match Trophy that has a fitted barrel bushing and Cylinder & Slide hammer, sear, etc. It is very shootable, accurate and reliable. Spending one or more thousand bucks wouldn't get me anything better, IMHO.

 

[ContinentalOp]

Have you considered Guncrafter?

Ooh...Guncrafter...forgot about them. I like their no-frills No Name.

Aren't they the ones that make the .50GI?

 

[MCorps0311]

I want a Ed Brown,for a safe queen!

 

[Fred_G]

I got my Wilson 1911's used for a great price, even got to shoot them before buying them. I like them a lot, but If I were in your shoes, I might go for the Brown, and have a little change left over, depending on the model you are looking at.

Can't really go wrong with any on your list. Do any of them make the exact gun you want? Another option is to buy a good base gun, like a Colt or Springfield, shoot it, and send it off for custom work later.

Also, you might want to look around in some of the gun forums, I often see some pretty good deals on lightly used semi custom 1911's.

Have fun picking one out.

 

[model3sw]

To each his own, but for the kind of money all of these guys charge you might think that each pistol is built solely by the guy whose name is on the slide, and, that each pistol can put 10 consecutive rounds into a 2 inch center to center group at 50 yards out of a Ransom Rest.

Yes, you might think that.

On the other hand, there are pistolsmiths around like Alex Hamilton and Robert Garrett whose 1911s meet those qualifications.

So did John Giles (RIP). There's a guy who built the gun start to finish by himself. Any one of my Giles .45s or .38 Mid Range 1911s will still do that closer to 1.5 inches at 50 yards on a Ransom Rest. Ask anyone that owns one. Better yet find an old time that still has the test targets. My newest Giles is 1972, 70 series, then 3 Colt 1911 Kits (built on Colt 1911 gunsmith Kits), one 38 Mid Range and two .45 ACPs from the 1960s.

Heck, I've got a George Madore customized .45 Springfield that can do 2 inch groups at 50 yards.

 

[DukeSoprano]

I have owned all 4 of your choices:

I never warmed up to the Les Baer Monolith so I traded it off.

The Nighthawk was nice but I liked the other two better


I traded the Nighthawk Bob Marvel for this:

The Wilson Combat is my carry gun and I will NEVER sell it.

The Ed Brown is as nice as the Wilson Combat but I hate to holster it, the finish is AMAZING!

You can't go wrong with any of them but my fav's out of those 4 is Wilson or Brown