Help me pick 1911

[prestige]

I know this will be yet another boring "which 1911 to buy" thread but I need some help. 1911 is becoming my favorite platform since I got my first 1911 in 10mm. I am talking myself into buying another 1911 but this time in .45 ACP. It has to be significantly nicer than what I already have. Here are my requirements:

- black
- no rail
- night sights
- front grip checkering
- MSH and Magwell - preferably once-pice
- budget 3k-3.5k


So here are my candidates:


1. Les Baer SRP - $2,800 from Turner's
The only thing that is missing is the MSH with the magwell. That is a must for me. It makes the grip longer and I really need that. It makes a huge difference for me. I don't think I can just buy the one-piece Smith & Alexander MSH/Magwell and install it with a minimal grip safety fitting the way I did it on my Kimber. I have to ship it to Les Baer and have it installed. According to their price list it will be $242. And theirs is not one-piece. It is two-piece. Also, not sure I will like the glossy black finish.


2. Springfield Professional - $3,355 from Sportsman's Warehouse
I like it a lot. I would not change a thing if I buy it. Just one small thing: I kind of wish it had front serrations on the slide just like Les Baer.
Not sure how the 20LPI checkering will feel in my hand. My Kimber has 30LPI and I really really like it.


3. Wilson Combat Protector or Classic
It has to be a custom order. Base price is 3.2k and something tells me when I start adding bells and whistles I can easily exceed my budget. Also, I am not sure I want to wait for months until they even start working on my order.


I know I can just get the TRP and be done with it but I wanted something a little more special. Thoughts?

[SloChicken]

You may want to have a look at the guncrafter No Name as well.

Re your choices would look at the springfield and the Wilson far prior to the Les Baer.

https://www.guncrafterindustries.com/no-name-government/

[TJ3000]

Regardless of your decision, your three choices are good. For me I'd choose the Springfield Professional. I have their TRP model, which is an awesome gun but it's nothing compared to a Professional. The Professional has really tight tolerances and is a well built firearm. These firearms aren't easy to acquire as they are custom built. I guess the question I'd have for you is what is your intended purpose? If you're going to CCW, the front serrations are sharp and can dig into your skin or your clothes so that is another factor to consider.

[jonnyt16]

Ed Brown Special Forces. Nobody does front strap checkering better. My biggest regret was selling mine.

[stormvet]

I’d go with a Wilson, CQB or CQB Elite that had the upgrades I wanted. They can be fund you just have to look. I found my new in bag CQB, FDE, blended magwell, ambi-bullet prof safety and trijicon battle sights already made in a small shop in Kansas for a great price $2700.

[IMG][/IMG]

[jeffrice6]

I have a Baer, nice pistol & the best I could afford. My buddy has both the WC’s & Pro’s, they are both better fit & finished in my eyes, not to mention have a better warranty. Like everything else in life, buy the best you can afford & be happy.

[WWDHD?]

Ed Brown Special Forces. Nobody does front strap checkering better. My biggest regret was selling mine.

I agree. I have one and it's great. I can't imagine needing anything more. Good luck finding the 1911 that fits your needs and wants.

[LCU1670]

Ed Brown Special Forces. Nobody does front strap checkering better. My biggest regret was selling mine.

Wife has one, so worn out it doesn't look like that picture. I have the Kobra Karry, I like the rounded butt on mine, fits hand better.

Did you consider an Ed Brown?

[ABR]

Wife has one, so worn out it doesn't look like that picture. I have the Kobra Karry, I like the rounded butt on mine, fits hand better.

Did you consider an Ed Brown?

[9mmContagion]

Have you considered building a custom through a gunsmith, like Cifaldi? You get much more bang for your buck and will end up with exactly what YOU want. No more, no less.

My custom will be done in a few months, I haven’t lusted after another 1911 since I started the custom game.

[AFTII]

I've owned a LB Supertac and a Springfield Professional.

The Super Tac and SRT share the same Dupont coating. It's like a paint and will definitely peal. That was the one thing I didn't like about the Super Tac. Baer really needs to find a more robust finish.

I didn't like the checkering on the Springfield Pro. I also didn't like that the trigger guard wasn't undercut. I don't have the largest hands in the world, 9 1/2, but my hand felt crowded. It also seemed to have a thicker grip than my other 1911s. Between the checkering and the grip in general, it really didn't work for me. YMMV. I'm just giving you my impressions.

I've not owned a Protector or a Classic, but have a Wilson Professional and Tactical Elite. As much as I like Baers, I'd go with a Wilson. Wilsons can be had, or easily modded, to have all the features that you want. Find a Wilson dealer to order one for you and you can easily knock $500 off the MSRP.

[Bakerloo]

If you could have that Springfield Professional in your hands in 10 days, that's what I would do. Resell value will always be there.

Or, get a Springfield Mil Spec and take it to Cifaldi and have exactly everything you want from a gun.

[splithoof]

Regardless of your decision, your three choices are good. For me I'd choose the Springfield Professional. I have their TRP model, which is an awesome gun but it's nothing compared to a Professional. The Professional has really tight tolerances and is a well built firearm. These firearms aren't easy to acquire as they are custom built. I guess the question I'd have for you is what is your intended purpose? If you're going to CCW, the front serrations are sharp and can dig into your skin or your clothes so that is another factor to consider.

I too have both TRP & Pro; I don't think the Pro is so much better than the TRP as to make a practical shooting difference. At least that's what our Ransom Rest says when both pistols are using very carefully crafted ammunition. The only mod I made to the TRP was the removal of the ILS, something I consider the equal of the Hillary Hole on a S&W revolver.
IMO, if you are going to get in the neighborhood of the SA Pro, might as well look at Nighthawk.

[Litespeeds]

Out of all the semi-custom 1911's, the Les Baer is the least expensive and one of the most accurate shooters. However, their finish is nothing to really talk about. All comes down to your priorities. Probably best bang for the buck.

I currently have 3 Les Baers and a Wilson Combat CQB Elite. Nothing beats the one piece Wilson Combat bulletproof magwell / mainspring housing. You can buy this part for around $150 and have it installed onto any full size 1911's. Has 30 lpi checkering. Looks and feels great in your hand.

As for sights, those can also be changed to whatever you'd like too.

The 1911 market is pretty soft right now so you can pick up a lot of good deals from the CalGun Marketplace on a pre-owned one.

[Tarmy]

Well, now you have done it OP...

When I was in the market for a nice shooter...I rented as many of the guns I had focused on as I could. Several buddies of mine had a few versions as well. Shot as many different builds as I could. No Name, Nighthawk, Wilson, SA and others.

I also called and talked to a few of the makers as well. That did make a difference...some were very good about asking questions...explaining custom work...and timing of when/how long things took.

I ended up buying directly from Wilson...they were very helpful with the whole Ca. thing.

Love my shooter, will never sell it.

Good luck OP...the types of guns your looking at are all going to be nice shooters...