1911 upgrade

[troyJPX]

I am ready for an upgrade for a new 1911 .45ACP, Any recommendations out there? Kimbers, Les Baer, Ed Brown, Nighthawk, or Wilson?

Thnx,
Troy

[piedrarc]

Based on my experiance and in no way is this to state the other pistols are sub-par. Just my opinion.
I own Ed Brown, Nighthawk, Les Baer, 2-Springfield customs.

Les Baer - Out the box the best (production with tons of hands on fitting).
Springfield Custom Shop - Made how you want it, the best.

[Sublime_AC]

I have a Kimber Custom Stainless, Kimber Ultra CDP and a Les Baer Thunder Ranch. The Kimbers have had ~$400-$500 in gunsmithing / wilson parts put in them to get rid of the MIM parts after I had a safety break on the CDP and decided to get rid of all the MIM and have the guns thoroughly worked over. They are now where they should be, good quality reliable handguns that I would put my life on the line with...

The Les Baer was like that out of the box. If I had it to do all over again I'd own three Les Baers...

[Legasat]

I understand the Wilsons are fantastic, but I have never shot one. Just held it.

I know the Les Baers are about as good as it gets. I shoot a friend's often.

[NiteQwill]

Out of that list, Les Baer.

Or find a good 'smith and build one yourself off of a good base model.

[i1800collect]

out of the 5 companies you mentioned, i dont really feel kimber, even a 1911 out of their custom shop, is on par with the likes of ed brown, les baer, nighthawk customs, or wilson combat. as piedrarc mentioned earlier, i'd recommend looking into a springfield custom shop 1911 instead.

when it comes down to these semi-custom and full custom 1911s, it's all about personal preference. the "accuracy argument" is always brought up when a les baer is mentioned, but IMHO, unless you're a bullseye shooter or plan on shooting this 1911 off sandbags or a ransom rest, you're not going to be able to discern a difference. these 1911s are all capable of out-shooting the average shooter, 1.5" guarantee, 3" guarantee or not.

in regards to wilson combat, they use different quality parts in the different tier guns that they make. (read: http://forums.1911forum.com/showpost...39&postcount=8) i cant speak for les baer or nighthawk customs, but i know ed brown uses the same parts in all of his guns, the only difference in the different models is cosmetic and the # of options included on the 1911.

that said, i would just recommend that you browse around their websites and their subforums at http://forums.1911forum.com/index.php, look at their custom option sheets, find a local shop that carries high end 1911s, and just figure out which company makes the 1911 you feel looks and handles the best for YOU.

[Viper49]

Wilson will be my choice. My springfield have been worked over by Wilson and they shoots better than my Kimber Gold Match and Colt Gold Cup.
Currently there are three Wilson for here at Calgun

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=267407

[sholling]

For a fighting pistol I'd go with a Wilson. For a match pistol either a higher end Less Baer or a S&W Performance Center 1911.

[JTROKS]

I've held and shot a couple of Les Baer pistols, it sure is hard to beat. But I like the Ed Browns, I would opt for the Classic Custom w/ bull barrel.

[B Strong]

The most affordable higher end pistol you mentioned is the Baer, the Nighthawk and the Wilson are of equal quality, but at a higher price point.

I'd not buy a Kimber, hit and miss QC.

If you're on a budget, the Baer TRS - if you're not on a budget, the Wilson Tactical Elite.

[9mmepiphany]

i looked at the market a couple of years ago when trying to decide between buying a high end production piece like a Brown, Baer, Wilson or Nighthawk of going with a custom build. i finally decided that i was getting more for money spent by going with a build...the only offset is the time it takes to get one.

if you're not going to have one built, for me the best value is a Les Baer...with the nod going to Nighthawk if i had more disposable income. if it is a gun for hard use, you might take a look at the Springfield Professional...i think their build time is about a year

[J-cat]

I have 2 custom shop springers and the quality of machining and tolerances are better than anything from LB, EB, NH, WC, KM, etc.

[littlejake]

Of the 1911's discussed here -- which have a minimum or no MIM parts?

[J-cat]

If a Taurus did not have any MIM parts, would you choose it over any of the aboive?

[mtenenhaus]

I have several 1911's and were i to do it all over again i would purchase a base model Colt in blued carbon steel and have Bruce Gray optimize it for you. You can save a good deal of money if you limit your modifications to what is critical for you. For me that would constitute initially a refined trigger, fitted barrel and upgraded sights. An enlarged mag well and a beavertail are also nice to have.

Let us know what you decide.