1911 thread CA custom style

[Dhena81]

Ok so I'm stepping up to the semi/custom market of 1911's and I found out a couple of things today I didn't know about. I started out wanting to sell my Sig XO to fund a TRP operator well I contacted Springfield and started a thread and asked them about the TRP part number what I found out pissed me off.

Basically Springfield makes a different part number for their TRP for CA sale so I can't just find a TRP OP online and order one I need to find one in CA. When I contacted Springfield they informed me the TRP operator was on a severe 9-12 month backorder.

So I thought well hell why don't I just order a Pro with a light rail and that's when everything went to hell in a hand basket.

I started thinking why don't I just look around and see what else I might entertain buying since 9-12 months is a long time.

So I started looking at different CA LEGAL 1911's so I first called nighthawk I said I want a GRP recon with the black diamond finish with a plain slide and a blended magazine well what am I looking at as far as time goes. He says about 12-14 weeks then he asked where do you live I said CA non LEO. Then he tells me oh CA ya he can't ship me a modified 1911 from the original roster approved model.

So I wouldn't be able to have the BD finish or have the slide w/o any markings I was pissed. Then I asked if he could just send me the frame that's a negative CA sucks he although did tell me he would give me a break after the fact on the BD finish. Then said to fire Pelosi and Boxer we laughed and I said ok thanks for the advise and hung up.

So here's the options for a single shot transfer

1. Nighthawk GRP recon $2699 w/ black diamond finish $375, Additional extractor fitted and tuned $85, Blended magazine well $150, no markings on the slide $0 12-14 week wait grand total $3459 with single shot and transfer - taxes.

2. Wilson combat CQBLR $2800 w/ speed chute $125, ambi safety $50, additional fitted and tuned extractor $60, no markings $0 I didn't even call on the wait I figured about similar with Nighthawk Grand total with all fees $3185

3. Baer Ultimate recon bead blasted blue $2290 w/ Baer magwell $95, additional extractor unknown cost probably somewhere in between. Grand total with fees $2535

4. Springfield Pro w/light rail $2500 with 9-12 month wait grand total with fees $2500

[Cyc Wid It]

When you start hitting $2500+... you really might as well look at a full custom. GRP Recons can be found LNIB/NIB for around $2000, although probably not with naked slides.

http://www.louderthanwords.us/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=6291

is on consignment for $3250

http://www.louderthanwords.us/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=8635

for $3450

or the father of all operators

http://www.louderthanwords.us/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=8724

for $5800

and some Chuck Rogers/CT Brian pieces floating around for more than that

[InGrAM]

Jesus, I wish I had that kinda money to toss at something other than a truck or house payment.

[Fishslayer]

Jesus, I wish I had that kinda money to toss at something other than a truck or house payment.

Me too. What can I say? if I had $2K+ for a gun I would run down to ASC & buy the 1961 Colt National Match they have in the case...guess I'm just not an "operator."

[Uriah02]

I'm not much of a 1911 expert. I haven't seen any reviews that really set Les Baer apart from Wilson/Nighthawk. I have a hard time beleiving Springfield would make a better pistol than a custom shop like LB.

[asgalindez]

Me too. What can I say? if I had $2K+ for a gun I would run down to ASC & buy the 1961 Colt National Match they have in the case...guess I'm just not an "operator."

You saw that too, huh? I drooled over it for a few moments thinking "What don't I really need that I can sell for that?".

[jak77]

My vote goes to the Springfield Pro. I definitely want one in the future.

[Q619]

They're all great guns but I'd go for either the Springfield or the Wilson. A crapshoot between the two. They're both about as good as it gets in ALL respects. Not a big fan of the Baer railed guns and for some reason don't like NH. I've got two Wilson CQB's, a Custom Shop Springfield and am waiting on a Pro. From personal experience, not only are both companies products and work top notch but DEALING with them is a pleasure.

[IPSICK]

When you start hitting $2500+... you really might as well look at a full custom. GRP Recons can be found LNIB/NIB for around $2000, although probably not with naked slides.

http://www.louderthanwords.us/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=6291

is on consignment for $3250

http://www.louderthanwords.us/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=8635

for $3450

or the father of all operators

http://www.louderthanwords.us/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=8724

for $5800

and some Chuck Rogers/CT Brian pieces floating around for more than that

Follow this suggestion considering your options. Why not go full house custom if you are willing to wait for the Springer Pro?

[Dhena81]

I appreciate the replies guys. The only reason I was thinking of going with the NH is the diamond finish is supposed to be really hard wearing. One of the things I don't like about the NH is I think the logo is ridiculous on the slide.

I want a 1911 that is going to run like a clock ultra reliable the reason I want a light rail is I plan on taking some classes with it and most require a light. That plus I think it looks great on a 1911.

For some of you guys that commented on the price that is just the name of the game for these firearms. It makes me sick to think about the cost too but I really want something really top of the line. One of the reasons I don't want to go full custom like cyc wid it mentioned is not from personal experience but from people claiming they can be problematic.

[9mmepiphany]

Your best buy for value and quality of the ones you've mentioned is the Springfield Professional. It really is more gun than a Wilson, Nighthawk or Brown. I think the Baer is the only one of the high end production shops that gives the Springfield Custom shop a run for the money.

Yes I've shot all of them extensively...I have friends who were very sharing and have more money than I...and there really is more than just appearance that sets them apart. The Brown was the prettiest, but the two best shooting ones were the Baer SRP and the Springfield Pro.

In that price range, I'd personally get a Dan Wesson CBOB and have it tweaked with an action tune, slide stop replacement, checkered MSH and new sights...but then I don't want a light-rail...and then have the whole thing done in Melonite

[redcliff]

All of your choices are great.

I personally went with the Springfield Pro w/rail. It's my SHTF pistol and the ability to mount a light/laser combo is very handy.

Mine has been modified with Esmeralda slim grips (the lighting in the photo doesn't do them justice), short trigger and a very crisp 3.0lb trigger pull. Thats a lighter trigger pull than I'd recommend for most people, but I've been shooting 1911's regularly for over 30 years. It's very easy to shoot fast and accurately, is extremely tight, and has never malfunctioned from the 1st shot.

My friends love shooting it and are always amazed at the accuracy and the way the weight of the rail reduces the recoil.

[Q619]

I appreciate the replies guys. The only reason I was thinking of going with the NH is the diamond finish is supposed to be really hard wearing. One of the things I don't like about the NH is I think the logo is ridiculous on the slide.

I want a 1911 that is going to run like a clock ultra reliable the reason I want a light rail is I plan on taking some classes with it and most require a light. That plus I think it looks great on a 1911.

For some of you guys that commented on the price that is just the name of the game for these firearms. It makes me sick to think about the cost too but I really want something really top of the line. One of the reasons I don't want to go full custom like cyc wid it mentioned is not from personal experience but from people claiming they can be problematic.

Nighthawk doesn't do the "diamond black" finish. They send the gun to Ion Bond and have them Tungsten DLC coat the gun and then call it by their own name. That's always bugged me.

Anyways, don't let that be the selling point of the gun. You can have the very same coating applied to ANY gun. Off the top of my head: John Harrison and Springer Precision will prep your gun and send it off for coating. Ion Bond won't take shipments from individuals. Only certain shops/smiths. I had it done to my Baer. I love it! Very hard wearing. I've been running my gun hard: no signs of wear and only a slight scuff in the past 1500 rounds. No holster wear even after a couple hundred presentations last week.

[Fishslayer]

You saw that too, huh? I drooled over it for a few moments thinking "What don't I really need that I can sell for that?".

Abso-freaking-lutely gorgeous. And you just know it shoots as nice as it looks. Yeah! That's right. I said it! I would shoot that thing till the cows come home!

[fennecfrank]

OP, have you considered Guncrafter Industries?

Model 1 and 2 are CA approved. In my opinion, it's better than WC, NH, LB, EB, and others. Long story short, I sold several of my Colts and an EB Special Forces (bought it after extensive research and chosen after handling WC, NH, LB) after I got my Model 2.

However, the wait is about 4-5 months.