which 1911 should be next?

[bug_eyedmonster]

Hey Folks,

I'm planning on buying another 1911 after the current order comes in. I'll hold off on disclosing what I have coming since I want to get your opinion on what to get next. I'll have about enough to get a nice 1911 custom, so here are my choices. I've been looking at the Nighthawk Predator or a Les Baer Thunder Ranch. The 2011 STI Edge has also caught my eye, so assuming it's still on the drop test list, I'd like this to be one of my options as well. The idea of getting a standard Colt or something to send to SDM. Either way, I'm looking for a great shooter, possibly for IPSC. If anyone has any input, I'd greatly appreciate it. I've currently got a couple of Springfield TRP Operators (full length dust covers) that I absolutely love. The only problem I have with them are that they are a tad on the heavy side and will not qualify for L10 or factory class shooting. Anyway, something without a rail would be nice since the 1911 I have already have them.

I'm hoping not to spur any form of arguments here, I just want your ideas with what you think is worth the money... thanks in advance.

Jerry

[Bongos]

The Predator is possibly next on my collection, the way the bushing is attached to the barrel apparently helps with the recoil and less loss of sight picture time. Since STI will not ship to CA, the other chioce is SVI, personally I like the SVI better, these only come custom to your specs, built by gunsmith whom are also in the sport.. they are a little more expensive than SVI, but personally, I think the quality and workmanship is better. I currently have two SVI and two Wilson Combat. I have owned Nighthawk GRP in the pass and like the workmanship, sold it because of the 25 lpi, if I get the predator, it would have to have 30 lpi, another great gun is the Ed Brown Series pistols

[Franksremote]

We are an authorized Ed Brown dealer now and just sold a Special Forces model that was in stock. Beautiful full custom build. We've looked into becoming a Nighthawk dealer but the buy in was a bit high. Any interest in a prepaid group buy on 'em?

Either of the choices presented are great quality custom 1911s. No STI Edge on the drop list, but you can get a Barsto which is basically the CA version of the Edge (same everything). You'll want to have it worked over before attacking limited class with it though

[FatKatMatt]

My only experience is with my KImber Tactical II, and the thing is quite accurate, and I'm sure I can squeeze a lot more out of it as I myself improve. I was able to nail a sprite bottle at close to 35 yards on a sub-freezing day with Winchester brand hollowpoints, I don't know how accurate you ned your gun to be but IMO that's pretty damn accurate.

However, I'd stay away from the aluminum frame on the Tactical models and get a steel, it'll recoil less because of the extra weight and last longer too.

[gmcal]

Would the cone barrel on the Predator be legal in the competitions you're planning on shooting? If the Predator is not allowed, you could take a look at the Talon, however, the CA compliant Talon doesn't come with the extended magwell, if that matters.

Are you happy with your TRP's? Perhaps a TRP without the rail or maybe a Professional without rail from the Custom Shop?

[damon1272]

The one I am looking at for my next 1911 is the Dan Wesson Bobtail commander length. What a nice pistol.

[IH8CALAWS]

The one I am looking at for my next 1911 is the Dan Wesson Bobtail commander length. What a nice pistol.

I agree the Dan Wesson CBOB is very nice.

[Mr. Joshua]

I've been dying to get a basic no frills Colt and send it off to get it dressed up nice.

[bug_eyedmonster]

We are an authorized Ed Brown dealer now and just sold a Special Forces model that was in stock. Beautiful full custom build. We've looked into becoming a Nighthawk dealer but the buy in was a bit high. Any interest in a prepaid group buy on 'em?

Either of the choices presented are great quality custom 1911s. No STI Edge on the drop list, but you can get a Barsto which is basically the CA version of the Edge (same everything). You'll want to have it worked over before attacking limited class with it though

Hey Frank,

If you guys are going to do the buy in for the Nighthawks, let me know, I'm willing to jump into that. I've seen/heard many great things about the Ed Brown collection, but nothing has really caught my eye.

I've considered building a SVI instead of hunting a STI, and I might have to go the route you mentioned (buying a Barsto). Which would be better? I think I've goten the green light from my significant other to buy another 1911 and a 2011 (or two) pretty soon.

The TRP shoots great, very accurate. I've considered buying the standard TRP, but since I have these already, I might as well shoot for something a bit higher up on the quality. I've shot a few Kimbers, they are very nice guns, but for the price of them, I'd rather get another TRP or spend more and get something better.

Jerry

[Schlamoo]

Look at Wilson Combat. I have Baers, a Nighthawk, had a Brown and think overall the Wilson is the nicest followed by Baer. If your going to pay a Predator price go for the Wilson Tactical Elite or a Baer SRP. Just throwing out my 2 cents.

[bluestaterebel]

Kimber

[Shenaniguns]

Can't go wrong with a Thunder Ranch Special

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[Waldo]

Once I dig myself out from the buying spree I've been on since joining this forum, the next 1911 I'd like to look at is the Thunder Ranch Special.

The Premier II I have has a great trigger and is nicely done..just it's still too hard to crack open the slide to do a chamber check for right now. I'm sure a little more time will take care of that situation. The Nighthawk Predator is a nice pistol too. In my opinion only, the trigger is not quite as smooth as the Baer, on both the release and reset. Accuracy between the two are similar, ie: better than I can shoot.

As one of the CalGuns members I had the pleasure of meeting mentioned, they all feel different even though they're all 1911's, and I'd have to agree with him. You may want to handle and try someone's at the range if possible

[D1911]

I agree with the TRS. Hard gun to beat for the money. The CQB is nice also, but I can't seem to shoot mine as well as I do the TRS. How about a slightly used Caspian?

[bug_eyedmonster]

Happy New Year to all!!!

I first wanted to thank you all for the words of wisdom and opinions. I've looked at some of the Wilson Combat 1911, but am still kind of concerned about the price and the return of money "invested". The idea of browsing the ranges has crossed my mind several times, but honestly, I've been a bit embarrassed to bother people let alone shoot in front of others (I'm obivously not that good) since I'm still learning myself. I think my next purchase(s) will be a GREAT 1911(s), and then a few 2011, but spending this much is somewhat new to me and I really want to make the right investment. On a side note, does anyone in the bay area have a few of my options available to check out in person? If it's not a store, and a private person, I'm willing to pay for your time if you are willing to share your thoughts in person and willing to let me examine them (I dont have to shoot them, I'm sure they are more accurate then what I can do anyway).

Jerry