Which one would you choose?

[Hank15]

Let's keep the discussion civil guys.

I hope the pictures and the highlighted areas speak for themselves.

The images had to be resized to fit the messageboard via tinypic.com

But the gist of it is that some parts are fitted/machined better than others.

I am sure Guncrafters make a great 1911,

I just wouldn't buy a 1911 from a gunsmith that didn't keep the checkering straight and in line.

You can buy a 1911 for its name, quality, or a balanced midpoint between the two. Wilson Combat stands out in that regard.

[J-cat]

I care more about the fit between the slide/frame/barrel.

Here's the problem:

A production gun has loose tolerances for ease of production. A semi-custom has tight tolerances for better accuracy.

Where a SACS gun stands out is in the tolerances. There aren't any. They take a slide, square it and take measurements. They transfer those measurements onto a blank frame and then machine the rails. The slide is then lapped into the frame. The bushing and the barrel are then fitted leaving .001" clearance on all three sides of the barrel hood. The lower lugs are fitted for zero clearance, locking up the gun like a wedge. All the cuts are square and made on a mill. The fit is essentially perfect. This is important to me because it makes the gun smooth, accurate, and durable. It also speaks to workmanship, something that is rare nowadays.

No other semi-custom is built this way.

[9x19=£OV€]

I would go SA then do the trident
image.jpg

[LovingTheYear1911]

Thanks Hank for those pics. That Wilson is dead sexy.

Again, no Springfield. Its got to be made in the USA. Im big on that.

Ill be honest, looks like ill be saving for a Wilson. I appreciate the feed back guys.

[Uglyd]

I am sure Guncrafters make a great 1911,

I just wouldn't buy a 1911 from a gunsmith that didn't keep the checkering straight and in line.

Not sure I follow you Hank but your circling ability is second to none.
My CQB is my second favorite 1911

[Hank15]

Not sure I follow you Hank but your circling ability is second to none.
My CQB is my second favorite 1911

Haha thanks. If you look at the areas I circled on your Guncrafter 1911 and go back to your original picture, you'll see that the vertical lines on the checkering aren't uniform, i.e. some are shorter/longer than the others. Pay particular attention to the area I circled towards the top of the front strap.

The grip safety isn't streamlined (uniform/matched with the frame when it's in its nonactive position). This is probably due to the choice of grip safety, since many grip safeties on the market do not come with enough material to remove for a tight fit to the frame. I would recommend an EGW grip safety.

The front strap isn't raised/hi-cut like it is on the Wilson's CQB (this modification affords a higher, arguably, more aggressive grip). One good way to examine this visually is to see whether the trigger guard and the front strap almost form a right angle.

And if you look at the bottom right corner of your grips, it hangs below the frame/mainspring housing. I am assuming this is the result of you adding aftermarket grips without blending, not the gunsmith's lack of fitting.

There are many limitations that can prevent a factory base gun from achieving perfection (or near perfection). For example, on my Colt there was a deep bevel on the front strap of the pistol (Colt is known for this), so I couldn't get 20 LPI checkering even if I wanted to. And the frame/magwell fit wasn't good, so my gunsmith actually filled up the hole in the S&A MSH and repositioned it.

Now what does all this mean? From my perspective, if you can't build a near perfect 1911 using scratch parts with OVERSIZED dimensions that has the potential to be fitted to precise, visually tight dimensions, you shouldn't demand a $2500+ price tag. This is why I don't buy and won't buy some if not most "big name" pistols (among other reasons).

To answer OP's question directly and without reservation: Out of the guns you listed, I would recommend the Wilson Combat since it seems like most of your current 1911s are in the entry/mid level range, and you simply like the way it looks. It'll be an upgrade from your current stable and you'd be happy with it. If you end up not liking it or later on learn the details and intricacies of finer craftsmanship then you can sell it, get a Les Baer, and send it off to a good gunsmith like what I will end up doing .

[LovingTheYear1911]

I feel like I am bipolar. After more research, I feel like the Baers are the best bang for the buck. Seems like the same handiwork goes into them as Wilsons, for a lot less.

Not to be annoying but I think im going for a Baer.

[davey111483]

^i was leaning towards the baers myself.

[XDJYo]

I know there is a very long and detailed thread including pictures and videos of a well known/well respected 1911 smith that did a very, very in-depth comparison between a handful of 1911's. Among them were the Springfield Loaded, Springfield Professional, 2 Les Baer's (one with and one without the 1.5" guarantee), 2 Dan Wesson's and I think I'm forgetting a few others. I don't believe there was an Ed Brown or Wilson in the mix.

If someone can find it, please post it up! I looked, but the search brings up too much info. I need to bookmark it for future reference!

In any event, there is a ton of info on each respective brand and make. Once you narrow down the brand, then you have to decide exactly which model you want.

In my *opinion*, the Wilson seems to be the top of the heap due to the sheer price point, beauty, top-notch customer service. Ed Brown is next with 2 of those. The Les Baer is the 'cheapest' of them. They seem to me to be more of a working mans pistol. None of the above is based off of any real first hand ownership experience. Just my take. There are obviously others-Nighthawk, Dan Wesson, Springfield's Custom Shop Professional models etc... You can get a Les Baer for a bit more than the price of the Springfield TRP models. I only reference Springfield, because that is what I know.

OP: Honestly, I don't think you can go wrong with any of them. Only you and your pocketbook can answer that. Personally, in MY situation, the Les Baer was the choice only due to financial restrictions. I can't justify a $3k-$4k pistol.

IF Les Baer is you poison, call CJ at 1911heaven. He has the BEST selection and the BEST prices. http://cj1911heaven.com/

I've got a custom build on order thru CJ. I passed 7 months of waiting. Maybe another 3-5 months more to go.

Happy shooting and be safe!!!

***PS-If you MUST have a Les Baer right now, I've heard of one place in your neighborhood that has a decent selection- Barnwood Arms in Ripon. http://www.thebarnwoodarms.com/
Or, if you're ever in the Santa Clara area, I know Reeds Indoor Range has Les Baer's and maybe a few other semi-customs. http://reedsindoorrange.com/
Give either place a call and ask what they've got in store.

[ptusa]

You sound angry and ill informed. Therefore, you will be right no matter what. I concede to the superiority of the SACS pistol. I will tell the baers, EB's, WC's, Guncrafters, colts and DW in my safe that j-cat had an armorers block and a mallet and that you are all garbage as a result of his tinkering. Hahahhaha

I thought you had to be 21 to buy a pistol in CA?

[ptusa]

I would go SA then do the trident
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C&S is a great shop with real pride in their craftsmanship.

[Uglyd]

I thought you had to be 21 to buy a pistol in CA?

I'm pretty sure that's only in Malaysia and it's not pistols you can buy at that age. And you're not buying, you're kind of renting.

[bish0p]

On another note, Here is my super dressed up, heavily roll marked "curve and color" go to shooter. Guncrafter Industries "No Name".

Uglyd, that is a sexy pistol. Is it chambered in 50GI?

I got both of my Baer CC's from CJ. He's a really nice person to deal with.

[LovingTheYear1911]

XDJYO, awesome stuff. Thanks for the help. I forgot about crazy John. I will check out the shop in Ripon.

And to top it off, I told my wife im saving for another 1911, a 2k one. And the best part was she didnt mind. I love her even more.

[Raider888]

Love the Baer!