Best 1911 made at around $3000.

[jrdolall]

I am looking to make my next firearm purchase a 1911 in .45 and I want it to be top of the line. I have other 1911's, in .45 and 9mm, but I want to get a "show stopper". I will probably post something similar in the revolver section as I plan to do the same with another gun.
What suggestions are out there? I know there are some fine ones available but just was looking for some suggestions on manufacturers. The ones I currently have are pretty generic and I am not unhappy with them but I want a functional work of art on this purchase. It will be fired regularly but probably never carried for defensive purposes. I looked at a couple of Kimbers earlier today that were in the $1200 range but I plan to spend more than that.

It's just money, Right? The sky is not the limit but the budget is flexible. This is "mad money" for myself a Christmas gift from my kids.

 

[Yo Mama]

Nighthawk Custom T3 would be my choice! Let us know what you end up with.

 

[huntershooter]

Wilson, Brown and Baer all make top notch "semi-custom" 1911's.
Wilson and Brown being tops in the fit and finish catagory, Baer at the top of the heap in terms of accuracy.

 

[J2FLAN]

http://www.turnbullmfg.com/store.asp?pid=36307

Then there are "show stoppers" like this.

 

[CNobbe]

Wilson w/ reverse crown barrel.. just sexy.

 

[tarosean]

Wilson, Brown and Baer all make top notch "semi-custom" 1911's.
Wilson and Brown being tops in the fit and finish catagory, Baer at the top of the heap in terms of accuracy.

What are these claims based off???

 

[Ric]

For a show stopper that not many have try a Pistol Dynamics. Excellent guns


Active reverse plug, unique grip safety, excellent accuracy

 

[loose noose]

I do like my new Sig Sauer 1911, and it didn't cost much over a $1000.00. didn't know ya had to pay over $3000.00 for a good to excellent 1911.

 

[200Apples]

I do like my new Sig Sauer 1911, and it didn't cost much over a $1000.00. didn't know ya had to pay over $3000.00 for a good to excellent 1911.

I do like my 2-yr-old SA "Loaded" and it didn't cost much over $900 (including tax).

But! when you pay $3000 you get a whole 'nuther level of pistol. In this pricerange, I love the Ed Brown Kobra Carry.



The trigger! is truly a "glass rod" trigger; it breaks so cleanly and with imperceptible creep.

Just a great pistol for the money (as is my Springfield! for 1/3 the price! and 2/3's the quality trigger)

 

[JTQ]

I don't know if I'd call it a "show stopper", but in the $3,000 range, I'd really like to have a Wilson Combat CQB http://wilsoncombat.com/new/handgun-cqb.asp#.VBOccEuvvHg

 

[Rio Laxas]

I really like my Dan Wesson Valor.

http://cz-usa.com/product/dw-valor-45-acp-black-tactical-2-dot-tritium-sights-8-rd-mags/

 

[Arkansas Paul]

If I had unlimited funds to spend on a 1911 it would be an Ed Brown Executive Carry.
Man, they're just sexy.

 

[1911 guy]

I'm not going to trash talk other higher end maker because it would be unfair and untrue. But I've got a thing for Ed Brown handguns. That would be my pick. They have several models that get me wishing I'd hit the lottery. When I did a full bore custom build, I used mostly Brown internals because of the known quality. But at the factory they make the outside look as good as the inside runs.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I would prefer a nice vintage National Match and a fist 100 dollar bills still on my pocket.

 

[Jim Watson]

I'd like an original National Match but there wouldn't be much change from a $5000 bill.

There are some others. The Guncrafter line has a good reputation and SVI is as custom as anybody.

 

[bannockburn]

I would go with an Ed Brown Executive Carry for that kind of money.

 

[wojownik]

Nighthawk Custom T3 would be my choice! Let us know what you end up with.

A good friend picked up the Nighthawk Custom a few years ago. Very impressive - definitely his "status" pistol.

 

[rogerstg]

For around $3,000 you could get a Springfield TGO-1 Legend a couple years back. They're getting tough to find because so few have been made (fewer than 200 IIRC), but can still order them from Springfield custom shop, though I heard there's about a two year wait.

Sweet gun http://www.shootingtimes.com/gear-accessories/newproducts_legend_1030/

 

[loose noose]

I've got a Colt Gold Cup National Match '70 Series, in .45 Auto that I wouldn't sell for $4000.00, I paid $156.00 for it along with 2 additional magazines, a holster, a magazine pouch. I bought that in 1971 as a member of a California PD. The only thing that was done to it was the recoil spring was replaced with a heavier one, which I still have. Dang I long for the '70's.

 

[tarosean]

I own several In that price range, however the one below is by far my favorite.."Best" is very subjective at this price it's about what YOU want out of a gun and it's purpose.

 

[woodwrkr]

For that kind of money you could also go to the opposite end of the 1911 spectrum, such as an original Colt, pre "A1" series, say circa 1918 or thereabouts, all original parts, original finish, etc.

One of those will generally make folks suck in their breath.

 

[gunlaw]

The Ed Brown Kobra is the coolest

 

[Comrade Mike]

Why don't you have a 1911 pistol smith build you a custom 1911 for you?

factory custom is still factory.

 

[340PD]

My Ed Brown has served me well, but be aware, if you really want to dump money into a show pony 1911, add a couple of grand to your budget. These guys will lighten your wallet a bit.

http://cabotgun.com/better-than-custom-1911-pistols/

 

[Shipwreck]

"Best" is very subjective at this price it's about what YOU want out of a gun and it's purpose.

Yes, as stated above - there really is no "best" at that price range. Handle a few brands at the store and see which of the ones in this price range you like more.

Brown is my favorite in this price range.

I've done the $3k 1911 thing before with a Springfield Custom Shop, and previously had an Ed brown. I recently ordered an Ed Brown again, and should have it in a month.

I will admit that I have shot Tarosean's stainless T3 nighthawk, and it is super sweet. First smaller 1911 that I REALLY, REALLY liked. But the price tag was too much for me. The 5" Browns are a few hundred cheaper, and was at the maximum end I felt like paying for a 1911 again. So, I decided to get a Brown again