If you were going to buy a higher end 1911, or a higher end shooter of any kind.............?

[MedWheeler]

"High-end", to me, is like maybe a grand. Probably even less. The most-expensive firearm I've bought is a Remington R1 "Enhanced" Commander in stainless. I've had it almost a year and have never even gotten around to shooting it. It ran me $635 then (Remington had a $100 rebate going on at the time.) This gun will outperform me, so I'd have no use for a gun that would outperform this one, especially if I cannot sell it later.

That being said, I checked "CZ of some sort" because I like the 75-series.

 

[WVsig]

"High-end", to me, is like maybe a grand. Probably even less. The most-expensive firearm I've bought is a Remington R1 "Enhanced" Commander in stainless. I've had it almost a year and have never even gotten around to shooting it. It ran me $635 then (Remington had a $100 rebate going on at the time.) This gun will outperform me, so I'd have no use for a gun that would outperform this one, especially if I cannot sell it later.

That being said, I checked "CZ of some sort" because I like the 75-series.

75Bs are nice.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I pick Les Baer, it's the best bang for the buck in a semi-custom 1911. (in both 45 ACP and 38 Super)

 

[WVsig]

I pick Les Baer, it's the best bang for the buck in a semi-custom 1911. (in both 45 ACP and 38 Super)

They are great hard use pistols! To me they are not pretty. They are rough for the $$$ you pay compared to other semi-customs but they are a working man's 1911.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

They are great hard use pistols! To me they are not pretty.

For some of us a hard use pistol is beautiful in the fact that it's functional and reliable. I like pretty guns but their are different brands of pretty.

I have no interest in a safe queen. This gun will be shot and carried while woods walking.

I like that a lot of Les Baers can be had in 38 Super.

 

[WVsig]

For some of us a hard use pistol is beautiful in the fact that it's functional and reliable. I like pretty guns but their are different brands of pretty.

I have no interest in a safe queen. This gun will be shot and carried while woods walking.

I like that a lot of Les Baers can be had in 38 Super.

I love when people assume pretty guns are safe queens. I run my most expensive pretty guns hard. Custom guns built by living masters. Pretty does not = safe queen.

Do you own a Baer? It is not just the finish which is not pretty. There are aspects of the way that they are built that are not "pretty". In some ways they are too tight. They are not refined. Accurate yes but not always functional and reliable. Everyone builds a bad gun every now and then. Even a monkey falls out of a tree sometimes....

The issue is if you get a Baer that does not run you will experience a new level of "not pretty." Not all Baers are functional and reliable and when they aren't Les can be a pita to deal with getting it to run right.

 

[navajo]

Ed Brown. Based on what Alex Hamilton told me.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

I love when people assume pretty guns are safe queens. I run my most expensive pretty guns hard. Custom guns built by living masters. Pretty does not = safe queen.

Do you own a Baer? It is not just the finish which is not pretty. There are aspects of the way that they are built that are not "pretty". In some ways they are too tight. They are not refined. Accurate yes but not always functional and reliable. Everyone builds a bad gun every now and then. Even a monkey falls out of a tree sometimes....

The issue is if you get a Baer that does not run you will experience a new level of "not pretty." Not all Baers are functional and reliable and when they aren't Les can be a pita to deal with getting it to run right.

Well your last post really didn't articulate what you meant.

They are great hard use pistols! To me they are not pretty. They are rough for the $$$ you pay compared to other semi-customs but they are a working man's 1911.

View attachment 795862

This just reads like they aren't the best looking because you said "pretty" and "rough for the money". That didn't articulate the issues they can have, and then you said "They are great hard use pistols." which seems a little contradictory compared to what you're saying now.

Sorry we cross communicated.

 

[John Joseph]

Hypothetically, I wouldn't know if I were never going to sell it until I owned and shot it for awhile, and since I haven't even bought it yet I don't see how this question could be honestly answered. I can say that after 30 years with my off the shelf Colt, I'm very satisfied with it and can't see parting with her until it's cold, dead fingers time.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

What do you all think about the Sig Sauer X-Fives and Sixes?
@Old Dog

Old Dog, you're a Sig aficionado. Thoughts? I only have one Sig. It's a great pistol.

 

[someguy2800]

I have to ask, once you get up into the 1500-2000 class of 1911, what more beyond that do you really want? Or is it just to be able to say it costs more?

To me I kind of see the $3500 guns like I do Ferrari’s. The main purpose of them seams to be for guys to put up their nose at people with z06 corvettes.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

I have to ask, once you get up into the 1500-2000 class of 1911, what more beyond that do you really want? Or is it just to be able to say it costs more?

To me the I kind of see the $3500 guns like I do Ferrari’s. The main purpose of them seams to be for guys to put up their nose at people with z06 corvettes.

That's a big part of what I'm trying to discern. If a Dan Wesson is going to be every bit as nice and functional as a Wilson or Les Baer, and all the guns listed are a waste of money, then that's a valid answer. It's one of the pole choices.

Like I've said a few times, I want a working gun that is high quality. It's not a look at me situation. Hell, I shoot alone 95% of the time. The goal is not to spend money on a name, it's to attain a high quality autoloader that will function well in the long run, that I would keep.

 

[tarosean]

I have to ask, once you get up into the 1500-2000 class of 1911, what more beyond that do you really want? Or is it just to be able to say it costs more?

Its about getting exactly what you want through your personal experience. Its not about bragging. In the below picture, none of these guns are a standard 1911A1 they all have slightly different configurations, i.e. one with a bull barrel, one with a full length dust cover, one with Carry Cuts, some with tops and backs of slides serrated, yada yada yada.. Small things that do add up as you are paying for the skilled labor, more than the name on the slide.

To me the I kind of see the $3500 guns like I do Ferrari’s. The main purpose of them seams to be for guys to put up their nose at people with z06 corvettes.

@Shipwreck Next time we go shooting Ill bring the Bugatti.


You are really going to compare a 250k to 500k dollar car that IS out of reach of the vast majority of the population. To something that the vast majority of the population could afford if they put their mind to it?

I am damn sure not in a Ferrari or Patek social status.. But I do prefer quality over quantity and I am willing to save to get what I want.

 

[someguy2800]

Its about getting exactly what you want through your personal experience. Its not about bragging. In the below picture, none of these guns are a standard 1911A1 they all have slightly different configurations, i.e. one with a bull barrel, one with a full length dust cover, one with Carry Cuts, some with tops and backs of slides serrated, yada yada yada.. Small things that do add up as you are paying for the skilled labor, more than the name on the slide.






@Shipwreck Next time we go shooting Ill bring the Bugatti.


You are really going to compare a 250k to 500k dollar car that IS out of reach of the vast majority of the population. To something that the vast majority of the population could afford if they put their mind to it?

I am damn sure not in a Ferrari or Patek social status.. But I do prefer quality over quantity and I am willing to save to get what I want.


View attachment 795905

To use a different analogy how about a $3500 watch vs a $350 watch? My life revolves around cars, so cars are the closest analogy to my heart that comes to mind. If you have something specific you want that requires you to spend the extra money then more power to you, but what I'm questioning is going looking to spend a specific amount of money just because.

 

[tarosean]

To use a different analogy how about a $3500 watch vs a $350 watch?

The problem with your analogies is. A $10 timex will keep better time than a 350-3500-200k watch. A high point will shoot a bullet just like a 500-5000-100k handgun.
So really the line drawn in the sand is entirely individual and likely tied to your wallet.
I can tell you I have a little less than 2k in a CZ TS that will smoke all my 1911's at a static range and is my main competition gun. However, the internals and externals look like they were machined and finished by a blind kid reading brail, and I dont care. Ive got waaaay to much money tied up in a few glocks and they can do none of that.. lol

but what I'm questioning is going looking to spend a specific amount of money just because.

I will agree with that, unless of course that specific amount is burning a hole in your wallet....

The OP really doesn't know what he wants just wants something nicer than he is used too. which could be a ton of guns or ???? we dont know what he owns or likes.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

The OP really doesn't know what he wants just wants something nicer than he is used too. which could be a ton of guns or ???? we dont know what he owns or likes.

That's a good point. I'm not sure what I want, hence the poll. As far as what I have for handguns that are shooters:

Ruger SP101 in 357 mag
S&W 686+ unfluted 3" Talo edition.
S&W 686 Competitor Performance Center
S&W 460V
S&W Regulation Police from 1923 in 32 S&W Long

XDs 45
S&W E Series 1911, 5" no rail
HK P30sk
HK VP9
HK 45
Sig Sauer P220 in 10mm
Wilson Combat/Beretta 92 Brigadier Tactical

As you can see the Wilson/Beretta Brig Tac and S&W 686 Competitor are the only non-run of the mill guns I own, and really, they aren't anything outlandish or over the top. PC guns have taken a down turn in the last few years and mine went back to the factory so to me it's really just a nice shooting less common configuration. The Wilson has the features I wanted in a 92 and has a really nicely slicked up trigger. They are both good shooters and I'm glad I own them. The rest are very standard model guns. I like them all, but Wouldn't mind enhancing my collection with something a little nicer that is very functional.

The 1911 I own is a fine entry level gun, but it isn't like it's a magnificent shooter or anything. It's just ok, and does have some reliability issues, so I wouldn't mind an upgrade. My collection is small, and made up of common guns. So the door is open to a nice 1911 or a nice model of some other type..

 

[Fine Figure of a Man]

You buy a one thousand dollar gun because you want it.
You buy a buy a five thousand dollar gun because you can.

 

[CDW4ME]

I posted the Ed Brown in my initial reply.
I had a Les Baer UTC and it was insanely tight (hard fit) however, I never liked the frame being different feel than my other 1911's.
Dan Wesson Valor stainless is hard to beat for the price, tool steel small parts, easy care finish.

 

[tarosean]

So the door is open to a nice 1911 or a nice model of some other type..

Seems you like HK? so a P7/M13 or P9S would fill that unique spot.

As for the semi custom 1911's put as many as u can in your grubby mits to see which speaks to you. As they all have a slightly different feel.

 

[cfullgraf]

I'd be interested in a retro-M1911 bullseye gun chambered in 38 AMU.

I'd buy an actual race car.

An early 1970's Can-Am car would be nice.

 

[George P]

Seems you like HK? so a P7/M13 or P9S would fill that unique spot.

As for the semi custom 1911's put as many as u can in your grubby mitts to see which speaks to you. As they all have a slightly different feel.

I like my P7s, as does my wife - she thinks one of them is hers........

 

[WVsig]

I have to ask, once you get up into the 1500-2000 class of 1911, what more beyond that do you really want? Or is it just to be able to say it costs more?

To me I kind of see the $3500 guns like I do Ferrari’s. The main purpose of them seams to be for guys to put up their nose at people with z06 corvettes.

Have you ever driven a Ferrari? Sorry but it is in a different class than the Corvette. To put it into perspective and bring it back to the topic of guns.

The Vette is an incredible value. It does amazing things for its price point. To me it is the Dan Wesson of super cars. It is an entry point which gets you 85%-90% of the way there to true super cars. Just like Dan Wessons are an incredible value and are close to being semi-custom or custom 1911s. They are still production line guns just like The Vette are production line cars.

What you get when to step up to a Ferrari like a 458 Italia is a hand built one at a time bespoke car. Each one is different. Each one is built to order. They have custom details, Custom hand built interiors. The quality of the parts and materials are superior. Craftsman build each part of the car. You are not just driving a fast powerful car you are driving a one of a kind piece of functional art.

This is the same for custom bespoke 1911s and other guns of that level. They are not built to meet a price point. They are not assembled on a factory line one after another. They are individual works of art and expressions of the builder and the buyers taste, wants and desires. That makes them special IMHO.

Now ones skill at driving might make these differences moot. If you can’t drive the car to its limits some of what you have paid for will be lost. The same is true for pistols most of us cannot outshoot production level guns like Glocks.

That does not mean you cannot enjoy the difference. There is something different about owning a shooting a bespoke custom pistol. Once you have worked with a custom smith to build a truly custom gun the perspective changes IMHO.

Now that does not mean that it is for everyone. It is hard to justify the cost because cars like the Z06 or guns like Dan Wessons the law of diminishing returns comes into play. Like the difference between the Vette and the 458 Italia you are paying in the range of 3X more for small differences in performance and customization.

For many even if they have the means the cost does not justify the upgrade. I however prescribe to Farris Bueller’s thoughts on the subject. “If you have the means... I highly recommend picking one up.”

 

[someguy2800]

Have you ever driven a Ferrari? Sorry but it is in a different class than the Corvette. To put it into perspective and bring it back to the topic of guns.

The Vette is an incredible value. It does amazing things for its price point. To me it is the Dan Wesson of super cars. It is an entry point which gets you 85%-90% of the way there to true super cars. Just like Dan Wessons are an incredible value and are close to being semi-custom or custom 1911s. They are still production line guns just like The Vette are production line cars.

What you get when to step up to a Ferrari like a 458 Italia is a hand built one at a time bespoke car. Each one is different. Each one is built to order. They have custom details, Custom hand built interiors. The quality of the parts and materials are superior. Craftsman build each part of the car. You are not just driving a fast powerful car you are driving a one of a kind piece of functional art.

This is the same for custom bespoke 1911s and other guns of that level. They are not built to meet a price point. They are not assembled on a factory line one after another. They are individual works of art and expression so of the builder and the buyers taste, wants and desires. That makes them special IMHO.

Now ones skill at driving might make these differences moot. If you can’t drive the car to its limits some of what you have paid for will be lost. The same is true for pistols most of us cannot outshoot production level guns like Glocks.

That does not mean you cannot enjoy the difference. There is something different abou t owning a snow shooting a bespoke custom pistol. Once you have worked with a custom smith to build a truly custom gun the perspective changes IMHO.

Now that does not mean that it is for everyone. It is hard to justify the cost because above cars like the Z06 or guns like Dan Wessons the law of diminishing returns comes into play. Like the difference between the Vette and the 458 Italia you are paying in the range of 3X more for small differences in performance and customization.

For many even if they have the means the cost does not justify the upgrade. I however prescribe to Farris Bueller’s thoughts on the subject. “If you have the means... I highly recommend picking one up.”

I have driven a 355 and riden in a 360. They are impressive in many aspects and unimpressive in many others.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

Seems you like HK? so a P7/M13 or P9S would fill that unique spot.

I do. Of all the soulless plastic pieces of crap that are out there, I like the ones HK builds best. I shoot them accurately and all three of mine have been shot extensively, and have never had a malfunction. They just work.

A P7 may not be a bad idea. I've always wanted one.

Although this in 38 Super is kind of calling my name.

 

[mdThanatos]

There are really good options out there and on this poll and it was a tough decision for me to cast my vote for a CZ variant of some kind. The Shadow 2, TSO, Czechmate, Czechmate Parrot are all pistols I would like to own, and probably get some work done on the lower end models. I really enjoy shooting my 1911 but since picking up my SP-01, it has become my favorite gun to shoot, so CZ for me.