Well I think the time has come to purchase my first semi-custom 1911. Right now im in the beginning research stage and I would like to pick the brains of those of you out there fortunate to own or shoot these lovely works of art. My only requirements are that it is built to my specs/liking and that it will be “perfect” out of the box, (never to be worked on again) and I want 100% reliability and great accuracy. The brands I have narrowed down to are: Wilson, Les Baer, Nighthawk, Ed Brown, and Rock River. I would like to know which brand will give me the most bang for my buck, and which of any have any quality control / horror stories. Any advice and experiences will be greatly appreciated.
Need semi-custom 1911 help
- Thread starter jeffrice6
- Start date
- Status
waterhouse
Member
I don't own any, but I've shot a Wilson and a Brown and a Baer. I have yet to see a nighthawk or rock river in person.
I liked the Brown bob tail so much that I bought a Dan Wesson C-Bob just so I could pretend like I had a Brown
All of the ones I shot (small sample, low round count for me) seemed similar in craftsmanship . . .and it was very good.
I can't think of a good reason why, since they are all great guns, but in a couple of years if I have some cash laying around I'll contact Yost to do mine. Good luck with your decision, and let us know what you end up with.
I liked the Brown bob tail so much that I bought a Dan Wesson C-Bob just so I could pretend like I had a Brown
All of the ones I shot (small sample, low round count for me) seemed similar in craftsmanship . . .and it was very good.I can't think of a good reason why, since they are all great guns, but in a couple of years if I have some cash laying around I'll contact Yost to do mine. Good luck with your decision, and let us know what you end up with.
sgb
Member
I currently own a Springfield PRO and can highly recommend it even though it's not on your list. $2395.00
The Federal Bureau Of Investigation (FBI) has officially adopted Springfield Armory’s 1911-A1 pistol, beating a field of competitors that included some of the most famous gunsmiths and custom shops in America. The new Springfield TRP-PRO MODEL™ pistol meets all requirements and specifications of the FBI contract for their SWAT Hostage Rescue Team (H.R.T.).
My first choice on your list would be Rock River Arms Basic Carry as it is I believe the best band for the buck at $1525.00.
Second would be Ed Browns new Special Forces Model at $1995.00.
You may also want to consider a true CUSTOM 1911 such as a YOST #1 Enhanced. A Bargain at $1445.oo
You really can't go wrong with any of the makers on your list, it's simply which one do you like the most................... I like them ALL
The Federal Bureau Of Investigation (FBI) has officially adopted Springfield Armory’s 1911-A1 pistol, beating a field of competitors that included some of the most famous gunsmiths and custom shops in America. The new Springfield TRP-PRO MODEL™ pistol meets all requirements and specifications of the FBI contract for their SWAT Hostage Rescue Team (H.R.T.).
My first choice on your list would be Rock River Arms Basic Carry as it is I believe the best band for the buck at $1525.00.
Second would be Ed Browns new Special Forces Model at $1995.00.
You may also want to consider a true CUSTOM 1911 such as a YOST #1 Enhanced. A Bargain at $1445.oo
You really can't go wrong with any of the makers on your list, it's simply which one do you like the most................... I like them ALL
ajax
Member
Ed Brown would be my choice. I love the snake skin checkering.
Gunsnrovers
Member
If you want a gun built to your specs, I suggest you buy either a Springfield Armory GI or Colt NRM and send it to some like Yost Bonitz, Don Williams, Tripp Research, EGW, Chuck Rogers, etc.
1) make up a list of what you want
2) make a short list of smiths to do the work
3) correspond with these smiths about what you want
4) make your choice, send in your base gun, and wait
It takes longer, but it's built as you want it. I haven't come across an out of the box as I want it yet. Something's always got to be changed.
1) make up a list of what you want
2) make a short list of smiths to do the work
3) correspond with these smiths about what you want
4) make your choice, send in your base gun, and wait
It takes longer, but it's built as you want it. I haven't come across an out of the box as I want it yet. Something's always got to be changed.
Safety First
Member
All good choices...you can do a search at www.1911forum.com on each brand you have selected as well as here, of course. A lot is being written about Nighthawk, all that I have read is over whelmingly favorable. I do not have a 1911 by any of the manufactures that you listed, so I can not speak from personal experience, just what I have read here and else where. I would think Ed Brown, Night Hawk or Wilson Combat would be a win-win situation, excellent product and great customer service as well....good luck...
If you absolutely don't want to send a Colt to Ted Yost or a similar magician, then I would recommend the Springer Pro. If you absolutely don't want to stray from your list, I would recommend the Rock River.
I can't imagine ever buying a semi-custom 1911 now that I have the Colt that Ted built up for me. I should mention that it cost me less than most of the semi-customs--and beats them up and steals their lunch money.
I can't imagine ever buying a semi-custom 1911 now that I have the Colt that Ted built up for me. I should mention that it cost me less than most of the semi-customs--and beats them up and steals their lunch money.
Nothing is certain in this world but Death. Any manufacturer can have problems with their product. Pick the one you like and go. My choice was and is Wilson's Combat Classic pistol. Now have two, one in all stainless and one with stainless frame/black slide. Both are super guns and extremely accurate. Good luck with your choice.
Good shooting and be safe.
LB
Good shooting and be safe.
LB
Expecting 100% perfection in anything is the path to disappointment.
Don't buy a 'factory' or 'semi' custom. They are not custom and not made to your specs. They are overpriced, gussied up pistols put together by 'technicians', not gunsmiths.
I found this out the hard way, after spending some pretty big coin on these things and being let down every time.
Follow the advice of those who have told you to buy a good basic pistol and then turn it over to a pistolsmith you trust.
mountain_cowboy
Member
Rock River Arms. From what I've seen, they're the best gun for the money.
They're custom in the sense that you can order one anyway you want with your specifications for parts, checkering, accuracy, etc. All parts are perfectly fitted. The accuracy and reliability are there too. You're not paying for the Brown or Baer name, but you're getting as good or better quality.
I recommend the RRA, Baer, or Brown over letting a pistolsmith customize a Colt or whatever. The reason is the resale value. You can buy an RRA, Baer, or Brown, shoot it for 1000 rounds and sell it for basically what you paid for it. You will never get back what you have in a smith-customized gun, no matter what you paid for it. To everyone else, it's just a tricked out Colt.
And all this is coming from the owner of a Les Baer.
They're custom in the sense that you can order one anyway you want with your specifications for parts, checkering, accuracy, etc. All parts are perfectly fitted. The accuracy and reliability are there too. You're not paying for the Brown or Baer name, but you're getting as good or better quality.
I recommend the RRA, Baer, or Brown over letting a pistolsmith customize a Colt or whatever. The reason is the resale value. You can buy an RRA, Baer, or Brown, shoot it for 1000 rounds and sell it for basically what you paid for it. You will never get back what you have in a smith-customized gun, no matter what you paid for it. To everyone else, it's just a tricked out Colt.
And all this is coming from the owner of a Les Baer.
Sry0fcr
Member
Why buy a semi custom when you can just buy a full custom gun and get exactly what you want. Many of those listed will build your gun the way you want it as well.
sgb
Member
While the semi custom 1911's like the RRA Basic carry are an excellant value for the dollar, there is just something special about having a customized 1911 built just for you I've still got about an 8 month wait for mine.
I've still got about an 8 month wait for mine.Kruzr
Member
The problem with buying a base model and sending it off for customizing is that it will never be the same as a semi-custom built from oversize parts. To tighten the slide on a base model, they will peen the rails and squeeze the slide. A semi-custom will be fit to be tight from the get-go.
IMO, you'll find the RRA's and Baers to be about the same feel. The Wilson and Nighthawks are essentially clones of one another (hmm, wonder why ).
The Browns have the nicest finish inside and out.
All are good shooters and you can notice the difference between them and normal production guns.
I also believe you get the most bang for your buck with a Baer but many don't like the tightness of the guns.
IMO, you'll find the RRA's and Baers to be about the same feel. The Wilson and Nighthawks are essentially clones of one another (hmm, wonder why
).The Browns have the nicest finish inside and out.
All are good shooters and you can notice the difference between them and normal production guns.
I also believe you get the most bang for your buck with a Baer but many don't like the tightness of the guns.
TheEgg said:
All depends on what you want. Some of those overpriced gussied up pistols will be more accurate that a so called true custom because they were built on oversized parts from the start. If you add up the cost of all the high quality parts in a Baer or RRA you are getting a pretty good deal on the assembly.
You are right, it does depend on what you want. I want a defense pistol, thus I value reliability over ultimate accuracy. You take a 1911 and fit it up for the best possible accuracy and you will probably limit it's ability to be used as a defense pistol -- it will be great at the range, but tend toward less reliability.
I have been down the road with Baer, Wilson, et. al. and I am totally done with them. I think you pay a big price premium for limited increase in value. Others love them -- you pay your money and take your choice. I now enjoy something like a good Colt or S&W 1911 much more -- I feel like I am getting a much better VALUE for my money.
having shot Wilsons, Baer's and Brown's. Plus many custom made 1911's, I have to say the only semi custom to live up to its rep was the Brown guns.
That said I have not handled a NightHawk or Rock River. Both look very good though.
If one of the manufactures makes the EXACT gun your looking for, buy it and be happy, if not get a custom built by a good smith and be happy.
That said I have not handled a NightHawk or Rock River. Both look very good though.
If one of the manufactures makes the EXACT gun your looking for, buy it and be happy, if not get a custom built by a good smith and be happy.
Kustom1911
Member
My semi custom list would be in this order: Brown, Nowlin, Baer, Wilson all would be great pistols. You should check at your local range and try to determine which one you like the feel of.
- Status
