Stuck between RRA and Ed Brown

[Chiseler]

I'm looking at a 1911 when I get home. I've got a SIG P226, but who can resist the lure of the 1911? I've narrowed it down to the Rock River Arms Pro Carry and the Ed Brown Special Forces. I looked at Nighthawk, but that's a little too "tactical" for me. I don't need the hi-speed, lo-drag, Ramboized pistol. What I do need is a full-size, all-steel, 5" Government model, nicely blued with some decent-looking wood grips. Very old-school classic. Thing is, I wanted to get the best internals I could find. You can get a 1911 that looks similar for a lot less, but if it's all show and no go, then it's not doing me a whole lot of good.
Have you had any experience with either of the two manufacturers? From the gun rags, they're in a dead heat, but then it would behoove a gun writer to write good things, now wouldn't it? Thanks for any input you can provide.

 

[schmeky]

I don't own either, but I really like the Ed Browns. I think they are the best looking .45's followed by Les Baers.

 

[Walkalong]

I have not shot either, but have handled both and both are very impressive. Tough choice. I would lean towards the Ed Brown I think, but who can tell until you have to actually "lay down the cash"

 

[Slvr Surfr]

Go to www.1911forum.com for all things 1911s. They have a specific forum for each brand.

Between the two I would say the EB, only for the customer service if you should ever need it. RRA is having huge problems keeping up with the demand, and also customer service is pretty bad from what I have read.

EB takes good care of their customers.

I don't have either brand of the guns you listed so I can't say from personal experience.

 

[Rinspeed]

I really like RRA but I agree their customer service seems to have suffered lately because they are so busy. I have one of their ARs and it has been great. I almost bought one of their 1911s but the wait was just too long at the time so I went with the Baer TRS instead. Les Baer is a better value than RRA or EB I think but any of them in this price range is a safe bet. They will all put out a lemon on ocasion, how they deal with it is what's important.

 

[weisse52]

Wow,

what ugly choices to have to make. Ed Brown has a long standing rep, good customer service. RRA is an up and coming.

RAA is a little rare around me. I have seen Ed Brown products. I guess if I had to choice it would be Ed, just because.

Do not think you will go wrong to either.

 

[Ops Officer]

I'm a little confused. Is the RRA Pro Carry a full-sized 1911?

 

[Mainsail]

The Sig GSR 1911 has some of the best internals around. Have you considered that one?

 

[762x51]

I had the same decision to make and ended up going with the RRA. A local shop had both an RRA Basic Carry and an Ed Brown Special Forces in stock that I got to compare side by side.....both were excellent pistols. In the end, the RRA just had a nicer fit and finish to it, came with an accuracy guarantee, and seemed to be a better value so I chose that. Unfortunately, the one they had in stock had a 20 LPI front and back strap which I found too sharp, so I had to order mine. I've been waiting about 6 months. If you are a patient person, I'd recommend the RRA. If not.....the Ed Brown may be a better choice. RRA just simply cant keep up with the demand. Luckily, their wait time is the only thing that has suffered.....their QC is still top notch.

A word on customer service at RRA.....I've called them a couple of times and I've always gotten someone on the phone who had been helpful and polite. No problems there. One of their pistol smiths also posts over on 1911forum.com (Mark Z) and is VERY helpful with any questions or issues.

I'm a little confused. Is the RRA Pro Carry a full-sized 1911?

It can be ordered with whatever length slide you want. RRA will modify any of their pistols however you like.

 

[10-Ring]

I've handled both -- older models that are already in CA....I prefer the feel of the Brown better, but not by much. If I were given either pistol, I'd be a happy camper

 

[robctwo]

I own an Ed Brown Exec Target. 5" gun. Two tone. I bought it lightly used about a year ago. It runs like a dream. Very accurate. The bluing is turning a bit purple, and there is very slight peening at the slide stop notch. It's getting holster wear and will be refinished in the future. I would buy another in a second. Am looking at the carry but not in any hurry for another 1911 right now.

I also bought a Les Baer PII slightly used. Just barely broken in as a matter of fact. I've shot it more than the Brown. It is slightly more accurate than the Brown on most days. I had a fiber optic front sight installed for games. I would buy another Les Baer in a second as well. I was looking real hard at a Baer in 9mm and decided to go with the S&W 952-2. So far no regrets there, even though the safety is odd.

I have no opinion on the RRA products. Never held one, no sure I've seen on in the flesh.

 

[Rinspeed]

and there is very slight peening at the slide stop notch.

I've heard and seen pics of more than a couple Browns with this peening lately, I wonder what the deal is.