Which Semi-Custom 1911

[BlayGlock]

Ive really narrowed it down to these two models: A Nighthawk GRP or a Wilson CQB. I included an other option just to see what folks would say.

I am not interested in an ED Brown because he does not offer any 1911 in a 9mm, which to be honest erks me because I have seen nothing but good work from his shop.

 

[MICHAEL T]

I am not interested in an ED Brown because he does not offer any 1911 in a 9mm, which to be honest erks me because I have seen nothing but good work from his shop.

Ed brown because a 1911 is suppose to be a 45acp not a 9mm

 

[BlayGlock]

That Colt LTW Commander that you have was originally designed by Colt to be a 9mm not .45 acp.

 

[bincabo]

I have a GRP and T3 in Nighthawk, a Bill Wilson Carry and an Ed Brown Kobra. Of the three brands, I like the Nighthawks. You can feel it as soon as you rack the slide.
For 9mm, check out the Ladyhawk model Nighthawk.
BTW, The Lt. wt. Commander was chambered in 9mm to enter the military trials held after WWII. They were looking for a lightweight officers gun.

 

[Quack]

if you want 9mm, go with a Springfield Custom Shop Custom Carry. starting price should put you under $2000 and the Custom Shop guns are up there with Brown & Wilson.

 

[BlayGlock]

Quack, I have considered that one as well. I will look into it.

 

[SideArmed]

Have experience with all the above.

Springfield TRP IMO can run with them all.

Wilson/Nighthawk work great but really too high a premium unless you like the name. Although...well.. the TRP is not a whole lot cheaper

 

[SC_1911Shooter]

Voted for the Wilson, but do agree with the poster above in that it's pretty overpriced. I'd also give Fusion a look for a semi-custom....great build quality, performance and accuracy. (I've owned a couple Wilsons and Les Bears in the past)

 

[The Wiry Irishman]

You can get most if not all Baers in 9mm.

 

[CoRoMo]

Another vote for Springfield.

 

[NinjaFeint]

I would get a fusion

 

[Rinspeed]

SA Custom Carry gets my vote as well.

 

[BlayGlock]

Looks like Nighthawk is in the lead.

That being said, based on my very positive experience with my Springfield 1911s ( I now own three) I am going to order a Custom Carry model from thier custom shop. It will be in 9mm and I will have to wait between 9-12 months but it will be worth it.

FWIW I also talked to Bob Serva at Fusion. Super nice guy, took time to answer all of my questions. I was quoted $1800 for a similar gun, but w/ fiber optic sights instead of Novak NS. Turn around time would be much fatser as well, but in the end I decided Springfield due to the name and my very positive dealings with the company.

Thanks for all of the information.

 

[Quack]

and if you don't like it, sell it to me

 

[surjimmy]

Les Baer if for no other reason, if you call the factory to ask a question you stand better then a 75% chance of talking to Mr. Baer. I have called 8 times to ask question's and have talked to Mr. Baer 5 of those times. Not to mention it's the best weapon I have ever fired.

 

[jaysouth]

Not semi custom

Limited Production

The ones you have listed are good guns indeed, but the best bang for the buck goes to Les Baer.

Functionally, my STI Trojan 5.0 in 9mm shoots and handles as well as LP guns costing twice as much. It has mim parts and pretty thin blueing, but it shoots with the best of them.

 

[Full Metal Jacket]

you should go onto 1911forum.com and use the search function for nighthawk custom. their quality control is non existent at times. (apparently since ron phillips left them).

several examples of nighthawks quality control (or lack of):


http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=180265&highlight=Nighthawk


http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=185326


stick with wilson, brown, baer, or the springer pro. especially considering you do not normally get to see these high end 1911's before you buy.

 

[mljdeckard]

How are you defining 'semi' custom?

 

[Supertac45]

Les Baer.

 

[robctwo]

I have the Baer PII in 9mm. Very nice pistol. I have the Baer PII in .45 and the Brown Exec. Target. Didn't think that not making a 9mm was a problem for the Brown.

 

[Ala Dan]

Les Baer 5" Thunder Ranch Special~!

 

[jaysouth]

MLJDeckard


Semi-custom could be a feather glued on the dustcover, or a pair of curb feelers installed.

The standard term for pistols of the ilk of Les Baer, Wilson, Ed Brown, etc is "Limited production".

A 'semi custom' Wilson would have curb feelers and fuzzy dice.

 

[BlayGlock]

Semi-custom, "limited production" same difference.

I also just picked up a Rock River Arms in a trade. When it get here Ill give a report.

 

[CWL]

Why not a BHP tailored to your tastes rather than a M1911? I kinda think it a waste of gunmetal to push little 9mms out of a .45ACP platform.

 

[Rinspeed]

The standard term for pistols of the ilk of Les Baer, Wilson, Ed Brown, etc is "Limited production".

Never heard of such a dumb thing.