Custom 1911's

Don't forget that none of the guns named are true custom guns - they are high end, yes, but not true custom guns. They're all series production, largely CNC machined and generally machine finished. If you truly want a custom gun, there's more work involved, and not just on the part of the gunsmith. Check out the work of Mars or Heirloom. True custom guns, entirely fitted by one pair of hands. Here in Canada we have a few people that can do that type of work, and it isn't as expensive as you think.
 
sailor723 said:
I have to say I am leaning towards something at the Ed Brown level if I end up doing anything at all. I agree that while they have a fine reputation the Les Baers just don't quite look the part in terms of finish.

I was going to go and check out Wanstalls "House of 1911s" when I'm in Vancouver later this month. Now I'm not sure it would be worth the drive to Maple Ridge. In looking at their inventory it appears they might be getting away from stocking high end 1911's. The inventory for these guns has seemed to be getting less and less in the past year. They've gone from showing 20+ models from various manufacturers in stock last year to only 4-5 today, It's a shame because I'd really like to see and handle some options before deciding.
Click to expand...

our website does not (unfortunately) reflect our current inventory. We currently have just shy of a dozen custom guns in the store to choose from. Nighthawk, Ed Brown, Les Baer just to mention a few.

We have a hard time keeping them in stock.
 
caramel said:
With their plastic part, i would be surprised if it ever happen, plastic have no place on a quality 1911... Just saying...
Click to expand...
I see them replacing any parts that don't get them into the Custom Firearm camp.. you don't see any 1911's that originated in the Philippines now in the line .. (Hope I'm correct with that one)
 
silverfoxdj said:
I see them replacing any parts that don't get them into the Custom Firearm camp.. you don't see any 1911's that originated in the Philippines now in the line .. (Hope I'm correct with that one)
Click to expand...

This is one of the reason i never bought one, plastic aint acceptable in my book...
 
As a structural ingener all my life, plastic was always the cheap economical way of doing thing, i cant accept that as a quality top shelf product ...
 
Non issue with me. I've had 3 trouble free years with my STI Trojan and I doubt I'd even know the mainspring housing and trigger are poly if I hadn't read it on here.

I do wish the finish was a little nicer though (better polish and more high gloss).
 
I owned an STI Duty SS 5.0 It was nice, but wouldnt run as reliably as my M&P or my Norc with handloads. Take what you will from that. But I also just got back from Shot Show and got to spend some time at the Nighthawk booth and that is definitely on the bucket list now. The fit and finish was amazing, and they were nice customs. Lots of variations. Not run of the mill 1911. You could tell they gave the guys in the custom shop free run to come up with what they want. If I am going to spend that kind of money, I want something that is limited run and hand fit.
 
From my experience a 'custom' 1911 differs only in fit and finish, quality of materials and attention to details. I was shooting a Norc Police 1911 one day when a fellow came over and asked what I was shooting. He offered me the opportunity to shoot a 'real' 1911 which happened to be a Les Baer (not sure which model). I shot two magazines through it and I did not notice any difference in accuracy between the two. I told him I thought his LB was a very nice pistol but I did not see any difference in accuracy between the two at the distance I was shooting. The target was about 15 yards out and he told me that if I shot out to 50 yards then the difference between the LB and Norc would become apparent. I told him that I don't shoot handgun out to 50 yards because I can't make out the target too well at that distance due to my of my aging eyes. He was getting agitated and annoyed with me and I wasn't sure why. Perhaps, he was upset that I wasn't totally in awe of his LB? I've owned many 1911's and currently have two in my stable. One is a Wilson Combat CQB and the other is a Dan Wesson PM7. The CQB was almost three times the cost of the PM7. Does it shoot 3x better than the PM7? Not in my books.....It has already been mentioned in thread the difference between 'high end' and 'custom'. Buy a 'custom' or 'high end' 1911 because you want one or because you can appreciate the quality in them but don't buy one if you think it will elevate your shooting ability or accuracy......YMMV.
 
Last edited:
Some people like cars. They buy BMW's or Mercedez's and enjoy them. Of course a Honda Civic will get you from point A to point B as efficiently but these people appreciate the fine craftsmanship and of course better performances of high priced cars. I don't like cars. I like guns. So I have Anschutz rifles and a custom 1911, among other fine firearms. I like their performances of course but also appreciate much their fine craftsmanship and just having a « fine » firearm. For me it is worth it. To each his own.

Gilbert
 
sailor723 said:
I've been toying with the idea of adding a higher end 1911 to the collection but I seem to run hot and cold on the idea. I have a STI Trojan now that I like very much. If I went to something like a Les Bear or Ed Brown would I really notice any difference for punching holes in paper or making steel go "ting"?.....or is it more about being more finely finished and bragging rights?

For that matter, Les Baer's seen to be mid/high 2's while I see Brown's in the 4k+/- range. What does that extra 1,000-1,500 buy you with Ed Brown?
Click to expand...

Ah the age old question of value. An Ed Brown or the like will get you better fit and finish and better quality parts. You will notice the difference if you handle one. Does this really matter? Only you can decide. Will it shoot more accurately, probably not for most of us as we are the limit not the firearm. But they sure are pretty. The fit and finish is immaculate. They really are beautifully made. Personally I shoot the Ruger 1911, which does everything well from a shooting standpoint and is decently built, and can't justify one of the customs but if I had money to burn I would buy one in an instant. I personally prefer Nighthawk but that is me.
 
I own a Ruger, a few Remington a custom LB and a custom Colt ,the Rem and ruger are well made 1911 but when you get in the top shelf 1911 you will feel the difference...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom