Interested in a 1911...opinions requested

[dookie1481]

I'm looking to get my first (real) 1911, and I'm faced with a dilemma. Either:

a. Get a simple base gun (SA Mil-spec, etc.) and have it tuned by a good gunsmith or

b. Save up and buy a used semi-custom (Wilson, Les Baer, etc.).

I'm leaning towards option B as it seems it would likely be more reliable and probably cheaper.

Opinions?

Jay

[decodeddiesel]

What is your budget?

Is this your only pistol?

What will be the primary role of this gun? Plinker? CCW? Duty Gun?

[dookie1481]

What is your budget?

Is this your only pistol?

What will be the primary role of this gun? Plinker? CCW? Duty Gun?

I guess that info might be helpful.

Budget isn't set in stone, but I would like to keep it around $1500 or so before mags, holster, light, etc.

Not my only pistol, but it would be my only .45.

Mostly range use, but possible CCW piece if I put enough rounds through it to trust it.

Jay

[Greg Bell]

LAV said that a good used Wilson CQB was THE bargain in the 1911 world.

[dookie1481]

LAV said that a good used Wilson CQB was THE bargain in the 1911 world.

Definitely interested in one, though they seem to run about $1700 or so used; the Les Baer TRS seems to be a good deal also. I don't care if it's used, scratched, whatever. I'm gonna use the damn thing so finish isn't a big deal.

Jay

[d90king]

For $1500 I would just buy a Les Baer. To really have a top smith build a gun will far exceed your budget. Baers out of the box are a good value, his parts are very good and the accuracy is second to none.

[IrishDevil]

With that price range I would buy used, having a gun built would certainly meet or exceed your budget easily. Finding a smith to do the work in a timely manner is hard, but not impossible. While I've gotten out of the 1911 game, I miss my Wilson CQB everyday.

[RD62]

Basic and use the balance for ammo.

You'll need it. .45 ain't cheap right now.

Shoot it, decide what youlike and don't like. Then sell it and upgrade, or upgrade the one you have.

my .02 cents


-RD62

[Blake]

I voted for buying a used semi-custom. I recommend to be sure of the features you want. You can find some great deals for some used 1911s out there. Well under $2,000 for a used ones. I would buy a Wilson, Nighthawk, Springfield Custom Shop, or Ed Brown. I don't care for Les Baer, just my opinion. I believe there are much better guns for the money. If you buy a base model. You will wait and wait. Not a lot of top level gun smiths that are taking work these days. Then you are getting in to some serious money to get a good custom build. Just my worth nothing opinion.

[G34Shooter]

For $1500 I would just buy a Les Baer. To really have a top smith build a gun will far exceed your budget. Baers out of the box are a good value, his parts are very good and the accuracy is second to none.

Exactly, that was what I did and had a TRS sent to Harrison Custom and had it Ionbonded as well... I miss it