Warning

 

Close
Confirm Action

Are you sure you wish to do this?

Cancel Confirm
AR15.COM
4/20/2014 4:30:55 PM EDT
I want another 1911, and I'm about to have the scratch saved up.  I currently have a Springfield TRP, a Colt Gold Cup Trophy, a RIA GI, and a Springfield 9mm RO.  I carry a Glock, but for pure pleasure, I enjoy a 1911 above all else.  

The purpose of this pistol will be for range use and carrying around our place.  I doubt I'll ever try to CC it.  I'm looking to own and appreciate a truly fine pistol.  

I want a full sized 45acp, carbon steel frame and slide.  I want it to be exceptionally well fitted and finished...tight.  I want every part to be quality, no MIM.  I want a relatively clean slide with no front cocking serrations.  I'm interested in front strap checkering (something less aggressive than my TRP), quality fixed night sights, and a traditional gi style guide rod / plug.  

I'm looking for something really nice to enjoy, carry, and eventually pass down to my son.

The names that come to mind are Baer, Brown, Wilson, and Nighthawk.  From these four, which would you recommend?  Do I need to save up more money?  I'm currently looking to budget $2500.
4/20/2014 4:52:29 PM EDT
[#1]
Wilson doesn't make anything less than $2900 unless you go used. I would buy a Baer Custom Carry or TRS if I was going to spend around $2000. FWIW, I think Nighthawks are overpriced for what you are getting.
4/20/2014 5:01:36 PM EDT
[#2]
much of these names you might need an extra 500 depending make and model

The nighthawk I want is the GRP Recon and that 3100
4/20/2014 5:22:13 PM EDT
[#3]
Have you thought about Springfield Custom Shop??
Make it like you want it. Or Colt Custom.
4/20/2014 5:42:41 PM EDT
[#4]
Dan Wesson Valor. You'll be pleased, and have money left over for a holster, ammo, etc.
4/20/2014 5:49:18 PM EDT
[#5]
Another vote for a Valor, I like mine more than my Wilson
4/20/2014 5:56:52 PM EDT
[#6]
Quote History
Quoted:
Another vote for a Valor, I like mine more than my Wilson
View Quote

Valor is not carbon steel as the OP specified, even the black one is DutyCoat over stainless.
4/20/2014 6:42:07 PM EDT
[#7]
Quote History
Quoted:

Valor is not carbon steel as the OP specified, even the black one is DutyCoat over stainless.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Another vote for a Valor, I like mine more than my Wilson

Valor is not carbon steel as the OP specified, even the black one is DutyCoat over stainless.
I'd guess that OP would consider a stainless pistol with a finish on it as opposed to bare stainless vs carbon steel which must be finished.
4/20/2014 8:58:49 PM EDT
[#8]
Quote History
Quoted:

Valor is not carbon steel as the OP specified, even the black one is DutyCoat over stainless.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Another vote for a Valor, I like mine more than my Wilson

Valor is not carbon steel as the OP specified, even the black one is DutyCoat over stainless.


Sucks to be him then.  The Valor is a top pistol at a reasonable price.
4/20/2014 9:13:07 PM EDT
[#9]
Quote History
Quoted:


Sucks to be him then.  The Valor is a top pistol at a reasonable price.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Another vote for a Valor, I like mine more than my Wilson

Valor is not carbon steel as the OP specified, even the black one is DutyCoat over stainless.


Sucks to be him then.  The Valor is a top pistol at a reasonable price.


+1

I love mine. It's my EDC. Until I get an ECO.
4/20/2014 9:44:11 PM EDT
[#10]
Springfield custom carry
4/20/2014 10:16:15 PM EDT
[#11]
Les Baer.....second choice- Nighthawk.
4/20/2014 10:17:32 PM EDT
[#12]
Quote History
Quoted:
Have you thought about Springfield Custom Shop??
Make it like you want it. Or Colt Custom.
View Quote

That's what I'd do.

Buy a Blued Colt 70 Series or Parkerized Springfield Milspec and send it off to be built/finished the way I wanted.
4/21/2014 3:22:44 AM EDT
[#13]
Quote History
Quoted:
Springfield custom carry
View Quote


This.

SACS turns out better 1911s than most all the other semi customs and they will do more custom work too.  
4/21/2014 9:55:00 AM EDT
[#14]
Look at the Baer Premiere 2 several options in your price range love mine and my Thunder Ranch
4/21/2014 10:15:36 AM EDT
[#15]
A Baer PII, with or without fixed sights best value at around $1900.  For a decided upgrade in finish, a Brown SF at around $2500 would be my second choice.
Wilson and NH aren't worth the extra premium in my opinion.
4/21/2014 11:45:34 AM EDT
[#16]
I think you would be happy with a Les Bear.
4/21/2014 12:06:48 PM EDT
[#17]
Quote History
Quoted:

Valor is not carbon steel as the OP specified, even the black one is DutyCoat over stainless.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Another vote for a Valor, I like mine more than my Wilson

Valor is not carbon steel as the OP specified, even the black one is DutyCoat over stainless.


FWIW the new ones are Duty Treat which is a Melonite-like treatment not a coating. If OP is dead set on a carbon steel gun I would go with a LB TRS.

I spent my money on a DW.
4/21/2014 12:27:48 PM EDT
[#18]
baer all the way.
4/21/2014 1:08:37 PM EDT
[#19]
Guncrafter No Name
4/21/2014 1:38:36 PM EDT
[#20]
Us service rifle M1 .30 cailber m1 garand


Get a garand
4/21/2014 1:39:36 PM EDT
[#21]
A Baer would be what I'd want in that price range.
4/21/2014 2:30:32 PM EDT
[#22]
Colt M45A1....if you can actually find one that isn't price inflated.
4/21/2014 2:44:50 PM EDT
[#23]
Colt Special Combat Government

http://www.colt.com/Catalog/ColtPistols/ColtSpecialCombatGovernment%C2%AE.aspx

May be easier to find than the M45A1
4/21/2014 2:50:00 PM EDT
[#24]
If I was going to spend $2000 on a 1911 a Colt would not be what I'd look at. There are much better guns out there, like a DW Valor or Les Baer TRS.
4/21/2014 4:11:18 PM EDT
[#25]
Les Baer, I own two and have been very pleased.  My second choice and actually my next 1911
Springfield Mil-spec customized by Springfield.
4/23/2014 3:21:04 AM EDT
[#26]
I appreciate the input.  As I look around, I feel that I will not be happy with anything less thsn a Wilson CQB.  May have to save s few more pennies...
4/23/2014 4:13:03 AM EDT
[#27]
I used to feel that way, until I saw the Nighthawk GRP Recon. After two years of lusting and saving I finally found a good deal on Gunsamerica and dropped the hammer. It hasn't left my side since. My Springfield and Kimber have been regulated to back-ups and my Colt is now a hide-a-gun for the house. I have been running the GRP for about two years now and I can truly say it is the finest 1911 I have ever had, and has spoiled me. It's my duty gun and my carry gun, and I take it everywhere.

I ran my Nighthawk through a recent SWAT refresher, went through about 800 rounds in four days. The next Saturday I figured I had run the 'hawk enough and took the Colt to the range. I fired 1 magazine, took it back to my truck, and put the Nighthawk back on. I wanted my smooth and responsive trigger and keyhole accuracy back. 192 rounds later I had an abused Q target and felt better about myself.

Don't rule out the Nighthawks, damn fine piece.
5/13/2014 10:37:07 AM EDT
[#28]
One more vote for Les Baer Thunder Ranch!!!
5/13/2014 12:58:01 PM EDT
[#29]
The clock is ticking on my CQB...it will be a long but exciting wait.