Posted: 6/30/2008 7:20:53 AM EDT
(I know it sounds like a stupid question, and I know they're two different "classes" of 1911s, but hear me out  )After a hiatus I'm considering buying another 1911. I'd gotten away from them for a while, but after recently shooting a Wilson CQB I've decided to pick another up. I was VERY impressed with the CQB, (to the point I was initially dead set on buying one) but not so much the price tag. At the risk of sounding like a cheapskate, I take exception to spending as much money on a pistol as I have custom rifles. I've read a bit about the MC Operator and it seems to carry a good reputation, and the price tag is more in line with what I'm looking to spend. In short my question is, what am I really giving up in terms of accuracy, reliability, and smooth function by opting for the MC Operator instead of the CQB w/LR? Thanks. |
I'm going to say you should get a CQB. But allow me to get there in a roundabout way  ....I've said it before - a mass-produced 1911 will do everything you need it to and more. I've shot thousands of rounds through high-end and box-stock guns and the box-stock guns are every bit as accurate in terms of useable accuracy and just as reliable. So what do I really care about and what do I get when it comes to the higher end guns? Finish -- the more expensive guns have better finishes that are more durable and protect against corrosion much better. For a hard-use gun, that's very important. The second most important is ergonomics. The box-stock guns have sharper edges and corners that make it a bit less comforting to shoot and carry for long durations. Those are the two biggies for me that I've found that the lower end guns can't compete with the more expensive guns. For a gun that gets carried and used a lot, that's important to me. You also generally get higher-end components, better fitting, better trigger (not a big issue for me, but it's nice), and better customer service. The biggest reason I think you should get a CQB? Because you shot one and fell in love and that's what you really wanted. You're going to spend a lot of money on the Springer and have it not be exactly what you want. When I was looking for a 308 battle rifle I really wanted an M1A, but to get into that game costs a lot of money. The rifles are expensive and the mags are expensive. So I got a PTR and a boat load of mags for next to nothing comparatively. It did everything the M1A would - it was stupid accurate, reliable, and had the same capacity as the PTR. The ergonomics weren't as good and it was a heavy SOB though. But it just wasn't the M1A that I really wanted. I ended up trading the PTR for what I really wanted and couldn't be happier. Get what you really want -- it's cheaper in the long run and you'll be happier. |
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Clearly this is not an apples versus oranges thread, but rather one based on an individual's needs. I have a 4" CQB that is my CCW. It is my lifeline and an undisputed investment. If I were to grab a 5" Wilson or any other semi custom, it would be a toy of some sort, since I already have a top-notch weapon for self defense. Given my skill, I would be fairly suited with any decent production pistol. I don't need the extra quality and service on a range toy like I need it for the weapon that guards my life. Since you don't happen to have the initial one, I put forth the simple question... "what's your life worth?" Is it worth saving $700? Sure, it is not entirely likely that going with the SA means failure at the worst moment as opposed to flawlessness of the Wilson, but it can be measured in the little things. A SA is a god pistol, but it is not a Wilson. If you like the gun more you use it more and maintain it more. That small difference might be the critical edge in difference with training. Moreover, the chances are that you will buy the SA, then pick up a Wilson and have the same empty feeling, prompting you to " get it right the second time. |
I coundn't have said it any better.I also want a Wilson CQB, but in the compact.A couple years back I picked up an older Springfield Compact 45 (they don't make them any more)and added some mods to it, its agreat gun and I'll keep it for yhe long haul but my next 1911 buy will be a Wilson CQB Compact 45. Like my daddy used to say "do it right the first time". |