Bobcat Steel

Les Baer, Ed Born, Wilson Combat or other

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    warren5421

    warren5421

    Expert
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    7   0   0
    May 23, 2010
    855
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    Plainfield
    Lynx-bags
    Looking to spend a dollar or two on a custom 1911 Government .45 ACP. I am looking a Les Baer though a Ed Brown looks better in fit and finish. Wilson has turned into a high dollar prediction gun. I know there are a few good custom gunsmiths out there building 1911's but Baer and Brown I have used and shot. Which or who would you use to build your dream gun?
     
    Expat

    Expat

    Pdub
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    23   0   0
    Feb 27, 2010
    109,644
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    Michiana
    If you haven’t looked at Alchemy… they make some great looking ones and reviews are great.
    I like the Baers and own several. But it is about expectations also. With the Baers you will have a break in period. You may find some tool marks on the inside. But I think that they are probably the best bank for the buck.
     
    Kirk Freeman

    Kirk Freeman

    Grandmaster
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    9   0   0
    Mar 9, 2008
    48,032
    113
    Lafayette, Indiana
    We are drowning in choices, so many great guns now. No ceiling? Korth or Volkmann. Leaning Volkmann (I have shot 2).

    I have several Les Baer, you guys know how I like PACE. They are all TRS models. I have only broken one.

    I favor semi-custom production guns. That's just me.
     
    D

    drm-hp

    Sharpshooter
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    13   0   0
    Jan 23, 2019
    301
    43
    Brownsburg
    I have had two Les Baer pistols, and I still regret/regret/regret selling my first.
    Baer designed his offerings to be shot, and shot often.
    That is where I spent my $.
     
    cundiff5535

    cundiff5535

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    44   0   0
    Feb 19, 2012
    874
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    Nwi
    I would look at a used Baer and send it to Mark Graff. All a Baer needs is some soften edges and light work for it to be top tier.

    In terms of a Brown being better fit. I disagree, the blending might be better, but it’s not fit better.

    Before Graff:
    IMG_3923.jpeg

    After Graff work
    IMG_3917.jpeg
    IMG_3918.jpeg
    IMG_3921.jpeg
     
    AllenM

    AllenM

    Diamond Collision Inc. Avon.
    Industry Partner
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    133   0   0
    Apr 20, 2008
    10,402
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    Avon
    My vote would be Les Baer.
    The ones I have handled and shot have been stellar.
     
    WhitleyStu

    WhitleyStu

    Keep'em Scary Sharp!!!
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    11   0   0
    Feb 11, 2009
    1,467
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    Whitley County/Allen County
    Several years ago I bought an Ed Brown Executive Target. The first thing is the customer service I received from Jason Brown. He took his time to answer every question I had in the several phone calls I had with him prior to purchasing. As to the pistol, the machining on the inside of the frame and slide was as nice as the exterior. Fit and finish was as expected on a pistol of that price range. Function was 100%.
     
    Wabatuckian

    Wabatuckian

    Smith-Sights.com
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    May 9, 2008
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    My vote would be to build one, or have one built by someone good while being available to see how it feels to you.

    The 1911s I have are both carry guns, and I built them using the best parts from several manufacturers but on a Rock Island frame and slide. The idea is that I want the function of a high-dollar custom job, but they're carry guns and will get beat on much more than safe queens.

    I've also fitted them to my hand using emery cloth and buffing wheels. Takes a while but it's worth it.
     
    Tactically Fat

    Tactically Fat

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    23   0   0
    Oct 8, 2014
    8,354
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    Indiana
    So... You say that you want custom... But then list a few semi-custom production companies. MOST of the "high end" 1911 pistols are semi-custom productions

    If you want custom? You'll have to probably mentally double or 2.5x the cost of a Baer, Brown, or Nighthawk.
     
    armalitesheepdog

    armalitesheepdog

    Master
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    8   0   0
    Jan 18, 2009
    2,228
    113
    SE Indy
    My vote is Alchemy. And I believe they are in Ft Wayne In. So you get to keep some Hoosier boys on the job. I dont own one but watching there you tubes they seem like a company thats doing something they love and will stand by it.
     
    T

    triggerhammer

    Plinker
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    1   0   0
    Sep 29, 2023
    104
    28
    Michigan City
    Ed Brown or Nighthawk
    warren5421 said:
    Looking to spend a dollar or two on a custom 1911 Government .45 ACP. I am looking a Les Baer though a Ed Brown looks better in fit and finish. Wilson has turned into a high dollar prediction gun. I know there are a few good custom gunsmiths out there building 1911's but Baer and Brown I have used and shot. Which or who would you use to build your dream gun?
    Click to expand...
     
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