Ed Brown or Wilson Combat

ajstrider · 09-13-2011, 15:59

Getting ready to order my first expensive gun and can't make up my mind between these two. I am getting essentially the same gun from either of them, so it comes down to the manufacturing, which I have no experience with either of them. What do you guys think?

STI · 09-13-2011, 16:19

I have a Wilson CQB its been great for 11 yrs, service is outstanding if you should need it.

glock2740 · 09-13-2011, 16:20

Wilson has more choices and options. But you won't go wrong with either.

skipsan · 09-13-2011, 16:29

I have one of each, both bought new and similar in configuration. SF and CQB, similar options. I believe the two are every way equivalent, with the Brown being several hundred $$ lower in price, so based on value, the Brown would be a clear choice.

dakrat · 09-13-2011, 16:55

you can't go wrong with either. it really depends on what type of 1911 you are after. IMO, Ed Brown's lineup are Classic and elegant while Wilson's lineup are more of a tactical/combat type. my money goes to EB

bac1023 · 09-13-2011, 17:07

I give the slight edge to Wilson, but both are great.

cdunn · 09-13-2011, 18:13

I done own either one but given a choice I'd get a Brown, well that depends on the model

CMG · 09-13-2011, 18:18

Give Wilson's recent price increase and comparing the CQB to the Kobra: My pick would be Ed Brown for $600 less.

ajstrider · 09-13-2011, 18:19

I think I am leaning more to the Brown, it may be do to the pictures, but I think I prefer the coloring on the Gen III finish opposed to the Armor Tuff Black.

***faawrenchbndr*** · 09-13-2011, 18:31

Hard call,.......I'd say Wilson has the edge, but just by a hair!

bac1023 · 09-13-2011, 19:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by CMG

Give Wilson's recent price increase and comparing the CQB to the Kobra: My pick would be Ed Brown for $600 less.

Ed Browns are certainly the better value.

Wilson's prices have gotten a bit ridiculous as of late.

bac1023 · 09-13-2011, 19:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by faawrenchbndr

Hard call,.......I'd say Wilson has the edge, but just by a hair!

Yeah, their standard line has a very slight edge, in my opinion. The Super Grade line has a solid edge over any Brown.

Of course, prices of the SG line are nuts.

ajstrider · 09-13-2011, 20:26

Yeah Super Grades are superb, I admit that. I am comparing a CQB with a few slight changes to an Executive Elite (I think I prefer the checkering to the chainlink of the special forces or the snakeskin of the Kobra) with some small changes. The Brown will save a bit of money but I am not afraid to spend a few hundred more for the right handgun. I called both companies today and they both have a 6 month wait essentially. Kind of depressing to know that if I ordered it tomorrow it would not be mine until February, but I guess you got to wait for nice things.

I would also like to point out that this posting hasn't turned into an argument like most.

glock2740 · 09-13-2011, 20:41

Wilson's prices have gone up and the wait has gotten longer. You might want to give CJ (1911heaven.com) a call before ordering a Brown. He may have what you want in stock and it will be alot cheaper than ordering straight from EB. As for Wilson, if you decide on one you like, shoot Dave(drc767) a PM and see what he says about pricing and wait times.

carguy2244 · 09-13-2011, 20:44

There are other excellent options available. Curious why they're not on your menu?

bac1023 · 09-13-2011, 20:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by glock2740

Wilson's prices have gone up and the wait has gotten longer. You might want to give CJ (1911heaven.com) a call before ordering a Brown. He may have what you want in stock and it will be alot cheaper than ordering straight from EB. As for Wilson, if you decide on one you like, shoot Dave(drc767) a PM and see what he says about pricing and wait times.

Dave is a great guy to deal with.

38 Super Fan · 09-13-2011, 23:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by CMG

Give Wilson's recent price increase and comparing the CQB to the Kobra: My pick would be Ed Brown for $600 less.

There may be a very slight edge to Wilson in quality, but Brown has a big edge in pricing.

bac1023 · 09-14-2011, 05:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by 38 Super Fan

There may be a very slight edge to Wilson in quality, but Brown has a big edge in pricing.

These days, yes they do.

It wasn't always like that, but Wilson's have gone through the roof.

***BuckyP*** · 09-14-2011, 06:07

I like the variety of offerings that Wilson has, but the few I've tried I wasn't a fan. Admittedly, I was using a KZ-9 for a while (I know, not a "real" 1911), which may have soiled my opinion a bit.

My one Ed Brown I own / shoot does impress me though, though his offerings are much less diverse. Being Brown makes what you want, that would be my vote.

***faawrenchbndr*** · 09-14-2011, 06:29

Darn good point Bucky'.......Brown will cater to the customers' choice of options better.

nolt · 09-14-2011, 07:38

will either of them do 20lpi fs checkering now?

sugarcreek · 09-14-2011, 07:47

I would go Centennial Edition, naked slide, special serial number in the 100th anniversary year, and Gen III black everywhere... If I was buying.

rsxr22 · 09-14-2011, 07:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by nolt

will either of them do 20lpi fs checkering now?

i have a cqb done with 20 lpi, received mine in april

nelamvr6 · 09-14-2011, 08:12

I'm currently waiting on delivery of a Molon Labe from Ed Brown.

IMHO Brown makes a better pistol. It seems to me that his policy of concentrating on essentially one model and providing option thereof gives him an edge on quality.

But be advised, the wait time is now hovering around 150 days. I'm personally on day 108.

rahrah12 · 09-14-2011, 08:46

Before ordering direct I would check out a few of the distributors.

I purchased my Ed Brown through Hammond's and it was a great transaction. I have heard great things from CJ & migunslingers.com also. Give them a call and see, you might get lucky and find what you need in stock. The wait times are getting a bit rediculous but atleast you know you are getting a great product and they aren't cutting corners to get more guns out faster.

I went with the EB KC. Felt it was a great gun for the value. I also liked how all of the guns are basically identical, built to the same high standards, with only a few changes to things like front strap checkering or scales.

I didn't like the idea of needing to pay a premium for a better version gun with the Wilson. Just my personal opinion.