[gomerpyle]

This probably comes up regularly, but I have to ask.

Well like the title says I'm in need of a 1911. Had to sell the majority of my firearms when the economy went down the drain, now I'm fortunately rebuilding my collection. Bought some glocks, a sig, now I'm in need for a 1911. I've had a few cheaper 1911's in the past, to me one of the most pleasurable pistols to shoot. Never had experience with anything over $1,000. I'm not looking for a carry piece, looking for more of a high end 1911. The last few nights I've done countless reading and really having a hard time coming to a conclusion on what to order. My local stores have a weak selection, mostly just the typical Kimber's and Springfields. Since recently seeing some of the amazing collections you guys have (Bac) I figured I'd ask what you would recommend for a 1st time high end 1911 buy. I'm not partial to any of them as long as it doesn't have a rail. Help me spend my long time gathered 1911 gun fund :supergrin:!

 

[GVIFlyer]

How much do you want to spend?

 

[Hokie1911]

You mention "high end" a number of times. You need to define what "high end" means and what your budget is. "High end" 1911s can hit $5-10k in a blink.

Need to know size preference, usage, and budget.

 

[gomerpyle]

Sorry should of specified more. I'd be willing to spend +/- $4,000. Looking for a 5" for primarily range duty, occasional carry maybe.

 

[Quack]

you can have a gun built by SVI
http://www.sviguns.com/2001.php

for a little more than 1/2 your budget, you can get a gun built by the Springfield Custom Shop...

 

[polizei1]

Also you need to realize if you want a semi custom or a custom, as the price and wait time will be vastly different.

 

[Hokie1911]

How much was that Tactical Supergrade that Wilson built for Vickers? That thing was sick.

 

[polizei1]

How much was that Tactical Supergrade that Wilson built for Vickers? That thing was sick.

Website says base price is $4,350, but I'm sure there was extra stuff done.

 

[Quack]

How much was that Tactical Supergrade that Wilson built for Vickers? That thing was sick.

base price is ~$4350

 

[20South]

base price is ~$4350

Not a 1911 expert by any stretch, but if Vickers chose that Supergrade, then I think you about have to seriously consider starting there.

 

[Tactical black]

With a $4000.00 budget you have a lot of options. I would make a list of features and details you want and go from there.

 

[Quack]

Not a 1911 expert by any stretch, but if Vickers chose that Supergrade, then I think you about have to seriously consider starting there.

Larry had to go with a Wilson, because the built time to get a gun from Vickers was too long :rofl:

 

[Hokie1911]

Not a 1911 expert by any stretch, but if Vickers chose that Supergrade, then I think you about have to seriously consider starting there.

http://www.wilsoncombat.com/p_tactical_supergrade.htm
http://blog.wilsoncombat.com/calibers/45-acp/larry-vickers-1911/

Yeah, hard to argue with this guy...

 

[Quack]

http://www.wilsoncombat.com/p_tactical_supergrade.htm
http://blog.wilsoncombat.com/calibers/45-acp/larry-vickers-1911/

Yeah, hard to argue with this guy...

he's just angry because they "Fusioned" him. he asked for no FCS or rollmarks but the gun came with FCS and rollmarks. as you can see he's pointing to the mistakes :animlol:

 

[Hokie1911]

he's just angry because they "Fusioned" him. he asked for no FCS or rollmarks but the gun came with FCS and rollmarks. as you can see he's pointing to the mistakes :animlol:

:rofl:

 

[chrisman17]

Also you need to realize if you want a semi custom or a custom, as the price and wait time will be vastly different.

This!

Do you want Custom or Semi Custom?

Semi Custom, you can't go wrong with Wilson, Brown, NHC(to an extent), Baer, and SA Custom.

I have at least one of each of the above, and it's really like choosing between a Mercedes and a BMW.

BTW... You're bank account is going to hate you now that you're venturing into the world of 1911s....

 

[bac1023]

Larry had to go with a Wilson, because the built time to get a gun from Vickers was too long :rofl:

:rofl:

 

[gomerpyle]

Thanks for the advice guys. I knew it was a good idea to post here. I think for this purchase I'll stick with semi-custom. Maybe on the next round I'll look more into a full custom piece. I really like what Wilson & Ed Brown have to offer, I just wish I could fondle 1 before the purchase. Keep the advice coming!

Chrisman17, I hear you on the bank account. Fortunately I know what addictions do to bank funds, I design performance parts and build hot rods for a living. I had to choose between cars and my guns due to the automotive downfall. Thankfully things have turned around, this purchase is kind of my celebration of that :supergrin:.

 

[Quack]

so what type a features/parts do you want on your gun?

 

[bac1023]

I'm going to agree with Quack on this. Go with an Infinity. They will build you whatever you want, as they're a full house custom builder. Everything will be done to your exact specs. Brandon Strayer is a great guy to talk shop with and he will personally ensure your gun is everything you want it to be. They're a no-nonsense company and certainly experts in their trade.

This build cost me just under $4000 a couple years back. Today, you're probably looking at $4500-$5000. That said, if you opt for a different barrel and finish, you could probably stay under $4000. This may be the best shooting 1911 I own and I absolutely love everything about it.

Now, I'm not going to recommend a Wilson Super Grade, as some others did. Its, no doubt, a very fine 1911. However, I don't think anything out of the semi-custom shops is worth $4000 or more. I bought mine in like new shape for about $3000. Its great, but for the money of a new model, give me a full custom gun like an Infinity.