User Panel
User Panel
View Full Site
User Panel
|
Posted: 1/13/2006 4:05:18 PM EDT
[#1]
When a 1911 costs more than a cheap machinegun, it's too much for me, but some who go in harms way swear by them. |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/13/2006 4:14:01 PM EDT
[#2]
Damn is right. I made the mistake of sending my first 1911 (a full sized stainless Colt) to them many moons ago to have Bo-Mar sights installed. I was a newbie IPSC shooter and didn't know any better. Took WAY to long to get it done and cost WAY too much. Their catalogued pistols are even worse price-wise.
Kimbers, IMNSHO, offer a much bigger bang for the buck if you are looking for a top-notch 1911. |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/13/2006 4:51:02 PM EDT
[#3]
Check out Knighthawk custom. These guys left Wilson (rumor has it because he is a prick) but I never met the guy so who knows. Anyway, Wilson is way overpriced and there are good custom guns to be had elsewhere. We were blessed to have a local guy, George Madore, who would build you a one-holer for under a thousand bucks. Unfortunately, he passed a few years ago. EGW is good here in PA but they're also slow and expensive. If you can't find a local guy with a good rep, look at STI. They make "production guns" but are good.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/13/2006 5:03:37 PM EDT
[#4]
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/13/2006 5:05:04 PM EDT
[#5]
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/13/2006 5:08:59 PM EDT
[#6]
There are a few guys here who have Wilson 1911's. You might check out 1911forums.com, they have a Wislon forum. Everybody there seems to think there worth the green. It sounds like they are built right anyway.
Nighthawk pistols are just as expensive. |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/13/2006 5:09:13 PM EDT
[#7]
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/13/2006 5:15:02 PM EDT
[#8]
I own 2 CQBs and 3 Protectors, all 5". They are extremely well fit and finished. They are also accurate and extremely reliable. You get what you pay for. I would buy another Wilson in a "New York minute".
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/13/2006 5:18:35 PM EDT
[#9]
Have to agree with Gunguy1911. You cannot compare a Kimber to a hand fitted custom gun. Proof here is on the paper. BTW, I didn't research prices on knighthawks. To me, Kimbers are just regular production 1911's with all the bells and whistles added on. The money in a custom gun is in the barrel fit and trigger. I still think you can get an accurate 1911 cheaper than Wilson. I guess George Madore spoiled me.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/13/2006 7:40:39 PM EDT
[#10]
Wilson makes a darn fine product (as do Ed Brown, Les Baer and others). If the semi-custom market is out of your price range, you can still find a pretty decent 1911 for under $1K to start with (or build upon). The main point is if you try the 1911 platform and enjoy it...you'll probably end up like the rest of us...owning several 1911's as the years go by!
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/13/2006 7:40:47 PM EDT
[#11]
There is a local guy here in Indy named Vern Trester. He installed a carbon fiber Chip McCormick trigger for me. He also did a great deal of work on my friends Colt Commander. I have a dream list for my Colt Compact and when I get the parts I will go to him. I am planning on getting it refinished and have heard off and on that a blued gun is not the best choice.I've carried a blued .38 Taurus as a truck gun and a few other Blued guns in a holster and nary a "problem". Is this because the blue wears off after a lot of holster time or what? Never heard of it being a drawback. I'm tired of my parkerized look though and would love a good excuse to get it finished in a nice blue or ...gasp....Chrome!
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/13/2006 7:45:18 PM EDT
[#12]
You'd be correct, since Wilson frames / slides are made by Kimber. But, for a "semi-custom" 1911, Les Baer will give you a better gun for less money. |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/13/2006 7:53:44 PM EDT
[#13]
I have one; I had two at one time. What do you want to know?
I compared Kimbers to Wilsons and there is really no comparison. The fit and finish is just great. Would I do it again? No, I have a police trade-in G-21 that shoots just as good and my Protector. I am actually wanting to get rid of now. |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/13/2006 7:56:31 PM EDT
[#14]
What do you all think in terms of work ?
Seems like Wilson prices for doing work on a customer supplied pistol are about in line with other reputable smiths. I ask as I have a Kimber Classic Custom, that needs to get the "works" done. Was leaning towards Wilson, they built me a Springfield into a CQB, and I was very happy with it. Now that I have the opportunity to repeat the project on a better (just an opinion) frame, barrel and slide, would be very happy to have them do it again. I can't seem to find much better prices for any of the marquee name smiths out there. Not really willing to trust just anyone, if they muck up the checkering, its mucked... |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/13/2006 7:56:52 PM EDT
[#15]
Really? I guess I can scratch that off of my "research until I come up empty handed, and then ask ARFCOM" list. |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/13/2006 8:11:05 PM EDT
[#16]
I don't think that is quite correct. Wilson uses Caspian frames. Why would Kimber supply their biggest competitor? |
||
|
|
|
Posted: 1/13/2006 8:26:57 PM EDT
[#17]
Note to self: dont automatically believe everything I read on the internet.
Me-->  Caspian frames...is that for certain? Does Caspian also do the slides? Sorry for the hijack ten-ring |
|
|
|
Posted: 1/13/2006 8:34:26 PM EDT
[#18]
This is correct for the integral light railed CQB's, but I was told by Wilson recently that they have been making the rest of their frames in house for the past few years. Personally, I think the CQB is the best product Wilson offers. Mine has always been stone reliable with nothing less than flawless fit & finish. It is easily the equal of any of the other semi-customs on the market. |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/13/2006 8:37:49 PM EDT
[#19]
Seems its the folks that don't own a high end 1911 that gotta talk about how they ain't worth the price.
All I can say is that Value is in the eye of the consumer 
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/13/2006 8:42:50 PM EDT
[#20]
Now that you mention it, you are correct. Light rail's are Caspian and the rest are in house. They spent a ton on a CNC a few years ago. |
||
|
|
|
Posted: 1/13/2006 8:53:04 PM EDT
[#21]
+1 You are a wise man. 
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/13/2006 11:35:46 PM EDT
[#22]
I spoke to them about a year ago (been drooling for one for some time, 2006 is the year ). I was told that they'd been using Kimber frames (started with, is more like it, as they worked from there), but that they were setting up to produce their own. Told me they should be doing them by (last) June or so.As to quality/price, so far I own a couple SA's (former Colt owner as well). I've handled Wilson CQB's as well as many others. The quality and value seems readily apparent to me. And the CQB can be had for around $1650 if buying direct from Wilson and doing a transfer for fee with a local FFL. T Bone (Detroit). |
|||
|
|
|
Posted: 1/14/2006 5:23:53 AM EDT
[#23]
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/14/2006 5:26:30 AM EDT
[#24]
Ooops!
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/14/2006 10:44:26 AM EDT
[#25]
You do get what you pay for with Wilson Combat. Their parts of some of the highest quality. I'll say this too, Wilson Combat has some of the best customer service out there. This is also something to consider when spending 1500+
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/14/2006 10:55:22 AM EDT
[#26]
+1 on customer service. Called up Larry Lyles at Wilson and orderd a shock buff kit, extended slide release and a few other parts. Easy to talk to, very friendly to deal with. |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/15/2006 6:38:42 AM EDT
[#27]
I've had a CQB for three years and have about 10K rounds through it. To me it is worth it to have something so accurate, reliable, and functional. I have Kimbers and Colts as well; the main difference between them besides appearance is accuracy. Given that for combat distances the accuracy difference isn't important; the only good reason to spend twice as much for a Wilson as a carry pistol is their great customer service and because you enjoy it. Otherwise I'd prefer a Kimber.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/15/2006 7:44:12 AM EDT
[#28]
The way I heard it, is Kimber & Wilson both bought their frames & slides from the same third party company. A few years back, Kimber bought this company and soon thereafter Wilson began making their own frames and slides in-house.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/15/2006 11:11:26 AM EDT
[#29]
Both compainies in the past have contracted out to others. S&W has been one that Kimber has used in the past. Now, since both are equiped to manufacture slides/frame contracting out has gone down. However, when demand exceeds production, then the companies will contract out to fill that demand. This is also the reason "drop-in" parts are available. Since manufacturing 1911's sepec's have been standardized. For me I really don't care who manufactured the slide/frame so long as the quality and reliability are there.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/15/2006 1:00:27 PM EDT
[#30]
That’s exactly what I have been told several times by Wilson employees. Except for the integral light railed CQB frames, they are Caspian. |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 1/15/2006 1:12:23 PM EDT
[#31]
+2. Indeed. I used to be in "that" camp....until I got my NH. |
||
|
|
Win a FREE Membership!
Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!
You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.
AR15.COM is the world's largest firearm community and is a gathering place for firearm enthusiasts of all types.
From hunters and military members, to competition shooters and general firearm enthusiasts, we welcome anyone who values and respects the way of the firearm.
Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter to receive firearm news, product discounts from your favorite Industry Partners, and more.
Copyright © 1996-2024 AR15.COM LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Any use of this content without express written consent is prohibited.
AR15.Com reserves the right to overwrite or replace any affiliate, commercial, or monetizable links, posted by users, with our own.
. I couldn't believe those prices. A four thousand dollar pistol? Is that in Canadian or something? Don't get me wrong I'd love to have one but I didn't see a single pistol that wasn't close to 2000 bucks. Does anyone here actually have one? I love theit mags but will never be able to afford a pistol at those prices. If you ever had to pull one on a bad guy he'd probably die of sticker shock!!