Posted: 12/29/2014 1:23:22 PM EDT
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I'm starting to consider having a Wilson built for me in 2015. I went to a
gun store that had several Wilson combat government and commander length 1911's that I could fondle. AND they had several Ed Brown models as well. Both were nicely fit and the finishes seemed flawless . I've wanted a Wilson for years but the Ed Browns were really nice. I'm a traditional 1911 kind of guy and don't want rails or forward serrations. I like a 1911 to look like a 1911. I would assume that the Wilson is the way to go but I don't know why. What are y'all's opinions and preferences on two obviously upper end 1911? If this has been a repeat question I apologize. I did a quick search and didn't find anything recent on the subject. |
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I was in your shoes before regarding Wilson v. Brown.
I chose Wilson and do not regret that decision in the slightest. The deciding factor was really how one Wilson compared to another and one Brown to another. All the pistols just ooozed with craftsmanship...but...the triggers felt different from one Brown to another. The Wilson guns, I felt no difference. While that may seem slight, and I could have just chosen the nicest Ed Brown, Wilson getting 3 different pistols to have the same trigger feel really sold me. That's some QC in a custom pistol! ~$3k later and I want another. It's a CQB and has eaten everything; 165gr low recoil Federal, 230gr +P Corbon, Hornady, etc. No failures or eject issues at all. If my old 226 was as reliable I would have kept it. |
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I've got several Wilsons and Browns, two Guncrafter and one Nighthawk. I also traded three Baer's to get some of the others.
Wilson vrs. Brown is like comparing my two daughters: I love them both, but differently. I probably appreciate the Wilsons more only because they cost more. Both are, to my eye, equal in craftsmanship and accuracy. If you're going to order a gun, it seems Wilson offers more features, more of a "as you like it" menu. If you know the features you want, you may wish to contact George at http://migunslingers.com as he may have what you want (or close to it) in stock or in his pipeline. |
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Quoted:
I've got several Wilsons and Browns, two Guncrafter and one Nighthawk. I also traded three Baer's to get some of the others. Wilson vrs. Brown is like comparing my two daughters: I love them both, but differently. I probably appreciate the Wilsons more only because they cost more. Both are, to my eye, equal in craftsmanship and accuracy. If you're going to order a gun, it seems Wilson offers more features, more of a "as you like it" menu. If you know the features you want, you may wish to contact George at http://migunslingers.com as he may have what you want (or close to it) in stock or in his pipeline. George is the best in the business. |
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Wilson, no question.
To say that Brown has horrible customer service is an understatement. Browns QC is not very good either. Some may be done well, but I've seen too many Browns with problems. Knowing that Brown is incredibly difficult, if not impossible, to resolve problems prevents me from recommending them. |
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Have Wilson CQB's that have run without issue,one with over 40,000 rounds and nary an issue other than recoil spring changes.
Have had Brown Special Forces pistols and just never warmed up to them.They ran ok,but not the most accurate as compared to my Wilson's, Pro's and Nighthawks.Fit and finish was nice,somehow they lacked something compared to the other 1911's I own.My kids also didn't warm to them and avoided them.They almost seemed bland,heck my lower end Colts seemed to have more character and feel than the brown.Wilsons and the Pro's are the feel good gun's for this family. They feel good,they run good,are accurate as all get out.!! Didn't really care for the chainlink cuts on the front strap and backstrap,once our hands got to sweating in the Arizona heat,the gun would slip a lot in our hands. Browns are gone. |
| I have Wilsons and had an Ed Brown. Had an issue with the Ed Brown and called them, was not very happy with the way it was handled, sold the Ed Brown. Wilson makes a quality product and has great customer service. The customer service made the difference for me. |
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I've heard Ed Brown is a bit of a curmudgeon but haven't heard of it reaching out through their customer service. 
Good to know... That is what goes around all the time. But, I read a fantastic thread about their customer service like a week ago. I'm on all the gun forums, so I can't remember what forum itw as on for sure. I think 1911forum.com Anyway - I prev owned a Brown. I got out of 1911s and sold it, but got another one earlier this year. Before I got my first one, I went thru all the brands - Nighthawk, Custom Shop Springfield, Wilson, Brown and a few others (Gun Crafter and a few other were not around yet). Anyway, I liked the Brown the most. I just went with them again. Even when my gun came in, my dealer had some Nighthawks and WIlsons in - he stated I could change my mind if I wanted. I plyed with hlf a dozen guns for a while, and ended up going with the one I ordered. |
| I have both a Brown and Wilson in stainless with target sights. They are both excellent guns and you would be pleased with either one. I shoot the Wilson slightly better than the Brown and Wilson's customer service cannot be beat in my opinion. You have a tough choice but if I could only have one, it would be the Wilson. |
| This past October I decided I was going to buy myself a custom 1911 from one of the 4 main custom shops. Ed Brown, Les Baer, Nighthawk, Wilson. I didn't like the look of the Les Baer, just too plain for my liking. Ed Browns have a very classy look, but I found myself drawn more to the Nighthawks and Wilsons, I also preferred the trigger of the Nighthawk over the Ed Brown by a small margin. Combined with the customer service horror stories, Ed Brown was out of contention. I was left with Nighthawk and Wilson and in the end, decided on the Nighthawk for the simple reason that it was attainable without having to wait a year |
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Back in the early 1990's, I ordered and Ed Brown beaver-tail grip safety
I called with some questions on fitting, and the lady on the phone put me thru to Mr. Ed Brown himself. He seemed to have all the patience and time to talk to me. I was really impressed. As far as a custom 1911, I prefer to buy a base 1911 and have it customized exactly how I want it. . |
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George is the best in the business. Quoted:
Quoted:
I've got several Wilsons and Browns, two Guncrafter and one Nighthawk. I also traded three Baer's to get some of the others. Wilson vrs. Brown is like comparing my two daughters: I love them both, but differently. I probably appreciate the Wilsons more only because they cost more. Both are, to my eye, equal in craftsmanship and accuracy. If you're going to order a gun, it seems Wilson offers more features, more of a "as you like it" menu. If you know the features you want, you may wish to contact George at http://migunslingers.com as he may have what you want (or close to it) in stock or in his pipeline. George is the best in the business. Yes, yes he is. Phenomenal over multiple purchases. Cannot recommend George enough. |
| I work in a store that sells a lot of Wilsons, Ed Browns, and a fair number of Nighthawks. I've shot several of them, see plenty every day, and speak to the owners every week. You will be happy with either of your choices and both are very good quality. The EB Special Forces is one of my favorites. But I do feel that the WC pistols have a bit more custom one-off feel to them. At least how we order them. WC will do pretty much anything you want. I like that. |