User Panel
User Panel
User Panel
|
Posted: 10/17/2005 11:25:59 AM EDT
[#1]
I second the motion. And the 1* Enhanced is less than 1500 dollars.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 10/17/2005 12:34:15 PM EDT
[#2]
The 1* is a great deal. You really can't go wrong with any Yo-Bo gun.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 10/17/2005 12:36:46 PM EDT
[#3]
Well wheres the freakin pics??
|
|
|
|
Posted: 10/17/2005 12:41:50 PM EDT
[#4]
Call me biased but I'd have to agree... the 1* series are quite simply a fantastic deal. |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 10/17/2005 12:42:36 PM EDT
[#5]
As usual I will be the one voice of dissent on this.
Few, if any, longtime Gunsite associates will have anything to do with Yost. |
|
|
|
Posted: 10/17/2005 12:46:28 PM EDT
[#6]
Do you really want to start this again and does that make the guns a bad deal? |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 10/17/2005 12:49:33 PM EDT
[#7]
According to them, yes it does. When the current director and many instructors at one of the most respected firearms training facilities in the world tells me to stay away from a 'smith, I tend to take notice. YMMV |
||
|
|
|
Posted: 10/17/2005 12:51:21 PM EDT
[#8]
Mister 'In_Burrito'
Having been a neutral observer of what happened at Gunsite, as it was happening, I would strongly suggest that Ted Yost products are quality and have NOTHING to do with the internal/infernal politics at Gunsite and/or Jeff Cooper. Charles the Gunsmith. 
|
|
|
|
Posted: 10/17/2005 12:54:10 PM EDT
[#9]
I've never handled a Yost gun, but it's a piece of hardware that can be compared and evaluated. According to many who have owned them, shot them, or otherwise used them, they function properly and are usually rated as a A+ in fit and finish. How does politics effect the function of a tool? A somewhat curious observer..... |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 10/17/2005 12:55:44 PM EDT
[#10]
Are the RRA guns considered "semi-custom"? How do they rate in YOUR opinion only? |
||
|
|
|
Posted: 10/17/2005 1:05:24 PM EDT
[#11]
So you’re going to go with the “hearsay and innuendo mode” again are you, great plan I’m sure no one will see through it at all  . I won’t play the line of airing everyone’s dirty laundry on the internet but I have to ask you, ever heard of politics?Those who wish to buy into your rumor mill may do so if they like. The rest are free to contact me and get real feed back from someone who knows and has built guns with Ted.
I would put the RRA guns in the semi-custom category. All of them that I have seen have been very nice in relation to their cost. IMO, they’re a solid offering in a competitive market. |
||
|
|
|
Posted: 10/17/2005 1:29:06 PM EDT
[#12]
I don't understand why all the 1* packages come blued only (unless you go SS). A no-BS "duty" gun should be parked, at the very least.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 10/17/2005 1:30:41 PM EDT
[#13]
You can have them in park, hard chrome, Black-T, or what ever you like... all you have to do is ask. 
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: 10/17/2005 1:33:59 PM EDT
[#14]
I don't mean to hi-jack this thread, but here's a pic of my SA GI that I sent to Yo-Bo for their 1* enhanced except that I wanted Heinie straight eights and a few other alternate options such that it couldn't be called the 1* anymore, not that I cared. Oh, and they ran out of Heinies so it got their own Yo-Bo "Professional Grade" sights, which have Trijicon inserts in an "8" config. Disclaimer: My pics. suck.
  Also, I had this NRM Colt 1991A1 just sitting around doing nothing, so I sent it to Yo-Bo too for more of a full-house type deal. It got the Yo-Bo retro rear sight (opened to 0.14") with an gold line insert in the front. I'ts much better than the SA GI:   I guess my advice would be: Go for one of the 1* on an SA GI for good deal, but it's better save up to send a Colt and get even more of a full house, because the difference is striking. I wish I would have asked for serrations on the top of the slide. |
|
|
|
Posted: 10/17/2005 2:05:24 PM EDT
[#15]
Will take a little longer since the finishing is out-sourced but it's worth it. One more time: The 1* Elite built on an S.A. G.I. is simply the BEST .45ACP 1911 readily available. Please feel free to email me for details/specifics. |
||
|
|
|
Posted: 10/17/2005 2:11:34 PM EDT
[#16]
Yet they have everything to do with Colt, who's QC is pretty much non-existent in the 1911 line. Go figure. 
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: 10/17/2005 2:16:01 PM EDT
[#17]
I've had Gunsite build m a gun and I've had YoBo build me a gun. Guess who my next ones coming from 
|
||
|
|
|
Posted: 10/17/2005 2:53:52 PM EDT
[#18]
Here are the 1911s I shoot regularly
Wison CQB x2 Wilson Protector x 2 ADCO/RRA x2 Original Series 70 Colt Customized by Roger at ST1 (great job, Roger!) Kimber Warrior Kimber Ultra CDP II Yost-Bonitz 1* Elites built on S.A, G.I. Pistols |
|
|
|
Posted: 10/17/2005 3:04:38 PM EDT
[#19]
I'm looking for a custom shop but hesitate to go the 1* route since I ma not LE or a veteran and it seems poseur-ish to me to get a gun with that logo
Maybe the work is worth the 1500, but it doesn't 'look' like it. For the uninitiated, tell me about the value and the comparative pluses of the Yo-Bo shop's work. Is it just to boast a YB worked gun? Even though it is unlikely either will see/work on the gun?- (that's a guess) Not as skeptical as I am new to 1911 custom work TIA |
|
|
|
Posted: 10/17/2005 3:29:28 PM EDT
[#20]
It's much more about function (and reliability) for me than aesthetics. 1911s are great guns but IMO they are more difficult to manufacture cheaply than say Glocks. 1911s have a lot of intricately machined parts and parts which work better if they are of better quality steel. This means that to be competetively priced manufactures of 1911s are using cheaper parts, like softer steel MIM parts like Kimber uses, or cruder machineings (non-rounded sharp edges) like on the SA GI or Colts. These are just a few examples. Plus the way the parts are fit together can lead to inacuracy and potential reliabilty issues. 1911s are something like old German clocks. It's not something that lends itself completely to mass manufacturing. 1911s are a great and a proven platform. For the 0.45 there's no rival, and there's a lot of reason why 0.45 is the caliber of choic for many. Just look at what's used in USPSA and IDPA pistol competitions. Stock 1911s have slipped some IMO given the necessity to compete pricewise with cheaper to manufacture guns such as Glocks. A good smith job includes using choice parts of hard steel, which are then carefully fitted together for near perfect function. At the same time nice ergomic features can be worked in such as beavertails, thumbsafetys, checkering, etc. all of your choice to fit your hand. Also, aesthetics are then worked in to make one if the most beautiful firearms you can own. I peice of a lifetime. Yo-Bo is a top smithy shop but there are many equally good. Yo-Bo is reasonable and prompt compared to other top shops, especially on the 1* packages done on the SA GIs, which is what this post is originally about. |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 10/17/2005 3:50:34 PM EDT
[#21]
You have posted this before. As much as some like to bring up all the "Gunsite associates" who dislike Yo-Bo's , I have yet to see actual names or seen any real first hand accounts. Unless if there are any first hand accounts, I'll have to call...  It's sort of like when "Mad Dog" says Ted's not a real pistolsmith R |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 10/17/2005 4:27:01 PM EDT
[#22]
Coulton Bagnoli under the watchful eye of Ted Yost works on the 1* pistols. Just ask no less than AJohnston what he thinks.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 10/17/2005 5:33:56 PM EDT
[#23]
[yenta]Well, let's "dish the dirt" for those of us that don't know the story....like me. What happened?[/yenta] Doesn't matter to me what anyone thinks anyhow, if I had the $$$ I know I'd consider aYo-Bo |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 10/17/2005 6:02:43 PM EDT
[#24]
To paraphrase 'In_Burrito', " Few, if any, longtime professional gunsmiths will have anything to do with the present ownership and associates of Gunsite". These are NOT the same quality professional staff that built the reputation of Gunsite. The present associates and owner are less than professional and do NOT turn out quality 1911's or 1911 work such as that done 10 to 15 years ago. Charles the Gunsmith.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 10/17/2005 6:04:51 PM EDT
[#25]
I would love to get a Yost one day.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 10/17/2005 7:07:42 PM EDT
[#26]
Now hold on. All of the staff at Gunsite that I have met were excellent professional people. The Gunsmithy's weakness is that Corey Trapp is not a pistolsmith. He is however, a top notch armorer, capable of diagnosing and fixing problems in a multitude of weapons. When Yost was in the Gunsmithy, they had a top notch pistolsmith in the shop. At least at Gunsite they have a Gunsmithy and pro shop, unlike most venues. The Colt GSP is a fairly decent production piece. I shot a few of the rentals, and they were great guns despite having a high round count. Not on a par with 1* pistols though. |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 10/17/2005 7:52:14 PM EDT
[#27]
When you buy a YoBo gun you buy all of Ted's experience. He has been doing this long enough to now what little details need to be attended to. His work is fantastic, and he has trained the smiths that work for him to a very high level. He is also committed to his work. His name is on every gun that leaves his shop, even if he didn't build it. If you don't want the 1* mark, tell them. They won't put it on if you don't want it. |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 10/17/2005 8:22:45 PM EDT
[#28]
What's the turn around time if you send them a pistol or order one complete?
|
|
|
|
Posted: 10/17/2005 8:25:34 PM EDT
[#29]
They quote 3-4 months on a 1*, but it seems to be much less right now. Ted's list is a little longer. |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 10/17/2005 8:52:25 PM EDT
[#30]
Yes they quoted me 3-4 months too for the SA GI I sent for the 1* like mods. It took 9 months. Which isn't bad. The good news was that the Colt 1991A1 full house job came back on the same date. It only took eight months. Expect a year and you won't be dissapointed. |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 10/18/2005 6:24:26 AM EDT
[#31]
My apologies to all I may have offended. I have met T. Yost. The excellent gunsmith who worked for Yost was Larry Massie, a friend of mine. Massie taught me a lot about building 1911's. Yost and Massie were both treated very poorly by the existing owner and his staff. I have also seen the GSP products turned out recently. They have 'no gunsmithing or fitting' parts installed in them. These are NOT quality products that deserve to be described as 'custom' 1911's. Charles.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 10/18/2005 10:59:01 AM EDT
[#32]
The sources that I've spoken to are all long time instructors at Gunsite who were all present when Yost worked there. Politics aside, they have all come back with the same opinion of his work. Personally I choose to trust those that have seen multiple examples of his work shit the bed on the range than someone who happens to have alot of money to blow on safe queens. While just about any machinist worth his salt could make you a pretty 1911, it takes a bit more to make one run reliably over the long haul.
I want to like the 1* guns, I really do. I would never have asked the GS staff about them if I didn't want one myself. I was truly hopeful that it was possible to get a "perfect" 1911 for $1500 (like the 1* Enhanced). I love the overall look of the gun, and I think the package is a perfect mix of parts & accessories that you need and none that you don't. The enhanced is very close to what I would spec in a custom scratch-built gun. It is the implementation that concerns me personally. again, YMMV Incidentally, none of the GS folks have recomended their own shop either, so I don't believe that it's a "branding" or "political" issue. They have all had their own personal varied recomendations. What they have agreed on is their opinion of Yost. |
|
|
|
Posted: 10/18/2005 12:57:03 PM EDT
[#33]
For the money, make mine a Colt. I've got several NRM Colts sitting around and at least one of them will go to Y/B when I make up my mind on the work I want done. |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 10/18/2005 1:09:56 PM EDT
[#34]
I can't tell you what went on at Gunsite when Ted was there, I truly don't know and don't care. What I can tell you is that Coulton Bagnoli of Yost-Bonitz builds the 1* 1911s. I would not hesitate for one second to purchase one of these guns. I have been collecting/shooting/admiring the 1911s that come out of the Yost-Bonitz shop and couldn't be more pleased, especially for the price to value ratio.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 10/18/2005 1:31:38 PM EDT
[#35]
This looks like a good place for this:
 Stokes Yo-Bo Commander |
|
|
|
Posted: 10/22/2005 5:16:22 PM EDT
[#36]
Like I said I have Two 1* Elites built on S.A. G.I.s One now has over 10,000 rounds through it without a SINGLE problem of any kind. Kind of speaks for itself, doesn't it? I'd buy another one in a "New York minute".
|
|
|
|
Posted: 10/22/2005 5:32:37 PM EDT
[#37]
If you get a good deal buy me one too.........
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: 10/22/2005 5:49:57 PM EDT
[#38]
Hi SGB. I know you're just playing but the thing is they are such a great deal to begin with. If you don't want the "fancy" stuff its $1495 for the 1* Enhanced or $1895 for the 1* Elite. For a true "custom" gun these are a bargain when compared to the semi-customs. I know since I own both. If you consider what you're getting for the money, the value is obvious. The other nice thing is the turn-around time is very reasonable. |
||
|
|
|
Posted: 10/22/2005 7:33:15 PM EDT
[#39]
I'll give my personal experience on the pistol work of Ted Yost. He re-built a Kimber Compact in late 2001. I was one of the first, if not the first, guns he built after leaving gunsite. He did an excellent job. The gun has not failed.
He also worked on a Browning HP in the srping of 2002. Again the work was outstanding with no problems. In February of 2003 I sent off a Caspian frame and slide that my wife gave me for my 40th birthday. Ted created a work of art. The pistol is beautiful and 100% reliable. He is honest and a man of integrity. When he built my Caspian I outlined what I wanted and never discussed the price. When the final bill came in it was less than I expected. I'm speaking from my personal experience. If anyone in in NJ wants to shoot my Yost guns let me know. I'll vote with my wallet. In '06 I'll be sending two (2) guns to the Yo-Bo shop for some TLC. Here is an "action shot" of my Caspian.  Mike |
|
|
|
Posted: 10/22/2005 8:02:20 PM EDT
[#40]
Nice piece, and nice Seiko too. Sweet picture. |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 12/4/2005 10:53:04 AM EDT
[#41]
(bumping so we don't lose this thread.)
Also, the discussion here is centering around the Enhanced & Elite packages. Anyone have any comments on the standard 1* package? I'm looking at having this done on a new Colt Series 70 with the addition of front strap serrations and the retro sights. ETA: because my grammar is teh sux. |
|
|
|
Posted: 12/4/2005 11:49:22 AM EDT
[#42]
|
|
|
|
Posted: 12/4/2005 12:06:44 PM EDT
[#43]
Did Bill Yao work over that watch? Nice YoBo Too...!
|
|
|
|
Posted: 12/4/2005 3:03:35 PM EDT
[#44]
Yost was able to salvage my Colt '91 from the wreck caused by a local "smith" (read: fucktard). This required major welding to the frame tangs and replacement of most of the internals. The end product is phenomenal - accurate, reliable, attractive, dependable. Could I ask for more?
When talking with Ted on the phone one day, I mentioned how I'd like to get a NRM Colt to add to the stable. He mentioned that one was available locally, NIB, and he'd be glad to pick it up for me. Great. Number 2 was at my door about 9mos later. Long story short, I won't do business with Ted again b/c it's not fair to the other gunsmiths out there. Ted's gotten two pistols out of my wallet and I think it's only fair that I share the wealth with other gunsmiths. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him to someone looking for a good shooter, though. |
|
|
|
Posted: 12/4/2005 5:33:13 PM EDT
[#45]
OK kinda seems like this may be the right place to get some info on what I have just bought.
A 2000 S/A Millinieum Edition Gunsite GSP Is this better than the current Colt offering? Did Yost have anything to do with this package? A friend had it and I liked it. I think I got a good deal but still would like to know exactly what I have. Thanks! |
|
|
|
Posted: 12/4/2005 9:08:00 PM EDT
[#46]
I never understand why RRA's aren't considered true customs. You can specify what parts you want, what sights, finish, you can have them fit it looser or however you want kinda like the Adco RRA's with how they were fit looser, and basically anything else. I always thought a true custom is considered a true custom because you specify everything and you can do that with RRA. I am not saying this because I ordered a RRA. It just seems to fit the definition. If someone could point out where I am wrong that would help. |
|||
|
|
|
Posted: 12/4/2005 9:13:49 PM EDT
[#47]
The 1* has a rear end that is heavily modified to prevent it from cutting the user. While it makes a gun without a beavertail shootable, you will not be able to fit a beavertail in the future. SIG, a custom gun is, to me, built lovingly by a dedicated craftsman, who has his own style and preferences. RRA's are good. They just aren't the same. |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 12/5/2005 5:34:14 AM EDT
[#48]
JYOGI -
Ted Yost was at Gunsite when your gun was built. Either Ted Y or Larry Massie built your gun. At that time Ted was building most of the new guns and Larry was doing most of the repair and modification work. There was a lot of overlap, however. Charles the Gunsmith.
|
|
|
|
Posted: 12/5/2005 8:37:14 AM EDT
[#49]
I remember seeing those guns. Someday.... |
|
|
|
|
Posted: 12/5/2005 10:39:10 AM EDT
[#50]
Yes...
It can be a fine line but it is there. IMO, just one of the many defining characteristics that determines a “true custom” pistol is that they are a one-off gun built one at a time by one man with your desires and his individual flair built into it, if you’re not sure what I mean just take a look at LTW and the work of our ‘smiths there. Assembly line pistols need not apply no matter how many times they say “custom” on them or the packaging or print ads. And, IMO, while RRAs are nice I see little if any at all individual flair. Additionally, IMO the main characteristic that puts RRAs in the “semi-custom” category is the fact that they use and build guns on frames and slides that bare their name. Thus making them a manufacture as opposed to a custom builder or one that focuses on customization and not manufacturing. This is the same main characteristic that took Les Baer, Ed Brown, and Wilson Combat from the “custom” category to the “semi-custom” category. It’s not good, not bad, just is. And I suppose that one of the large lines that can separate “custom” from “semi-custom” is the way the custom industry drives and innovates for the rest. One will note that all of the major innovations in the 1911 industry has come from small custom shops or individual makers, not assembly line guns no matter how segmented the assembly line may be. Still “semi-custom” is not a bad word or a “scarlet letter” if you will. Semi-custom guns generally excel far above the traditional barriers of assembly line guns and for the most part offer an excellent dollar value for their users. But no matter how hard they try they will never be in the same category as true custom guns. They may come close but there are always certain defining features, that can be distinguished gun-to-gun, that will separate the two categories. The fact of the matter is that no matter how many options a company such as RRA, Baer, Brown, or the like offers the customer there will still be things that each maker will not do (try getting any of the aforementioned firms to build you a gun on a Colt frame and slide). Basically, with a “custom” gun the customer can have it “their way”. With a “semi-custom” gun the customer can have it “their way” as long as those options are on the menu the company has provided. |
||
|
|
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.
