Posted: 6/13/2007 1:58:25 PM EDT
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I am new to the board - with that out of the way, I have a Kimber carry 45. I would like to get a nice full size 45. I have been on this and other boards and the better 45's seem to be: 1. Nighthawk 2. Wilson 3. Les Baer I would like to keep it under 2K. The Nighthawks seem to have a reputation as the pretty boys, the Les Baers as the accurate worker, and the Wilson as the all around 45. My question to those that own any of those listed, is there that much of a difference between them? I was leaning towards the Les Baer. |
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Baers cost too much for what they deliver IMO. All three are great weapons. All three deliver more than my ability could possibly demand. But Baers come with a high dollar price tag all for a rather spartan pistol. NHs run along the lines of Wilson and Brown (and Baer is something of an odd man out, heavy on function, lighter on form, sort of a "RRA Plus" outfit). Today the flavor of the week is Nighthawk. That's the "trendy topper" that everybody considers to be the cat's ass. I don't like NH's because they have this "ghetto fabulous" tendency of being obnoxious with advertising on their rollmarks, their grips, and their leather. I just find it offensive and tacky, but that is my personal preference. The thing about these kinds of guns is there is no right answer... only what is right for you. Wilson Combat was the perfect blend of form and function and my dealings with them inspired confidence for my purchase. I have not been disappointed in the least. You might find the Nighthawk suits your tastes better, or the Brown, or the Baer. My advice is to ask yourself what this pistol is really for and what will you need to satisfy within yourself to justify spending all that $$$. Then go with the outfit that offers the best package for your individual needs. |
All three are great guns. Wilson and Nighthawk both allow more freedom when comes to building your gun vs Baer. Decide on what you want on the gun and then call each manufacture. After talking with each one, you'll know where you stand. More importantly, you will have gained first hand knowledge of each company and how each one treated you. I'd go with whom ever treated me the best. Remember even great, expensive guns fail, what makes a great product is an equally great company (Customer Service). Wilson has always treated me well.
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| unless you are going for the little bit of extra accuracy from the real high dollar guns, i'd suggest any full size springfield from the "loaded" line up, plenty accurrate for defense/combat/range fun. or you can always get a GI series gun and build it however the hell you want. personally i couldn't bring myself to use a $2k pistol as a working gun, not when something half the price or less can get the job done |
The semi custom line offers a great deal more than "the little bit of accuracy". It's a functional tool built in the USA with no filler. It also offers lifetime transferrable warranties, top customer service, and an aesthetic piece that's a work of art. In addition, ammenities such as hand checkering, top sights, reliability packages, and trigger jobs that are second to none. All this built in the USA on 100% tool steel. Semi customs are the "practical" way to get the benefits of a custom with the utility and replacability of a production pistol. If you do that GI series gun right, you will easily pay as much or a great deal more to get the same out of that platform as you would buying a semi-custom from the start.
I have come to find this statement rather strange or illogical, although it is shared by many. Your carry gun/working gun is your lifeline. This is the iron that you put the bulk of your time and training using. Amenities like hand checkering, top sights, and the smoothest triggers are the things that enhance and improve the shooting experience. Go buy an Ed Brown to baby and have a Kimber to carry. When you go to the range, which is really going to get the use and enjoyment? I carry a compact Wilson. The standard formula for most is compact to carry, Fullsize to fool with at the range. Hey, those big boys are just more shootable and comfortable. Well, buying that Wilson showed me that a properly built compact will be just as pleasurable to shoot and as accurate if not more (due to the bushingless system). Mission accomplished. The looks and feel of the weapon make the pistol fresh and exciting enough to stay interested in, despite the fact that I carry it all the time. The quality that makes it perform ensures that my dresser Colts remain curios that I shoot occasionally when I want to feel the crude grittiness (by comparison) of a well-made production pistol. So I stay faithful and put the bulk of my time where it belongs... in my lifeline. |
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Thanks for the viewpoints. I am not looking for a carry gun. More for the range, etc. I have some of those small plastic guns for that. I have had other 45's, but its been a while since I bought a newer 45. I had also read the Springfield TRP is a decent 45 for the $$. How the gun shoots is most important - and if it looks good also, great. I like my Kimber, but its had its share of issues. Once a gun lets you down, its had to restore your trust in it. Also, I forgot to mention Ed Brown - any views on them? |
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Nighthawk, Wilson, Baer and Brown all make very fine 1911's any of which I'd be proud to own and carry. It all boils down Ford, Chevy or Dodge. Then model, color and accessories. I like the Nighthawks just a smidgen better than Wilson, but I would buy which ever I got the better deal on as they both will out preform my abilities. The Les Baer is what I'd call a best bang for the Buck in Semi Customs. Baers are all about performance and simplicity. FORD - CHEVY - DODGE
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i know how they are built, and i am not saying they are not damn fine firearms. and i guess i should have clarified, i am a few months from being a certified gunsmith with a degree in technical science and know how to build a gun to the same tolerances and with full machined parts and a wonderful trigger job just like they do, and i can do it all on a springfield GI for a little over a grand,including the cost of the pistol. granted if you are paying for the work yes it will cost as much as one of the semi custom pistols, but if you know how to do it yourself you can have equal performance for a lot less money. |
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I don't think you will go wrong with any of them. I was in the market about 5 months ago. I looked at Baer and Wilson. I liked the fit and finish of the Wilson, so that is what I bought. 5 months later, I am perfectly happy. Honestly, it is a Ford/Chevy, Bud/Miller, Hot Dog/Hamburger, Boobs/Legs argument. It all boils down to what you want and there is no wrong answer. |