Looking to buy a 1911 A1.  Is is worth is to pay 1000-1500 for a baer or wilson over the others (springfield, kimber?)  Is the extra price for non-MIM parts?  

Thanks,
Ric

My opinion - get a SA milspec for about 500.

After having a blast with it, go look at the $$ 1911s and decide for yourself.

For me. the answer so far has been no.

.

There are SO many different ways to go.

I have a custom built on a SA Milspec, several Colts that have been customized, an SVI hicap .40, and a STI open gun on the way.  Also owned a series 1 Kimber.

Based on my experience, I would not build on another milspec.  I'd use either a Capian or a new series 70 Colt.  You'll be much happier with the end result.

A Kimber (full of MIM parts) will probably do just fine, but avoid the internal extractor and the series 2 safety system - too many problems with them.  That leave the 25th anniversary edition or Hilton Yam's limited run of Kimbers, unless you want a Warrior.

A new series 80 Colt is an excellent base for a custom gun, whether just a few mods, or the full meal deal.  Great looking rollmark on the slide, comparitively few MIM parts.  

For an out-of-the-box gun, you can't go wrong with Baer and Rock River.  If you can afford it, Brown.

Wilson builds a great product, but IMO they are between the high-end Kimbers and the Baer/Rock River/Brown guns.

Check out

http://www.yostbonitz.com/

http://www.rogersprecision.com/

http://signaturegrade.com/

"A Kimber (full of MIM parts) will probably do just fine, but avoid the internal extractor and the series 2 safety system "

Avoid internal extractors? Or do you mean to avoid the external ones.. (On Kimbers) The problems seem to be with the external ones.. I have never had a problem with the series 2 safety system, but I still would carry my old custom classic over my new series 2 saftey gun.

MIM parts are not hlaf as bad as many make them out to be.. But if they bug you, they can be replaced for not very much $$$ (in 1911 terms :) )

I'm a big Kimber fan, but I won't knock a 70,SA,STI,BEAR, or rock.. They are all wonderful wepons

Quoted: Based on my experience, I would not build on another milspec.  I'd use either a Capian or a new series 70 Colt.  You'll be much happier with the end result.

I'd like to hear more about that.  What was the deal with the Milspec?