progunner1957
17th February 2005, 16:11
Anyone looking at investing in a high grade 1911 from any of the "big three," that is Wilson Combat, Ed Brown or Les Baer, ought to take a look at Ted Yost's work at www.yostbonitz.com
Ted builds custom 1911s (as well as Browning Hi-Powers, i.e P-35s) one at a time, by hand - the big three are more accurately described as "limited production" makers, according to those in the 1911 business.
Ted spent quite a few years at Gunsite, working in the gunsmithy there, and knows his 1911s. I thought long and hard about Wilson, Brown and Baer. After getting input from owners of all three and owners of Ted's 1911s, I ordered Ted's 1* Elite 1911, built on a Colt Series 80 base gun. Ted has three 1911 package guns available, as well as a Browning Hi-Power package. Ted will also build your 1911 to order if that's what you want. His prices are well within reason, considering the quality you are getting.
I'm still waiting for my 1* Elite to be finished, but will post photos ASAP when it arrives.
Ted's philosophy is one of FUNCTIONAL RELIABILITY above all else, which makes sense to me. Ted won't send out a pistol until he is satisfied that it is 100% reliable. What good is a 1911 that is a pimped-out "Liberace pistol" that you can't depend on to save your skin?? It is GOOD FOR NOTHING, plain and simple!! The phrase "teats on a boar hog" comes to mind.
Ted's business partner, Lew Bonitz, builds some outstanding long guns, such as custom lever guns in .45-70, custom bolt guns and a custom scout rifle that will knock your socks off, which you can also see at www.yostbonitz.com - their website is lavisly illustrated with photographs of their work.
Take a look - you'll be glad that you did! (Your wife may not be, though...)
Ted builds custom 1911s (as well as Browning Hi-Powers, i.e P-35s) one at a time, by hand - the big three are more accurately described as "limited production" makers, according to those in the 1911 business.
Ted spent quite a few years at Gunsite, working in the gunsmithy there, and knows his 1911s. I thought long and hard about Wilson, Brown and Baer. After getting input from owners of all three and owners of Ted's 1911s, I ordered Ted's 1* Elite 1911, built on a Colt Series 80 base gun. Ted has three 1911 package guns available, as well as a Browning Hi-Power package. Ted will also build your 1911 to order if that's what you want. His prices are well within reason, considering the quality you are getting.
I'm still waiting for my 1* Elite to be finished, but will post photos ASAP when it arrives.
Ted's philosophy is one of FUNCTIONAL RELIABILITY above all else, which makes sense to me. Ted won't send out a pistol until he is satisfied that it is 100% reliable. What good is a 1911 that is a pimped-out "Liberace pistol" that you can't depend on to save your skin?? It is GOOD FOR NOTHING, plain and simple!! The phrase "teats on a boar hog" comes to mind.
Ted's business partner, Lew Bonitz, builds some outstanding long guns, such as custom lever guns in .45-70, custom bolt guns and a custom scout rifle that will knock your socks off, which you can also see at www.yostbonitz.com - their website is lavisly illustrated with photographs of their work.
Take a look - you'll be glad that you did! (Your wife may not be, though...)