I'm looking at several different semi-custom 1911's right now, and am having difficulty making the choice. I'd like to keep the price max around $2300.

I'll be using the gun for informal shooting, as a gun to keep on the nightstand, and also might use it as ccw from time to time.

Here are the current candidates: Ed Brown Executive Elite, Les Baer Premier II or one of the Concept models, Wilson CQB or Classic, and finally the Nighthawk Talon.

I have not yet decided which finish that I like the most, so that is why so many guns have been listed.

I want a really good gun from the factory that will not be a headache. When purchasing a gun in this price range, I expect it to be of very high quality. I also need the reassurance of good customer service in the event of a failure down the road. I understand that all the semi-custom guns are probably very good, but I'd like to know that my money was well spent on an intelligent choice. I had originally thought that a Kimber Eclipse was the gun I wanted, but after looking at several Kimbers, I decided that it would be best to save up and wait for a higher quality gun.

If anyone owns any of these specific models, or has had experience with service from these producers, please share you experiences with me.

Thank you very much,

Matt Colvin.

Matt,
Welcome to the Forum. We're glad to have you aboard, and I'm sure that you'll get further response to this thread.

If you will visit each one of the manufacturers' sections, you will read about each of the guns that you've mentioned, as well as being able to see various finishes on each of the pistols. There is a Wealth of information on this site, and as many opinions as there are members. Studying the various pros and cons will help you to make an informed decision when the time comes to buy your new pistol.

Now, to answer the $64 question!! Given your list of choices, I would go with the Nighthawk Talon.

(Other dissenting opinions to follow )

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Steve
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Matt,

As usual it's hard to add much to my buddy Steve's response! I have to agree with him on the Nighthawk because they are more like Burger King ... "you can have it you way!"

All the guns you mentioned are fine 1911s and you really couldn't make a bad choice from your short list. Good luck with the search!

Hersh

I'd get an STI Trojan in blued steel for $922 from Brazos:
http://www.brazoscustom.com/

Any potential problems will be fixed by Brazos or STI, and you'll end up with a real accurate, great fitting barreled, reliable 1911 for multi-purpose. and save hundreds. Get the version with the Novak's sight cut and the thicker grips (no extra charge). It's the only factory, and sub-$1,300, 1911 that I'd be comfortable with "out of the box, and appears to be an incredible deal. This would be a great gun to start with and allow losts of money left over for a great holster, belt, mags, tools, even a safe. Here's some info. on the Trojan, I like the endorsment from the Wilson dealer:

http://www.brianenos.com/forums/ind...topic=37438&hl=

Otherwise, I'd call Benny Hill and let him guide you on a frame, slide and whatever quality parts you decide on with his advice.
http://www.triangleshootingsports.com/

I prefer to "start from scratch" and get my own thing. But the other guns you mentioned are great too.

Another big factor is delivery time: STI Trojans can be had right away. Benny Hill who's a fast smith, needs like 4-6 months. What's the lead time for a Nighthawk or Les Baer?

Hi

If pistols that are "not a 1911's but almost" qualify for the list then I'd put the S&W 945-1 on your shopping list. If pure 1911 is the qualifier then the 945 is out.

The stuff you do for a decent target / range pistol may or may not be compatable with a ccw. The nightstand is fine and any reasonable target pistol should be right at home there.

In the price range you are looking I think I'd go for a pure range gun. If it *happens* to fit the bill for carry, then that's fine. If it does not (to big, to many sharp edges, sights not rugged enough, what ever) then there are a number of sub $700 pistols that are very well adapted to that sort of thing.

Bob

Matt, I have been banging my head on what will be my next purchase. I have 2 wilsons, 1 LB and several other 1911's. Right now I would recomend a Wilson. They are great right out of the box. Never had a failure with either one. Just open theh box, load them up and have fun shooting. Another side to the story is I am looking at Nighthawk for my next purchase. I have read nothing but good about them so that may be something to think about also. Oh what a decision!

Whatever is this world coming to? Here we are, on a 1911 forum with a guy who comes asking for advice on which 1911 to buy, and Bob starts blathering about S&W 945s. GOOD GRIEF!

Bob, I am stunned speechless. We don't even have a warning category for this brand of traitorious heresy. I'll be awake for the next three nights trying to devise a torture sufficiently cruel and unusual to properly redress your insidious transgression.





[Note: Just kidding -- if you couldn't tell]

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Hawkmoon
On a good day, can hit the broad side of a barn ... from the inside

Hi

I *knew* that if I kept talking about the 945 long enough I would get a rise out of *somebody*.

I wish I was as high on the Performance Center 1911's as I am on the 945 ....

Bob

John is still trying to catch his breath after you make a comment suggesting buying something other than a 1911

well there are a couple of Springfields in that price range

TRP Professional if I had 2300 dollars to spend on a 1911