1911 Recommendations

NDGuy

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Feb 13, 2017
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$2500 budget

I already have a cheaper Springfield so no desire for the lower end. Anyone have experience with Ed Brown, Dan Wesson, Les Baer, or high end Springfield’s/Colts?

I know some folks softened on EB due to his poor interactions with people in his later years but curious how EB has held up quality wise with his passing.
 

Formidilosus

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Shoot2HuntU
Joined
Oct 22, 2014
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10,594
$2500 budget

I already have a cheaper Springfield so no desire for the lower end. Anyone have experience with Ed Brown, Dan Wesson, Les Baer, or high end Springfield’s/Colts?

I know some folks softened on EB due to his poor interactions with people in his later years but curious how EB has held up quality wise with his passing.

Have used all of the above- most quite heavily. Assuming 45 auto?

I am not interested in project 1911’s in general. I need want them to work correctly and as reliably as any modern service pistol.

For $2,500 I would be looking for a used Springfield Professional. Then either a Les Bear or an older Rick River (very good pistols usually). After that an EB. Dan Wessons used to be pretty solid at sub $2k, however seems to have fallen off a bit the last couple of years.

If you look for a while, you should be able to find an Alchemy Custom for sub $3,000.
 
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NDGuy

NDGuy

WKR
Joined
Feb 13, 2017
Messages
4,220
Location
ND
Have used all of the above- most quite heavily. Assuming 45 auto?

I am not interested in project 1911’s in general. I need want them to work correctly and as reliably as any modern service pistol.

For $2,500 I would be looking for a used Springfield Professional. Then either a Les Bear or an older Rick River (very good pistols usually). After that an EB. Dan Wessons used to be pretty solid at sub $2k, however seems to have fallen off a bit the last couple of years.

If you look for a while, you should be able to find an Alchemy Custom for sub $3,000.
I found an absolutely mint Stainless Ed Brown Kobra Carry for 2k at my local shop this weekend. Doesn’t look like it’s been fired. Pretty tempting
 
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I'd be looking for a used Ed Brown Special Forces, can find them for around $2500. New, I'd probably look at the top of the DW line, find one with the features you want/like.
I used to be into 1911s pretty heavily and never found a Colt or Springfield I really liked.
 
Joined
Oct 19, 2017
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What are ya doin with it?

I stumbled into a Colt Special Combat Government. Hate the sights but Love the gun......

Not going to lie. That colt stays at home, while my prodigy gets shot every week
 
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