Custom 1911/Rock River Arms

O

Oscar

New member
Do any of you have experience with this custom shop? I'm looking for a 1911 for target/defense use, and don't want to mortgage the house, but have up to $1,500 to spend (more, I suppose, if absolutely necessary). My primary criteria, however, are accuracy and value. Any suggestions?

I also noticed that Les Baer has a model called the Thunder Ranch Special, in the same price range.

Does it make sense to look at these, or would it make more sense to focus on the Kimbers or Springfield Armory models?

Thanks much in advance for sharing your experiences.

Oscar
 
Oscar,if the ultimate 1911 is your goal,you are definately looking in the right areas,I of course would add Wilson Combat to that short list. My preference for Wilson stems from the fact that the entire company is customer oriented above all,most are shooters and just plain "good people"that build one of the ultimate 1911's...I certainly don't regret the last 1500 or so I spent with them. That said,I can also personally reccomend Les Baer pistols in the quality department.I have handled one Rock River 1911 although I have'nt had the opportunity to shoot it yet,but based on what I saw of workmanship,if it shoots,I would'nt hesistate to buy and consider myself money ahead. Any of the three would be a fine purchase and should run 100% right out of the box for a LONG time.If a peson can afford this quality,these are SATISFYING purcahases.Good luck & regards.
 
I own a Kimber Custom Classic and find it to be an excellent firearm. I haven't owned a Rock River or a Les Baer so I can't comment directly. You're really talking about apples and oranges though. The Kimber, in spite of all the custom features, is a factory produced pistol. Where the others are true custom guns. The folks at RR used to work for Les before breaking off on their own though. I have heard that their customer service is better than Les' though.
 
Hey Oscar

If you are going to use your 1911 for defense you've got to add realiability into your criteria.

I'd give up a slight bit of accuracy for 100% reliability. It's got to go bang everytime you pull the trigger.

Ross T.
 
224,
Actually, ALL of the companies mentioned are production manufacturers. A custom 1911 is made one a time, to your specifications, by a master gunsmith. Brian Bilby, who used to post frequently on this board, (haven't seen him lately) comes very highly recommended. I believe he has a website at www.custom1911.com

I don't own a Les Baer, Wilson, or RRA, so all I can say about them is that RRA has been favorably compared to the other two, and is considerably cheaper. I don't think you can go wrong with any of the above.

Eric


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Does the "X" ring have to be that small?
 
I was just shooting my Rock River Arms pistol last night. Ah, how sweet it is... :D I should point out, however, that my RRA pistol is a bullseye gun, not a protection gun, so I can't share any insights on things like torture testing, feeding strange hollowpoints, et cetera.

It is extremely accurate and reliable (albeit in a very limited, pampered context). I've been very happy with RRA, as have all the other bullseye shooters I know who use their pistols.

If you're willing to wait, I think having a true custom pistolsmith do the work is the way to go. If not, I think RRA's pistols are just as good as Les Baer's (which I've tried) at a better price.
 
Thanks much for your replies. Is there any opportunity (short of just knowing somebody with these guns) to sample them before you buy?
 
Don't overlook custom guns from competent pistol smiths, either. They are not always as expensive or as long awaited as one might think. The up side is that you truely have a custom gun, built to your specs.

Erik
 
Oscar the RR guys are good people I use their slide and frames on my custom guns PERIOD,If you cannot decide contact Terry Peters at P-T Partners 972-476-1542, he will help you.SC
 
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