What's the deal with the custom .45?

Say what you like about IPSC, but the 1911 reigns supreme in that sport. Not because anyone is brainwashed, but because it has been found to be the best weapon for putting multiple shots on multiple targets, quickly and accurately (and I know that many of you will disagree, but doesn't that sound like a good gun to have in a self defense situation?).

While the Sig/HK/Beretta, etc. have their merits, there are valid reasons why these are almost never used for any length of time in IPSC. And if you decry IPSC as completely irrelevant (a track meet with guns?), and prefer IDPA, which has gone to great lengths to avoid the "arms race" of IPSC, you will see distinct classes for 1911's, Glocks, and then the various DA/SA or DA only semi autos. Why? Simple. These guns can't compete with the 1911's. And please, don't start with the "well I know so and so grand Master shooter, and he shoots a Glock/Sig/HK/Beretta, etc." True, there are very accomplished shooters who use these other guns, but their numbers are limited.

And Pluspinc (or anyone else), before you start in on me about, "what does competition have to do with real life self defense shooting?" The answer is: not much. Unless putting multiple shots on multiple targets, quickly and accurately is seen as a beneficial skill to possess.

Rant mode off, Nomex suit on. :)
 
What's wrong with function and flash?
I think function should come first, but if you can afford it, why not have both?

I carry a Glock daily, but few guns can be personalized like the 1911.
 
SVT, sounds like you might be starting to feel a little guilty about spending those big bucks. Sadly you missed the point totally about the cars. I bought the LX because it was faster than the GT. The same applies to the T-Type Buick vs. the Grand National. I just prefer to spend my money a little more wisely than some. Cullen was asking a valid question as to why spend the extra money. Don't get me wrong the Wilsons and Les Baers are very nice guns. It is interesting that a guy I know owns every model that Wilson and Les Baer makes, but when he goes to Thunder Ranch he shoots his Kimber. In his opinion it is more reliable. Go figure.
 
Guilty? Nah, only thing I regret is buying the Super Match. Not worth it IMO.

Thunder Ranch, now there is a 1911 that is over-hyped. Premier II that has the logo on it. Hell, the Premier II has better parts. Anybody that pays $1599 for it is getting jipped.

Only Kimber I was totally satisfied with was my Ultra Elite. Perfect little carry gun. However, my Wilson Sentinel was made waaaaaaaaaaaaaay better and shoots better.
 
John M. Browning's design in it's original configuration as a hardball military arm did not have to be "modified six ways from sunday" to be reliable; reading the original Ordanance Board tests would convince anyone.It is the design point of reference for most ALL centerfire auto pistols manufactured since it's introduction.It spent 75 years as the official U.S. Military sidearm and after a brief flirtation with D/A autos & 9mm,some very elite military units and LEO's have gone back to it.It is the dominant centerfire at Camp Perry National Championship bullseye.It dominates USPSA/IPSC.To feed modern hollowpoint design,yes, it needs to be modified,and,when done by some of the many great 1911 Smiths we have today,my personal opinion is that it becomes the ultimate defensive sidearm.My Wilson's,Heinie's etc. function flawlessly with all ammo and are deadly accurate and have been for thousands of rounds.Skilled artistry does not come cheap in any sector of our economy;there are among us those that are willing to pay for it.My money says that when knowledgeable pistoleroes consider the ultimate fighting handgun,,it will be the 1911 in .45acp through the next century as well.The record speaks for itself.Regards.
 
SVT,I do have to admit that quality seems to be slipping at Kimber. My Kimbers are early models that are put together quite well.Both group under 1" at 25 yds. I looked at a Gold Match the other day and was disappointed with the way it was put together. Slide was loose and trigger had a fair amount of creep. I think Kimber may have grown too fast.
 
Joe,
I agree with Kimber slipping. I fired an early Kimber at the range last week. It functioned flawlessly! My Super Match was $1455 and not worth it. I guess the worse experience was the day I called their custom shop. The person I talked to was a prick. The suggestions that he gave were complete BS. I guess that just left a bad taste in my mouth. Would I buy another Kimber? Yes. You cannot go wrong for the money. I am just meticulous as hell.

I love the fact that my “high-priced” 1911’s function perfectly when I receive it. I’m willing to pay extra for the quality. This applies to me buying Sigs over Rugers, Berettas over Taurus etc. I am not knocking Rugers or Taurus’s, just personal preference.

I apologize for misreading your posting about the cars. I jumped the gun. Sorry Joe.

Regards,
Svt
 
The best shooters in the world use the 1911. They are not for beginners or are they for intermediate shooters. The are best used by the top 10% of all shooters. Personally I think you have to be that good to notice the subtle differences between a factory gun and a custom piece.
 
Different strokes for different folks. Basically, people spend $1500+ on a 1911 because they can! For some, stock is boring and impersonal. Also, as many have said here, nothing beats a 1911 trigger. That is indisputable.

I love my Glocks, and my Baer 1911. The Glocks are my first choice for guns that I can use and even abuse, without feeling guilty or indulgent, and I don't find it odd that I like both 'plastic fantastic' and 'old slabsides'. I want more custom 1911's. If the Kimber had better quality control, I'd use one as a platform to have some minor customizing on: trigger, sights, stippling, reliability, etc. This would yield a fine 'user' carry/IDPA gun at reasonable cost, and one that is 90% or more as good as a true custom, in practical terms.

There are 'smiths like Brian Bilby http://www.1911custom.com who can make you a true custom 1911 for less than Baer and Wilson can make 'production customs', due to the $$ those big shops spend on marketing/advertising. If you go with a marquee name like Richard Heinie, you'll pay a lot and wait a long time, but be guaranteed of a masterpiece in steel. Some people can afford that, even if they can't afford a Picasso. Beauty is in the eye of the shooter.

I got my Baer used, but like-new, for about 1/3 less than new. I think that's a great way to get a fine 1911. Mine cost about the same as a Kimber Gold Match, and is a better gun. How much better? That's subjective, and I probably can't shoot it much, if any, better than a Kimber. Look around for a good deal on a Wilson, Baer, Spfld custom shop, etc. If you decide to sell it, you won't take such a beating.

[This message has been edited by Covert Mission (edited March 30, 2000).]
 
I've got a friend who is really into cars. He has owned Ferraris, Porshes, Lotus', Mercedes, etc. Telling him they are not worth it or cost too much to upkeep is a waste of time. The fact remains that they are a joy to drive- or ride in. If money was no option, most will admit to wanting one at some point in their lives. 1911 are similar. They are the sports cars of the pistol world.

Or if that analogy stinks, why do people buy custom rifles costing thousands? Because they can, and the rifles are arguably the best.

Erik
 
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