Not trying to derail, but is there a reason Springfield Custom ( Custom Handguns - Springfield Armory ) nor Christenson Arms (https://christensenarms.com/1911s/ ) never show up in lists of high end 1911’s available? Are they considered mid-range?
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I would consider Springfield very good quality 1911 but never heard of Christenson.
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@HenryRugerGlock If I hear any info on the next tour, I will let you know. The companies are in or near Berryville, which is just south of Eureka Springs, I am sure your wife could find some stuff to do.
Both are great tours of the companies, I met a lot of the gunsmiths and people at WC and NHC. As far as the shooting part, the WC is more of a half day shooting class and some test shooting of guns, while the guys at NHC keep handing you guns to shoot in a more casual setting. Either one is worth the trip in my opinion.
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The search of the holy grail of guns is a lot of peoples ambition. Follow your heart and seek the truth within yourself. Money is not a factor but the prize that sets before you. If you get it, shoot it, otherwise it is pointless to even be called a gun.
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70’s vintage Browning Hi Power
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First off welcome to the world of retirement, where you will have all of the time to do only what you want to do.
Now jumping to your question, which present to mark this retirement date.
I would strongly suggest that you look at Dan Wesson products. Lets face it a 1911 is a 1911, the only difference is fit and finish. DW weapons are hand fitted using only tool steel parts, no MIM, lifetime warranty and put some money in you pocket(to buy Ammo).
Wilson along with the orther weapons you named are first cabin, no doubt, but so what they are still a 1911. I own a 2011 STI, my present, double stack 10MM. Fine weapon, hand assembled and tested, runs great.
It is so good that NightHawk uses their magaines and many of their designs elements.
In the end it is your day in the Sun, enjoy it, buy what you want.
Again Congrats.
Larry
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I am partial to Wilson Combat but everything you list would be good. Which of those companies is best for you is a lot like underwear. Everyone will have a different opinion what feels best to them. I own four pistols that came from Wilson Combat. Only one is a WC Beretta and the rest are all 1911 pistols in different sizes including a double stack KZ-45. Next on my list is EDC X9L from Wilson Combat.
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Gary-H,
My most expensive gun is my Springfield Armory M1A Rifle NA 9802, so Springfield Armory is certainly a brand with which I am familiar.
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Larry,
Thanks for the input. I HAVE seen a couple of Dan Wesson 1911’s at my local range. They are nice weapons, for sure.
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Todd30,
I LOVE your post. Thanks.
Not to imply money is not a consideration, but in this case, I am ready to step up for this special purchase.
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Craig, Craig, Craig…master of 1911’s and shooting experience…more guns? No wonder your other project is dragging behind!!! LOL LOL
Craig has built many 1911’s and is extremely knowledgeable, and many thanks for your personal assistance to me!!!
Going to a 1911 school would be awesome to learn to build!
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Christensen are headquartered in Salt Lake. I had a chance to buy a used creedmor caliber, carbon fiber barrel, very, very, reasonable and passed it up, very lightweight.
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Henry, congrats on your retirement…nice gift to oneself!!! we also have a member here, cant think of his handle, that works in NH, and also yes for that manufacturer. I wonder if they offer tours?
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I would take a matched pair of Cabot 1911 .45
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tl;dr Wilson Combat
How custom? The best custom gun-maker for an IPSC-style race gun is probably different from one for a custom carry gun. Many of the custom guns out there are really semi-custom, they aren’t something where you bought a frame and then explained what you wanted in a gun and they build it for you. Every part in my IPSC race gun was something the gunsmith and I discussed. Whose trigger, which beavertail, etc. The unusual frame cuts to lighten it up are not something you’ll find on production guns (and in fact make it unsafe to shoot full-power 10mm loads in…it’s designed for loads that just make IPSC Major (aka, like the FBI Load). The super-thin wood grips are custom made to hide the bulkiness of the para-ordnance frame, etc. On the other hand I have a carry gun that started life as a cheap as can be parkerized Colt 1991A Compact. Then I had a gunsmith do a trigger job, put on trijicons, chrome plate it, and tune it up for reliability. I can’t imagine, and trust me I try, a carry gun in .45ACP that I would prefer.
Sadly my favorite gunsmith, who was both IPSC and carry-oriented in different parts of his career, has retired. And you need to consider that is true for most of the names you mention. You are getting the name, and hopefully still the quality, but the hands of the gunsmith who founded the company and brought it fame won’t be working on your gun. That said, I think Wilson Combat still lives up to its namesake. And that’s where I would go for a custom defensive gun. You can do anything from a pre-built gun, to slight modifications of their catalog offerings, to full custom. If you are leaning more towards a competition gun there may be someone else who hands craft the top IPSC race guns, though some of the bigger names in the sport are still associated with Wilson. Maybe someone out there who still knows the IPSC or other competitive landscape has a good reference. Or you could find articles for the top USPSA/IPSC champions over the last few years that tell who their gunsmiths are. USPSA used to actually publish all this info for the Top-16 shooters, though I don’t know that they still do. Because most of these shooters are sponsored, the information of whose gun (i.e., might just be the frame manufacturer), whose optics, who the gunsmith was, etc. are out there.
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Congratulations on retirement. Get what makes you happy then start enjoying yourself. I retired in 2018 and love it. Heck, if I knew it was this much fun I would never have started working.
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My wife still says she won’t believe I am retiring until she sees me pack up my company computers and ship them back to my college! (I am a college professor.)
And she’s probably right. I will probably still teach a few classes online for a year or two!
I love teaching but I am one of those who falls into the pre-retiree cohort that says, “Time is getting short. If I am going to enjoy a retirement, I better get started!”
And get shooting!
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Harold26,
Thanks for your long note! I appreciate the different references.
I am a “shooter wanna be”…and NOT a hunter! In addition to a great Gun for EDC, I would love a gun suitable for accurate target shooting!
It’s really funny, because I am actually considering getting the education and completing the coursework necessary to become a licensed gunsmith. I am a bit “long in the tooth” to begin a 4th career, but who knows! I was accepted into the program locally for this years class, at a local trade school, but I had to get back on the list for next years class!
Thanks again for your input!
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Go for it but be warned, It may get expensive unless you have the machining tools or easy access. On which weapon, I would choose a Wilson. Other builders may be very good but when you talk guns to enthusiasts, almost all will know Wilson. His 1911 pistols are beautiful and functional. Mine is no safe queen. Carried it for years and still awesome to shoot. Very accurate as well.
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