I’m a bit torn. WC offers it good to go, but at the same time Ive lusted for a Colt 70 series with custom work done by Novak.
The price for both would both be in the same bracket. Am I losing or gaining anything from going with one or the other?
For whatever reason for a comp gun I always think STI. But between your two choices I’d go Wilson. The Colt is still a Colt.
Getting a WC won’t diminish your lust for a Novak Colt. If you think they will perform equally well, get the Novak.
I’d go with the Wilson. I have dealt with their customer service and to say they were generous is not an exaggeration.
I shot a single stack 70 Colt for several years as a competitor. I don’t recommend it for funsies – every time I drew it I was reinforcing duty and carry gun presentation. A single stack will require ass-loads of mag changes and will slow you way down compared to everyone else.
At the 2004 USPSA National Championships they asked for my pistol for chronograph check. I gave it to them with a magzine and five rounds. One guy asked, “Is that holster and belt really made from a cow?” “Yes.”
They fired the first round and it knocked the mini-popper clear off its frame. “Is this really issued hard ball?!” “Yes.”
I didn’t win anything except the chronograph station – with a 193 power factor.
I was in your shoes once; I couldn’t get over the pony I had to have one. I got a NIB series 70 reporduction and sent it to MARS Armament for the “THUG” package w/ a few extras. Should be done soon. While waiting I came across a series 70 built built by Jim Milks of Innovative Custom Guns. My vote is get the Colt.
Hmm…tough question. I have a Colt Series 70 Gold Cup that initially had a Full House Wilson Combat treatment AND then sent to Novak for a re-furb. Is had a Wilson Combat stamp on the frame and a Novak stamp on the slide :D. As for your question, it all depends on your time frame and price range. You could scoop up a second hand WC CQB/CQB Enhanced relatively quickly. You could also go the Series 70 Gold Cup route and use while you make your arrangements for Novak to do its work to it. I love both Colt Series 70’s and Wilson Combat’s so its a bit of a quandry for me as well. Get what fits into your budget/timeframe initially and then make plans to get the “other” down the road. 2 is 1 and 1 is none!!! 
I’d get the Wilson or a Springfield Custom.
I’ve had base model 1911s built (Colt and Springfield) and I always like the ground-up customs better. I just don’t like the idea of welding, filing, grinding, fitting, retro-fitting and re-finishing a clunker when you can get a gun built right the first time, that has a better chance of running, likely for less money…
As far as STI… Been there, done that, NOT my cup 'o tea…
I think I would like to have customized Novak Colt. However, I’m sure SAMUSE knows a thing or two about the higher tier 1911s and can give good advice
I have two Nighthawks and a MARS Armament Axiom built on a Colt WWII Repro. The Colt is what rides on my belt everyday.
my vote is always Colt
Tough call, Novak’s work is really top notch and they have a great reputation. However the same can be said of WC.
I don’t think you’ll be disappointed either way you go.
Thanks for all the input guys… took me a while and a butt ton of research, but I decided to go with the Pony custom worked by Novak.
I know this sounds superficial, but I just can’t get over how good the original serrations and Colt markings look on the slide. That, and ideally, I would want the 1911 to have as little bells and whistle as possible while having everything to make it function and run like a champ. With that said, down the road I do hope to be a WC owner as well!
As long as the choice suits you, it’s a good choice.
I’d go custom and get it just like you want. Spec each part. Communicate directly with the smiff. Chuck Rogers has a Colt 70 of mine due to the aforementioned reasons…it’s a win either way
Can’t fault anything with the WC, BUT you need to have atleast one Colt in the closet. If you don’t have a 70 series Colt already, then this would be your opportunity the get her in the fold. I can’t see regretting ever getting a 70series Colt. Its purely mental, but they just feel quicker LOL.
sinister I feel your pain, started shooting USPSA this past year. Tried Limited but returned back to SS with a Springfield LW 5 in using Fiocchi 230 gr ball