I was thinking about getting a new tactical 1911.
I have numerous Colt 1911 models that I could potentially completely customize into exactly what I want.
I was looking at the Wilson Combat CQB Elite. However, I have read on this forum that most don’t believe that it’s worth the price.
Is it recommended that I completely customize one of my Colts instead?
And if so, can anyone recommend some pistol smiths capable?
I would just customize the Colt.
http://www.louderthanwords.us/
I’d check out that forum. A lot of the top 1911 gunsmiths post photos of their work. And the intro page has a list of them. I’m sure you could find someone.
Any smith recommendations?
I haven’t used any of those people on the website.
I think it will depend more on:
A)What type of work are you looking to get done?
B)How much do you want to spend?
C)How long are you willing to wait?
Some of those guys only offer full blown custom jobs that cost several thousand dollars. Others can simply do front strap checkering, beavertail, new sights, new finish, etc. I would just look through some of the photos and see figure out your answers to A, B and C and go from there.
The thing is that a lot of these guys kind of have “trademark” features that they do to 1911’s that tend to be unique to them and no one else. I’m not sure if its an unwritten rule that they don’t copy each other or what so that can play into your decision as well.
I’m sure others can offer you first hand experience on some of these guys. I would also just type in some of those 1911 smith’s names into the search and see what type of info you can find. Also places like the 1911forum or m1911.org might be more helpful.
http://bobmarvelcustomguns.com/ :big_boss:
Easily one of the best smiths alive, in my opinion. He’s been doing work on my 1911 and I couldn’t be happier.
V/r
Uglyguns
Both the Colt and Springfield custom shops do some nice work at a fair price. They are both said to be fairly quick on the turn-around, too.
:dirol:
I have a Wilson CQB and it’s a fine weapon. Having said that, if I decide to drop that kind of coin on another 1911 it will be a Springfield Pro. Might be worth checking out for you.
Buy a Fusion. You won’t go wrong.
H
I was looking at high end 1911s a couple of months back and the two that caught my attention were the Springfield Professional and the Cylinder and Slide Trident. If you haven’t read the FBI test for the Springfield, check it out. It’s a good read for someone looking for a 1911. The Trident was designed by and for an active duty SEAL for use in harsh conditions. Those might be worth a look before you buy.
The professional is from their Custom Shop, correct?
How does this compare to the TRP?
More money and much more time to get one. 
Take a look at the Baer TRS or UTC, for the money you won’t find a better 1911.
Yes, the Professional is from the Custom Shop. It’s a nicer version of the TRP. Top grade parts, more hand fitting etc. Btw, I like the TRP, I did quite a bit of shooting with one awhile back. Really nice, but the Professional is only about $800.00 more and it’s a better weapon. If you’re going to run it hard and or bet your life on it, the Pro is the better choice for you. By run it hard I mean use it for duty and or do tactical classes with it where you run 400-500 rounds a day through it. If the TRP price range is as much as you want to spend or can afford right now, you can always upgrade the parts that need it later if you wish.
You forgot to add: a much much better end product, hand-fit with better parts. A TRP is a nice production gun. A PRO is a true custom 1911. That is why you pay more and wait.
The Professional also passed a 20,000 round torture test with minimal loss of accuracy. It’s a great gun, and a step above many.
I find it interesting that a few top-end makers of 1911s said it was impossible to achieve the level of quality and reliability the Pro achieves.
My vote would be for a SA Professional as well.
Or customize your Colt.
Rogers Precision comes to mind first, but I bet his back log is prohibitive to most.
SA Custom shop is running about 12 months… that’s pretty good in the custom world.
Any of the smiths who have a sticky in this (1911) subforum are an excellent choice.
They all have their own style and build guns that run.
The big question is how available are they at the moment; and how long are you willing to wait(?).
I didn’t forget it. I have never owned one so I couldn’t say. Also, after having three guns customized, I know “why you pay more and wait”.