Custom 1911 or Production 1911 Gun ? weaponseducation

Published on May 1, 2013
Duration: 16:47

This video compares custom 1911s from manufacturers like Ed Brown and Les Baer against production models from Sig Sauer, Smith & Wesson, Kimber, Colt, Springfield Armory, Rock Island Armory, and Ruger. The instructor argues that for most users, production 1911s offer superior value and performance for the money, often outperforming more expensive custom options in practical shooting scenarios. The video highlights specific models and their price points, encouraging viewers to consider their individual needs and budget when choosing a 1911.

Quick Summary

For most shooters, production 1911s offer superior value compared to expensive custom models. Brands like Sig Sauer, Smith & Wesson, and Kimber provide excellent performance and features for under $1,500, often outperforming the shooter's ability. The best 1911 is ultimately the one you shoot most accurately and comfortably.

Chapters

  1. 00:02Introduction: Custom vs Production 1911
  2. 00:14Are Custom 1911s Worth the Money?
  3. 00:18Major Custom 1911 Brands
  4. 00:30Showing $3,000 Custom 1911s
  5. 00:44Production 1911 Brands Mentioned
  6. 01:00Critique of Custom Gunsmiths
  7. 01:12John Moses Browning & the 1911 Origin
  8. 01:26Defining Custom 1911s
  9. 01:4795% Prefer Production 1911s
  10. 02:38Ed Brown Cobra Carry ($3,000+)
  11. 03:12Handwork and Premium Pricing
  12. 04:09Ed Brown Special Forces ($2,800+)
  13. 04:35Questioning the 'Hoopla' of Custom 1911s
  14. 04:55Competition Shooters vs. Average User
  15. 05:09Modern Guns More Accurate Than Us
  16. 05:31Military Use of Production 1911s
  17. 05:59Another Custom 1911 Example ($2,500)
  18. 06:48Good Bangs for the Buck: Sig Sauer
  19. 06:51Best 1911 is What You Shoot Best
  20. 07:11Sig Sauer 1911 Carry Stainless Carry ($1,142)
  21. 07:41Les Baer: Premier Custom 1911 Manufacturer
  22. 08:07Les Baer Custom 1911s for the Money ($1,700)
  23. 08:22Sig Sauer 1911 as a Great Buy
  24. 08:55Three Production vs. One Custom 1911
  25. 09:07Smith & Wesson E-Class Series
  26. 09:34Scandium Frame: Lightweight & Strong
  27. 09:50Smith & Wesson E-Class ($1,369)
  28. 10:39Is this Smith & Wesson Custom?
  29. 11:00Production 1911s Outperforming Customs
  30. 11:40Kimber 1911s
  31. 11:45Kimber's Claim: Best Production 1911
  32. 11:55Tolerances and Break-in Period
  33. 12:35Kimber Custom Shop Craftsmanship
  34. 12:52Kimber Ultra Raptor II ($1,400)
  35. 13:05Two Kimbers vs. One Ed Brown
  36. 13:20Purpose of Custom 1911s
  37. 13:33Investment Potential of Custom 1911s
  38. 14:11Rail Options from Major Manufacturers
  39. 14:17Springfield ($700), Rock Island ($500), Ruger ($829)
  40. 14:24Colt Rail Gun ($1,200)
  41. 14:40Purpose of Customs for Those Who Must Have It
  42. 14:51Instructor's Mistake: Ed Brown for $3,000
  43. 14:55Getting a Les Baer
  44. 15:04Other Aspects of Custom Manufacturers (NRA Support)
  45. 15:14Les Baer on NRA Support
  46. 15:24Les Baer's Guns for the Money
  47. 15:34Les Baer Price Range ($1,700 - $4,500)
  48. 15:48Looking at Beautiful Guns
  49. 15:58Final Question: Custom vs. Production Value
  50. 16:25Call to Action: Subscribe and Share

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between custom and production 1911 pistols?

Custom 1911s are typically built by hand with meticulous fitting of individual parts, aiming for extreme precision and finish, often commanding prices of $3,000 and up. Production 1911s are mass-produced with tighter tolerances and high-quality components, offering excellent performance at significantly lower price points, often under $1,500.

Are expensive custom 1911s worth the money for the average shooter?

According to the instructor, for about 95% of shooters, expensive custom 1911s are not worth the money. Modern production 1911s are generally more accurate than most shooters can utilize, and offer comparable reliability and features for a fraction of the cost.

Which production 1911 models are recommended as good value?

The Sig Sauer 1911 Carry Stainless Carry (around $1,142), Smith & Wesson E-Class series (around $1,400), and Kimber Ultra Raptor II (around $1,400) are highlighted as excellent value production 1911s. Budget-friendly options like Rock Island Armory ($500) and Springfield Armory ($700) are also mentioned.

What is the best 1911 for an individual shooter?

The best 1911 for any individual is the one they shoot best. The instructor advises trying out different models if possible, as personal comfort, grip feel, and how well you can shoot a particular firearm are more important than its price tag or custom status.

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