Wilson Combat or Ed Brown

[OUSooner]

These two lines seem to be pretty much on par with each other. Both around the 2 grand range. Which of the two lines is better thought of and which will hold their resale value better?

[thetoastmaster]

Are Ed Browns cast or forged? I know Wilsons are cast, if that means anything to you.

-Bo

[OUSooner]

Wow did not know Wilson's were cast. Ed Browns are forged. Not that it really matters much either way. Casting today is better than ever.

[thetoastmaster]

That may be true; but for the same price, make mine forged.

-Bo

[Kruzr]

If Wilson's are using cast frames then it's a change that was made last year. Wilson used to get their frames and slides from Jerico..which is Kimber Manufacturing. They were forged at that time. If they switched to Caspian frames, then they are investment cast by Ruger.

[Rinspeed]

I'm pretty sure the only Wilson frame that is cast is the one with the light rail. I don't own either but for me there is no comparison, I would take a Brown over a Wilson every time. For the money I think a Les Baer is a better value than a Wilson or Ed Brown.

[Trumpet]

Nighthawk ;)


Rich

[CCV]

Buy the Brown

[akapennypincher]

Buy me an Ed Brown:)

[PlasticGuy]

Wilson is a Kimber at 3x the price.

Ed Brown makes a very nice pistol. No objections from me at all.

My choice was Les Baer. I now own two, and would gladly get another when I can find another excuse for spending the money. They are more accurate than a Wilson or Brown, all forged steel, made entirely in the USA, and cost less than either of your original options.

[Black_Talon]

Between Wilson and Brown, the Brown wins by a large margin. They're really not in the same league, you're comparing apples and oranges there.

Wilson vs. Baer. Baer wins, cleanly.

Wilson vs. a Custom Shop Kimber, Wilson wins, but not by a lot.

[skorpio]

Why are you guys raililng on Wilson so much? I own a Wilson CQB and a Baer Concept VI and think equally of them both. Both shoot outstanding, and have never considered parting with either. Now an Ed Brown is on my "to get" list...

[PlasticGuy]

Originally posted by skorpio
Why are you guys raililng on Wilson so much?
The Wilson's that I have encountered have been no more tightly fitted than a Kimber, and use cast parts on a gun costing upwards of $2000. Combine that with a good trigger pull, but one that is worse than any Baer or Brown I've ever shot, and you have a pistol that I don't feel is worth the asking price.

If your Wilson is put together tightly and has a good trigger, that's great. If the cast and MIM parts are holding up well, that's great. I can't say that your pistol isn't a good one. It may shoot very well. It may even shoot as well as your Baer. My experience with Wilson pistols has left me unimpressed though, and for the price that should not be the case.

I should add a disclaimer that there are Wilson 1911's that are built to the same standards as Brown or Baer. They cost twice as much as a Baer though, and I don't like paying $1000 extra for the Wilson name on the slide.

[quantico]

I have shopped for brown / Baer / Wilson... Make mine an Ed Brown every time.....

http://photobucket.com/albums/y43/fbigovusa/execcarry2.jpg

I don't think wilson or Baer are in the same league with the Brown... I think the Wilsons are fine guns... but overpriced... The Les Baer pistols work well and are a great value... but not nearly the fit and finish of the Brown pistol...

http://photobucket.com/albums/y43/fbigovusa/greatday.jpg

[quantico]

Originally posted by PlasticGuy

Ed Brown makes a very nice pistol. No objections from me at all.

My choice was Les Baer. I now own two, and would gladly get another when I can find another excuse for spending the money. They are more accurate than a Wilson or Brown.

I don't agree on the accuracy problem with the Brown pistols.. I think the brown pistols will shoot at least as well as any Baer pistol... This is my group at 25 yards... and the limit of accuracy is me... this does not look bad to me...

http://photobucket.com/albums/y43/fbigovusa/rngreport.jpg

[Bonehead69]

With those two to pick from, I'd pick a Brown every time.

[MarcDW]

I am an FFL and had all of those guns come through here.
Kimber is the McDonald under the 1911.
LB is next in line while they are great 1911 with no problems out the box.
Then I would rate the EB und Wilson the same, while Wilson customer service is very good.
Ed Brown customer service has room to improve.
Beside other things, they don't offer milti color NS.
When you ask them if they could install them, if you send them to them, they tell you to find yourself a gunsmith to change them!
Why would I buy a $2,400 gun with all green sites and not getting what you want? Also they have a chip on their shoulder.

I bought last year (as an FFL) several Kimber, Springfield and 2 LB, 4 Ed Brown and 7 Wilson and I carry a Wilson Professional.
The EB King Cobra however fits my hands the best.
Go figure!

[quantico]

Originally posted by MarcDW
I am an FFL and had all of those guns come through here.

I bought last year (as an FFL) several Kimber, Springfield and 2 LB, 4 Ed Brown and 7 Wilson and I carry a Wilson Professional.


The EB King Cobra however fits my hands the best.



Ed Brown builds two Kobra models....

the full size is just " kobra " 5 inch barrel in blue / stainless or combination...

the 4.25 inch barrel is the " kobra Carry " with a bobtail grip for easier conceiled carry... again in blue / stainless or a combination...

www.edbrown.com/cgi-bin/start.cgi/customhandguns.htm

[RaiderCop]

+1 for the Ed Brown

I have a blue .45 Class A Limited, bull-barrel, serrated top. Finest 1911 I have ever shot, no regrets!

[Jerseycitysteve]

Originally posted by PlasticGuy
Wilson is a Kimber at 3x the price.

Ed Brown makes a very nice pistol. No objections from me at all.

My choice was Les Baer. I now own two, and would gladly get another when I can find another excuse for spending the money. They are more accurate than a Wilson or Brown, all forged steel, made entirely in the USA, and cost less than either of your original options.

Now, now;L

Wilson pistols are hand fit and don't use mim parts or those stupid external extractors.:)

[PlasticGuy]

Hold on a second, I never said that I didn't like the Ed Brown 1911's. I said they make a very nice pistol. No objections from me at all. And yes, they are finished better than either Wilson or Baer 1911's. They are expensive, but worth it.

The only thing I said about Brown 1911's that could have been interpreted as negative was that they are not, in my experience, quite as accurate as a Baer. My Premier II is good for 1.25" at 50 yards in the hands of somone much better than myself. It's just spooky what that pistol can do. In practical terms, my groups are probably indestinguishable from groups shot with any other well built 1911, but the capability is there if I were up to the challenge.

My Concept VII isn't quite as accurate, but it's still very, very good -- especially for a Commander.

I will stand by my statements about Wilson 1911's. It will be very difficult to convince me that they are as well built as a Baer or Brown, and harder to convince me that they aren't brutally overpriced. And for the record, they do use cast/mim parts, and some of their pistols come with external extractors. I actually don't mind the external extractors, but I thought I'd address the point from the post above this. The cast/mim thing is just rediculous on a pistol in that price range.

[Jasper G36]

Originally posted by PlasticGuy
And for the record, they do use cast/mim parts, and some of their pistols come with external extractors. I actually don't mind the external extractors, but I thought I'd address the point from the post above this. The cast/mim thing is just rediculous on a pistol in that price range.

What model Wilson's come with external extractors ?

[Jerseycitysteve]

Originally posted by Jasper G36
What model Wilson's come with external extractors ?

Only this I believe:http://www.wilsoncombat.com/images/product/WKZ-T-SS_1.jpg

[Alaskapopo]

Originally posted by RA45T
Between Wilson and Brown, the Brown wins by a large margin. They're really not in the same league, you're comparing apples and oranges there.

Wilson vs. Baer. Baer wins, cleanly.

Wilson vs. a Custom Shop Kimber, Wilson wins, but not by a lot.
Sorry but I will take my CQB over my friends TRS any day. Both are good pistols but the wilson is better over all.
Pat

[Rinspeed]

Originally posted by 355sigfan
Sorry but I will take my CQB over my friends TRS any day. Both are good pistols but the wilson is better over all.
Pat

How do you define better? Is the Wilson more accurate, more reliable, is the trigger better. Some say the Baer pistols are built too tight. Being tight is one of the reasons I decided on a Baer. As long as pistol is reliable tight is good as far as I'm concerned.

[gpo1956]

I've owned several of each of the brands mentioned. Overall there is not enough difference to worry about. None were perfect, but none were crap either! Buy whichever one you personally like best or better yet, buy whichever one you can find for the best price. The next to the last Wilson I bought was the best of the bunch. The last Wilson I traded for is about average at best for a semi=custom. Sorry, but I'll say it again. There is not enough difference between the semi-customs to say that one brand is categorically better than the others.

[CCV]

Originally posted by gpo1956
I've owned several of each of the brands mentioned. Overall there is not enough difference to worry about. None were perfect, but none were crap either! Buy whichever one you personally like best or better yet, buy whichever one you can find for the best price. The next to the last Wilson I bought was the best of the bunch. The last Wilson I traded for is about average at best for a semi=custom. Sorry, but I'll say it again. There is not enough difference between the semi-customs to say that one brand is categorically better than the others.

Good post.

[Alaskapopo]

Accuracy is equal. The Wilson is a tad more reliable with no malfunctions so far in 1500 rounds. WHile the Baer has had a few. ALso I should not have to shoot 500 rounds through a gun just to be able to press check it. The wilson is tight but it still allows normal manipulations of the gun. The main reason for me is I like the lightrail design on the wilson far better than Baers feeble attempt at one.
Pat

[Roger rodbolt]

I've owned all three the Brown, Baer and Wilson. Between the Ed Brown and Wilson the Brown is a long step up in quality. The Wilson is a "good" 1911 but not in the same class as the Brown. For that reason I own several Brown's and one Baer.

[Yankee Fist]

Overall there is not enough difference to worry about.

I have to agree with gpo1956. There probably isn't that much difference in most $2-3K guns. I have not owned an Ed Brown gun. From everything I have read and seen, the Kobra Carry is a quality handgun (I like the Bobtail feature). I hope I get the chance to shoot one and see how the gun feels and shoots in my hand. I have had several LB's (premiers, supertacs, etc) and sold them all but my SRP. I own two Wilson's (a CQB in 38 Super and a Tactical Elite). Both LB and Wilson are fine guns as well. Personally, I like Wilsons over everything I have owned, primarily because of the fit, finish, feel, reliability, overall appearance, customer service and bottom line... accuracy. For what it is worth. yf

[Jerseycitysteve]

Originally posted by gpo1956
I've owned several of each of the brands mentioned. Overall there is not enough difference to worry about. None were perfect, but none were crap either! Buy whichever one you personally like best or better yet, buy whichever one you can find for the best price. The next to the last Wilson I bought was the best of the bunch. The last Wilson I traded for is about average at best for a semi=custom. Sorry, but I'll say it again. There is not enough difference between the semi-customs to say that one brand is categorically better than the others.

+1

This thread reminds me of argument about what's a better ride: a Rolls Royce or a Bentley?

However let me put my two cents in. If I were going to spend over 2,000 for a pistol,
I'd get this honey (www.egw-guns.com) http://www.egw-guns.com/gunsmithing/images/tactical1911-2.jpg


Built on customer supplied frame
Base Model $1750.00
Priced as Shown $1999.00

Our Tactical Carry package is test fired for 200 rounds for break-in and to ensure reliable operation
Caspian Bar Stock Slide
EGW Match Barrel
EGW Sear
EGW Ejector
EGW Extractor
EGW Firing Pin
EGW Firing Pin Stop
EGW O/S Slide Stop
EGW Hammer
EGW Beaver Tail
All other components EGW

Steel Mag Catch
Full Length Guide Rod or
Standard Spring Plug
Main Spring Housing
Arched or Flat
Polish and Throat
Lower and Flute
Melt Package
Brown/Wilson Safety
Accuracy Job
Match Bushing
Heinie or Novak Rear Sight
Front Sight choice of width & style
3 lb. Action Job

[matt3gun]

I dont see the point in a 1911 worth 2k. You could easily buy a nice Kimber or Springfield as others have mentioned. once you get into that kind of money, you got to stop and ask yourself if spending that kind of dough is worth it when you can get a good quality handgun for half the price. Beleive me Ive shot alot of expensive handguns, and even own a few nice competitive guns, but thats just too much for a single stack.

[Yankee Fist]

Very nice EGW. I am glad I am not just starting out and having to decide which "one" to buy first.

[Jerseycitysteve]

Originally posted by matt3gun
I dont see the point in a 1911 worth 2k. You could easily buy a nice Kimber or Springfield as others have mentioned. once you get into that kind of money, you got to stop and ask yourself if spending that kind of dough is worth it when you can get a good quality handgun for half the price. Beleive me Ive shot alot of expensive handguns, and even own a few nice competitive guns, but thats just too much for a single stack.

I drive a 2000 Ford Taurus. My cousin owns a completely restored 1959 Cadillac convertible. Both will take you down to the grocery for bread and milk.

[Alaskapopo]

Originally posted by matt3gun
I dont see the point in a 1911 worth 2k. You could easily buy a nice Kimber or Springfield as others have mentioned. once you get into that kind of money, you got to stop and ask yourself if spending that kind of dough is worth it when you can get a good quality handgun for half the price. Beleive me Ive shot alot of expensive handguns, and even own a few nice competitive guns, but thats just too much for a single stack.

I used to think like you do but after buying a CQB it blows away my Kimber and other previous 1911's I have owned in Reliability and accuracy.
Its worth it at least to me.
Pat

[Nalapombu]

When you ask them if they could install them, if you send them to them, they tell you to find yourself a gunsmith to change them!

Why would Ed Brown have such a policy? It doesn't sound very "customer friendly" if you ask me.
It seems as though Ed Brown is building his pistols and you can buy them that way or not, he's not going to do any special orders for you if you don't like stuff on it. I'm afraid that if I were going to drop $2400 on a 1911 the shop that's making it better be able to tell me they'll change anything I want or don't like. I think if I were going to buy a Brown and told him I wanted different sights on it and he told me to find a gunsmith to install them for me, I'd thank him for his time and go somewhere else. When you pay that kind of money for a 1911 you DESERVE to have it EXACTLY the way you wanted and be treated well while they are doing it.

While I don't doubt for a second that these semi-customs are better than Kimbers, Springers, Colts and other 1911's, I find it hard to believe that they would BLOW AWAY those factory pistols.
Just my thoughts though.

Nala

[Brander]

Originally posted by 355sigfan
I used to think like you do but after buying a CQB it blows away my Kimber and other previous 1911's I have owned in Reliability and accuracy.
Its worth it at least to me.
Pat

+1

Same here. I used to think the upper end 1911's didn't add that much to be worth the extra money. Then I ran across a good deal on a S&W Performance Center, and it outperformed my Kimbers significantly. Once you've owned a good upper end, it's hard to go back down.

[PlasticGuy]

Originally posted by Jasper G36
What model Wilson's come with external extractors ?
Their KZ-45 series is the only one I know of where they come standard. It is an option on most of their pistols, but not a standard feature to my knowledge.

I re-read my post on Wilsons, and I probably came on a little strong. I don't want to imply that they're not good handguns. They are. I just think they're overpriced, given the things I mentioned. If your Wilson works as well as or better than my Baer, then I guess I can't argue with that. Personal preference is just that -- personal.

As far as whether any of these $1500-$2500 pistols are worth it, you just need to shoot one to decide for yourself. They can be worth every penny to me, though it's hard to put into words why that is. It's a general feel and slight performance edge. It's the way they can be both very tight and very smooth at the same time. It's that they will still be shooting well when they're in the hands of my grandchildren. Try one, and I think you'll understand. If it's still not worth it to you, that's fair. The performance difference for combat purposes is probably minimal. The difference is worth it to me, but if it isn't to you I can't really argue with you. I'm sure there are plenty of guys out there who can outshoot me and my Les Baer with a box stock Colt or Springfield. I just know that I shoot better with my Baer than with the standard commercial 1911's.