Range report: Ed Brown Classic Custom vs Wilson Classic Super Grade

[bac1023]

Guys, I just posted my Valor vs TRP report. Well I also took my new Ed Brown, as I have not fired it yet. I've have it a little while, but have not been to the range in almost a month. I bought the Suger Grade along as I felt it would be cool to compare the best each company offers. Its the comparo I've wanted to do for a long time.

This comparison is much tougher than the Valor and TRP, as these 1911s have nearly identical configurations and features. Anyway, here goes.

http://www.wilsoncombat.com/p_supergrade.asp

http://edbrown.com/htmlos.cgi/00352.1.154146838779531280

Finish: I have to go with the Ed Brown here. Its got a unique mirror finished slide that is just beautiful to look at. I have a few 1911s with polished slides, but nothing quite like this. I definately like it better than the Wilson's Armor-Tuff finished slide. The frames are about equal, both are stainless. The Wilson is a slightly lighter tone.

Looks: Another edge to the Ed Brown. As I said about the Valor, I love clean looking 1911s without the front serrations or billboards. The Classic Custom fits the bill. I also feel Ed Brown makes a nicer looking grip safety and magwell. The grips are both Cocobolo, but the Ed Brown has a nicer grain to it. That said, the Super Grade is easy on the eyes as well, with minimal markings and a very high quailty look overall.

Reliability: Dead tie. What can I say? Neither pistol feels like it even thinks of having a malfunction. Very solid shooters that go bang every time you pull the trigger. I wouldn't expect anything less. 'Nuff said.

Features: This is another tie, IMO. Both have basically the same long list of features, magwell, checkered rear and top of slides, ambi safeties, etc. There are a couple things to point out. I prefer the shape and feel of the Wilson's safety. It just has a nicer tension and a wider shelf. Also I like the Wilson's shelf style slide release, rather than the standard release on the Brown. The Wilson also has adjustable target night sights, while the Brown has just standard target sights. However, the Brown has two items that I like that are absent on the Wilson, a two piece guide rod and an extended mag release. Both have full length guide rods, but the Brown's is a two piece. Some don't like them, but I think they're cool.

Trigger: The Wilson has a solid advantage here. Its trigger is very crisp and breaks like glass. The Brown's is good, but not nearly as nice or as smooth as the Wilson's. I always felt the trigger was Ed Brown's one weakness. Not that they aren't good, but I don't think they're quite as good as their competition's.

:Accuracy: Both are stellar performers, but I personally did a little better with the Wilson. It wasn't enough to really make any difference, but the Wilson's better trigger was probably the reason. On a ransom rest, I have no idea which would prevail. Wilson does guarentee 1" at 25 yards, while Brown doesn't make specific accuracy guarentees. They are just engineered for the "highest accuracy".

Build quality: I think Ed Brown has the best fit and finish of all the popular semi custom 1911s, with Wilson a close second. These two are no exception. Both are flawless, but the Brown just stands out more with parts that just look a little nicer, its very close though. I do like the Wilson's frame fit slightly more and racking the slide feels better on the Wilson due to that. While they edge each other out in different aspects, both have fantasic overall build quality, so there is no clear cut winner here.

Exclusivity: Again, I'm not sure this matters much, but it is much easier to get a Classic Custom if you are looking for a new gun. Delivery time is about 10 weeks, while the Super Grade can be a year's wait time. Therefore, I would imagine ther are more Classic Customs around.

Miscellaneous: the Wilson comes standard with 30lpi checkering, which I find a little too smooth. The Brown has my favorite 25lpi. The Wilson comes standard with adjustable night sights. They are not even offered on the Classic Custom. I don't know why the hell anybody would want night sights on one of these, but the Wilson has them if it matters to you. they are still target sights and still stand out fine during the day. The magwell is standard on the Wilson and an option on the Ed Brown. That said, the Super Grade is at least a grand more expensive.

In conclusion, while I like the looks and finish on the Ed Brown more, I think, when the smoke cleared, the Super Grade is a slightly better fitted and smoother 1911. That's not to say the Ed Brown isn't great in these areas, but its a close second to the Wilson. Both are top of the line 1911s and both are top performers in every way. Both show what these companies can do when nothing is held back. While I give the Super Grade a very slight edge overall, I don't think its worth the extra money or wait time over the Brown. Plus, with the Brown, you get that exclusive mirror slide and an overall look that gives it a more exotic appearance. In short, the Ed Brown looks more impressive from the slide to the parts and grips. You really have to put them through the paces with a pair of experienced hands to appreciate the Wilson's advantage.

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n5/bac1023/000_0622.jpg

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[bac1023]

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[bac1023]

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[Substance-P]

Thanks for the write up. It sounds like a very close call but with a $1K difference, plus an appearance I prefer, I think I would gravitate more towards the Brown.

So now that the Valor/TRP comparison has been completed as well, what's the next comparison on the horizon?

[Jim Watson]

The Wilson looks almost as though it were painted. Surely they are bluing their high end guns. Aren't they?

As I recall, the Brown the NRA tested was not particularly accurate from the Ransom Rest.

[bac1023]

The Wilson looks almost as though it were painted. Surely they are bluing their high end guns. Aren't they?

As I recall, the Brown the NRA tested was not particularly accurate from the Ransom Rest.

Wow, thanks for the compliments. ;)

I find both my Browns very accurate and really enjoy shooting them.

As far as the Wilson is concerned, they don't blue much of anything. That is their Armor-Tuff finish. Is a good finish, but not as nice as, say, Black T.

[bac1023]

So now that the Valor/TRP comparison has been completed as well, what's the next comparison on the horizon?

I was thinking something between two company's introductory models and flagship models, such as Kimber vs Smith & Wesson. I would compare the Custom II and SW1911 for the low end and then compare the Super Match II and PC1911 for the high end.

Thoughts?

[Substance-P]

I was thinking something between two company's introductory models and flagship models, such as Kimber vs Smith & Wesson. I would compare the Custom II and SW1911 for the low end and then compare the Super Match II and PC1911 for the high end.

Thoughts?

I think something like that would be very helpful. Not only would it help to understand what each of the specific model offers but would also help to show people what features you could expect as you moved up the price range within each company.

I read a lot of questions from people asking about mid-range offerings from Kimber, Springfield, Smith and comparisons between them could be helpful.

Or maybe a comparison of the less widely distributed models (STI, Para, and maybe Dan Wesson).

I had better stop suggestions options before I end up proposing the Bac 1911 Shootout Online Magazine.

[Rinspeed]

bac, You need a damn Ranson rest. Hard to tell from the pictures which I like more but I think it's hard to believe all the time and effort Wilson puts into that 1911 and then apply a cheap spray and bake finish. Seems like the easy way out to me.

[Short Cut]

Great review, bac. Enjoyed every word of it.

I'm a little surprised that the Brown didn't come with flat bottom grips as the tapered grips don't mate as well at the bottom. The Wilson speed chute kinda requires the tapered grips, one reason why I don't like the speed chute as much as the S&A style.

Two very fine pistols to be proud of. Thanks for sharing. :patriot:

[bac1023]

bac, You need a damn Ranson rest. Hard to tell from the pictures which I like more but I think it's hard to believe all the time and effort Wilson puts into that 1911 and then apply a cheap spray and bake finish. Seems like the easy way out to me.

Yeah, the Armor-Tuff is a disappointment for a $4K+ 1911. Wilson should do something else for the Super Grade. They do have a Signature Super Grade that has case coloring, but I don't care for its looks.

The finishes I like are hard chrome, various Robar finishes, Black T, and a nice bluing (like the Classic Custom).

[bac1023]

Great review, bac. Enjoyed every word of it.

I'm a little surprised that the Brown didn't come with flat bottom grips as the tapered grips don't mate as well at the bottom. The Wilson speed chute kinda requires the tapered grips, one reason why I don't like the speed chute as much as the S&A style.

Two very fine pistols to be proud of. Thanks for sharing. :patriot:

Thanks Short Cut.

The Brown would probably come with flat bottom grips if the magwell was standard, but its an option.

[Rinspeed]

Yeah, the Armor-Tuff is a disappointment for a $4K+ 1911. Wilson should do something else for the Super Grade.


I'm glad you understand where I was coming from with my comment. From what I gather Armor-Tuff is one of the better ones, I just don't see where it fits in with this level of build.

[bac1023]

I'm glad you understand where I was coming from with my comment. From what I gather Armor-Tuff is one of the better ones, I just don't see where it fits in with this level of build.

It doesn't fit in at all. I will say that Armor-Tuff is one of the better baked on finishes. The problem is that's saying much.

[Jim Watson]

I looked at their a la carte customizing package. They charge $50 for serrating the rear of the slide and $100 for serrating the top of the slide.
I think that is useless frippery and $150 would be at least a down payment on a proper hard chrome, Ion Bond, or Melonite finish for a high end gun. Or just a nice rust blue for a showpiece. Heck, add in what they charge to spray one and I would come out ahead. But that is getting into the area of true custom work. Will Wilson do adds and deletes like that on their catalog items?

[Short Cut]

Thanks Short Cut.

The Brown would probably come with flat bottom grips if the magwell was standard, but its an option.

First rate hardware, buddy. Hope I didn't come off as a nit picker. I sure wouldn't toss that Brown out for getting oil in my range bag.

[bac1023]

I looked at their a la carte customizing package. They charge $50 for serrating the rear of the slide and $100 for serrating the top of the slide.
I think that is useless frippery and $150 would be at least a down payment on a proper hard chrome, Ion Bond, or Melonite finish for a high end gun. Or just a nice rust blue for a showpiece. Heck, add in what they charge to spray one and I would come out ahead. But that is getting into the area of true custom work. Will Wilson do adds and deletes like that on their catalog items?

I don't know, but I do like the serrations on the top and rear of the slide. I like the way they look, especially on the top.

[Rinspeed]

When you get a chance could you please take a pic from the rear with them side by side.

[bac1023]

When you get a chance could you please take a pic from the rear with them side by side.


Sure.

Wilson left, Brown right.

They have virtually the same configuration.

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n5/bac1023/000_0701.jpg

[bac1023]

I will say one thing; I should have made this a 3-way comparo and included the RRA Limited Match. It costs less and may just be better than either one of these. Mine's got the optional Black T finish, which is worlds better than Wilson's baked on stuff. Black T costs about the same as hard chrome, so the retail on mine was about $2400 or so. Even at that price, the LM is a bargain for what you get.

http://www.rockriverarms.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=345

Its RRA's best 45ACP and comes standard with a 1.5" at 50 yard accuracy guarentee, which is better than either of these. Also, I'd say the trigger is at least as good as the Wilson and much better then the Brown. Plus, its got all the bells and whistles.

I don't know why I didn't bring it along, but I wasn't thinking. It is easier comparing just two at a time.

Anyway, here is the LM. I've recommended it before to anyone looking for a top notch 1911 and I stand by that.

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n5/bac1023/000_0709.jpg

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n5/bac1023/000_0707.jpg

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[eddief4]

Bac,


do you own any Ugly guns:dunno:





i must have said it 10,000 before. but Congrats, they are BEAUTIFUL!:thumbsup:

[bac1023]

Bac,


do you own any Ugly guns:dunno:





i must have said it 10,000 before. but Congrats, they are BEAUTIFUL!:thumbsup:

Thanks Eddie.

I do have a few ugly guns though. ;)

[eddief4]

Thanks Eddie.

I do have a few ugly guns though. ;)







well you must not have posted any pics of the Glocks then:whistling:

[bac1023]

well you must not have posted any pics of the Glocks then:whistling:

:rofl:

[PlasticGuy]

Thanks for letting me live vicariously through your collection Bac. I have a list of features I want on my next (last) 1911. Picking a builder has been the hardest part. Your posts are always a huge help, and offer some excellent eye candy.

[bac1023]

Thanks for letting me live vicariously through your collection Bac. I have a list of features I want on my next (last) 1911. Picking a builder has been the hardest part. Your posts are always a huge help, and offer some excellent eye candy.

Thanks PG.

If I may ask, what are you looking for?

[PlasticGuy]

Thanks PG.

If I may ask, what are you looking for?
I want to build a 1911 for hard core duty use. Barrel, slide, and frame with light rail will all be stainless. Roguard (or something like it) on the outside. NP3 (or something like it) on the internals. Sights by 10-8. Medium length trigger with a crisp 4-5 pound pull. Straight backstrap with low profile lanyard loop (Yost?), and Alumagrips. I want 30lpi checkering on the frontstrap, and with the frontstrap cut as high as possible. Standard GI recoil assembly.

I'm sure there are some minor features I'm not thinking of at the moment, but that should give you a pretty good mental picture. You can see that I'm a fan of understated excellence. I want it to be built perfectly, but not to be flashy. I'd thought about having Yost build it for me, primarily because the whole understated excellence thing really seems to be his specialty. Dane Burns seemed like another good candidate, but his backlog is something like 5 years now. I like Les Baer and Ed Brown a lot, but this kind of custom build isn't really their thing. Your input would be much appreciated.

[bac1023]

I want to build a 1911 for hard core duty use. Barrel, slide, and frame with light rail will all be stainless. Roguard (or something like it) on the outside. NP3 (or something like it) on the internals. Sights by 10-8. Medium length trigger with a crisp 4-5 pound pull. Straight backstrap with low profile lanyard loop (Yost?), and Alumagrips. I want 30lpi checkering on the frontstrap, and with the frontstrap cut as high as possible. Standard GI recoil assembly.

I'm sure there are some minor features I'm not thinking of at the moment, but that should give you a pretty good mental picture. You can see that I'm a fan of understated excellence. I want it to be built perfectly, but not to be flashy. I'd thought about having Yost build it for me, primarily because the whole understated excellence thing really seems to be his specialty. Dane Burns seemed like another good candidate, but his backlog is something like 5 years now. I like Les Baer and Ed Brown a lot, but this kind of custom build isn't really their thing. Your input would be much appreciated.

PG, you should take a look at Rock River Arms. They will build you a gun to your specs. Their 1911s are very solid. They use Black T finish from Birdsong as an option, but you could always order with just the bluing and then send it to Robar. Black T is actually very good, if not quite as good as Roguard. Its close.

The RRA Carry is an excellent platform and, again, you can comtimize it as you wish. RRA is much more "custom" then many of the other semi custom builders. The front strap has a choice of checkering and is cut real high. It can be ordered in commander, full size, and long slide lengths and has the standard plunger recoil system.

Wait time with RRA is about 6 months. Prices are, I believe, the best value in all of high end 1911s. As you can see in my post about the Limited Match in this thread, I think very highly of RRA. They are not flashy at all. The only marking on the slide is "MODEL 1911A1" on the left side and they are very clean looking pistols. In fact, I ordered my without the front serrations.

http://www.rockriverarms.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_id=343

[PlasticGuy]

PG, you should take a look at Rock River Arms...
Thanks for the advice. Rock River was highly recommended by Dane Burns also, for those who couldn't or wouldn't wait for one of his full customs. I will definitely check them out.