Ed Brown vs Les Baer vs Wilson Combat vs Nighthawk Custom vs Les Baer 1911 .45 ACP

[@chrismckinney9942]

I’m surprised by the grouping of all these guns. The shooter seems to hold the trigger after firing and then quickly releases and fires again. Watch his index finger, am I the only one that thinks it’s a strange motion?

[@geraldmahle4954]

You aren't. I fired on 5 Service pistol teams. The Baer is far and away the best. The saying at Ed Brown is, "It doesn't have to be tight, it just has to be right.". Total B.S. The true test of a pistol is will it hold its factory accuracy for say 10,000 rounds? If not, it isn't worth much, certainly what Brown etc. charge. To do this it HAS to be tight. I have seen numerous Issue 1911s FAIL after 8,00 to 10,000 rounds. The shooter is an excellent pistol shot, obviously. At first I thought he had a release trigger on the first pistol. Nobody makes such for 1911s that I ever heard about, so he's in fact compensating for a flinching or release problem. Can't be anything else. Also, you CAN'T rack MY Les Baer 1911 that easy. I'm 5'11" and 230 and I have to half-cock it and THEN rack it. Finally, the shooter had a serious impediment with an adjacent shooter seemingly deliberately tryin to upset his rhythm.My conclusion/ A top-notch shooter and clearly the best pistol was a Baer.

[@chrismckinney9942]

Gerald Mahle I’ve been looking into 1911’s for a while. I’m from Ireland and they seem to be hard to come by here. I could pick up a Glock, CZ or a Sig pretty easy but I’ve always loved the 1911 so I’m gonna have to look at importing one from America which turns a $1000 gun into roughly a $1500-1600 gun so it’s pretty costly considering I could buy a couple of Glocks for that. I’m interested in the Springfield Armoury R.O. Elite. Have you and experience of Springfield 1911’s?

[@TheGreenWelty]

All of these guns are way more accurate than this particular shooter

[@Listener215]

The shooter is having serious visible issues even on the very first round. Pulling high to anticipate recoil, after that, starts anticipating recoil low/low left. His pistol grip is whack. At a minimum, I know 4” barrel Wilsons are guaranteed 1.25” groups at (15 or 20) yards. It’s really difficult for me to take this video serious when there’s such blatant screaming problems with the shooter.

[@alfredozamora5867]

Definitely riding the trigger. Not an advised technique and w practice will be able to lay flat into the trigger producing a smoother more accurate shot.

[@1Rambosky]

Testing the shooters skill. Needs to be bench rested to truly show accurate results. I get the same results with my Kimber.

[@jaydee5156]

To a large degree, that's true. I actually have several Kimbers and I do quite well with them. Also Wilson, Baer and Brown. My wife out shoots me with her Ruger, no matter what I shoot, but doesn't shoot any of mine as well as I do and I don't shoot her Ruger as well as she does.

[@flinch9748]

I get the same results with a 1916 Luger, eyes closed, with ammo from the same year What a load of horse.

[@lophophorasaurus3898]

Yeah the Wilson probably would have taken home the title if shot off a bench

[@nomansland4811]

Yup. Honestly I think a more fair test would be by using a Ransom Test.

[@blwngt1598]

Is there any specific reason why you reset the trigger then send another round all at the same time like that? I ask because it's introducing more movement into the gun right when you're pulling the trigger.

[@FoxBonly]

I shoot exactly the same way because for me it offers more control over both the firearm and anticipating flinch and eye closing. For me it eliminates all of that even though the setup can make for more movement. It keeps my eyes, both open, focused on the front sight and target and also concentrating on finger control while eliminating anticipation, flinching, and eye closures all from coming into the picture because it keeps that trigger finger 'in the groove' and stays there. It essentially keeps the firing groups 'continuously all warmed up'.

[@sdimeblazer01]

Fox B sounds like an excuse for a bad habit.

[@terryduffield5860]

The Ed Brown has a 4.25 inch barrel. It won outright. I have a real Meusoc 45 built at Precision Weapons Quantico using my years in Force Recon to get it built as civilian I have a Colt M45 and an Ed Brown Kobra Carry. We used to use a lot of Ed Brown parts in our custom Meusoc 45s we used in Force Recon in 80s and 90s. All three of my 45s are rathole punchers and feel great. I love my Ed Brown just a tiny bit the best it’s awesome.

[@JohnDoeEagle1]

I'm a lifelong 1911 .45 ACP guy and own 25 1911s from Springfield Armory, Colt, Wilson Combat, Les Baer, Dan Wesson and Kimber. On my high end 1911s I own 4 Wilson Combat CQB 5" Governments, 1 Springfield Armory Custom Professional FBI HRT/SWAT, 1 Les Baer Thunder Ranch Special with the 1.5"@50 yards upgrade, 1 Dan Wesson Valor 5" black stainless, 1 Springfield Armory MC Operator OD Green/Black. While all 25 pistols are very nice...even my stock Mil-Specs and run of the mill Colts and Kimbers.....the winner ALWAYS is....... Les Baer Thunder Ranch Special with 1.5"@50 yards upgrade package. It outshoots them all even the very rare and elite Springfield Armory Custom Shop Professional FBI pistol with a 4-digit serial number. Wilson Combat CQBs and the Dan Wesson are very nice. They shoot awesome, BUT not like that Les Baer! You can cut a free hanging Bic pen in half with a single shot fired off hand at 50 feet.

[@MrZola1234]

Question, I am going to shoot Wild Bunch competitions. I want an accurate reliable shooter that is up for 1000s of rounds a month, a tank. What 1911 do you recommend????

[@JohnDoeEagle1]

@@MrZola1234 That depends entirely on your budget for a 1911 .45 ACP. There are 1911 frames in the U.S. Military Arsenal with over 500,000 rounds on them. If you have a $750 to $1,200 budget it is hard to beat a Springfield Armory or Colt. If you can swing $2,000+ Les Baer is hard to beat. Wilson Combat CQBs are going to be over $3,000+ these days. Springfield Armory, Colt, Les Baer and Wilson Combat 1911s to fit your budget. They are the bread and butter workhorses. The "Trendy' 1911s can be hit or miss. Buy only a .45 ACP and a 5" Government for the most reliability and durability as well.

[@LIONTAMER3D]

​@JohnDoeEagle1 the build quality on Les Baer is also as good as anything from wilson/nighthawk; that accuracy lasts a long time without maintenance

[@jakeblasdel3454]

Gotta say, for the money, you can’t beat a Baer. After the break in to get em 100% reliable they will go head to head with 1911s costing thousands more. I own a Baer T.R.S, a nighthawk talon II, a real MEUSOC and several modded colts and the Baer is by far my favorite

[@RiverRat1953]

I have owned a Baer TRS for about 15 years now with many, many of all types of 45acp rounds through it, from reloads, jhp’s and steel cased. I still need the barrel wrench to disassemble it. The slide is just as tight as it was new. I love my TRS!

[@dogm40]

saw this collection in person at P2k, nice guns. Even nicer owner. Thanks Shawn.

[@kanaloa38]

I'm calling the Les Baers as the winners. Although there are no losers in that stable of ponies.

[@tallman1184]

kanaloa38 but his customer service is absolute shit compared to Wilson

[@DatNguyen-gi8pi]

In the communist state of California, Les Baer is the winner because the only high end 1911 that I can afford $2K, the rest is $3K+ .

[@oldgoat50]

@@tallman1184 My experience with Les was I had a STI 38 hi cap super built for me and my wife to shoot the action event at the Masters. Same gun same price for each. Mine had a #2 trigger that was great. Hers when shot would double on its own. They said send it in and they would take care of it, thing that pissed me off was after spending $5400 for 2 guns with mags I had to pay the shipping to send hers and they paid to send it back. That was in 1992 and always stuck in my craw.

[@MrLeo7627]

@@DatNguyen-gi8pi Kalifornia

[@LaChiva62]

By the time he shoots the wilson Combat the guy was tired

[@ur_local_carpet_cleaner]

Barrel lug rotated out on the wilson at some point on the second mag...anyone catch that?

[@markmatroni631]

Adding a Rock Island 1911 to the mix may have surprised many. Like buying a 1911 without going to the credit union.

[@nickemerson6934]

Why you got wilson grips on the Les Baer?

[@mikegurv1818]

Absolutely fantastic video. Thank you. Very helpful in choosing my next 45.

[@abialo2010]

That wilson combat's finish looks like it was done with spray paint. That alone changed my mind about getting one. Thank you

[@timmy101able]

I ve watched this video atleast 5 times on the last month.. beautiful guns and nice set up with them all lined up together. You re a lucky man

[@MrLeo7627]

Please make a video on 1911 45 acp vs 1911 9mm High end ,would be cool to see accuracy difference .

[@slypperyfox]

Late to the party. What ammo and brand of magazines were used? Does each custom pistol come with more than the lame 2 magazines? I’ve noticed many branded pistols (not necessarily 1911s) come with 3 magazines standard and this does not go unnoticed when mags are costing $75 and up for some guns. Agree that some standard such as bench rest or ransom rest should have been used for true accuracy evaluation. Not sure about the others here but I thought it was a tie between all guns as shown tested. But, then again, my Sig and Ruger 1911s can get all shots on paper with some clustering as shown here. Ok, I’ll admit I was floored by the performance of the the EB Kobra Carry but it was the first pistol shown.

[@donnielsen154]

Thanks for this! I m considering spending some of my kids' inheritance on one nice 45 - looks like the EB KC is a good choice.

[@alfredozamora5867]

Like butter. Your a man w great taste in 1911's.

[@spectrumdigitalmarketing]

Great video. Just a suggestion, but you should talk to us about which is best, different, whatever. People want to hear from people about stuff. You can quote me on that last.

[@justinholland9844]

That Les Baer TR Special is sweet.

[@Fatelvis111]

At that range, all five of them will place one round on top of one another. This was more of a "shooters capability" test than a pistol's accuracy test. To test the pistol's accuracy, you'd need to use a Ransom rest and at least 25 yards distance. Interesting none the less.

[@guinnster1]

Minus the shooter, Les Baer clearly grouped better.

[@disco4535]

Only about $20,000 siting there. The funny thing is there's no special metals or anything, it's just steel lmao

[@pistolasplateadas]

Wow! What a nice collection of 1911’S I am also a fan of these models have the Baer SRP, had the Wilson Protector, have a Dan Wesson, a Smith and few Springfields. Great video 💯🪖🎯💥💥😀

[@lungfixer]

Ferrari vs Lamborghini vs Maserati vs Porsche vs Aston Martin.

[@youngdext3r0n94]

Kidfixer and in this case les Baer is Ferrari and Ferrari beats them all.

[@rickvaldez6126]

LOL did you say Maserati? The most biggest piece of shit cars ever made hahaha

[@UltimateEnd0]

I will take a Viper GT Hennessey.

[@TheBrandonDawson]

Rick Valdez right! Anyone who thinks a Maserati is in the same class as an Italian supercar is smoking some good weed

[@shawnlee5482]

Kidfixer Forgot the Bulgatti for the Combat Wilson

[@leechristopher3187]

Have found my Les Baer Mama Baer to be my most accurate 1911. Wilson, Ed Brown, Nighthawk, Springfield all close seconds.

[@Noypi54494]

Nice 1911's man!! What are your thoughts on Dan Wesson 1911s?

[@leechristopher3187]

Have a few Dan Wessons that shot as well as my S&W Performance Center, no better but no worse. I then bought a Les Baer and was suddenly a better shooter. The gun quickly became one of my favorites and is more accurate than I am. Have a Ed Brown Executive Carry coming and can't wait to compare it with the others.

[@RiverRat1953]

The only DW 1911 45 I own is a CZ that was made by DW. CZ bought DW and only made a limited amount of 1911’s with the CZ logo on them. I have not yet fired it and I am not sure that I ever will, but the gun has a real feeling of quality.

[@operator1018]

A 5 Round group, and a better shooter, would have given us a better understanding. Great guns.

[@flinch9748]

Yeah, and 20 yards further please...

[@chrisyanik9984]

All that money in guns and you still can’t shoot at five yards

[@indiancreek1570]

Nice collection of guns, would like to shoot them were I live in the creek with balloons at about 30/40 yards , for target shooting which you think is the best one? Great guns an video

[@jacksmith8002]

why not throw a GI, Colt or even a Dan Wesson in there instead of two Les Baer's ?

[@rollotomassi7437]

First miss, got the list of guns wrong. The second to last was a Wilson Combat, the last gun was a Les Baer

[@leechristopher3187]

Have a Kobra Carry, Les Baer Mama Baer, Wilson Combat Professional Elite and a Guncrafter No Name all in 45acp that in a vise are all comparable in accuracy. Yet when shooting them myself, I have found my accuracy tends to be marginally better with the Les Baer.

[@orion7873]

I would have liked to know which one he liked shooting the best ? I'm saving up for a Nighthawk. I think in 2019, they are putting out the best of the brands shown.

[@raptureready9502]

I like the nighthawk

[@1911geek]

Unless you are going for standard deviation data collection I feel shooting groups of 3 or 5 reflect best accuracy on bench rest to test gun elimitate human errors

[@henmich]

Ive shot all of these aside from the Wilson... I recently added Les Baer to the list, and I can say without a doubt, the Les Baer is the most amazing gun I've shot.

[@BERETTA9mmUSA]

henmich Yes they are! My Les Baers are Fantastic!! I also own a New Nighthawk Thunder Ranch in 9mm that is Freaking Amazing. My first 9mm, out of 10 1911 pistols so don’t hate on it because it is 9mm. I was surprised it was so terrific! 🤔🤗👊🥳😎👍🇺🇸. Beretta Sr.

[@henmich]

@@BERETTA9mmUSA that's why I want an EDCX9

[@BERETTA9mmUSA]

henmich That Pistol looks really good, and in 9mm it will be really fast for self defense work. Take Care. Beretta Sr.

[@ckim6400]

Very nice 1911's Which is better? I guess it depends which works better for the shooter, all are more accurate than most shooters.

[@EdWeeks]

Wow that grip and trigger press... cringe.

[@brianonthego]

Beautiful selection of 1911s. You shoot those pistols very well.

[@gregwaters687]

Do you guys not realize other people are shooting in the range? Re trigger control etc. duh!

[@stevegant7856]

That's about 15-16k in fine workmanship! Very nice guns, and great shooting!

[@Rocketman9mm]

On a purely aesthetically pleasing perspective, I'm not really a fan of that goofy weight on the wilson's barrel.

[@icee934]

Very nice format with the video

[@B-leafer]

Would have been nice for the camera to actually capture all the guns firing at the targets...

[@larrrs3]

I like my Baer 1.5" Premier II. I almost have it broke in this was 50 rounds non supported at 50 feet.

[@nono-mk7jg]

All winners! Man ! SOOOO Nice!

[@ariellefallang5630]

no no 5th good girl

[@johnjackson7464]

the error is with the shooter; each of the pistols are perfect... A Dan Wesson Valor would have been a nice addition and it would have performed as well as any of the others. SO do the same test but with 5 low end 1911's. The groups will be the same.

[@JohnDoeEagle1]

I have a Dan Wesson Valor along with over 25 other Springfield Armory, Colt, Kimber, Les Baer and Wilson Combat 1911s. It is very overrated and not that great. I would sell it if given the chance because all the others are much better.

[@JohnDoeEagle1]

For what they want for a Dan Wesson these days you can get a Les Baer for not that much more and it is 10x the pistol. It is also a real hand fitted pistol while the Dan Wesson is just a factory production pistol and nothing special.

[@briancox8602]

I know the Ed Brown went first but it looks to have a shorter barrel. Then to hang with that group, very impressive. I'd choose it as my winner. But I agree with you all, this is an all-star cast of 1911's I'm jealous of your day at the range.

[@room2376]

What the hell is with his trigger technique

[@nathanielstephenbaue]

Excellent video. Very peculiar trigger work, but seems to work fairly well for you. To each his own. Love the guns.

[@BERETTA9mmUSA]

Great Bunch of Hi Quality 1911’s there. As you may know I Love Les Baers 1911’s and I recently added a Nighthawk Thunder Ranch Special that is freaking Amazing! Thanks for making your videos Sir, I continue to enjoy them! 🤗🥳👊😎👍🇺🇸. Beretta Sr.

[@RSI24]

Love the Ed Brown and NightHawk

[@Tommyfoster9]

This video is asmr for 1911 lovers.

[@PrinceHornet]

Everyone is hating on his form because he spent all his money on these fine 1911s vs shooting lessons.

[@luasmartinez1262]

Sir, you could use some "GUN CONTROL". Your video has a good idea, testing was the problem. The shooter was not up to the task. The bench rest suggestion was a great idea.

[@rustyharvey6855]

Jeez your worst shots were kill shots. Nice shooting and awesome guns

[@pistolas-carrosymas8279]

That trigger pull is trained for a gun fight. Good video I was looking to add another 1911 this time in 9mm and looks like I will get a second Les Baer. Brown and Nighthawk should get their prices lower or make a not so pretty but functional at Less then Les!!

[@michaell397]

And the Baer is the better looking for my taste in this narrow group. Something about a well flattened slide with old fashion blue. Yeah, Love my TRS! KnifeMaker

[@elalacransinner4070]

Les Bear had better groupings. Wilson combat came next in line. All great guns

[@SlowReactionDriversAreTheWorst]

Should be shooting all of those 1911 at no less than 25ft. Try drilling grouping the size of a .25 cent (quarter) at 25 Ft

[@michaell397]

My TRS will dayum sure do it! KnifeMaker

[@stevehuckaba3142]

try placing you strong hand on the grip in such a way that the center of the bore linens up with the center of your elbow. this will give you a lot better recoil control and better or more easily obtained sight picture. good shooting. Nice pistols I would be happy with just one.

[@Rubeless]

Great video. No bs. All high quality guns.

[@DatNguyen-gi8pi]

Four of my pistols is cheaper than any one of yours. A very nice gun set, I wish I can afford any one of yours.

[@MG-lh5tw]

Baers and hawks are they way to go.. But ill admmit alchemy and cabot have been getting my attention as of recent

[@tallman1184]

It’s easy to tell that by the time he starts firing the Wilson his hand is already tired and worn out, had he fired it first it would have been his number 1 grouping wise as it is easily the best of these 5 but the les baer comes very close

[@michaell397]

I had the opportunity to closely look at the Wilson Elite at McBrides Guns in Austin Texas. I was highly disappointed in its build. Hood was not locked in battery and the gun n general was just sloppy. It is the second Wilson I've looked at that was put together like a 4-5-- buck gun. WTH? KnifeMaker

[@GatCat]

$17000 of pistols. Nice.

[@Tbone42tx]

I can get the same size grouping with my Springfield Range officer elite Champion also my Sig 1911 traditional carry... People just fall for guns being hand fitted with tight parts make them better, I don't care what anyone says if a gun costs $3000-$5000 it better literally put shots on top of each other!! I mean I paid $800 for my 1911 and it shoots the same as $1500-$3000 guns, so besides the name and being able to say you paid so much I don't see a reason to ever buy a $3000 gun!! Now that's just me personally, the prices just don't justify the guns grouping

[@JohnDoeEagle1]

They don't shoot the same nor are they built the same or as nice. Cheap sub $1,800 1911s are filled plastic with MIM parts. They don't come with 1.5" @ 50 yards or 1" @ 25 yards guarantees either. Stop kidding yourself here man. At least if you are gonna talk shit you weren't doing it with a Taurus PT-1911, Ruger SR-1911 or Rock Island Armory boat anchor turd like most of those types of guys. I will give you that much.

[@JohnDoeEagle1]

Also, using factory ammo isn't the way to tell how accurate a 1911 .45 ACP pistol is either. I will post my tried and true custom handload I use in the comments above.

[@mikeg3234]

Nice production. Reminds me of a dirty harry movie

[@SchwinnXchange]

I would like to see hiccup 45 shoot all these guns and maybe a Dan Wesson. A guarantee his Groupsings would be way more interesting

[@phisutsatthawon7990]

This is a good video. Thanks for make me clear enough for choose the right custom 1911.

[@adonikam1]

Love the Wilson Combat!

[@MrElPoderozo1]

Awesome video! Beautiful pistols 👍🏽🇺🇸🇺🇸. Did you use the same ammo in all the shots?

[@rickriccardi9643]

Now everybody wants 2011's, except the old timers.

[@michaelorlowski2364]

Finally someone who knows how to hold a pistol ! Thank you !!!!

[@FoxBonly]

Everything I see about the pistol hold (speaking for right hand shooting and everything vise versa for left) is that the support hand thumb is against the frame while the shooting hand thumb is on top of the support hand thumb, with both thumbs horizontal and parallel to the frame.

[@shawnpruitt1914]

This should have been a contest for the most obnoxious comment. Some of my favorites in no particular order. (I will leave out all of the comments on what a crappy shooter he is-I think we all know that everyone who watched this video is a superior shooter-according to...themselves) hard to believe adults leave comments like this. 1. Nothing my 900 Springfield cannot do 2. My kimber can do that 3. I can shoot 3 inch groups at 50 yards with my Les Baer (on a good day) All is about a gross as “my 5.0 mustang can outrun a Bugatti” Shooter removed, a Springfield range officer or Kimber cannot shoot as well as any gun on that table. Neither can your daddy’s Colt.

[@robertsullivan4773]

and this proves what, he's a hell of a shot. They are all great guns in the hands of a master.

[@timmy101able]

Great video

[@watchguy79]

Keep practicing you will get there bro

[@alansnake9914]

Wilson combat ❤️

[@fidelgarcia5683]

ill take all five

[@rockymtnhunter1776]

Excellent shooting with all pistols. To me, the clear winners were the les bears. The first one seamed a tad more accurate, but both of them were great. I felt that the nighthawk should've been more accurate than it was judging by what they ask for those pistols but great all great guns nonetheless.

[@edamnaf9265]

You're not taking into account the human factor...but ok.

[@orion10x]

Ridiculous..

[@benjaminjohnson8270]

Lol this is the exact same setup as my local range..

[@jeffsikula2920]

The TRS won the day...Between the other Baer and the Wilson......I have to give it to the Wilson. I think the other Baer has a bit tighter group but the Wilson has more 9's and 10's

[@JohnDoeEagle1]

Mixed Brass trimmed 0.888" even better ALL Winchester or Starline. H&G #68 200 Grain LSWC COL 1.250" Taper Crimp 0.469" 4.8 - 5.0 grains Alliant Bullseye powder Winchester WLP large pistol primer seated 0.002" below flush.....CCI and Federal large pistol primers also work. 1" @ 25 yards with the right man on the trigger who does his part and any nice 1911 .45 ACP. This load has been used by bullseye comp shooters for decades and is older than the hills. It also runs perfect in at least 90% of 1911 style pistols. Even bastard child ones that choke on other more common loads including 230 grain FMJ ball.

[@michaelbonanno9491]

should have posted the average MSRP for each pistol. Just because i'm to lazy to look it up for myself.

[@donaldcooper4330]

If this guy shoots them all you don't know who the winner is he pulls up before the shot goes off

[@rickpadgett1999]

Should not be moving that left thumb after each shot. Effects time and accuracy.

[@andreikamiKaze]

the ed brown stainless finish is soo beautiful ..

[@sonartech1989]

$20k in firearms... Crosses thumbs

[@ortho3250]

Probably a revolver shooter? But should have strong side thumb riding the thumb safety either way.

[@williamh9100]

My exact thought too.

[@chrischiampo7647]

Looks Like The Wilson Combat With The Les Baer Thunder Ranch A Close Second

[@danielbarbee7712]

Gun porn. Les is the best for the money. Love the Wilson grips on the SS Les.

[@danielbarbee7712]

Haha now I own one. Never would have thought so 3 months ago. Gt monolith stinger

[@waynecastleman1363]

I wouldn't kick any of them out of the safe ! 👍🎄

[@CrazyPetez]

The Les Baer sure looks like a Wilson. Wilson stocks for sure.

[@michaell397]

Uh, NO! Wilson dosen't have a set of thin grips anywhere near the TRS Baer Grip panels. KnifeMaker

[@jesscollins1]

This would have been more useful if it were done with a machine rest to take shooter error out of it. This shooter is clearly used to shooting Glock type triggers as he seems to jerk the trigger nearly every time. Thats why the groups are so bad, at this distance all of these pistols should produce groups where all holes touch each other.

[@PaulJersey]

Unfortunately the limiting factor in my case is not the gun, but honestly my shooting could be better. Oh well! That is why I never bought too fancy of a 1911.

[@jackdundon2261]

For a controll, too bad he didn't have a "cheep" colt mark 4... (and a rest).

[@larryjones6049]

Nice shooting.

[@samghoubrial3809]

ed brown.....hands down

[@myvenusinuranus]

I'd take the Ed Brown

[@shawnlee5482]

Also I would had shot 1 circle per each gun( the ones on left of video) to tell how accurate the guns are

[@raptureready9502]

Best for last!