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3K views 25 replies 17 participants last post by  WICKED1340 
#1 ·
Been trying to work this out for about 4 months, got caught up in the really fun 1911 scene, bought a bunch, sold a bunch. Have been lucky enough to have had a few really nice guns. Lots of fun. Now I want to get serious. Have been really wanting a custom 1911, willing to pay 2-4K, but want to buy an investment, something that won't tank in value. Anybody got some advice? Thinking a Cabot S100. Any thoughts and advice would be greatly appreciated.
 
#3 ·
What caliber are you looking for? I've got one of the very first Cabot S100s in 9mm that I am probably looking to part with to fund another project. Feel free to PM me if any interest.

They are really beautiful guns. But part of this addition is the buying and selling you mentioned.

Is this just going to be a range toy? For the most part, you can't really go wrong with any of the big names. Each offer their own unique offerings and build philosophies.

Over the years, I've tried pretty much all of them. Baer, Brown, ACW, Cabot, NHC and Wilson. For me personally, I prefer Wilson over almost anything else. But everyone seems to find a brand they prefer in the long run.
 
#5 ·
I'm in Oklahoma,
What caliber are you looking for? I've got one of the very first Cabot S100s in 9mm that I am probably looking to part with to fund another project. Feel free to PM me if any interest.

They are really beautiful guns. But part of this addition is the buying and selling you mentioned.

Is this just going to be a range toy? For the most part, you can't really go wrong with any of the big names. Each offer their own unique offerings and build philosophies.

Over the years, I've tried pretty much all of them. Baer, Brown, ACW, Cabot, NHC and Wilson. For me personally, I prefer Wilson over almost anything else. But everyone seems to find a brand they prefer in the long run.
Well I don't know how to answer the range toy question, cause I don't plan on shooting a bunch of people. So I guess it will be a range queen. If this helps, I shoot my ****, I love the smell of gun powder, and being a former Marine, won't think twice to pop who ever is breaking the law.
 
#8 · (Edited)
Prior to joint here I’d have been inept and foggy on facing such a decision.


I’ll have to admit here and now I was simply in the dark.


The majority of the gun owners I knew were hunters. For the most part the lions share of their gun money went towards accurate bolt action rifles, best glass they could afford and a few shotguns each. Handguns were low priority.

There really weren’t many friends to bounce ideas around with on handguns. I quietly went down that road on my own.....then a buddy jumped on the bandwagon and we both had same/similar Blackhawks, G20, S&W 500 and etc.

He got more into Ruger wheelguns as I went down the CZ75, Sig, Glock path for years.

We each had a 1911. His a .45 Kimber Eclipse. I had an early SA Loaded. We both figured folks were crazy for buying high dollar 1911 guns......they all looked and felt the same....made of same parts....why spend thousands when hundreds worked as well ?????


Over the years we remained good friends and our gun tastes changed. He got heavy into AR15 & AR10....and the DA Ruger wheelies.

I upheld my “small gun safe policy”. If it won’t fit in there then I can’t have it, lol. (Oh how I could revisit that self-imposed policy).

Joining 1911 Addicts found me at the point where I was daily carrying 5” TRP & Loaded (set up very similarly) and still failing to understand what more the 1911 had to offer.

All I can say is that the logic, rationale, and EXPERIENCE of you and fellow members here has helped me to grow in my understanding of the vast differences among 1911 offerings.

Quality of materials, fitment of parts, finish options, functional customization, setup that best fits the shooters hand & sighting........huge array of considerations.

Grateful for the Addict insight. It’s sure helped me to “get it right” with gun purchases. I’ve slowed my roll and better considered the features that appeal most to me......and bought guns that will fit my needs-wants long term.

Fewer guns inbound......but better selected for a lasting fit in my “small safe policy”. :)



Quality parts, excellent fitment for long lasting accuracy & reliability.....OP will have lots of solid options in 2k-4K budget in semi-custom and I believe you steered him very well towards the Alchemy Custom offerings.


I’m very interested in a Prime Elite and saving my coins.



Some people say that being on 1911Addicts has cost them money.

My time here has been quite the opposite.....I’ve saved money. The insight from here has helped me see a bigger picture.


Now......if we can only be assured that we will be able to continue in our gun-related hobby. Huge looming worry there.




I'm in Oklahoma,

Well I don't know how to answer the range toy question, cause I don't plan on shooting a bunch of people. So I guess it will be a range queen. If this helps, I shoot my ****, I love the smell of gun powder, and being a former Marine, won't think twice to pop who ever is breaking the law.

?????



Perhaps this is one of those situations where it’s impossible to discern the intent of a poster....typed responses much more difficult to interpret than real conversation.

Humor, sarcasm ? That’s my take....hopefully.
 
#12 ·
Yep I think there are probably a lot better things to try to make into investments than custom 1911s . Whenever I buy a really nice gun people ask are you going to shoot that and I say heck yea . Im sure not going to leave it sit in the safe hoping it will acquire a little more value till my eyes go bad and I cant see to shoot it LOLOL
 
#10 ·
(I am not knowledgeable of self loading pistols. Revolvers are more my style, especially those chambered for the 45 ACP cartridge.)

Is a custom pistol that much better than say a Dan Wesson or similar pistol?


I read above one poster saying that some custom pistols can’t handle all ammunition. Is that a function of the builder or the owner? Did the builder build too toght or did the owner not make his thought known?

I recall an article by Ross Seyfried in which he commented on the pistols that won him the world championship title twice. He said he told the builder they had to be 100% reliable. If they went bang, it was up to him to get the bullets to the target. He won those titles with basically carry pieces out out carry leather!

Kevin
 
#11 ·
If I wanted an investment that wasn't going to tank I would buy a cherry WWI gun but that's just my opinion .
My buddy that works at a gun store that dose a very large volume of business says the majority of semi custom guns that come in go for $1550 to $1800 . His words not mine but I have seen many in the show case for that price range . That said they don't last long either .

Is there really a BAD Choice out there . LB , WC ,NH Cabot , ACW ,Ed Brown I think they all make very high quality guns in the $3500 range In 15 yrs will they be worth 10K I doubt it but they sure make good reliable weapons that anyone would be proud to own .

A lot really depends on what you like to look at when you are holding that investment of hard earned cash . Personally I like the Alchemy Custom weaponry old school approach because Im a deep Blue and wood guy . Sorry but I don't want stars in my trigger or stainless or strange cocking serrations. In short the gun should make you happy everytime you look at it and happier when you shoot it no matter what your taste

Do any of these guns shoot a lot better than the others would have to test it in a Ransom rest at 50 yards to find out because the 15 yrd targets some of them give you with the guns is a joke.
Anything will group shots that close , Heck as a kid I could do that with ball bearings and a sling shot LOL

Dan Wesson , STI and Colt Combat Elite or WC are also some less expensive alternatives that could well give a comparable performance and from what I have seen hold their value pretty well
 
#14 ·
Yep I think there are probably a lot better things to try to make into investments than custom 1911s . Whenever I buy a really nice gun people ask are you going to shoot that and I say heck yea . Im sure not going to leave it sit in the safe hoping it will acquire a little more value till my eyes go bad and I cant see to shoot it LOLOL
I agree. I bought two "minty" S&W N frames from the 70's over the past year. So many people are shocked that I shoot them.
 
#20 ·
Want an investment? spend $7,500 plus the cost of a base gun for a Burton or Yost makeover, short of that everything will be worth less as it ages.

You could spec out a NH or WC build for $4,000 and be lucky to get $3,000 1 year later
 
#25 ·
Basically what I was going to say, but I don't know if you need to spend $7,500 to get there. Any custom/semi-custom 1911 that doesn't depreciate significantly has one of the biggest custom gunsmithing names attached to it. Just check the classifieds here if you need proof. Their guns really are timeless. Something like Alchemy, Nighthawk, etc. is semi-custom. You would need a full custom gun, which is probably $4500 minimum with few "extras" to have any expectation of keeping value. The only semi-custom guns I've seen that retain their value or even appreciate some (depending on condition) are 10-8 guns and I'm really not sure why they're the exception (no knock on Hilton at all).

However, something else to consider - Not to be morbid, but it seems like a smith's work, if they're one of the really good ones, appreciates after they've passed, e.g. Jim Garthwaite. I would wager that's especially true with Yost, Bonitz, and others. However, if someone is going to spend custom gun money on your gun that was customized for you, they may begin to wonder why they don't just get their own custom gun...unless they're like me and pay a premium for "fast".

I'd argue that you're better off, from a value retention standpoint, getting a base Colt and sending it to one of the well-known gunsmiths like Don Williams, John Harrison, Steve Morrison, etc. That will hold its value at least as well as a Nighthawk and perhaps more. Just make sure you keep the build sheet.

A new, smaller/limited run Colt 1911 is more likely to appreciate over time than any given semi-custom gun. I'm talking like 30-40 years from now. That's a name that lives forever and carries its own brand cache, long after some of the semi-custom names have slipped into obscurity.
 
#22 ·
Very few guns are investments, if any, want an investment think gold or silver.

Another way to look at it?
Just a thought for an investment related to a firearm find what you like or have it built then carry it
And shoot it and shoot it some more, in the worst case scenario if you ever had to use it to defend your life or that of your loved ones and you ended up the better person your investment paid off

There tools with a specific function that will give the owner that warm fuzzy feeling with a Touch more style.

There are some outstanding builders that frequent this forum look at there work and style, decide what you want to have done. If your one that obsess over a scuff/scratch or holster wear, I’d think of revisiting the gold or silver?

I think a few others have also mentioned Alchemy Custom. (A Prime tweaked a little.)
Gun Ammunition Firearm Trigger Revolver
 
#23 ·
Anything custom you will probably lose money on unless you go the Yost route.

I have one custom by Evolution Armory that is a fantastic gun. If I were to sell it, I'd have no expectation of getting msrp for it.

I really tried to go the Yost route but just couldn't do it.

If you are wanting a nice gun that will hold value and probably increase...

Look at a Colt Special Combat government. They are fantastic guns and hold and gain value well. Especially the carry model. Extremely accurate. Not ridiculously tight...but you don't need a wrench to take it apart which is a plus.

Also take a look at a nighthawk colt classic.
 
#26 ·
Sorry to have been silent for so long but, I've been working a lot and haven't been back to the site in a while. Plus, reading all of the great replies. Thank you every one for your time and advice it means a great deal to me. Very thankful! I bumbled into a very interesting pistol that Ive only seen videos on You tube. But this one is different. I chased it for a few months, never could seal the deal, so to speak. Well that has all chnaged. See the thread I started called mental debate solved. Thanks everyone for your advice, knowledge, and time.
 
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