Author Topic: wilson's" custom tuned" ? (Read 884 times)

bwesley · « **on:** July 13, 2004, 05:59:54 AM »

I know this forum is for 1911's but I was browsing the Wilson catalog
and seen the list of firearms that can be custom tuned and I have
a single action revovler that i'm thinking of buying the kit for
So my question is, has anyone heard or tried the kit for their firearm?
wether it be a 1911 or other?

Questor · « **Reply #1 on:** July 13, 2004, 09:14:26 AM »

No, but I do highly regard the parts they sell. Very good quality and service. By all accounts a reliable vendor. But I don't know anything that addresses your specific question.

bwesley · « **Reply #2 on:** July 13, 2004, 09:51:49 AM »

The part set I am looking at is 13.95 but i am also a firm believer in
"You get what you pay for" I always heard great things about Wilson
I"m just wondering if they are just trying to sell something that might
not be all what it is cracked up to be :?

Mikey · « **Reply #3 on:** July 14, 2004, 03:05:03 AM »

bwesley said: "The part set I am looking at is 13.95 but i am also a firm believer in "You get what you pay for" I always heard great things about Wilson. I"m just wondering if they are just trying to sell something that might not be all what it is cracked up to be".

I doubt that. The world of quality product and service relies, to a great deal, on word of mouth from customer satisfaction. There have been a few folks who have said they have had problems with this or that from this or that custom gunsmith but in the end the gunsmiths seem to make good on their word.

Wilson has been in business for a while. I have some of their parts and they are just fine. I think you will be fine purchasing their parts or kits. HTH. Mikey.

bwesley · « **Reply #4 on:** July 14, 2004, 03:13:48 AM »

I do agree Mikey, I am probably going to purchase the kit from Wilson
and end up shipping my revolver to them, that's where it can get pricey
when they do the work, but I would rather them do it than me figure it
out, I was just curious if I would notice a difference?

Questor · « **Reply #5 on:** July 14, 2004, 03:58:40 AM »

Your satisfaction depends a lot on what you expect to get for your money. I've spent good money on quality product that really didn't give me the value that I expected or hoped for, so I was ultimately disappointed even though the gunsmith did his job.

Iowegan · « **Reply #6 on:** July 14, 2004, 05:17:22 AM »

Wilson makes decent parts, not the best in the industry, but better than average. There are so many variables when it comes to gun parts, no matter who makes them. If they're "drop in", that means the specs are looser so they will fit a variety of guns. If you want a really good fit, you'll buy "oversized" parts and have them fitted. Now you have the price of the parts plus gunsmithing. You could easily end up with a "$600 toilet seat." If you get a gun that is worn or made out of spec, you may be sadly disappointed even with the most expensive parts.

When it comes to generic parts like springs, sights, grips, etc, you pretty much get what you pay for. Often the standard factory parts are the best price for the quality. The parts to avoid are the "no name" stuff you see at gunshows or in cheap catalogs. I buy most of my gun parts from Brownell's, partly because it is so convenient, but mostly because they stand behind their products, no matter who makes them. A word of caution: most parts are sold without a warranty or have a warranty that states once the part is altered, the warranty is void.

bwesley · « **Reply #7 on:** July 14, 2004, 05:48:55 AM »

Iowagan,
Is there a list of top manufacture's you could tell me who make
high quality parts for 1911 or other pistols?
I always heard of Wilson but does Brownells sell thier own or other
companies too?

Iowegan · « **Reply #8 on:** July 14, 2004, 01:18:07 PM »

Brownell's sells parts made by other manufacturers and don't make their own. They only stock factory origional parts for current production models. When I order parts, I always look through the catalog (or on line at brownells.com). Each part (except origonal manufacture's parts) has a description and often tells if it is machined, cast, MIM, or stamped and will include information about fitting, drop-in, and gun alterations.

Some of the high quality stuff is: Les Baer, STI, Smith & Alexander, Nowlin, and Cylinder & Slide. Medium quality would include: Ed Brown, Clark, Wilson, and Kings. I don't think Brownell's stocks any of the low end stuff and you really can't go wrong with any of the brands listed. It's not unusual to find the higher quality parts for a token more and ocasionally even less than the "name brand" part. Quality is relative.

Maybe if I knew what parts you need I could give a better answer.

bwesley · « **Reply #9 on:** July 15, 2004, 02:19:16 AM »

Iowegan,

When i go to purchase the pistol I immediately want to start upgrading
it to a more custom pistol, but would like to start a little at a time.
Maybe have new open sights put on it, or new match barrell and dress it
up with a beavertail safety and checkered frame etc....

Iowegan · « **Reply #10 on:** July 15, 2004, 02:20:20 PM »

bwesley, Come on back to the forum when you are ready to start. Advice is free ...parts aren't.