ltwguns.com

I'm fairly new to the 1911 craze, having owned only two of them.
Can anyone go into detail concerning the difference in a Yost-Bonitz *1 pistol and one from a shop like Ed Brown,Wilson Combat,etc.. ?
Bought a Kobra Carry a few years ago when I really wanted a full size, and am thinking of selling it and picking up a 5". The Yost-Bonitz guns have really impressed me visually,just wondering how they compare.
Thanks in advance.

In general from my experience, you get alot more attention to detail with a true Custom shop versus one of the semi-Custom-pruduction shops.

There is also something VERY reassuring about being able to pick up the phone, and hear Ted pick up on the other end.

Attention to detail, personalized touches to your pistol, and a working relationship are in my view the biggest advantages in going with a true Custom Shop.

If you are asking what are the actual differences in parts/methods used to build the pistol, would be best to visit the web site or better yet call directly.

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www.mattlamey.com

I have a kobra and a YoBo that started as a 1* Enhanced. I often wondered what the difference was between a custom and semi-custom pistol...especially since my Kobra was CNC'd from bar stock and the Springfield base gun started life as a stock, mass produced pistol.

Let me tell you that I now understand the difference and it lies not in the looks but in the performance. Every part is hand fitted and custom. The speed and accuracy in my YoBo is insane...

I always thought the Kobra was great...and it shot well...but its barrel is essentially drop-in. The Kart on my YoBo was expertly fitted and put five test shots of Winchester White Box in a single hole, small enough to fit under a quarter.

I am not getting rid of the Kobra, but my 5" YoBo is my new carry gun.

The only true custom handgun I have is the Y-B Springfield Operator I won in last year's raffle.
I've had some nice guns, 1911 and otherwise. I think the term "on a different level" gets overused, but that is the best way to explain it- This gun is on a different level than the others.

It may sound silly, but it's fun just to look at. I'm always noticing details. I'll be stripping it for cleaning , notice something for the first time, and stop to look at that single part or fit between parts for a few moments. I usually shake my head and say "wow" afterwards. I've been doing that for over a year. There are probably things that were done, and details that are hidden, which I will never know about. I'm sure it's the same with any of the LTW smith's guns.

That gun was ordered/spec'd by someone else, for their wants and needs (I do happen to have similar tastes and needs/wants). If I can get that excited over this gun, imagine how you'll be if you get one done just for you.

Factory guns are assembled.
"Semi-customs" like Wilson, Brown, etc, are assembled very well.
Customs are refitted, refined, and built the way you want by someone you have planned the project with.

I can't describe the feeling of a Yo-Bo Gun. There are just little details that make you say Oh What a Feeling. I had a 1* that I gave to my best friend. When you feel a Yo-BO gun, it just feels right in your hand. You pick up a Wilson or EB and you say it's ok.

Lester

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Lester Wang

From what I ha read on this and other 1911 forum, the semi customs still get to the Master Gun Smith for "The Master's Touch." I am set on a custom one day. I did my STI and Wilson and they are gone in less than a year and I am back to several basic Colts which, I M H O are just as good as a semi custom. One day one of these Smiths on this forum will do some work on one of my colts. Then I will be a happy camper for sure. Hope to see them in Orlando in about 71 or so days.

Tony

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Tony T
The only guns I like are those with triggers..

May have to seriously look into selling the Kobra................

I have a Yo -Bo 1* Enhanced built on a Colt Series 80 SS Commander and carry it everyday. It oit shoot's my Wilson CQB hands down. I'm sending my SS TRP out to them after the new year.. And the turn around was amazing, I was told over 4 month's and got it back right at 3 month's.. Hell my Milt Sparks order has taken longer that the Yo-Bo build had..

I don't know a whole heck of a lot about guns. But i sold my Wilson ( a fine gun) and then was lucky enough to get an "extra" Yo Bo 1*' that was laying around the shop!.. talk about a lucky score. As it has been stated here before...it just feels right.

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"Send lawyers, guns, and money..."

I acquired a real simple Yo-Bo 1911 on a Series 70 slide and frame in a secondary trade. It has Kart barrel, Retro sights, bobbed hammer, solid trigger and that's about all you can see externally. What it does extremely well is SHOOT!

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Bob

Smiths and 1911s are what it's all about!