couple of questions on contemporary classic centennial

[locsmb]

Just some questions on the contemporary classic centennial.

1. I would like to know what pistol served as the base gun upon which this pistol was made. In other words, setting aside the external refinements was it built on the slide, frame and internals of the classic or cqb? I suspect it is the classic is this correct?

2. Also, beyond the fact that it was a limited run of 100 pistols would you consider it a collectible? I ask as well because I believe most of the artful renderings from the serrations, ball cuts, the gold bead sight, the Turnbull blue finish and the French walnut grips can be ordered on a new build from Wilson?

Don't get me wrong, I do love the looks of this pistol. I am just curious to hear your thoughts on the matter.

[JMB034]

Originally Posted by locsmb

Just some questions on the contemporary classic centennial.

1. I would like to know what pistol served as the base gun upon which this pistol was made. In other words, setting aside the external refinements was it built on the slide, frame and internals of the classic or cqb? I suspect it is the classic is this correct?

2. Also, beyond the fact that it was a limited run of 100 pistols would you consider it a collectible? I ask as well because I believe most of the artful renderings from the serrations, ball cuts, the gold bead sight, the Turnbull blue finish and the French walnut grips can be ordered on a new build from Wilson?

Don't get me wrong, I do love the looks of this pistol. I am just curious to hear your thoughts on the matter.

Essentially its a cqb elite built to an extreme level of fit and finish. If youre trying to custom order your own, the only things you wouldn't be able to replicate from the factory are the AMERICAN walnut grips, blued barrel and the enscriptions along the slide. Well I guess the serial number as well.. but everything else can be replicated on it. I would consider it a collectible. It comes with a presentation box, letter of authenticity, and limited to only 100. It's a very sought after 1911 as people are paying much more than they cost brand new.. and thats when you can find one..

[locsmb]

Originally Posted by JMB034

Essentially its a cqb elite built to an extreme level of fit and finish. If youre trying to custom order your own, the only things you wouldn't be able to replicate from the factory are the AMERICAN walnut grips, blued barrel and the enscriptions along the slide. Well I guess the serial number as well.. but everything else can be replicated on it. I would consider it a collectible. It comes with a presentation box, letter of authenticity, and limited to only 100. It's a very sought after 1911 as people are paying much more than they cost brand new.. and thats when you can find one..

Thanks for your response.

One other question, if you owned one and given that you would consider it a collectible --- would you shoot it or make it a safe queen?

[JMB034]

I own one. I haven't shot it.

[locsmb]

Originally Posted by JMB034

I own one. I haven't shot it.

Thanks. I did some browsing through the previous posts and saw the pics of your personal centennial. It is a handsome pistol. I am partial to wood based grips from an aesthetic standpoint and the walnut grips are fantastic. I also really like the turnbull blue finish and the way the different lighting seems to change its color (at least in pics).

Maybe I get real lucky and one arrives at my dealer and I have the chance to purchase it.

[kennethhardy]

There's one on gunbroker for 7000+. LOL. I died laughing when I saw that.

[locsmb]

Originally Posted by kennethhardy

There's one on gunbroker for 7000+. LOL. I died laughing when I saw that.

Unfortunately, the reality is by the time a pistol or any firearm imported from the usa makes it's way to a Philippine dealer's shelves, it price is typically marked up by 80-90%. So if the contemporary classic retailed for USD 4000 and assuming that is what a Philippine dealer bought it for from a us stocking dealer, it will likely equal the price you saw on gunbroker

[JMB034]

$7,501?? Wth is the extra dollar for!? I'm secretly hoping that it sells for that much but it won't be me buying it..

[hodds]

Originally Posted by kennethhardy

There's one on gunbroker for 7000+. LOL. I died laughing when I saw that.

Why are you laughing? I sold one on GB for $7100. several others sold for 7000+

[kennethhardy]

Cause i saw one thousands less at my lgs. I guess you like to pray on the suckers. Still laughing. If that is over seas now I can maybe see where the price comes in. To the op if you do get it my vote is to shoot it. I could never buy a wilson and not shoot it.

[JMB034]

Originally Posted by kennethhardy

Cause i saw one thousands less at my lgs. I guess you like to pray on the suckers. Still laughing. If that is over seas now I can maybe see where the price comes in. To the op if you do get it my vote is to shoot it. I could never buy a wilson and not shoot it.

People will pay what they think its worth to them. They're not suckers..

[hodds]

Not overseas. And like I said before, several(as in 4-5) others sold in the 7k range.

[locsmb]

Originally Posted by kennethhardy

To the op if you do get it my vote is to shoot it. I could never buy a wilson and not shoot it.

That is my sentiment as well. It is very clear to me that while the finish and design is so artfully done, I consider it to be built up to run well. So I would find it a shame to buy something that I won't shoot, specially if it isn't a vintage piece.

[JMB034]

Yeah I can see where you're both coming from saying that you'd shoot it. For me, I get more enjoyment preserving its mint condition rather than scuffing up the blued barrel for the sake of putting holes in a piece of paper.

[kennethhardy]

No offense but I wouldnt buy it than. I know its a fine work of art but, it was meant to be shot. To never enjoy that than you just bought an expensive paper weight. I know some love to just look at it in its pure form but I personally couldnt own such a fine firearm and just look at it. I hope you get it and enjoy it.

[JMB034]

Originally Posted by kennethhardy

No offense but I wouldnt buy it than. I know its a fine work of art but, it was meant to be shot. To never enjoy that than you just bought an expensive paper weight. I know some love to just look at it in its pure form but I personally couldnt own such a fine firearm and just look at it. I hope you get it and enjoy it.

You're certainly entitled to your opinion.

[tocohillsguy]

Originally Posted by JMB034

I own one. I haven't shot it.

I suspect you would not be alone in that decision, and that being the case Wilson should have discounted them because they know they will never be returned for warranty work.

[jordanl]

Only gun you don't shoot is a new one you know absolutely you are going to sell. Not many things you buy new and never use.

[locsmb]

Originally Posted by JMB034

Yeah I can see where you're both coming from saying that you'd shoot it. For me, I get more enjoyment preserving its mint condition rather than scuffing up the blued barrel for the sake of putting holes in a piece of paper.

I can certainly appreciate that perspective. It's almost the same with classic cars. My brother-in-law has a few that never leaves his garage. He just likes to keep them and admire them. And while I like a few of them and would probably keep those ones in the garage as well (mainly because of parts replacement difficulties), but my resources just wouldn't give me the luxury of having a car that doesn't get rotated into use for the daily work commute.

So if I can have the financial ability to put money into a pistol that remains in the gun safe except when being admired, I would probably do the same thing.

What amazes me with this pistol is it such an exceptional work of art and the bluing is so fantastic that at the back of my head I am thinking don't mess it up (especially since I don't have the ability to ship the pistol back to Wilson or Turnbull to refinish it). At the same time just looking at the pics of the pistol (from the trigger, the slide top serrations and gold bead site) it seems to convey the message that though its certainly well dressed for the party, it is all business and can send the lead downrange efficiently. And so as I admire this pistol I have the two views running back and forth through my mind.

I know it may sound like the ramblings of an obsessed guy who is intoxicated on the1911 kool-aid (particularly since I have only seen pics and not yet held this particular pistol) but it is exactly what runs through my head when I admire this piece.

[londevil]

I was fortunate enough to be able to buy one and I went back and forth on whether or not to shoot it. Ultimately I came to the conclusion that I was never going to sell it and I wanted to be able to enjoy it . I look at a gun as a tool something to be used and enjoyed. I have about 800 rounds through it and it has performed flawlessly . I will not shoot it a lot but will take it out to the range from time to time. For me I know that I made the right decision and am glad that I did.

[jst1mortym]

Originally Posted by londevil

I was fortunate enough to be able to buy one and I went back and forth on whether or not to shoot it. Ultimately I came to the conclusion that I was never going to sell it and I wanted to be able to enjoy it . I look at a gun as a tool something to be used and enjoyed. I have about 800 rounds through it and it has performed flawlessly . I will not shoot it a lot but will take it out to the range from time to time. For me I know that I made the right decision and am glad that I did.

Well done londevil! I'm too in the camp that would shoot it because I could not afford to do otherwise. Everything I purchase these days will be used. I haven't anybody to hand down to for posterity and too old to purchase for an investment. Besides, I'm not one with a lot of self control to just look and not touch!

[wetsum3]

$7000 is ridiculous when you can buy a supergrade spec'd nearly identically for less. Spending $7000 plus seems like an uneducated decision. But like JMB034 reminded me, I am entitled to my opinion.

[JMB034]

I think id take another centennial over a supergrade to be honest. Just because it doesn't have supergrade stamped on the side doesn't mean its anything less. This is Wilson Combat we're talking about and the centennial was a tribute to john moses browning in a limited run. I don't think its coincidence that the original msrp was about the same price as a supergrade.

[wetsum3]

Originally Posted by JMB034

I think id take another centennial over a supergrade to be honest. Just because it doesn't have supergrade stamped on the side doesn't mean its anything less. This is Wilson Combat we're talking about and the centennial was a tribute to john moses browning in a limited run. I don't think its coincidence that the original msrp was about the same price as a supergrade.

Me too, but not for $7000+. I'm not questioning the quality, I'm just pointing out that there are better alternatives. The gun isn't all that unique as far a features go. Grips barrel, jmb initials, and a certificate.