[marvl]

Well, I wiped out the bank account and the little wife ain't real happy, but I wanted to do a side-by-side comparison of a Wilson and a Les Baer. Only real way to do that is to buy one of each. Based on what I could afford at the moment I picked a used Wilson Protector and a used Les Baer Thunder Ranch Special. Here's a pic of the guns:

http://www.gunwares.com/images/public/pistols.jpg

Haven't shot either one yet, but hope to get a chance this weekend. I must confess the Baer has impressed me the most so far. In the hand the Wilson feels like many other 1911s I've owned, but the TRS has a distinctive feel. Possibly a combination of the very slim grips and overall balance of the weapon. The legendary Baer tighteness is also apparent and contributes to the impression.

For the time being I'm a happy fellow, two new toys! Probably have to sell one of them eventually, though.

[E5MC]

That's one sharp looking TRS. Real blue steel and sex appeal , no paint. :neener:

[marvl]

That's one sharp looking TRS. Real blue steel and sex appeal , no paint.

Now I wonder why you'd think that, E5MC. :D Real nice gun, thanks!

[E5MC]

Honestly, I've owned both. I don't want to start any flame's. IMHO the TRS is a nicer pistol. I did'nt say better, but surely nicer. I think when you are at this price point, it's Ford vs Chevy. Or Mercedes vs BMW.

[El Tejon]

mar, very nice. Do not think you will be disappointed. I preferred the TRS. YMMV.

[Kahr carrier]

Wow nice pair of 1911s.:)

[ACP]

Holy crap. I am evergreen with envy! :D

[A Johnston]

I as well own both a Protector and a TRS and my experience mirrors E5MC’s. The TRS is a much nicer pistol than the Protector... and at a lower price to boot. The Wilson is no slouch though..... the guns always come with very good triggers and excellent barrel fits and one doesn’t have to fight with the gun to get the slide out of battery when new.... the Baers are just a wee bit too tight. :) Unfortunately Wilson still insists on sending there guns out with that cheesy paint job. Enjoy those guns!!

[marvl]

Got to the range today and shot both. I only had time to put about 100 rounds through each. Both functioned flawlessly (but I was only using Federal 230gr FMJ, nothing fancy or hard to eat). I also only shot offhand at 7 yards. On the few occasions when I did my part I was putting 8 rounds in 1 to 1-1/2 inches. Surprisingly, it seemed I was slightly more accurate with the Wilson. However, it could have been me and not the guns. The TRS has a very slim grip. The Wilson has a normal thickness grip, and this particular specimen has a wedge MSH in addition to a speed chute.

I need to put a lot more rounds through them, and spend some time shooting off a benchrest. Bottom line, though, either gun is probably a keeper. Decisions, decisions.

Oh yeah, after shooting the 1911s with their 3-1/2 to 4 lb trigger pulls I spent some time sighting in a new scope on my target AR, which has a 2 lb trigger. Talk about finger rehab!

All in all, a great day at the range. Wish I could get there more often.