Handled a couple semi-custom 1911s today...

[kamagong]

Specifically I got to see in person out a Les Baer Premier II, Ed Brown Special Forces, and Springfield TRP. All three were felt incredible, but the PII and Special Forces just oozed quality. The PII was TIGHT! and built like a tank. It was also heavy, much more so than the Special Forces or the TRP. Gorgeous piece too. The SF was also nice, but I was surprised at the dearth of markins on it. As good as it was, I think it may be too plain for my tastes. A year ago I was interested in the TRP. With my recently acquired knowledge though I've learned that I can get more pistol for the money with semi-customs than I can with Springfield. Should I ever reach the point that I am ready to fork over $1500 for a 1911 I'll go with a Les Baer or something similar.

I have one question. What makes the PII so darned heavy?

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention one thing. The shop I visited was one of the best stocked I've ever seen, with an incredible selection of both long arms and pistols. But their prices were outrageous. I forget the price of the Ed Brown, but the Baer was selling for $1849 and the Springfield for $1749. Both of these prices are well above MSRP. What makes some gun shops feel that they can charge these exorbitant prices? As much as I want to support the local guy, I refuse to pay through the nose. It's because of practices like this that I can shop online with a clear conscience.

 

[waterhouse]

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention one thing. The shop I visited was one of the best stocked I've ever seen, with an incredible selection of both long arms and pistols. But their prices were outrageous.

Those things go hand in hand. While the "well above MSRP" does seem a little high, it costs a lot more to carry all those nice guns (every dollar tied up in inventory is a dollar that isn't earning interest. Not too many folks, as a percentage of total gun owners, are going to spend $1500 on a 1911, so the dollars sunk into those items are probably going to be sitting on the shelf for a while) which is why most places don't carry them.

They feel they can charge more because they offer something no other store does . . . the ability for customers to go pick up and fondle several different $1500+ 1911s. In return for offering this, they hope the customer agrees with their own perceived value and buys from them.

 

[surjimmy]

I can't speak for the EB,or the TRP. I can tell you my PII is the best weapon I have ever shot(Colt Gold Cup, Springfield N.M., Kimber Raptor, and several Gov Models). Now I was told by a custom 1911 builder that a TRP is the best 1911 off the shelf. He does'nt and neither do I consider a LB or a EB off the shelf. I think any of of the 3 would make you a great choice, but I have to go with Les Baer mine does not have the 1.5in package. It only has the 3in group guaranty at 50 yards that comes with all his guns. I have found his customer service top rate. I have called 5 times to ask questions on this or that and have talked to Les Baer himself twice(how cool is that). I got mine off gunbroker with no problems, and have seen NIB for alittle over $1500.00.

 

[scubie02]

I think you'd need to be comparing the others to the Springfield Professional maybe rather than the TRP to be comparing comparable models--I think the TRP is pretty much an off the shelf production model, whereas the Pro is from the Custom Shop

the price on the TRP is about what the local Gander Mountain here had one for, which is odd since my local mom and pop 1 room place guy quoted me $1300 something for one.

 

[kamagong]

I understand that it costs money to maintain such a large inventory, but I refuse to be taken advantage of. I'm an educated consumer and I know that I have choices in where I take my business. They can keep their $1849 Premier II, I know where I can get it for $1400.

I know that that the PII and the Professional are closer in performance than they are to the TRP, but the TRP and the Baer are closer in price so I think that comparison is more appropriate. But it really is no contest. The Baer wins, hands down.

 

[critter]

The Les Baer I have is an absoutely wonderful piece of machinery. Never thought it could possibly work as it was SO tight. NEVER missed a beat on ANYTHING. Accuracy is lazer-like! Go for it!