Les Baer Custom Carry (pics)

[CPshooter]

Hi everyone,

This is my first high-end 1911. I love it! Besides shooting the crap out of it, I plan on having a strong-side only safety fitted, along with a checkered MSH (possibly with a magwell). Once I wear down the blue finish, it will be refinished in Black T, Roguard, or IonBond DLC. But for now I plan on using it just the way it is.

I bought it from Proload Distributors. John was great to deal with and I couldn't be any happier with the transaction. If you're looking for a new Les Baer, he's your go-to guy!

This thing is tight just like everyone said it would be. I had to give the front of the gun a smack with my palm for it to break loose. Also, while inspecting it I noticed the rear of the slide didn't line up with the frame. Before freaking out, I gave the slide a forward push and sure enough it budged forward enough for the rear of the slide and the frame to line up perfectly. The fit and finish on this gun is amazing.. I can't wait to break this thing in!

Just a quick question for you Baer guys..is it normal for the grip safety to wiggle quite a bit? Mine has a significant amount of side-to-side play to it. Also, the trigger has a little play (not much though) from side-to-side and from top-to-bottom...not enough to notice it unless I take my other hand, pinch the trigger with my fingers, and wiggle it. Finally, the thumb safety is hard to engage. It's not nearly as smooth and swift as the safety on a Kimber Ultra Carry II I used to have. Just wondering if all these things are normal for a Baer.

Thanks!

 

[CTGunner]

Nice pistol. I picked up a new Concept VII a few weeks ago. I would say that the things you are describing are typical of a new Baer. I have the same exact issue with the slide if I understand you correctly. It's so tight that if you ride the slide rather than let it slam it gets hung up before going all the way forward...then takes a bit of a nudge to get it all the way. I'm not really sure if this is a good thing but I do think it's typical of Baer's pistols. Also, I recommend shooting it quite a bit before taking it down. I put 650 rounds through mind before cleaning. I will warn you that for me getting the bushing back in was very difficult due to the tight fit. Last thing I'll say is that LB pistols are 'cheaper' than the competition i.e. Wilson, until you factor in the cost of break in ammo and trying to find a defensive round that feeds reliably.

Good luck with it and enjoy.

I see that you already posted on the Les Baer area of the 1911 forum. I think those guys will give you good feedback.

 

[KyJim]

To the OP -- nice looking Baer. I have one Baer and am getting another.

Last thing I'll say is that LB pistols are 'cheaper' than the competition i.e. Wilson, until you factor in the cost of break in ammo and trying to find a defensive round that feeds reliably.

I used to feel the same way. But then, everyone recommends 300 to 400 rounds in any 1911 to make sure it is reliable, not to break it in. So, what's the difference? Three to 400 rounds to break in a Baer (and simultaneously checking for reliability) or 300 to 400 rounds simply to check reliability.

 

[CTGunner]

I get what you're saying. But I think you are more likely to get malfunctions in the first 500 round break in period with the baer. Assuming you have malfunctions in the first 500 (Which I certainly did ) then you're stuck shooting another 500+ rounds on top of that to ensure reliability. Just my opinion.

 

[CPshooter]

You guys make some good points.

CTGunner- Yep, that's exactly how mine is. I plan on shooting at least 500 before I clean it. I'd like to shoot it all in one session, but it might be smart to lube it every 200 shots or so. I really don't know if frequent lubing makes a difference or not. FYI, John recommended that I get an aluminum bushing wrench because the plastic one it comes with isn't very good. What kind of bushing wrench were you using at the time??

Side note: I'm in love with this gun. I have confidence that it will work just fine. I seriously can't wait to shoot it.

Any suggestions on the best place to get .45 ammo right now?

 

[REPOMAN]

NICE>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

 

[CTGunner]

You guys make some good points.

CTGunner- Yep, that's exactly how mine is. I plan on shooting at least 500 before I clean it. I'd like to shoot it all in one session, but it might be smart to lube it every 200 shots or so. I really don't know if frequent lubing makes a difference or not. FYI, John recommended that I get an aluminum bushing wrench because the plastic one it comes with isn't very good. What kind of bushing wrench were you using at the time??

Side note: I'm in love with this gun. I have confidence that it will work just fine. I seriously can't wait to shoot it.

Any suggestions on the best place to get .45 ammo right now?

I was using the plastic one that came with the pistol...bad idea on my part. The plastic is actually chewed to pieces now so a metal wrench is a good idea. I do believe that frequent lubrication of the pistol is a very good idea during the break in period. I just took my militech to the range with me. As far as ammo goes, I have a local guy that I go to and he's just as competitive on price as anything I can find online. I have heard good things about georgia arms online but from what I can tell they don't have any 45 right now. Where do you live?

FYI - I think you are going to have very good luck with your LB. Getting the 5inch was a smart move. LB is having issues with his Commander size frames, which unfortunately I'm dealing with. The issue has been written about extensively on the 1911 forum so I won't elaborate. Good luck.

 

[beltjones]

Baers should run like a sewing machine even during "break in." If it doesn't run during the first 500 rounds, send it back to get it looked at.

You can expect the thumb safety to get smoother over time. Mine started out ridiculously tight, but now it's awesome. I feel very secure with the way the thumb safety fits that it won't ever snick off without my wanting it to.

Definitely lube it every hundred rounds or so during break in. A drop on the barrel, barrel hood, rails, and one down the disconnector and down the front of the hammer should suffice.

The trigger play is fine - it can keep the trigger from getting gritty feeling during long range sessions. The thumb safety play is interesting though. Call John at Proload and see what he says about it.

 

[CPshooter]

I live in NW Indiana. About 40 minutes south east of Chicago.

 

[gunnie]

..."FYI, John recommended that I get an aluminum bushing wrench because the plastic one it comes with isn't very good."...

push the slide back 1/2" to ease disassembly tightness. will loosen up with shooting.

gunnie

 

[Rinspeed]

push the slide back 1/2" to ease disassembly tightness. will loosen up with shooting.

Very good point and in fact I think it's much easier to pull the slide stop and take the slide and barrel off together trapping the spring in my hand. Also every time I have mine apart I put the bushing back in the slide, without the barrel, and work it back and forth several times.

 

[ichiban]

This is my first high-end 1911.

It's a good thing that you already know that there will be others. :- )