Les Baer

[backline]

Between a used Thunder Ranch (with match barrel and bushing) and the Concept 1 (brand new) 1911's for the same price, I'm favoring the idea of the Concept 1.
They both are 'sposed to shoot 3" groups at 50 yards (pretty dang sure I CANNOT).
Do match grade barrels and bushings wear better?

The brand new Concept 1 is VERY tight, and they recommend 500 rounds break-in.

I know there's lots of hype out there, but the Les Baer seems complete to me as a 1911 ready to be accurate without extra money.

Am I missing something?

Previously I've had a Para Ornance 7-45 that was ok, but had proprietary (uncommon 1911) guts and required special tools for a complete disassembly.

Our youngest's Colt 1991 1911A1 (series 80) shot rings around my Para.

I've been traditionally a wheelgun sorta guy, but am saving my pennies for a traditional 1911 with decent sights and groups (a beavertail is nice too).

Any red flags on the Les Baer Concept 1?
Are they as "ready to go" as a built-up from Brownells parts 1911 of moderate investment?

It's about twice as much as my son's Colt was used, but I can actually hit what I'm aiming at with his, and now that I'm used to it can't see any accuracy advantage to the last .41 Blackhawk I had, which I always thought was stellar for accuracy.

I'm just shooting paper recreationally.
Thanks advancedly.
-Steve

 

[CWL]

No "hype" with Les Baer. His reputation was earned.

I prefer the used Thunder Ranch as it designed as a SD handgun, but nothing wrong with any of the Concepts.

Bottom line, when you are moving into this price range, get the one that you really want. You don't want buyers remorse.

Do match grade barrels and bushings wear better?

Nope. Because they are hand fitted so closely, they may wear faster than a slop-fitted basic M1911 with lot'sa wiggle. The purpose of the tight fitting is so that the barrel will return to same point with every shot, this is why it is so accurate.

 

[glocks rock]

I've got a TRS and a PII. The c1 doesn't have frot strap checkering. All Baers have match barrles and bushings. I would go with the TRS if it is in good shape. I like the checkering and thin grips on the TRS. Check out 1911forum.com and ask in the Baer forum. you will get good advice there.

 

[robctwo]

Baers are great guns, I own 2. PII .45 with the 1.5" guarantee and 9mm. I like the adjustable sights for targets and games, so between the two I'd get the Concept I. If you want the slim grips that's an easy swap out.

I bought a couple nice, but less expensive 1911s to start out. They sit at home, the Baers and the Brown go shooting.

 

[PO2Hammer]

The accuracy thing is not BS.

I have a new Iowa made PII in .38 Super and the 3" guarantee at 50 yards is right on.

I wasn't thrilled with the adjustable rear sight, so I replaced it with a Caspian Bomar style sight (very, very nice).

This gun has ruined me for all other handguns. Fit, finish, feel, and of course my favorite part, the targets!

 

[schmeky]

Backline,

I recently bought a Les Baer Monolith .45. Think of it this way: there was lot of difference from the Para to the Colt, right?

Well, there's a LOT of difference between the Colt and the Les Baer, a WHOLE LOT. I have Colts, Kimber, etc., but the Les Baer is a 1911 unlike any other 1911. You simply have to experience it to understand it.

It's really a sub-class of 1911's.

 

[kamagong]

Either gun will serve you well. I have a Concept II, the same gun as the CI but with fixed sights. It's an incredible gun and the equal of any of the Nighthawks, Wilsons, and Ed Browns that I've seen at my local range. The only 1911 that I can see being better than it is a full custom built by a master pistolsmith.

 

[Ala Dan]

I own a Les Baer Thunder Ranch Special 1911 in .45 ACP; and I join in
with other's here in saying that its the best darn 1911 on the current
U.S. market, bar none~!

 

[CWL]

Hey Backline, I lived in Santa Cruz for about a year before the earthquake, I now live in the Valley.

Where do you go shooting in Santa Cruz? Just drive into the hills, or do you go the Los Altos Rod & Gun?

 

[krs]

There was a range behind the golf course in DeLaveaga Park operated by the Santa Cruz Handgun Club, the Eagle Rock Gun Club had a range of sorts out beyond Bonny Doon, and there was an unofficial sheriff's practice range along Graham Hill Road on the way to Felton, as well as driving into the hills.

 

[backline]

Thanks for all the replies. Definitely makes me want a Les Baer now.

The Scotts Valley Sportsman Club still is in operation. And Markley's indoor range in Watsonville.

Sadly the DeLaveaga range was closed and lost due to apathy.

Pajaro Valley Gun Club still is there too. And Eagle Rock by the summit.

I've been a Scotts Valley member off and on since about 1986.