Opinions on Les Baer Models/Options

[whubbard]

I'm in the market for a new 1911 and have somewhat settled on getting a Les Baer. The two models I'm currently considering are the Premier II & the Custom Carry. I'm also leaning towards getting the extended Magwell addition. Any thought between the two? Others I should considering?

Appreciate all the opinions and suggestions.

 

[righteoushoot]

I got the UTC 5". I did not want adj. sights on a carry gun Premier II, and I wanted slim grips, CC has standard I believe, though those can always be changes. I like the Checkered MSH as opposed to serrated on the CC.

It came with the FCS, but If I had a choice, or If I were to have ordered one, I would have gotten NO FCS. I was not interested in a magwell for a CCW GM.

I suppose it depends on it's primary use, don't it?

 

[JTQ]

Make sure you know what sights you want.

Most PII's come with adjustable sights. If that's what you want, they should work fine for you. If you determine you don't like adjustable sights, you will be very limited with your aftermarket options since the slide has a different sight cut.

The Custom Carry typically comes with fixed sights. They are much more common on a 1911.

I don't care for adjustable sights on a 1911, and I'm also a righty, so I have no need for the ambi safety that comes on those two, so I would prefer the UTC or TRS. However, I think you can option either the PII or Custom Carry the way you want them, for a fee of course.

 

[tuj]

I have the PII 1.5". Its a good gun. Trigger can be adjusted to scary light.

 

[BYJO4]

I have a stainless PII which has been an excellent 1911.

 

[orionengnr]

I bought a used Custom Carry several years ago.
--It is one of my favorite 1911s.
--IMHO, it is worth a lot more than I paid for it.
--I got it for a good price, but still...

I could make the third statement about my DW, but I would not make the first or second statements about it.

I spent a lot of time on the 1911 forum, where they have a dedicated Baer sub-forum. I learned a lot there. Good folks. If you like steel 1911s, the PIII will probably make you very happy. If you like an alloy framed 1911, the Custom Carry will likely make you ecstatic. Did I mention that I really like mine?

They also have a dedicated DW sub-forum. The less said, the better.

Good luck with your decision, and let us know how it goes.

 

[Rinspeed]

Baer makes the best sub $2K 1911 you can buy. Myself I'm not real big on ambi safeties so I would most likely look at the UTC first.

 

[jfrey]

My BOSS has turned out very well but it is a range gun not for CC. Single side safety, no FCS, but adjustable sights.

Baer has so many models you can get what you want on most of his pistols.

 

[tarosean]

LB makes a great gun.. more utilitarian than flashy. It still ranks as one of my favs out of the 1911's I own.

My Heavyweight Mono has adjustable sights with a serrated front. I did not care for the large paddle ambi thumb safety so I immediately swapped it for a WC single unit. I also put a S&A Magwell on it that fit like a glove without needing to be fit.

 

[whubbard]

I really appreciate all your opinions. With your advice, I think I'm going to stick to traditional sights and ditch the ambi-safety (less to get caught). So UTC with the extended magwell it is. Hopefully it won't take to long to get. Anybody have any idea on lead time for them to install the magwell?

 

[tarosean]

^ Canotact Crazy John @ http://cj1911heaven.com/

A) No one will beat his prices
B) Can answer any and every question you might have.

 

[mes228]

1911

One of the best 1911's I've owned is the Baer Monolith Heavy. I personally feel this one is in the top 1% of the 1911's being made. Both full custom and semi-custom. I've owned several Les Baer's and all were good, however this particular Mono Heavy is exceptional in every respect. I think I just got lucky and it was a good day for every Smith involved in this pistols build. Perhaps it was chance and all the tolerances happened to fall exactly right. If this pistol is the norm, then they are an absolute "top tier" pistol in every respect.

 

[critter]

LB are top of the line guns for the price. Not highly decorated nor flashy but they are WELL fitted and finished. And they WORK. They will get slicker and smother the more you use them. Mine was REALLY good and slick after about 600 rounds. Not to say is was 'bad' before, but they DO get better and better.

Good luck in your choice.

 

[johnmcl]

whubbard,

I do think the Ultimate Tactical Carry, and I do laugh at the name, is where you want to be. As you have surmised, it is a single safety configuration vice the ambidextrous safety. The UTC comes with a nice set of night sights. Since the sights are on a Novak configuration, you can switch to something else late when the gun is worked in.

I'd recommend you re-think the extended magwell option. Thin is in on 1911 for CCW. I'd also point out that the UTC already has a beveled magazine well. From first hand experience I can tell you that reload problems are exclusively due to an incorrect OHS. (Operator Head Space).

 

[Peter M. Eick]

My favorites are my Heavyweight Monoliths. They are great guns and extremely accurate.

My recommendation from your post are get the PII and I would get the 1.5" option. My last 3 Baer's have been 1.5" guns and I have zero complaints.

The big question is what caliber?






I have Baer's in 10mm, 38 Super and 45 ACP. All have their pro's and con's. My preference today is 38 Super but that is because as a reloader it is one of the cheapest guns to keep fed.

 

[45crittergitter]

If you plan to carry it, consider a 5" lightweight aluminum framed model. They are wonderful.

 

[powder]

TRS

 

[Zerodefect]

I've shot the Monoliths. Those are my favorite LB's by far. They were unique. Their normal 1911's, are just normal 1911's to me. I'd have to custom fit them to my needs a lot, and send them out for refinishing.

For CCW, I prefer what DW is offering. A bit less customizing needed to fit my needs.

LB's sights, controls, and bushings are kinda olde school to me. DW just seems to be dumping out 1911's allmsot exactly how I'd build them.

So if you like the standard bushing, controls, and sights on the LB. Go for it.