Springfield Armory Custom Hardball v. Les Baer

[Cherie]

Hello All:

This is my first post re: firearms, ever. (be gentle) I am relatively new to shooting (first gun purchase approx. 1 mo. ago-- a .22) and have realized that I would actually like to be good--as in I might compete, eventually.

That being said, I am looking for a .45 that I can use in both CMP and NRA matches. I think I have narrowed it down to a Les Baer Harball and a SA Custom shop National Match Hardball. I don't want to purchase a .45 and then when I am actually good have to buy another one. I'd like to only buy a service pistol once. Trying to think long term.

I'd like to stay under $2k, but if you tell me that something is totally worth the additional $, I'll consider it. I have generally disregarded the M9 as a service pistol because it has a fatter grip, and I have tiny girl hands.

Does anyone have any thoughts on the Les Baer National Match v. SA Custom National Match? Or if you think that I should reconsider my position on the M9?

As background, my .22 is a beretta 87 Target, that I really like, although I am not getting the .5" groupings at 25 yards that others speak of...at least not yet.

Please enlighten me!

Cherie

 

[xr1200]

Les baer premier 2 or a sti trojan is really all you need, even a current colt gold gup is accurate and reliable enough for any competition. I would stay away from springfield guns, as I never had good luck with them.

 

[rellascout]

Flip a coin. Really both will more than likely serve you well. If it were my money I would go with the Baer.

Please do not take this the wrong way but having just started shooting you might be putting the cart before the horse. Accuracy is more often than not more about the indian than the arrow.

In order to get the most out of the Baer or the SA you need more trigger time. So early in your shooting career you will almost certainly be the weakest link. You could get a gun like the SA Range Officer or a STI Trojan and get similar results. You could get a $1000 gun and $1000 worth of ammo & training. This would put you closer to the goal of competing at a high level.

The thing that makes the 1911 a great platform is the ability to customize the gun to your needs, desire and purpose. When you start out on the 1911 you do not always know what you like best. I often recommend people shoot stock Govt guns for a while and learn what they like and what they dislike about the stock platform so they can truely pick what they want from the custom world.

In the end like I said both of these fine guns will serve you well but you might want to learn to walk before you run. I liek your long term thinking but I will let you in on a little secret. If you like the 1911 platform more than likley you will end up owning more than one.

 

[Sniper X]

I have used only the Springfiled in competition. And it is a stellar pistol. Never a hicup and accurate enough to win many many times.

 

[pdawg.shooter]

Comparing a Les Bauer to a SA is a little like comparing a Lincoln MKV to a Hugo.

 

[wow6599]

Comparing a Les Bauer to a SA is a little like comparing a Lincoln MKV to a Hugo.

NO. A SA cutom shop gun may not be as nice as a Bauer, but they're not that far apart - Lincoln and Yugo.

 

[rellascout]

Comparing a Les Bauer to a SA is a little like comparing a Lincoln MKV to a Hugo.

This is not true. The SA Pro custom shop does nice work. I think the Baer is better but the SA Pro custom shop is more of a cadillac than a Yugo.

 

[Shipwreck]

The Custom Shop does an AWESOME job. I have a Springfield Custom gun. I personally like them better than Les Baer's. But, the Yugo versus whatever is silly. The Custom Shop is easily equal to Brown/Les Baer/Nighthawk/etc.

 

[Shipwreck]

Here is a thread from someone who just got 1:

http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=300478&highlight=hardball

 

[rellascout]

The Custom Shop does an AWESOME job. I have a Springfield Custom gun. I personally like them better than Les Baer's. But, the Yugo versus whatever is silly. The Custom Shop is easily equal to Brown/Les Baer/Nighthawk/etc

I really think when you get to this level it becomes a matter of preference. All the names you listed here do good work.

 

[Cherie]

Thanks, everyone. I will most likely go with the Springfield, for completely cosmetic reasons.

Unless the RRA hardball that my dealer is looking into for me is drastically cheaper.

 

[451 Detonics]

I would seriously consider giving my business to someone whose guns have been winning championships for many years. Clark can build you your hardball gun and guarantee 2 1/2 inch 10 shot groups at 50 yards for under $1700 for a complete gun.

http://www.clarkcustomguns.com/bullcon.htm#hard

 

[rellascout]

Unless the RRA hardball that my dealer is looking into for me is drastically cheaper.

Remember that RRA shut down their 1911 business a few years ago. There are plenty of people who will work on them but IIRC there is no direct support for these pistols. This might be a consideration if you are buying new old stock.