[glock2740]

Originally Posted by HexHead

Not an issue for me, I won't have an ambi safety on a pistol I carry. In any event, if you order custom built they will put on whatever safety you want. At that price point, I'm not going into a LGS and buying one off the shelf.

[38 Super Fan]

Originally Posted by faawrenchbndr

Never cared for the way Les cares to finish his 1911s.
Bluing is nice, but prep work is sub-par........IMO

They definately don't put finish as their biggest priority, but more important for me is that the build quality is there, and they're hundreds of dollars cheaper than everyone else on the list.

Originally Posted by faawrenchbndr

I have owned a Brown, Wilson, Baer, & Guncrafter.
The GI is by far the best semi-custom when pricing is a consideration.

I need to get my hands on a No Name.

[faawrenchbndr]

You do have a very valid point.

[glock2740]

Originally Posted by 38 Super Fan

I need to get my hands on a No Name.

Yes you do.

[bac1023]

Originally Posted by 38 Super Fan

I need to get my hands on a No Name.

[faawrenchbndr]

Originally Posted by 38 Super Fan

.......
I need to get my hands on a No Name.

Yep,........

[38 Super Fan]

Jeez, talk about peer pressure.

[bac1023]

Originally Posted by 38 Super Fan

Jeez, talk about peer pressure.

That's what this site is all about, Cody.

[Short Cut]

I find it intersting what has changed on this list. ~10 years ago it was pretty solidly Wilson, Baer, Brown. Springfield Custom Shop and Guncrafter Industries are now on everybody's list who owns one.

[faawrenchbndr]

Originally Posted by 38 Super Fan

Jeez, talk about peer pressure.

You know I HAD to do it.

[38 Super Fan]

I guess I've dished out my fair share of peer pressure too.

[GOOFA]

Originally Posted by faawrenchbndr

Never cared for the way Les cares to finish his 1911s.
Bluing is nice, but prep work is sub-par........IMO

I agree. My experience is LB bluing is just adequate. My PII after 2000 rounds still requires a bushing wrench and the slide release still a PITA.

[bac1023]

Originally Posted by 38 Super Fan

I guess I've dished out my fair share of peer pressure too.

Yes you have.

... and what goes around comes around, my friend.

[bac1023]

Originally Posted by GOOFA

I agree. My experience is LB bluing is just adequate. My PII after 2000 rounds still requires a bushing wrench and the slide release still a PITA.

You have to go with stainless or hard chrome when buying a Baer, in my opinion.

[MD357]

Originally Posted by GOOFA

I agree. My experience is LB bluing is just adequate. My PII after 2000 rounds still requires a bushing wrench and the slide release still a PITA.

It's crazy that a 1911 builder actually builds them to be shot. Weird.

[faawrenchbndr]

Originally Posted by MD357

It's crazy that a 1911 builder actually builds them to be shot. Weird.

Yep,......

[GOOFA]

Originally Posted by GOOFA

I agree. My experience is LB bluing is just adequate. My PII after 2000 rounds still requires a bushing wrench and the slide release still a PITA.

Originally Posted by MD357

It's crazy that a 1911 builder actually builds them to be shot. Weird.

And your point is?

[MD357]

Originally Posted by GOOFA

And your point is?

Was the sarcasm too thick?

[GOOFA]

Originally Posted by MD357

Was the sarcasm too thick?

Simply put, when I put out $2000 for a 1911 such as my Les Baer I would like my bushing to perform similar to other 1911's costing hundreds less to hundreds more. I'm not the only one to experience this. The same goes for the slide release, Les will tell you it's normal and that you need to purchase one of his Pachmayer widgets to insert the slide release without damaging the frame. I have 1911's ranging from $550 to $3500 and they do not exhibit this. Also, I've seen finishes much better than LB on 1911's that cost less.
I think LB is one of the best semi custom 1911's for the price as far as performance for the dollar goes, but I don't appreciate the insanely tight bushings and I shouldn't have to eff with the slide release for a $2000 1911.

[Ruggles]

I prefer Wilson overall and have a new one on order right now. I just prefer the overall combo of quality, build choice, customer service and reputation. The two I currently own have no complaints from me.

I think Brown builds the best looking 1911 bar none. Great quality as well. I only have 1 Brown but would buy a second without hesitation.

The Baer I had was a 4 1/4" TRS, to me it was not as well built or reliable as the Wilson or Brown 1911s. I have read that Baer <5" have issue so that might be the reason mine had issues. It was built overly tight IMO. I would buy a Baer again but only a 5" model.

Never had a GI or SF Custom but have read great things.

[MD357]

Originally Posted by GOOFA

Simply put, when I put out $2000 for a 1911 such as my Les Baer I would like my bushing to perform similar to other 1911's costing hundreds less to hundreds more. I'm not the only one to experience this. The same goes for the slide release, Les will tell you it's normal and that you need to purchase one of his Pachmayer widgets to insert the slide release without damaging the frame. I have 1911's ranging from $550 to $3500 and they do not exhibit this. Also, I've seen finishes much better than LB on 1911's that cost less.
I think LB is one of the best semi custom 1911's for the price as far as performance for the dollar goes, but I don't appreciate the insanely tight bushings and I shouldn't have to eff with the slide release for a $2000 1911.

Again, Baer builds guns to last and to be shot. I remember a thread of a guy that had over 25K through his on another forum and yep the bluing had worn but it wasn't rusting. Maybe Baer doesn't care about the finish because he figures many won't even wear through the most fragile of finishes. Just curious....How about yours? Please post pics of yours after 2K rounds.... I'm curious as to how bad it really is. I will say that Baer does offer different finishes and they ARE as cheap if not cheaper than other semi-customs when you walk out the door.


Accuracy is what you get for that tightness that gives you so much trouble. Dunno what to tell you if it bothers you that much. Would you agree that they are some of THE most accurate stock 1911s out there? Hopefully the basics of how 1911s work relay that you can't have something for nothing.


To put it simply, I'll listen to criticisms that (insert brand here) is not accurate, reliable, etc. But the comments about finishes and worrying about breaking nails when you strip it crack me up.

[38 Super Fan]

Originally Posted by bac1023

Yes you have.

... and what goes around comes around, my friend.

[mleroux21]

Originally Posted by glock2740

I would rate the top 4 IMO and in no certain order as:
Guncrafter
Wilson
Brown
SACS

Tie for fifth:
Baer
Nighthawk

Although I would classify all 6 of the above mentioned to all be in the same class, with all worthy of owning. I own some of each.

I agree!!!

[R0CKETMAN]

Originally Posted by GOOFA

Simply put, when I put out $2000 for a 1911 such as my Les Baer I would like my bushing to perform similar to other 1911's costing hundreds less to hundreds more. I'm not the only one to experience this. The same goes for the slide release, Les will tell you it's normal and that you need to purchase one of his Pachmayer widgets to insert the slide release without damaging the frame. I have 1911's ranging from $550 to $3500 and they do not exhibit this. Also, I've seen finishes much better than LB on 1911's that cost less.
I think LB is one of the best semi custom 1911's for the price as far as performance for the dollar goes, but I don't appreciate the insanely tight bushings and I shouldn't have to eff with the slide release for a $2000 1911.

Perhaps learning an alternative disassembly/assembly method would help....no "widgets" required

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJhPari7dpc&sns=em

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJhPari7dpc&sns=em

[Rinspeed]

Originally Posted by GOOFA

Simply put, when I put out $2000 for a 1911 such as my Les Baer I would like my bushing to perform similar to other 1911's costing hundreds less to hundreds more.

If the bushing tightness bothers you that much it's a very simple fix.