Need help deciding...

[sealocan]

Get both.

[Jeepergeo]

The first reassembly scratch on that Les Baer is really, really going to hurt, and you will scratch it as you learn the tricks of the trade in the 1911 world.

Two pieces of advice...
1. Go new until you have a good handle on how a gun in good operating order should look and feel. New gets you a full warranty and/or the support of the maker in most cases....if it don't work, send it in for th to fix it.
2. Go for a more entry to mid-level gun and get to know it and how to disassemble and reassemble it and clean it and how it feels shooting. Then you will appreciate a top end firearm all that much more.

[aspenvalley]

[Wordupmybrotha]

Full size all the way. I've sold several guns that I bought brand new and shot just 3-400 rounds. Worked reliably, but weren't my cup of tea.

[crufflers]

Hi guys,

I’m purchasing my first handgun this week and thought I had my choice figured out and settled on the Dan Wesson Cbob. Unfortunately an LGS nearby that had the cbob in stock ALSO had some Les Baersand I HAD to feel it up. Both felt amazing in their own respect but now I really can decide between the two. I even went to the local range and tried out full size and commander 1911s. Slightly more kick on the commander but nothing crazy. These are my options:

1) Les Baer p2 $1900+tax (layaway for a month)

2) DW cbob $1680+tax (layaway for a month)

3) DW cbob used from this forum $1200 cash

4)Used cbob and put les Baer on layaway

I’m a little more drawn to the les Baer due to its traditional size, blues finish, and Ambi safety(wife is a lefty but will HARDLY ever touch the gun). Any thoughts guys? Is used a bad idea for a first gun? Putting Some of the balance on credit card is an option as well to avoid layaway

Thanks in advance
John

I'd find and buy a Les Baer Thunder Ranch Special IN-STOCK before they are gonzo forever... for around $1800-$1850 before fees - no ambi safety. Get whatever else later if you want.

[Wordupmybrotha]

I can't stand ambi-safety. I sold a 1911 with it, because it dug into my hand when I shot it. Too much clutter on a gun is annoying.

[Chapped Hide]

I vote LB. Love my Custom Carry I picked up from CJ @ 1911 Heaven. All the options I wanted at the time and none I didn't. Cost me $1850 OTD after transfer fee, tax and DROS.

DW's are great guns too and I love my Guardian but it's black, never really cared for stainless and DW's stainless have a decent reputation for galling.

Both great guns to start with though, good luck!

[Chapped Hide]

I can't stand ambi-safety. I sold a 1911 with it, because it dug into my hand when I shot it. Too much clutter on a gun is annoying.

I owned a DW Specialist and it was the worst!

[Dothefreddie]

I'd find and buy a Les Baer Thunder Ranch Special IN-STOCK before they are gonzo forever... for around $1800-$1850 before fees - no ambi safety. Get whatever else later if you want.

Man I wish I could find one of those in stock at that price! The place I was at had them around $2100

[Dothefreddie]

Looks like the consensus it to go for something new. So I’m going to move forward with the LB, and later down the line ( maybe Christmas gift hehe) get the cbob! I understand the rationale in getting something lower priced to start with, but I’d rather get something I could grow into rather than grow out of. We'll see if retting can pricematch, their stock is pretty impressive

Thanks everyone for the advice!!

[Wordupmybrotha]

We'll see if retting can pricematch, their stock is pretty impressive

Thanks everyone for the advice!!

OP, there's no such thing as growing out of a gun, just because it's lower cost and even lower quality. It's not like buying a set of starter golf clubs versus a set of blade clubs. I have a S&W Model 41 that's a $1400 target 22 pistol, that's considered a top tier 22 pistols. I also have a Heritage Roughrider single action revolver that's $250 and considered low tier. I get great satisfaction from the $250 gun and I'll certainly not out grow it. We don't really think in those terms. Different guns bring different enjoyment.

[deephouse]

You've heard it once, before - buy both! =)

[Lead Waster]

First handgun and you're choosing a 1911? Kinda like just getting your driver's license and buying a Ferrari.

Yes and No. I agree that something easier to maintain would be a good first. But on the other hand, you will always keep that "first gun", so why not a great one? Either of the OP's will be great.

If it were me (and I had allocated a budget for it) I would get the Les Baer. For one thing ... I don't know how they finish their guns, but a well worn LB just has this awesome patina on it.

But aside from that, a 1911 is a 1911, it's just a matter of small details (IMHO) that differ them. From a purely practical point of view, getting an RIA 1911 for $500, then shooting the crap out of it AND THEN buying a Les Baer, DW, etc would be what I'd do. But that is me.

Either gun will make you happy, OP. Only you know your budget. Besides if you are just getting a gun or two, they might as well be awesome.

[Lead Waster]

I can't stand ambi-safety. I sold a 1911 with it, because it dug into my hand when I shot it. Too much clutter on a gun is annoying.

You know you can buy non-ambi safety and install them, right?

[bmk20398]

I have only two 1911s, LB PII and DW PM7.
LB: really tight everywhere, state of art metal work, plain black nothing fancy.
PM7: Glass on Ice smooth everywhere. beautiful stainless.
Both on sandbag can shoot 4-7 MOA with carefully hand loaded ammo.

So I must say "Get Both LB and DW", they are very different