So, Les Baer?

[Nick Adams]

They sure are great guns. Keep them well lubed, and it will run for a long time. I once didn't clean it for over 5 years (2011 to 2016) with regular range trips and it kept running without reliability issues. Only until carbon buildup in the extractor channel cause it to lose some tension did I finally clean it. Still ran until that point.

It took me a long time to figure out that one doesn't need to clean after every range trip. 1911's are the only semi's I shoot. I'm saving up for a Baer Monolith Heavyweight with no front serrations and I will almost certainly buy from that CrazyJohn guy.

[Nebbiolo]

Another customer of Crazy John here. FYI it took almost 1K rounds until I could cycle my Super Tac by hand easily. Had a few jams while it was tight. Now it's butter and I'm shooting approx 1" for 8 rds @ 15 yds when I'm steady.

[Litespeeds]

After shooting a buddies Les Baer Ultimate Master, Ed Brown, NightHawk and my Wilson Combat CQB Elite, I ended up selling my WC and bought 2 Les Baer Premier II. One that's customized in hard chrome with 1.5 guarantee and another that's basically all stock. Both are amazing and has never had any failures. Then again I bought both used and didn't get the pleasure of the initial 500 round break in which most people would encounter some issues.

[Friesland]

Keep checking the marketplace, noticed a bit of a price decline/ good deals and already broken-in

Don't buy it new. There are lots of pre-owned ones around. Here is one that I picked up. Premier II with 1.5 guarantee. Custom blended magwell and hard chromed finish.

[Litespeeds]

Guns are tools and I would never buy one new again. You just have to look for one that hasn't been modified by a wannabe gunsmith. As long as it's stock or show mods done by a qualified gunsmith, you are good to go.

I do the same when I buy cars. Once you drive a new car off the showroom, you've just lost $2k-$5K depending on what you bought. The same principle applies to guns.

[tanks]

Congratz!!! You will LOVE your Baer. Get cozy with 500 of your mostest favoritest 45 ACP rounds and start slinging some lead!!! Bring your favorite oil or Breakfree CLP and periodically oil up the barrel hood, muzzle and rails. Bring gloves too cuz your hands will be oily and gross. The more CLP you put, the better. ...

I really didn't know what you were talking about until I read the break in procedure for Les Baer on another forum.

Thanks for letting me know. I had not realized that there was a break in process as I had not had to do that with my 2011s.

For those saying I should have bought used. I guess it depends on the gun. For on roster guns I don't see any point to pay almost the same price as new, not to mention service and warranty issues later on. Plus, I did not see the particular model I was interested in anywhere on the marketplace forums.

[Crumbles]

Guns are tools and I would never buy one new again. You just have to look for one that hasn't been modified by a wannabe gunsmith. As long as it's stock or show mods done by a qualified gunsmith, you are good to go.

I do the same when I buy cars. Once you drive a new car off the showroom, you've just lost $2k-$5K depending on what you bought. The same principle applies to guns.

Exactly. I'm glad manufacturers continue to make new models. But considering they're made to last forever, I'll let someone else take the initial depreciation hit.

[Crumbles]

After shooting a buddies Les Baer Ultimate Master, Ed Brown, NightHawk and my Wilson Combat CQB Elite, I ended up selling my WC and bought 2 Les Baer Premier II. One that's customized in hard chrome with 1.5 guarantee and another that's basically all stock. Both are amazing and has never had any failures. Then again I bought both used and didn't get the pleasure of the initial 500 round break in which most people would encounter some issues.

That's quite an opportunity you had to compare so many high end 1911s in one session. What were the pros and cons of the models you shot, and what led you to sell your Wilson CQB Elite for the 2 Baers?

[Snuffleupagus]

Another vote for Crazy John. I got two Baers from him.

[TheJacko]

I've put 300 rds through my TRS and not one malfunction yet. Got one of the last ones from CJ and love it.

[boltstop]

One point - these guns are crazy tight from the factory. When I bought mine about 8 years ago, the conventional wisdom was to clean and then lube the gun generously as they like to run "wet". Perhaps that has changed.

[bruce381]

Another customer of Crazy John here. FYI it took almost 1K rounds until I could cycle my Super Tac by hand easily. Had a few jams while it was tight. Now it's butter and I'm shooting approx 1" for 8 rds @ 15 yds when I'm steady.

Mine is at about 20 years old and 50K rounds and other than 2 broke exstractors still tight
also my smith says run them wet

[XDJYo]

I really didn't know what you were talking about until I read the break in procedure for Les Baer on another forum.

Thanks for letting me know. I had not realized that there was a break in process as I had not had to do that with my 2011s.

For those saying I should have bought used. I guess it depends on the gun. For on roster guns I don't see any point to pay almost the same price as new, not to mention service and warranty issues later on. Plus, I did not see the particular model I was interested in anywhere on the marketplace forums.

The break-in is fun anyways and a great excuse to spend a lot of time at the range slinging lead!

I agree about buying used. You DO get something when buying new. Nobody has messed with it. You KNOW nobody has monkeyed with the gun. Every little scratch, wear mark etc was put there by you. The only time I would buy used is if it was an inconsequential purchase (something you don't really care about) or an off-roster gun. However, since you're shopping uptown, spend the extra coin and buy new.

[Chapped Hide]

Got mine from CJ too back in 11/16. The stories were classic and the transaction was painless. Sold all of my 1911's to master just this one and I have not been disappointed.

Make sure and use full power loads and the break in should be a breeze, I used 230g AE. Now at about 3000 rounds it's runs everything but I mostly roll my own. It's carried almost daily, I trust my life with it and it is so fun to shoot the rest are just window dressing.

Great choice, post pics and new guns are nice once in a while, that way the wear is all yours

[mtenenhaus]

i love the way their finish wears....congratulations Tanks