Les Baer questions

[Dimitri A.]

Been jonsing for a Les Baer custom carry for a long time and wanted to ask those of you that own a Baer a couple of questions. Is the 1.5” guarantee worth the money over the standard 3” guns. Also, I’m interested in ordering one without the front slide/cocking serrations. The roster doesn’t differentiate between guns with or without the front serrations. Has anyone ordered one without them? I should probably just call Baer, but thought I’d reach out to the CG community first.

[gabe123]

The 1.5" guarantee is like a sunroof in your car, nice to have, but rarely ever used. The standard model is quite accurate, more so than most people, myself included. If it was me, and the price difference is not a huge deal breaker, I would get it, just because. As for the serrations, I don't think it would be roster compliant.

[XDJYo]

Check out 1911forums.com. Those guys are all hard-core 1911 guys and many are gunsmiths. The overwhelming opinion is that it won't get you much.

HOWEVER, when I ordered mine, I got it. Does it make a difference? Dunno. I'm no bullseye shooter. But, for a so-so shooter, I was able to make some impressive shots. All 8 rounds on a 50 yard target and passed a ragged-hole test-5 shots from 5 yards in a 1" square (Front Sight).

As for the FCS, it's a personal preference. I never really use it and can get plenty of grip without. I ordered mine without. Love the look.

My suggestion is to contact Crazy John at 1911 heaven and ask if you can order a CA Compliant model and get it without the FCS. He is THE source for Les Baers.

If you were closer, I'd meet up with you to let you shoot mine.

ETA: I ordered mine in 2013 before they clamped down on the roster. So, not 100% sure if they will allow any variations to it or not. My guess is a no.

Happy hunting!

[bruce381]

I have a regular old premier II Les built before move to Iowa or whatver non 1.5 gun. with a scope mounted on grip pannel shoots over a rest about 3/4 inch @ 25 yards, have shot at 50 yards <1.5 not much less but it did it.

Load was Saeco 200 gr SWC sized .452, WW 231 @ 5.0 gr, OAL 1.245
tapper crimp to .472

with plan eyeballs best I can do is about 2-3 inches at 25 yards off a rest.

[Tarmy]

[XDJYo]

And this seems to be the consensus on the 1911 forum.


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[jon94520]

This reminded me, I’ve been waiting 8 months for my Les Baer.
I need to call CJ to get an update.
I ordered an Ultimate Master 6” 45 acp with 1.5 guarantee and no FCS.

[Peahi2]

I have an ultimate master that is a non 1.5 variant lol. It is my most accurate pistol (various 1911s and glocks in the stable). Its also my favorite gun to shoot: accuracy, sweet trigger, feels good in hand (les Baer grip profile is non standard 1911).

I don't put much stock in the 1.5 guarantee guns. I've read about peoples opinions on the topic over the years in the 1911 forums such as 1911 addicts and 1911forum.com. I would say most people don't believe there is much difference if any. My gun shoots very well, and its hard to imagine it being much more accurate for a gun in its price range.

I think getting a really good Les Baer pistol is more of a luck of the draw thing. I didn't get a 1.5 inch guarantee gun, but I feel mine would be in that category easily.

So in conclusion, just get your gun and I wouldn't worry about spending more on a 1.5 guarantee model. You probably won't notice the difference anyways. Besides, you can use that money saved for ammo or training or holster/belt. You are gonna need every penny you can add to your ammo budget to get through break in, and to satisfy your urge to keep shooting that gun as much as you can.

I would readily buy another Les Baer, but all their California models are essentially the same gun with minor differences. I wish we could get their 9mms, but that is another discussion topic.

[Dimitri A.]

I wish we could get their 9mms, but that is another discussion topic.

100%. I’d love to have one of their commander sized 1911’s in 9mm. That would be the bee’s knees. Closest thing on the roster is one of the Kimber ultimate carry models in .38 super. That said, I’m not that hung up on the 1.5” guarantee. I’m more interested in getting one without the FCS. I just like the clean look of a slab side 1911 slide.

[MARKFP]

I will confess, all of my Baers can shoot better than me regardless of 1-1/2" upgrade.

[gumby]

I have the custom carry and if you want, you can shoot mine. It's the 3" model but very accurate.

[XDJYo]

Agree on the FCS.

Call Crazy John and ask if he can order one for you in your spec.

Mine was a Premier II with no FCS, different sights, different thumb safety and mainspring housing. Oh, and grips. I don't know why since I've changed my grips about 5 times since! LOL!

I think I waited 11 mos, but that was back in 2013/2014.

[benjamin101677]

[1911RONIN]

You can grab an on roster Springfield and have custom work done to it and probably have something better than a baer for the same amount of money


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[gumby]

I've owned 4 Baers, 2 Ed Browns, 1 Springfield Armory TRP and 1 Springfield Professional. The only one I own now is the Baer custom carry.