Les Baer...Worth it?

[Markito]

I'm at the point in life where it's time to buy a nicer 1911 than I currently have.. Nothing wrong with my Rock Island. It just lacks some beauty. Since I got into firearms about 18yrs ago I've always liked the Les Baer 1911 and the Springfield TRP. I'd see the LB ad at the bottom of my gun magazines and would tell myself.. that's a classy looking pistol and one day I'm hoping to have one.Well life happens Starting a family. Getting a home etc. I just had to put things aside.

I'll be turning 40 in January and mentioned to my wife it's that time I get something nicer than I deserve. While looking up prices on the LB custom carry they've definitely went up in price from when I last checked. Now close to the $2500 range. That's a little more than I'm wanting to spend but will spend if it's worth it. The TRP are still decently priced about $1600. My question is... Is the LB worth that near 1k price difference. Havent shot both and no one has any in stock that i can compare side by side. So guys help me out as I'm kind of stuck in the decision.

[XDJYo]

[naz]

If you want it and can afford it, it’s worth it. Enjoy in good health (because you can’t take it with you)

[Markito]

What always drew me into liking the Baers is it's got that old school classic look. I'm not too fond about the blowing. I know they run thin. I know the basic differences between both. But not having fired both. I'm sure both guns will shoot better than I can ever shoot. If they were close in price. No doubt I'd choose the LB... but at 1k difference I'm leaning towards my second choice. I'm sure I will walk out with a Les Baer. I just wanted to get more input from owners or anyone who's shot them.

[Canadadry]

They are not worth it. I've had multiple Les Baer 1911s and sold them all. I was having issues with one of their guns. I spoke to Les and he told me that I need to run 500 rounds through the gun before it would work properly. This is BS for a gun in that price range.

[Tarmy]

[Markito]

Canadadry. That's exactly what I want to hear and what I think. Theres always going to be issues those are what I focus on compared to the positive.

[Garbcollector]

If you can find one buy it you won't be disappointed

[therealnickb]

[aklon]

<snip>
Is the LB worth that near 1k price difference.

Yes.

Unequivocally, without reserve, yes.

[cowtown]

My LB TRS is my favorite .45. I wan't impressed with Springfield for the money. SIG is solid but blocky looking and mass produced. I wish I'd gone right to LB.

>10,000 rounds and all it's needed is springs and a new slide release when the slide stop gave up.

[hunterb]

I’m still sad about my Les Baer TRS i sold when i was buyjng a house

[1911RONIN]

They are not worth it. I've had multiple Les Baer 1911s and sold them all. I was having issues with one of their guns. I spoke to Les and he told me that I need to run 500 rounds through the gun before it would work properly. This is BS for a gun in that price range.

[RickD427]

The Les Baer's are very much a "niche" firearm. They're hand fitted and devoid of the "eye candy" that is typical of many other high-quality 1911's.

If you value the "eye candy" stuff, it's probably better to look elsewhere.

If you want an outstanding value on a high end 1911, it's hard to beat a Baer.

Keep in mind that Baer's are built obnoxiously tight, part of the traditional, hand fitted, manner of construction is that they do need a break-in period. It's part of the trade-off.

The bluing is traditional. It doesn't hold up well. Don't try an aftermarket plating job on a Baer, when you add even the most minimal plating thickness to Les' already obnoxious tight fit, you'll see just how tight that fit is.

Also note that the Les Baer frame design differs slightly from a true 1911. I prefer the Baer design, but don't be surprised by it.

They are not worth it. I've had multiple Les Baer 1911s and sold them all. I was having issues with one of their guns. I spoke to Les and he told me that I need to run 500 rounds through the gun before it would work properly. This is BS for a gun in that price range.

They're very much worth it. You're quite correct that modern machining methods can produce a firearm that doesn't require the lengthy break-in, but such firearms are not gonna have the same "feel" as a hand fitted firearm.

Like I said above, the Baer's are a "niche" firearm. If you're not looking for something in that "niche", then it's better to look elsewhere.

OTOH, once you put a thousand rounds through it to break it in, and then several thousand more rounds to enjoy it, you'll find that the Les Baer will still be shooting accurately long after the CNC machined, "eye candy" gun has started to show signs of wear.

[BigPimping]

Crazy money. Not my bag baby.