Les Baer vs Dan Wesson vs Other?

[Tsujigiri]

So I'd like to pick up a 1911, and I've learned from experience in other hobbies to get something good from the start and save myself the cost and effort of succumbing to upgrade fever. The two options that look really appealing to me right now are Les Baer and Dan Wesson, so I'd like some opinions on those (or others I should consider). I realize that a lot of people ask this, but I've searched through multiple forums and not found too much info on the specific differences between them. Plus there's the complication that the Dan Wesson 1911's are supposedly different since the factory fire.

Any specific info about either gun would help, as well as info about the companies. I was leaning towards Les Baer, but after hearing some stories about their customer service I'm a little wary. Also, I called them today to ask about their stainless and hard chromed models, and the saleswoman gave me no confidence in the brand. I didn't get the impression that she would have been knowledgeable enough to answer my questions even if she had stopped interrupting me and listened to what I was asking. Even more worrisome, she kept reiterating that they want nothing to do with CA's roster issues. She told me that if I bought a non-rostered Baer through SSE and sent it in for service, they would not ship it back to me. Based on what she was saying, I'm not even sure they would ship a rostered Baer back to me if I had them do work on it or if it fell off the roster. Now I hope that this was just one particularly rude and unhelpful employee and not a representation of the entire company, but I'd like to hear of any first hand experiences from fellow Calgunners.

[Artema]

Don't forget Nighthawk or Wilson!

[nitroxdiver]

If you are curious about Baer's, this video is worth 8 minutes of your time. They are amazing hand built pistols.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dpdy8QQ-Y-Q

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[coldfusion]

If you are curious about Baer's, this video is worth 8 minutes of your time. They are amazing hand built pistols.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dpdy8QQ-Y-Q

Excellent vid! I'm in the market for a 1911 as well, was leaning towards an Ed Brown Special Forces or Dan Wesson Heritage or Razorback, now I'll have add a Les Baer to that consideration.

[Ricky808maui]

If I had the funds Wilson CQB or nighthawk predator

[JackRydden224]

Get the SR1911, it's just as good if not better than a Les Baer

All jokes aside, I know you are in Orange County so if you attend the next OnTarget shoot I will let you shoot my Les Baer TRS. You can decide if you want one after trying it. OnTarget has Springfields and Sigs you can rent for comparison. I personally would not buy a Dan Wesson because of the 25 LPI front strap checkering. I got delicate girly hands

[CaffeinFeign]

for what its worth.. I own a Dan Wesson CBOB x2. I can personally say that Dan Wesson Customer service is A++. I sent an email with a question about my CBOB two weeks ago and had a response by the next morning. DW makes a great gun, but that's not to say that I wont add a Les Baer, Nighthawk, and Wilson when the time is right..

[davidb]

baers make me drool

how could they refuse to return an off roster pistol if its in your name? id be reporting the firearm as stolen if that happened

[skosh69]

OP, I too called and emailed Les Baer when I was thinking of ordering a Baer and the phone calls and emails left something to be desired to say the least.

I then called and talked with "Crazy John" at http://cj1911heaven.com/ and all that changed. I ended up ordering my Baer Monolith HW through John and it hopefully it'll be here by years end or early next year. Make sure you have at least an hour of free time if you call CJ, he loves to talk and get to know his customers.

I never buy a gun based on what if I have to send it in for repair or anything else for that matter. If that was the case, I'd probably never own anything in my life, there are no certainties! What did Chris Farley say in Tommy Boy..."if you want me to crap in a box and stamp guarantee on it, I will"?? Or something like that.

Les Baer has 10 different California models that are currently on the list. If you buy one of them, you'll never have to worry about whether or not Les will send it back to you. Once you buy it, you're good to go. Unlike those of us that SSE or guns. I ain't worried.

And lastly, I own a Dan Wesson Cbob also. Never had any issues with it and I bought it used. A couple of K rounds down range and never a hiccup.

So, whatever route you end up taking, you won't be disappointed.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[Syds Grandpa]

I love my Baer.

[Nshaver127]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMs8b7U2tsI

Watch this made me want to get a les baer. seems like a really cool guy and a good company.

[Libertarian71]

That's pretty surprising to hear that Les Baer would not ship a SSE gun back to you after you sent it in for service.

On Ed Brown's website, they do not address that precise question, but they do indicate that they will make changes to a rostered gun: http://www.edbrown.com/FAQ.htm

Please note, due to California regulations, no options or changes are possible to California models before they leave our factory. After the California dealer has transferred the firearm to you, you may return it to us for changes if you wish.

[Tsujigiri]

Thanks for the responses, guys. I'll take another look at Wilson and Nighthawk, but my initial impression was that I thought they were priced high for what they are. Between the other two, I really like the appearance and classic design of the Wesson, but the company isn't as well established and I don't see too much info on their performance. I like that the Baers are so hand-fitted, but I'm worried about the after sales service and I really don't like the blued finish. The carbon steel ones are supposed to be better functionally, though, so maybe I'll just pony up and get the blued Premier, then send it in for hard chroming later.

Get the SR1911, it's just as good if not better than a Les Baer

All jokes aside, I know you are in Orange County so if you attend the next OnTarget shoot I will let you shoot my Les Baer TRS. You can decide if you want one after trying it. OnTarget has Springfields and Sigs you can rent for comparison. I personally would not buy a Dan Wesson because of the 25 LPI front strap checkering. I got delicate girly hands

Lol nothing against people who like their Rugers, but there isn't a chance in hell I'll buy one of their guns unless they find a way to undo the 10 round limit they helped enact. Thanks very much for the offer, I'd love to try out your Baer. Were you at the February or December shoots by any chance? If you were, I was one of the newer shooters zeroing in a new ar build last time. I can relate to your concern about checkering; the HK USP checkering is painful for me, and Springfield's is also a little rough. I handled a Dan Wesson, though, and the checkering is much smoother than Springfield's and less aggressive than you would expect for 25 lpi.

That's pretty surprising to hear that Les Baer would not ship a SSE gun back to you after you sent it in for service.

On Ed Brown's website, they do not address that precise question, but they do indicate that they will make changes to a rostered gun: http://www.edbrown.com/FAQ.htm

Actually I'm not sure if that really is Les Baer's policy, that's just what the genius on the phone told me. I've heard from some people who have talked to Les that he takes care of his customers, so maybe it's just who you talk to. I can tell you that the people who have been treated well by Baer would not be so enamored with the company if they had to deal with it through the employee who answered when I called.

[C&Rcollector]

What?

SR1911 vs Les Baer. I'm not sure how you can even put those two in the same category.

That's like comparing a Rolls to a Cadillac. Sure both look nice, but one is handmade while the other is put together by assembly line drones.

Get the SR1911, it's just as good if not better than a Les Baer

All jokes aside, I know you are in Orange County so if you attend the next OnTarget shoot I will let you shoot my Les Baer TRS. You can decide if you want one after trying it. OnTarget has Springfields and Sigs you can rent for comparison. I personally would not buy a Dan Wesson because of the 25 LPI front strap checkering. I got delicate girly hands

[Bill Steele]

I can't imagine you being disappointed with either a DW or LB.

My favorite 1911 is a Les Baer CC 5".