TRS or Gold Combat

[686Plus]

Hi All,

I know these kind of questions are asked often but this is my first 1911 purchase. I'm really excited about having a classic and want to hear your thoughts.

My budget is 2K. At that price point I am looking at the Les Baer - Thunder Ranch Special and the Kimber - Gold Combat or gold match. The folks I have talked too say if my price point is 800-1500 Kimber is a great choice. If I bump it up to 2K the the Les Baer is the choice.

This will be a recreational, target, range, and ranch gun.

Any other thoughts.

Don

[sammy]

No question the TRS is a much better gun than the Kimber. It is a series 70 assembly, no MIM, slide to frame fit is as perfect as it gets. The only problem people have with the Les Baers is the blued finish, but I think that is a plus. Too much stainless, chrome, gold bling bling stuff out there for me. Compare them side by side and you will find the Baer is twice the gun the Kimber is. Not looking down on Kimber, they make fine guns. Les Baer makes the best production 1911 on the market. Look up John at Proload and he can get Baers at great prices. You should be able to get a TRS for $1600.00 or less.

[Black Majik]

No question about it. Les Baer Thunder Ranch.

[686Plus]

I have seen a few pictures making a point of the wear on finish. Is that what is the problem, wear?

What about other Les Baer guns in that price range? The Premiere, Custom and concept are about the same price.

[Exiledviking]

Go for the Les Baer.

The point people make is regarding the fact that the TRS is blued as is the Gold Match, so it is really a moot point.

[Black Majik]

I have seen a few pictures making a point of the wear on finish. Is that what is the problem, wear?

What about other Les Baer guns in that price range? The Premiere, Custom and concept are about the same price.

Baers? Oh don't worry. Their bluing is super strong.

[Sobriquet]

Baers? Oh don't worry. Their bluing is super strong.

I'm sure it's a stupid question, but what makes some blued finishes more durable than others?

[JMB1911]

Welcome to the forum! Like everyone else says, go for the Baer. Quality piece with a great and well-deserved reputaion. If you don't believe them, go handle both and see for yourself.

[mtenenhaus]

Were i to choose among your picks, i would opt for the Les Baer.

If it were up to me, I would work with a premier gunsmith, be very selective with regard to your specific choices and have them customize a pistol to your preference.

[BRO]

Les Baer!

I

[686Plus]

I am definitely leaning toward the Les Baer, in fact I am going to buy one tomorrow- Thunder Ranch Special

But lets say you had a Dealer Price + DROS + tax opportunity on a Kimber. If retail is $1200 what do you think Dealer Price + DROS + tax would be? Or more specifically what is normal dealer mark up?


thanks

[Kruzr]

I am definitely leaning toward the Les Baer, in fact I am going to buy one tomorrow- Thunder Ranch Special

But lets say you had a Dealer Price + DROS + tax opportunity on a Kimber. If retail is $1200 what do you think Dealer Price + DROS + tax would be? Or more specifically what is normal dealer mark up?


thanks

Dealer price on a $1200 Kimber is about $1040 plus or minus 30 bucks. Master Dealer price is in the range of $920 - $950 depending on the model.

I'm as big of a Kimber fan as you can find but once you're up in the $1500 range, Baer is the way to go. If you go into the $2K range, there are other options open that may make a prettier gun but I have yet to find any others that can outshoot my Baers.

(BTW, most of the time when a dealer offers..........Kimber Dealer pricing, he is getting Master Dealer pricing and still makes 100 or more bucks per gun.)

[BRO]

Kimber is half the gun that the TRS, Les Baer is, so the price is half as much. One way of looking at it.

[686Plus]

Today I had a shot at any California certified Kimber at dealer cost. (about 17% off retail)

I went to the range to help make the decision and ease my mind, and chose the Les Baer Thunder Ranch Special. I still have some of the oil on my hands

Now I'm counting down the days to October 22.

I can barely wait.

[agental1934]

Great choice 686Plus. No heistation in making your decision. I say that, after you pick up the TRS and let another 30 days go by, pick up a Kimber as well. Heck, if you have the funds, get a second Les Baer. I have a Les Baer TRS and a Kimber TLE. Love both...but I end up shooting the Kimber a bit more.