To the range with my Les Baer

[1911WB]

Went to the range this morning with my Les Baer Concept VI (fullsize stainless). Hadn't shot it in quite awhile because I've been using my Kimber GM (series I). I usually don't shot much bench-rested 25 yd. stuff, but gave it a try today. Off sandbags at a little over 25 yrds. I shot a 3/4" 3 shot group with the following load: Win 230 FMJ with 5 grns Bullseye in Rem. case with Rem. LP primer (1.255 oal). Now I'm a good pistol shot, but certainly not exceptional- it's the LBC that's exceptional. Makes my Kimber look sick! The Baer has a factory 2 3/4 lb. trigger which certainly helps. The other thing I like about the Baer is it's rock solid reliability no matter what mag or ammo. After about 1000 rounds the Baer is still tightly fitted. Wish I could make similar claims about the $1000 Kimber. I mean it's real dependable with ammo & mags that it likes, but can get downright finicky with stuff it doesn't like.

[Iowegan]

I just built one a few months back. What a gun!! Like you, I'm not a bad shot but I was so amazed with the groups I shot. I ran some 230 gr FMJs, 230 gr LRNs and some 220 gr SWC's. All did quite well but the groups with the SWCs were the tightest. My slide took a couple hundred rounds to loosen up. At first it choked a bit on the last 1/2" before going to battery. I had a few rounds that needed some help. My last 500 have been flawless. I even ran some 185 gr JHP through it just to see what happened. All fed perfect and blew the 10 ring out at 25 yds.

When I was building the gun, every single part except the grips and grip screws had to be fitted. Even the holes in the frame for the slide lock, safety, sear pin, and hammer pin were under sized. When I got the gun finished, it was the tightes 1911 I'd ever seen. Only got about 750 rounds through it but it's still tighter than a mouse's ear.

[Mikey]

1911WB - what did that pistol cost you, or rather, what woul dit cost now.  The groups you got with hardball are amazing.  If the Les Baer does that well then I should reconsider my next purchase.  Thanks.  Mikey.

[1911WB]

Mikey- I've had the Baer Concept VI for about 5 years. I think the list on it then was $1595. Don't know what it is now, but suspect close to $2000. There are other Baer's like the Premier II or TRS that are less money. I think u can probably pick one of them up for $1200- $1500. The thing to be aware of is that not everyone feels the same about their Baer's as I do. You've probably read posts on the 1911 forum that are less than complimentary. I don't know what you're comparing to, but I think Brown & Wilson are also in Baer's league. I think Wilson's customer service may be better than the others. In any case good luck with your next purchase!