Author Topic: Which one would you buy and why: S&W 945 or Les Baer 1911? (Read 4178 times)

sasu · « **on:** November 19, 2008, 04:14:53 AM »

Would you please help me with a tough(ish) decision?

I have funds for a $2000 class pistol and cannot decide between these two:

Smith & Wesson Model 945 PC 45 ACP and Les Baer 1911 45 ACP.

I would use the gun in IPSC/USPSA and other action shoots. I do not shoot to win, I enjoy the competition as such. I already have several pistols to cover competition uses so this new gun would not be filling any actual void.

I would buy the S&W 945 out of curiosity and its reputation for accuracy. I would buy the Les Baer for its guaranteed accuracy and beautiful workmanship. It is a draw so far.

Which one would you buy and why?

(And in response to the classic "buy them both" comments: I will, eventually.)

Photo from www.smith-wesson.com

Photo from www.lesbaer.com

HAMMERHEAD · « **Reply #1 on:** November 19, 2008, 06:55:59 AM »

The grip angle on the 945 seems to lend itself more to bullseye competition. For action shooting, a 1911 is better for me.

Of course the 945 has a sterling reputation for accuracy, but it is also generally considered a more reliable design than the 1911.

OTOH, how can you go wrong with a Baer? If nothing else they're better looking!

Tough choice.

It was easier for me, I wanted a .38, so I put a deposit down on a Baer Premier II.

Broom Rider · « **Reply #2 on:** November 19, 2008, 11:20:30 AM »

While the S&W is a fine gun, accurate and reliable keep in mind that there's not much of an aftermarket out there for it. The 1911 enjoys one of the largest aftermarkets of all and if you ever want or need anything it's available in a large variety of choices. (grips, magazines, etc)
I'd buy the Les Baer, in my opinion its a better made gun and at least as accurate & reliable as any other semi auto pistol available.
If by chance you have the unusual experience of needing warranty service, S&W pays for shipping, LB doesn't.

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #3 on:** November 20, 2008, 01:49:16 AM »

les baer hands down. I had a 952 and altough it shot well it was a finiky gun. Im also just used to the controls on a 1911 and the way they sit in my hand.

RBishop · « **Reply #4 on:** November 20, 2008, 02:48:59 AM »

+1 on Baer!

bluecow · « **Reply #5 on:** November 20, 2008, 03:59:25 AM »

lesbaer!!! don't trust s&w autos. maybe the mp will change my mind.

Tom C. · « **Reply #6 on:** November 21, 2008, 04:39:44 AM »

While the 945 is certainly interesting, it isn't compatible with the 1911s out there. Mags are harder to get, aftermarket parts almost nonexistant.

I would go with the Baer. I would also get a ramped barrel, if possible.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #7 on:** November 21, 2008, 04:45:14 AM »

kidding right ?
Les Baer fer sure . over anything S&W

sasu · « **Reply #8 on:** November 21, 2008, 05:40:50 AM »

Thank you for your thoughts. I had not noticed the upright grip angle.

Still I ordered the S&W 945 PC today.

The reasons were:
- I already have two 1911s (although they are far from Les Baer quality)
- Curiosity
- 945 reputation for accuracy (although Les Baer gives an accuracy guarantee)
- Possibly better design than 1911 (no barrel link, simple and robust external extractor, a better bushing design, no delicate barrel lock on grooves in the slide, maybe some others I have not noticed yet).

On the minus side:
- Grip angle probably not the best for action shooting
- Have to buy a bunch of proprietary magazines
- Not allowed in IPSC Single Stack division

I have had some bad luck with S&W quality with my recent acquisitions (botched muzzle crown, cylinder alignment problem, improperly fitted pistol barrel), I am hoping this one will turn out well.

This was a tough choice. I feel I am buying the lesser of two guns, but I cannot help my curiosity.

As a consolation for all you Les Baer fans: I will get the Les Baer, too, but sometime later.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #9 on:** November 21, 2008, 06:09:26 AM »

sorta like voting for Obama

sasu · « **Reply #10 on:** November 21, 2008, 06:14:00 AM »

You said it!

Fortunately this is just one pistol, not a choice affecting the future of a whole country. And I will bear the consequences of my stupidity myself.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #11 on:** November 21, 2008, 06:16:17 AM »

just kidding , tell us how it shoots

sasu · « **Reply #12 on:** November 21, 2008, 06:21:50 AM »

No, you hit the nail right on the head. Not necessarily about the 945, but how my reasoning could be used to explain why someone voted for Obama.

ironfoot · « **Reply #13 on:** November 22, 2008, 09:23:23 AM »

A friend has a 945.
I really like shooting it.
Very accurate.
I think it is easier to shoot accurately than a 1911.
The low bore to grip helps prevent muzzle flip.
Curious, what did you have to pay?

sasu · « **Reply #14 on:** November 22, 2008, 09:18:35 PM »

Quote from: ironfoot on November 22, 2008, 09:23:23 AM

what did you have to pay?

Full retail, which is $2200 or so. I live overseas so my gun shop had to special order the gun.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #15 on:** November 24, 2008, 05:05:55 AM »

Seems alot voted anti system .

williamlayton · « **Reply #16 on:** November 25, 2008, 04:05:45 AM »

For the most part I dislike the external extractor. It is probably more of a cosmetic concern, though I just can't get myownself too like the thoughts of the need for it too be changed from the original.
The System leaves me cold.
Of course this is IMO.
Blessings

HAMMERHEAD · « **Reply #17 on:** November 26, 2008, 07:48:17 AM »

If nothing else, S&W will stand by their pistols like no one else.

I had a P.C. 952 (9mm) that broke a sear. They had it fixed within ten days, including shipping time. Very quick and very courteous. I didn't have to pay for anything.

Only Freedom Arms has been as good about repairs as S&W is.

Broom Rider · « **Reply #18 on:** November 26, 2008, 12:25:25 PM »

I think you'll like the 945. I've heard nothing but good things about them as far as accuracy/reliability.
I tried to buy the one that the local gander mt had, I had cash in purse but I guess the guys there don't sell to women, I couldn't get waited on even after all the customers that arrived after me were waited on. It soured me on the desire to have one for now.

sasu · « **Reply #19 on:** November 29, 2008, 06:22:11 AM »

One more plus for the S&W 945:

"barrel axis sits about 0.25 of an inch lower than in an M-1911"

from www.lightband.com/users/m1911/mod_sw.htm

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #20 on:** December 01, 2008, 09:02:57 AM »

hammerhead , S&W service , sometimes they do sometimes they don't . I doubt its better than LB

myronman3 · « **Reply #21 on:** December 03, 2008, 08:32:25 AM »

Quote from: Broom Rider on November 26, 2008, 12:25:25 PM

...I tried to buy the one that the local gander mt had, I had cash in purse but I guess the guys there don't sell to women, I couldn't get waited on even after all the customers that arrived after me were waited on. It soured me on the desire to have one for now.

my wife goes through the same crap, broomrider. having an interest in the outdoors and shooting, she has to deal with salesmen ignoring or treating her like crap, clothes that arent made for women, and everyone treating her like she doesnot know a thing. i am a guy and it torches me just hearing her talk about it.

ButlerFord45 · « **Reply #22 on:** December 04, 2008, 07:53:46 AM »

Easy answer, Baer, far better track record with semi autos!

sasu · « **Reply #23 on:** June 19, 2009, 12:59:20 AM »

I ended up buying both.

The S&W 945PC is still on its way.

The Les Baer I already have.

Savage · « **Reply #24 on:** June 19, 2009, 01:14:40 AM »

WOW! Excellent solution!
Savage

williamlayton · « **Reply #25 on:** June 20, 2009, 01:43:34 AM »

Won't be the last of any.

Blessings

bluecow · « **Reply #26 on:** June 21, 2009, 03:17:03 AM »

when ya get the smith tell us what ya think you should have done if you could only have one.

Bob Riebe · « **Reply #27 on:** June 23, 2009, 08:31:14 AM »

Magazines for the Smith, I have one, are not easy to come by. If you find a source get few extra right away.
Bob

sasu · « **Reply #28 on:** June 23, 2009, 09:36:05 AM »

Quote from: Bob Riebe on June 23, 2009, 08:31:14 AM

Magazines ... If you find a source get few extra right away.

Oh yeah, I noticed. I am waiting for a dozen back ordered magazines from the place where the gun itself was ordered from.

I will probably begin looking for those magazines elsewhere, too. I get a bad feeling if I do not have at least a dozen magazines for each of my pistols. That is the amount I believe will last for the life of the gun: half a dozen or so in competition rotation and a few more for spares. Most magazines are bloody expensive so I keep buying them a few at a time so they accumulate almost unnoticed. I am a hamster, I know...

JayAK · « **Reply #29 on:** June 25, 2009, 07:01:29 PM »

Baer!