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Old December 30, 2012, 01:43 PM   #1
PITT5150
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New SA TRP or used Les Baer Custom Carry?

So I was set on a TRP. My LGS has one in stock and will hold it for me for 10 days. I then find a BNIB Les Baer Custom Carry from a private owner. The pics in the ad look good and owner claims he has not shot it or even disassembled it. Now the Les Baer wil cost $200 more. I will be carrying this gun and really putting it through its paces. I maintain my weapons but then I don't walk on eggshells with them either. I know SA warranty is unparrelled but what about the Baer? Does Les Baer honor their warranty to second owners? The warranty is important because their are not alot of good gunsmiths in my area. Thanks for helping me out.
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Old December 30, 2012, 01:57 PM   #2
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If it is going to be a carry gun I would definitely go with the SA. Save some $$$$ and the Les Baer would be more of a BBQ carry gun. More of a safe queen or strictly range gun it seems.

I have heard nothing but good things about SA 1911s so you are not really "settling" on the SA.
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Old December 30, 2012, 02:00 PM   #3
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Probably good with either.

I have the TRP; it definitely gets my vote.
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Old December 30, 2012, 02:04 PM   #4
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IIRC there was an article a while back, not sure by whom, regarding 1911s for duty guns and the TRP and MC Operator were at the top of the list. Guy was apparently a 1911 nut (that's a compliment coming from me) and had carried 1911s for years.

I'd go with the TRP and use that $200 for a carry holster, box of ammo, and a mag or two.
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Old December 30, 2012, 02:09 PM   #5
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No brainer - LES BAER!
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Old December 30, 2012, 03:01 PM   #6
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I have a Les Baer Thunder Ranch Special and it is one of my favorite gun to shoot. Everyone who I've let shoots it is impressed with it. It is highly accurate, has a superb trigger, and has been 100% reliable. Les Baer guns are considered semi-custom and are not in the same league as "regular" production 1911s. While the higher price makes them a safe queen for some people, they are excellent carry guns. I'm sure Springfield makes great guns, but Baers are something special. If you can get a great deal on one, I say go for it!
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Old December 30, 2012, 04:49 PM   #7
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I'd spend the extra money and go with the Les Baer pistol.
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Old December 30, 2012, 08:26 PM   #8
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Wow. That's a pretty heavy decision. I own, and love, my TRP. It was extremely tight when I first got it, but after a break in it glides like it's on ball bearings. ZERO wiggle.

I like Les Baer's a lot too, but I've never owned one. Either one should be an excellent gun... but you're right - SA's customer service/warranty is unequaled in the industry, except from S&W.

I'd say that you should probably go and handle both of them and see which you prefer. Good luck, and be sure to share pics of whatever you decide!
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Old December 30, 2012, 08:26 PM   #9
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Both are good guns. Personally, I own a TRP and from experience, I don't know that the Baer is really any "better" than the Springfield.

In truth, you can't go wrong with either but if you buy the Baer, check it really well before dropping your cash. It's not unheard of, but it seems odd he has never fired it.
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Old December 30, 2012, 09:13 PM   #10
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The more I think about it, the more I'm leaning towards the TRP. I probably won't be able to utilize the full potential of the Baer's accuracy. The TRP gives me peace of mind. If this was gonna be safe queen, it would definitely be the Baer but I gotta put this baby to work.
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Old December 30, 2012, 10:30 PM   #11
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I've owned both and in my humble opinion, the Baer is the obvious choice! The more you handle and shoot a Baer, the better it gets. Yes, the TRP is an outstanding 1911, but the Baer is just one more step higher in terms of fit, finish, and workmanship. Good luck!
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Old December 30, 2012, 11:55 PM   #12
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The TRP is at the top of the heap for production 1911s but I think the Baer would be worth the extra $200. The chances of you needing warranty work on the Baer would be slim.



Quote:
If it is going to be a carry gun I would definitely go with the SA. Save some $$$$ and the Les Baer would be more of a BBQ carry gun. More of a safe queen or strictly range gun it seems.

That post makes very little sense to me. Baers beg to be beat on like a red headed step child and will only ask for more.
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Old December 31, 2012, 12:02 AM   #13
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A Baer has a hand fit, hard-fit barrel lock up. It is literally a hand built pistol. That is to take nothing whatsoever away from a TRP, which in it's own right is a well made production pistol, but trust me when I tell you nothing is like a Baer. I've had Wilson Combat, Ed Brown, Springfield Armory Customshop, Colt Customshop, and many other 1911's, but none evoked the kind of feeling all three of my Les Baer's do.
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Old December 31, 2012, 02:55 AM   #14
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A pistol is only a "safe queen" if the owner chooses to make it one. SA makes a damn fine gun, but the Baer is a step up in class.
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Old December 31, 2012, 03:11 AM   #15
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I decided on the Baer. Thanks guys.
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Old December 31, 2012, 11:30 AM   #16
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The right choice for only 200.00 difference.
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Old December 31, 2012, 06:27 PM   #17
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Great choice! I know I might be a little biased, but then again, for $200 more, I think it is an obvious decision. Congrats and I hope you enjoy your new gun! Make sure to post pics!!!
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Old January 2, 2013, 02:14 AM   #18
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Well, the seller contacted me and said there was someone before me who was interested in the Custom Carry. Man, I was bummed out but as luck would have it, I saw a Baer SRP on sale and was able to negotiate down to $25 more than I would have payed for the CC. On top of that the owner had the extended magwell installed by Baer. It feels like Christmas all over again
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Old January 2, 2013, 07:51 AM   #19
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OK, on second thought I think you NEED the TRP. If you give me the SRP seller's number I'll let him down gently to spare you the trouble.
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Old January 2, 2013, 11:25 AM   #20
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Quote:
Both are good guns. Personally, I own a TRP and from experience, I don't know that the Baer is really any "better" than the Springfield.
Agreed. I've had a bunch of custom shop 1911s over the years; I don't know that if you took all the markings off of them, put them in a pile, mixed them up, then pulled them out randomly that you could tell a difference between the TRP and a Wilson/Baer/ect....

Had the TRP out on Monday (pic below) to set off some celebratory New Years fireworks---love that thing




But, I'm sure you'll be happy with the Les Baer.
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Old January 2, 2013, 11:32 AM   #21
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plouffedaddy
One helluva photo sir.

May I ask who or how you took it, equipment, etc? Amazing.

ETA, PITT, speaking of photos... Need photos of your LB
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Old January 2, 2013, 12:16 PM   #22
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Good choice with the Baer, I was the second owner of a Stinger and they didn't care, if it needed fixing they would do it.
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Old January 2, 2013, 12:57 PM   #23
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Quote:
plouffedaddy
One helluva photo sir.

May I ask who or how you took it, equipment, etc? Amazing.

ETA, PITT, speaking of photos... Need photos of your LB
It's actually a screen shot from an upcoming ballistics test (185gr Hornady Critical Defense) I shot for my youtube channel.

The camcorder is a Sony Handycam CX190 shooting in 720p HD.
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Old January 2, 2013, 01:21 PM   #24
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Thanks pdad, good to know.
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Old January 2, 2013, 09:58 PM   #25
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That's a badass pic pdaddy.

Just DROS'ed the SRP. What nice piece of steel. I know the TRP is nice but I didn't spend too much more for the Baer. Very happy. Scratch that off my bucket list.
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