Les Baer 1911 Concept VIII, .45 ACP vs. DAN WESSON V-Bob

[fredeee]

Hey guys. In the market for a high-quality "Commander" sized 1911 in stainless. I've narrowed it down to the Les Baer 1911 Concept VIII, .45 ACP vs. DAN WESSON V-Bob due to their price-point (about $1,750). I've heard great things about both, but if you had to sway a fellow 1911 lover one way or another, please enlighten me.

Thanks!

[Rugerismisticness]

I think the Baer is better made, but the DW is so much more attractive. I would buy the DW

[38 Super Fan]

$1750 is about right on the black Valor, you should easily be able to get a Stainless V-Bob for around $1500. I'm not crazy about Baer's commander sized offerings, nor about the prices on DWs today, considering where they were a few years ago. I'd probably lean towards the DW since we're talking 4.25" guns.

[michael t]

I have a 2007 CBOB and I think its a great pistol So I would say here Dan Wesson But I would really like a Ed Brown I would look at them

[Techsan]

I have also been considering a commander sized 1911 and have looked at the Concept VIII and VBOB. I have an '09 DW CBOB, and by all accounts, the newer line of DW 1911s is improved over their earlier models. I've read that Les Baer doesn't make his commander sized 1911s to original specs, and consequently some slingshot while some don't. No experience with them, so just passing along what I've read.

You can find the VBOB in stainless for $1,450 - $1,500, with the duty coat it's around $1,750. I think the Concept VIII is around $1,750, although I haven't done much price comparison. I've also looked at the Ed Brown Kobra Carry, but $2,400 or so is a lot of moolah for a handgun, nice though it may be. I would do some research and ask some questions on 1911forum, very knowledgeable group of folks over there

[raimius]

Both are very nice handguns. Do yo want the bobtail?

[fredeee]

Read a bunch of reviews on 1911forum.com (thanks for the suggestion) and similar this vs. that comparos between DW and Les Baer. The bobtail is a plus but not 100% necessary, I may use it for CCW, but it'll primary be a range gun. Bottom line is the DW seems to be a few hundred bucks less and they are more available. Thanks for the input all, was very helpful.

[KyJim]

Congrats! Both are excellent pistols and I'm sure you'll love the DW.

[Shane Tuttle]

Originally Posted by Techsan

I've read that Les Baer doesn't make his commander sized 1911s to original specs, and consequently some slingshot while some don't. No experience with them, so just passing along what I've read.

None of his 1911s are built to original specs. He makes his versions with tighter tolerances than your everyday 1911 variant. When I first received it, I eased mine back to battery and it wouldn't slide fully forward. However, it did slingshot just fine into battery. Never has malfunctioned once. That's just how he builds them. He knows how to manufacture firearms from scratch with closer tolerances and still be reliable.

To the OP: I would have voted Les Baer for the mere fact I toured his place and know just how much personal care he and his employees put into his products. When seeing front strap checkering performed by hand and a file, every part being forged, etc. I was sold. I do have to admit his place is a stone's throw away from my house which I like to support local businesses as well. But don't feel regret buying a Dan Wesson. They're no slouch. If you buy this year's model, their frames/slides are now forged. They also use Ed Brown parts in their 1911s and Browns are just as good as Baers in my opinion.

[WVsig]

If you want the Bob and are willing to pay $1800+ for a Duty coated VBOB why not just get a Ed Brown. Really when you get to this level of 1911 its a lot about preference.

[Officer's Match]

I am very fond of the current DW offering in 1911's, but they are not in the same league as Les Baer. Period. But then not much is. You have to experience a properly hard-fit 1911 to truly understand one. And BTW, you won't experience that in an Ed Brown either, and I've had (and loved) a few of those too.

[Shane Tuttle]

Change your mind about the Baers, eh Match? Last I remember you had Ed Brown second and Baer at a distant third on your fav list...

[orionengnr]

I own a Les Baer C VII (alloy frame) and a DW CBOB (mine is a 10mm)...so neither of mine is exactly what you are asking about, but both are close.

My Les Baer would not slingshot when I bought it, but a competent 1911 smith fixed that pretty easily. Sixty dollars took care of it. PM me if you would like details or his contact info.

My DW CBOB had different problems that required a bit more work, time and $$$ to sort out.

Since I bought each used and at a significant discount ($1000-1100), I don't regret either purchase. If I had paid full price for either, I would be seriously pi$$ed off.

I have yet to own an Ed Brown, but I've looked at a bunch of them. If I were going to spend ~$2000 on another 1911, I would be tempted to try one.

[Officer's Match]

Change your mind about the Baers, eh Match? Last I remember you had Ed Brown second and Baer at a distant third on your fav list...

Really? Don't recall that, but yeah, I put LB well ahead of EB.

[BlayGlock]

For the same price the Baer would be my choice hands down better fit and accuracy guarantee of 3 inch @ 50 yards

[NoSecondBest]

I've owned them both. Each one was custom built and both shot very accurate (2-3 inch fifty yards). The Les B. was built to tighter tolerences and the fit and finish was better but as far as function went they were equal. It would be a very difficult decision is I had to choose either one. Do like I did, get them both.

[Smaug]

If not, I'd go with the Baer and support our workforce. Apparently, they are about equal in other ways, in your eyes.

You should decide if you need the bob or not, too. If not, why ruin the lines of the gun like that?

If so, it's also an easy decision. Will it be a carry gun or a range gun? Carry > DW. Range > LB

[claydoctor]

I can find nothing about where DW guns are made. Since CZ is not based in US and the rest of their guns are made overseas are the DW's made here? Any opinions on how they compare to a Kimber ?

[IanS]

After my happy experience with a TRS. Go with the Les Baer. Worth what they cost.

[zombieslayer]

I was in a similar situation. I went with the VBob, and haven't looked back$ the LB I was looking at had forward serrations.
The DW's are made in the US. In New York.
My Vbob is my favorite handgun, and imho the best looking production gun out there.

[buckhorn_cortez]

I can find nothing about where DW guns are made.

The Dan Wesson factory is in Norwich, NY. If you go here, you can see photographs of the facility and some of the employees.

[fredeee]

Thanks again for all the great advice. I went with the Dan Wesson for a few reasons. I was able to handle the full size Valor which was real nice. I got a pretty good deal on the VBOB in stainless, 1st time purchasing a pistol online so we'll see how it goes. In the end it seems either the DW or the Les Baer would have been a fine choice. Like someone suggested, someday maybe I'll have both.

Did a lot of reading, the CZ thing came up a lot. Fact that Dan Wesson's are made in my native NY was a bit of a plus, the pics of the employees huddling around in what looked like a garage was rather amusing. I always had the impression that guns are made in very high-tech, clean, modern facilities. Apparently not. Looked like a wood shop. And I love wood shops.

I'll post impressions/pics of the gun when I get! Slimish pickings out the in the form of videos and pics on the DW. Obviously not as common as Kimbers, Springfields and Colts. Look forward to getting my hands on it. Again, thanks!

[zombieslayer]

I think you'll be happy with your DW. Congrats, and let us know how it shoots.

[Icopy1]

Couldn't go wrong with either choice. Nice situation to be in.