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Thread: New 1911?

  1. #1
    Boolit Master
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    New 1911?

    I am wanting to get myself a new 1911, have had a few Colts but would like a nicer from the factory pistol. I have seen the Dan Wesson Valor and it looks nice. Am also looking at Les Baer. Does anyone have experience with these two? The Les Baer is a little more money but not a deal killer amount. Anyone with knowledge on these two brands please chime in.
    Thanks

  2. #2
    Boolit Buddy
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    Good morning,
    I have had several different 45ACP's. I used a Clark long slide that was very well worked over and used for the 50 yard line. I have also used several, including, Norinco, RAI and lately a Remington with the threaded barrel. All do the job.
    A couple of the guys love SIG and another has a Smith PC.
    I am sure a couple of others will comment on this. Remember every possible piece, part, and design of the 1911, has been refined for over 100 years!
    My advice is buy what you perceive as the best and you can afford. I haven't been disappointed when using those parameters for lots of purchases.
    Have an awesome weekend

  3. #3
    Boolit Grand Master

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    I have several kimbers that are good also. Clark has been building 1911 for many years for Bullseye, ipsic and other disiplines. Les Baers have a good reputation also. There are many upper end builders out there that do very good work. Another route is to buy a decent one and have it tuned by a specializing smith, kind of a pain due to the wait times most of these gentleman have. But you can get exactly what you want this way.

  4. #4
    Boolit Master

    Hickok's Avatar
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    I also have a Kimber, and it has been an outstanding and accurate pistol right out of the box.
    Maker of Silver Boolits for Werewolf hunting

  5. #5
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    I have both. Which one to adopt depends on what you expect of it. The DW is perhaps the best assembled production 1911 I own. The LB is reliable and very accurate. My LB guns are more accurate than any other 1911 I have bought although a couple of them have so much barrel/bushing tension that they are all but impossible for me to rack the slide on. No bad choices with either one but in the end, a DW is not a LB but it's a very well made gun. All the parts on a DW seem to be fit up as close as possible without being too snug. I can take my DW apart without any tools, none of the LB's can be taken down without a bushing wrench.
    Feminine protection by Smith & Wesson

  6. #6
    Boolit Grand Master Char-Gar's Avatar
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    I have two Colts and a Ruger and see no need or purpose in buying another, particularly one that costs lots and lots of money. I had a pair of Norincos that worked just fine, but I have given them away to friends and family.

    I am set for life, with 45 Automatics!!!!!
    Disclaimer: The above is not holy writ. It is just my opinion based on my experience and knowledge. Your mileage may vary.

  7. #7
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    Ed Brown
    That is the direction I would go
    http://www.edbrown.com

  8. #8
    Boolit Master

    Plate plinker's Avatar
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    For that amount of money check out Guncrafter Industries. Alex really knows his stuff.

  9. #9
    Boolit Master




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    I have two 2007 Dan Wesson 10mm 1911 pistols. They are fantastic. I know there are a couple of people over at the 1911 forum that aren't particularly happy about the LB pistols and the customer service.

    If ya would like to shoot one or both of my DW pistols just let me know. One is a CBOB and the other is a PM7-10. I've also got a very early Sig GSR, and a couple of nice Springfields, including a half rail TRP, a couple of S&W 1911s and a stable of Colts. 13 1911 pistols in all.
    Semper Fi!


    Currently casting for .223, .308, .30-06, .30-40 Krag, 9mm, .38/.357, 10mm, 44 Mag and 45 ACP.

    I like strange looking boolits!

    NRA Patriot Life Endowment member.

  10. #10
    Boolit Master
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    You really won't go wrong with either a Dan Wesson or a Les Baer. I'd choose the Baer over the Wesson, but that is just a personal choice for me. I like Les Baer guns and if you hunt around long enough you can find good deals on new ones. Check out 1911 Heaven for your Les Baer needs.

  11. #11
    Boolit Master


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    I have had the stainless Dan Wesson Valor for a while now and it shocks me how accurate it is. I will never be without it and plan to get several more.

  12. #12
    Boolit Grand Master

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    Dan Wesson is my current go to for best production gun. Some hand fitting and no MIM. My specialist is more accurate than I am. My next will likely be a Duty Coat Valor.

    Les Baer also makes good stuff.

    I don't think you'll be disappointed either way. Get which one is more pleasing to the eye.

  13. #13
    Boolit Master
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    I have owned just about every production 1911 imaginable. I will always love Colt firearms, but I wish I would have dropped the coin on a Les Baer years ago.

    I have not shot a Wilson or Brown semi-custom, but I can tell you through extensive shooting and experimentation, the Les Baer is a masterpiece of a firearm. If I don't shoot one hole groups, it is my fault. I have never felt that way with any other 1911. I always wondered if it was the gun or me.

    I feel Dan Wesson makes a very nice 1911, but if you are looking for master class hand fitting and durability for a lifetime--I strongly suggest the Baer. Also, there are some pretty good deals on second hand Baer pistols right now.

    If you would like, PM me and I will give you my phone number to talk out the pro's and con's (cant really find any con"s) of Les Baer. There are a few very good videos on Youtube of Les Baer Factory tours. I think they really give an honest feel of Baer's business model and level of commitment in creating a fine heirloom of a 1911.

  14. #14
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    In the years that I have been throating barrels for use with .452" cast boolits, I have been sent every maker's barrels EXCEPT Les Baer. Out of hundreds that have been through my shop, the Kimbers are no better than any of the others when it comes to cutting a proper throat. I have seen good examples of all the maker's work and some iffy examples of all the maker's work. Except Les Baer. That would tell me that they don't need throat work because they are sufficiently throated at the factory with proper freebore, which is something I cannot say for any other maker.
    Got a .22 .30 .32 .357 .38 .40 .41 .44 .45 .480 or .500 S&W cylinder that needs throats honed? 9mm, 10mm/40S&W, 45 ACP pistol barrel that won't "plunk" your handloads? 480 Ruger or 475 Linebaugh cylinder that needs the "step" reamed to 6° 30min chamfer? Click here to send me a PM You can also find me on Facebook Click Here.

  15. #15
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    buckwheatpaul's Avatar
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    Like country gent and Hickock .... I am a Kimber person....have a Series 70 Colt as well.....Like 'em all......
    When guns are outlawed only criminals and the government will have them and at that time I will see very little difference in either!

    "Within the covers of the Bible are the answers for all the problems man faces." President Ronald Reagan

    "We must reject the idea that every time a law's broken, society is guilty rather than the law breaker. It is time to restore the American precept that each individual is acoutable for his actions." Presdent Ronald Reagan

  16. #16
    Boolit Master waco's Avatar
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    I bought my Kimber about 18 years ago. Only 1911 I've ever owned.
    I do love it though. Attachment 198443
    The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
    Proverbs 1:7

  17. #17
    Boolit Buddy
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    Like Char Gar, I have all the 1911s I need and see no purpose to spend the bucks for another, that don't mean I wouldn't do it.

  18. #18
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    Ive never owned one but my buddy has one and like it a lot and he shoots more then anyone I know.

  19. #19
    Boolit Master




    TexasGrunt's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by salvadore View Post
    Like Char Gar, I have all the 1911s I need and see no purpose to spend the bucks for another, that don't mean I wouldn't do it.
    Blasphemer, heretic, you must recant those words or be burned at the stake!

    One can NEVER have "enough" 1911s.
    Semper Fi!


    Currently casting for .223, .308, .30-06, .30-40 Krag, 9mm, .38/.357, 10mm, 44 Mag and 45 ACP.

    I like strange looking boolits!

    NRA Patriot Life Endowment member.

  20. #20
    Boolit Master
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    Sheeoot, my local Gander Mountain has Kimber Custom II pistols for $670.00. I almost bought one out of principle.

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