[Optic89]

I’m looking to buy my one and only 1911 and there is this one at the used counter. The guy said its a special one. Can you tell me anything about this one? I’m stuck between buying a Kember and getting this Les Bear. I’m highly interested in this one but I’m afraid of buying it and something being wrong with it.

 

[FDM1]

What is it he is telling you is special about it aside from the slide and the frame? Looks like someone used a LB frame as a base.

 

[azguy1911]

A Colt slide on a Baer frame, ok. The price is great if the gun runs/functions

 

[cglhawk260]

The big unknown is who built the firearm and is there a parts list? I would pass on this one.

 

[whig]

I agree that there must have been some problem with the original LB to strip the slide off and replace it. Question the internal also. Keep looking. I'd look at Wilson Combat if you want reliability and quality. None better. Price reflects that!

 

[sechott]

Although interesting; I’d pass on the Baer/Colt, unless there is documentation on who built it. I’m not a Kimber fan, but I see it as the better choice.

 

[ratwhacker]

I agree that there must have been some problem with the original LB to strip the slide off and replace it. Question the internal also. Keep looking. I'd look at Wilson Combat if you want reliability and quality. None better. Price reflects that!

Not necessarily, Les sold (sells now?) his frames and slides on their own hook, for build bases, you could get them from Brownell's. If it's a build based on one of Les' frames, the Colt slide wouldn't mean a thing, really, it was just another part being used in the build. It does NOT mean there was anything wrong, nor did anyone strip off a slide from a Baer whole gun.
Based on the photos here, it looks like one helluva nicely built pistol, and that's a bargain price, if it works as well as it looks.

 

[PA shooter]

Even Ed Brown used to use Baer frames for his builds.

 

[Jim Watson]

Yeah, but Colt didn't.

As Is no warranty? Nope.

 

[Rye_Tyler]

For your one and only, go for it.. You’ll end up with a custom 1911 set up how YOU want it.
Run a couple mags through and have a competent gunsmith go through it.

I’ve never understood the mentality of running an off the shelf firearm for self defense. Even the best companies make a lemon. Everything you stake your life on should be gone over by a competent smith and ready to go.

 

[4barrel]

Looks great to me. If the rest looks like the photo it should be a real hole puncher. Love the sights. It won't last long if a shooter sees it.

 

[Reinz]

Sorry, but for $1250 I would not assume anything without proper information. Could be a dud, a winner, or in between.

Save up a few more bucks to get something like a Dan Wesson or complete Baer or similar.

 

[Gil P.]

Sorry, but for $1250 I would not assume anything without proper information. Could be a dud, a winner, or in between.

Save up a few more bucks to get something like a Dan Wesson or complete Baer or similar.

It's an expensive gamble for sure. The pistol looks good and has what appear to be quality components. But then it's a mystery as to who put it together. If I wasn't confident it was well fitted, I'd save for a Les Baer.

 

[Gil P.]

I’m looking to buy my one and only 1911 and there is this one at the used counter. The guy said its a special one. Can you tell me anything about this one? I’m stuck between buying a Kember and getting this Les Bear. I’m highly interested in this one but I’m afraid of buying it and something being wrong with it. View attachment 658435
View attachment 658434
View attachment 658433

Kimber vs Les Baer? Get the Baer, but maybe not this one. If you're considering pistols between those two brands, it's an easy choice.

 

[HD1911]

Doesn’t anyone else notice the front serrations dont match the rear? Looks like a Frankenstein to me……pass
If you intend on buying only one, your intentions will be short lived my friend…lol
You can get a great used, non frank’ for the same bucks. Look at my thread on the Dan Wesson from a few days ago…..”great deal 14 hours left”

 

[DubfromGa]

No sir.


I'd sidestep that one....unless it was from a reputable smith that used quality internals.

Who knows what internals were used, or how they were fit, or how it is set up ?

No interest.


I avoid Kimber anything....personal reasons but they'll NEVER get another dime from me.


You want a "first" and "one and only" 1911.......save and invest in a high quality gun from a high quality manufacturer. It'll run well....or they will stand behind it and get it running well.

Forged fame, forged slide, high quality internals.....no junk. Well fit in all regards....will better ensure reliability, accuracy and longevity.

Buying something that is cobbled together by a hack and it will only end in frustration.

 

[Jpchiesa]

There are a lot of "experts" pontificating on this gun that really have me scratching my head. This gun is obviously a "Total" custom build. Let's look at, as Sergeant Friday would say.. 'Just the facts'. The Baer lower is just that... the frame only. The grip safety as well as the ambi safety are not Baer. The grip safety is an Ed Brown memory groove that was well fitted to the frame and the ambi safety is a S&A/Brown type that is much better than the Baer ambi (the Baer has a downward "hooked" tip that will dig into your knuckle). Those are both excellent modifications and look properly installed. The hammer and trigger appear to be Commander style and I'd bet if you dry fire it you will be impressed on how good it is. I'd be surprised if it wasn't given the quality and detail given in the installation of the other parts, like the checkering on the front strap which looks like 20 lpi and I'd bet feels and looks quite good. Again custom done, not standard on a Colt frame
Now the upper. It has a Bomar custom mounted adjustable rear sight. There is no better sight on the market and it allows both windage and elevation. The ejection port is not a standard Colt and obviously has been scalloped by a competent gunsmith. An excellent modification to insure reliability. The front sight is a custom dovetailed one that is not standard on a Colt 1911 frame. Again a custom and superior modification. There is a custom installed full length guide rod. Not standard on a Colt upper. The front serrations are a custom mod and yes do not match the rear but many shooters feel that style of cut gives you better purchase on the slide and no do not make the pistol a "Franken gun" but a "Custom one". And the commenter that said that wouldn't know a custom gun if it a.d.'ed him on the ass. I cannot comment on things like trigger pull, the slide/frame fit or if the barrel is custom fitted and modified given the limited images, but I bet you'd find out they have been done as well.
This type of parts build would usually cost you about 3 thousand dollars.... minimum! I'd bet a subtle inquiry as to why it's being sold at this low price is because of reasons like "reducing inventory." "Hard times" "inherited it"
Not that it's a piece of junk. For the price you'd be crazy to pass this up. No comparison!

 

[redeemed]

For your one and only, go for it.. You’ll end up with a custom 1911 set up how YOU want it.
Run a couple mags through and have a competent gunsmith go through it.

I’ve never understood the mentality of running an off the shelf firearm for self defense. Even the best companies make a lemon. Everything you stake your life on should be gone over by a competent smith and ready to go.

Or you could shoot the off the shelf gun a lot and determine yourself if it’s ready to go. No gunsmith required most of the time.

 

[Rye_Tyler]

Not very many actually do that..

 

[jar]

Not very many actually do that..

Most Fudds do.