[Mustang1804]

Hello so I’m not sure how to even ask this. My dad just died and He was a huge gun guy. I wanted to buy something nice to remember him by, probably have it engraved. I was looking at Les Baer. I know they are a semi custom company. They seem to have specific models that aren’t really customized by the buyer. However on the auction site ill occasionally see a more affordable Les Baer listed and it often doesn’t have a model name. What confuses me is if it isn’t a specific model does that mean it was probably just custom built? Is that common? Are guns like that worth less? Also my big fear is, is it a common practice to have say a Les Baer slide and then the internals are all RIA or something cheap? Hopefully this question made sense. I apologize I’m still fairly new to 1911s so this may very well be a dumb question. The closest analogy is like the car world where all custom/ and aftermarket parts are generally a bad thing. I don’t know if that’s analogous or not.
I appreciate any help!!

 

[gun_fan111]

I would say that Baer is one of those companies where model actually makes next to zero difference. For two primary reasons:

• Baer does not offer a ton of options like a lot of other semi-custom shops, so their models are all similarly spec’d and similarly priced
• you can call Baer and order a customized pistol to your liking, as long as you stay within that limited set of options, so plenty of pistols out there with same model designation but different set of options

To answer your second question, it is not that common in my personal experience for people to buy a Baer 1911 and then go messing with it with cheap parts. You’ll see plenty on this forum that were sent to a reputable 1911 smith to tune to person’s liking, but that is usually an upgrade.

Look at a lot of Baer pictures for comparison. If the one you want has OEM hammer and slide stop and grip safety and thumb safety - should be a low chance it was messed with inside…

 

[Mustang1804]

Ok that makes sense. I appreciate the thoughtful response. I guess I was thinking maybe someone would have a cheaply made 1911 and then maybe order a Baer slide or something? I suppose though you can generally see the frame as well and if both are Baer it’s probably unlikely the rest would be junk as you said.

 

[gun_fan111]

Looking for one with box and papers helps and they always answered an email or phone question for me to confirm if the gun is a full build.

 

[flechero]

My dad just died and He was a huge gun guy. I wanted to buy something nice to remember him by, probably have it engraved.

Is it possible/likely that you will inherit one or more of his guns to remember him by? I think that would be best option if possible.

 

[Rocket3]

Very sorry for your loss Mustang!

You might consider buying new, I've used this guy a couple times: 1911 Heaven, Les Baer Firearms (cj1911heaven.com) and send it to someone else for exterior work.
If you want it true custom Baer might not be the best source.

 

[Crab Boy]

Les bear has a "Presentation Grade" 1911 that is the top of the line has the fancy engraving, box and can have a name also engraved on it. But it's about $9,500. And for that you can probably have anything you want on it. Check out the catalog. And give LB or 1911 Heaven a call.

 

[Crab Boy]

You might just want to give Nighthawk Custom a call. If you're going to spent big $$$$ anyway Ask for Jim Reeves. He was very helpful to me on some issues.

 

[drail]

You should probably just buy a nice Colt. Les Baer is not what you think it is. The term "full build" would just make Les laugh.

 

[L. Boscoe]

Very sorry for your loss Mustang!

You might consider buying new, I've used this guy a couple times: 1911 Heaven, Les Baer Firearms (cj1911heaven.com) and send it to someone else for exterior work.
If you want it true custom Baer might not be the best source.

I have a LB from 1911heaven and one from LB himself. They are the same in every respect. I am not sure what the source of 1911heaven's guns are, perhaps orders somebody backed out on from
LB, but all the LB's will have a marking on their parts, each identical in number per pistol. Having shot both of these, I would think it highly unlikely somebody would even try substandard parts-they are so tightly built, you must remove the bushing and recoil spring to be able to get the slide stop
pin out of the damn slide-not a requirement on lesser pistols

 

[gun_fan111]

I have a LB from 1911heaven and one from LB himself. They are the same in every respect. I am not sure what the source of 1911heaven's guns are, perhaps orders somebody backed out on from
LB, but all the LB's will have a marking on their parts, each identical in number per pistol. Having shot both of these, I would think it highly unlikely somebody would even try substandard parts-they are so tightly built, you must remove the bushing and recoil spring to be able to get the slide stop
pin out of the damn slide-not a requirement on lesser pistols

Baer does not sell guns directly, are you saying you bought one from Les himself?

John at 1911heaven probably sold more LB pistols than any other official dealer in Les Baer history… he usually has some desirable variants in stock and my first LB came from him (P2 with 1.5” guarantee and no front serrations)

View attachment 673828

 

[best.45]

sorry to hear of your fathers passing. i also ordered a pistol to remember my father. john at 1911 heaven is going to be a good choice for finding a new pistol, and his prices are such that you may be able to get what you want for close to used price. he's been around for awhile. he also handles custom orders. as crab boy mentioned nighhawk also makes 1911's that are much higher quality for finish, and i my opinion, fit. its the company i choose for my dad's memorial pistol. that said get whatever will make the pistol special to you! ps your question is NOT dumb.

 

[Mustang1804]

Is it possible/likely that you will inherit one or more of his guns to remember him by? I think that would be best option if possible.

Yeah that was my hope. He has a hunting g rifle that I was supposed to get. Unfortunately his brother snuck in and got every last one. Rather then fight him on it I just decided to find something that he would have liked.

 

[Mustang1804]

sorry to hear of your fathers passing. i also ordered a pistol to remember my father. john at 1911 heaven is going to be a good choice for finding a new pistol, and his prices are such that you may be able to get what you want for close to used price. he's been around for awhile. he also handles custom orders. as crab boy mentioned nighhawk also makes 1911's that are much higher quality for finish, and i my opinion, fit. its the company i choose for my dad's memorial pistol. that said get whatever will make the pistol special to you! ps your question is NOT d.

Thank You! I really appreciate the recommendation! It’s also nice to hear that someone else had a similar idea. I wasn’t sure at first if it made sense but I’ve been warming up to the idea. I will definitely check out 1911 Heaven right now.

 

[Mustang1804]

Very sorry for your loss Mustang!

You might consider buying new, I've used this guy a couple times: 1911 Heaven, Les Baer Firearms (cj1911heaven.com) and send it to someone else for exterior work.
If you want it true custom Baer might not be the best source.

Thank you! I appreciate that. It sounds like he is highly recommended. I’m definitely going to look into it. I’m definitely not 100% on it needing to be a Baer I should say. My thought was mostly that they are more affordable as far as semi custom 1911s. Not to say they are affordable lol.

 

[L. Boscoe]

Baer does not sell guns directly, are you saying you bought one from Les himself?

John at 1911heaven probably sold more LB pistols than any other official dealer in Les Baer history… he usually has some desirable variants in stock and my first LB came from him (P2 with 1.5” guarantee and no front serrations)

View attachment 673828

No, I didn't get it personally from Les, I had my dealer/gunsmith order it from him. took forever.

 

[azguy1911]

Yeah that was my hope. He has a hunting g rifle that I was supposed to get. Unfortunately his brother snuck in and got every last one. Rather then fight him on it I just decided to find something that he would have liked.

If you were suppose to get a rifle get it, or you'll regret it.