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Kimber Warrior or Les Baer Custom Carry??

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CTSA1911

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I'm really leaning towards the Kimber Warrior. I think it's a nice looking pistol, I like that it's a copy of the MEUSOC pistol, and I don't have a 1911 with a light rail.

However, I've never owned a Les Baer and the Custom Carry in stainless is a pretty looking pistol with a good reputation.

What do you guys think? Is the Warrior a good pistol? Would I be stupid to choose the Warrior over the Les Baer. Yes, the Baer is more expensive, but not by a whole lot.
 
#3 · (Edited)
Both have solid names. :cool:

I've seen the Warrior and it has run fine and shot well in the hands of the two guys I know who own them here. I have not seen the Les Baer but that is one fine looking gun with a solid reputation.

Does either one really grab you?

Good luck and good shooting. :rock:
 
#4 ·
I don't know that the two are really competitors.

If you buy the Les Baer, will you cease to think about acquiring a light-railed 1911 like the Warrior (and I don't just mean stop thinking about it until you get the cash together, I mean permanently)? I have not heard bad things about either gun, but to me, light railed 1911s are in a different category than non-railed 1911s- more of a home defense niche than a carry gun (don't beat me up on this one, it's just how my brain categorizes them).

T'were the choice mine, I would go with a light railed 1911, but that's because I have a carry 1911, and don't have a railed one. I don't need another 5" carry 1911, and really don't have that desire.

But it's up to you: are you buying the gun to fill an unfulfilled niche, or are you interested in just expanding the stable of 1911s? If filling a niche, then it's the Warrior. If expanding the stable, good luck- it's a hard call.
 
Discussion starter · #5 ·
Some great advice here guys, thank you!

I'm more interested in expanding the stable of 1911s. My Wilson CQB is really my go-to carry gun, so while another 1911 may get carried around somewhat, it's not going to replace the Wilson in that role. The fact that I don't have a light-railed 1911 just helped me to justify the Kimber a bit more :dope: . Although I don't own a light to put on that rail either :rolleyes: . But that's easily rectified.

At this point I've been leaning towards the Warrior and will probably go that route and get a Streamlight TLR-1 for it. But the Les Baer really grabs me as well.

I probably will carry the Kimber a bit, but without the light. I tend to agree with the sentiment that light-railed 1911s are generally not carry guns if only because of the need for a whole 'nuther holster.
 
#8 ·
While both are wonderful handguns, you could have the Kimber AND the light for what you'd spend on a stainless Les Baer. Good luck with your decision.
 
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#9 ·
I don't see the point in having a light-rail, so am more than a bit biased in that regard. I do have a Kimber TLE and a Les Baer P2, and will say that they are both good pistols. If you are willing to spend the money, the LB offers fit and finish far beyond the Kimber. The workmanship and time spent by the craftsman at Les Baer is obvious from first glance, and the more you shoot it, the more you will appreciate it.

Whelen
 
#11 ·
The Les Baer's are nice- really nice. I was looking at a premier II before I bought.....a kimber warrior. Considering I'm a terrible shot- having a semi-custom gun like a les baer/brown/wilson etc would be like having a porsche and not being able to drive stick. :rofl: I'm going to save the extra $$$ for more time at the range and maybe some nice leather.
 
Discussion starter · #13 ·
Is there no love for the Kimber???

The Baer is about $700 more, but I figure, in for a penny, in for a pound. But $700 is several thousand more rounds of .45 for me.

But I'd rather get a good pistol first and worry about cost second.
 
#14 ·
CTSA1911 said:
Is there no love for the Kimber???

The Baer is about $700 more, but I figure, in for a penny, in for a pound. But $700 is several thousand more rounds of .45 for me.

But I'd rather get a good pistol first and worry about cost second.
Click to expand...
I have love for the kimber and colts and springfields and all the peasants in the "production 1911" class . If I had 2K - I would still buy the Warrior and use the remaining $$ for something else.
 
#16 ·
My Desert Warrior is an excellent pistol. Very accurate, very reliable. I like the light rail because I do use it for my primary home defense handgun, as well as for a holster gun when hunting, etc. I've been very happy with it as far as value for the money -- I paid $1035 NIB.

That being said, the Baer is a true custom shop weapon, and is probably a cut above. From what I've seen you'll probably pay about $600 more in street price for the Custom Carry. Not quite as much as a Wilson or Ed Brown, but still a good chunk o' change.

I do believe that you tend to get what you pay for, so the question is, what are you out to achieve with your purchase? For me, at this particular time, it made more sense for me to buy two Kimbers, the Desert Warrior and an Ultra CDP II (my primary concealed carry piece) than a single custom shop 1911. There may come a time down the road when I'm in a position to get that $3000 Wilson, just like I might trade my Honda Insight for an S2000 one day.

Frankly, based on my experience, I can't see you being unhappy with either purchase, as long as you're getting what best suits your needs -- and, let's face it, has the most emotional appeal, as well. Keep us posted on how your choice turns out.
 
Discussion starter · #17 ·
I'm loving the feedback I'm getting, but you guys are making it real hard to decide :) . I was stuck on the Warrior and then the Les Baer kind of caught my eye. I can get either, but it will probably will be a while before I get another firearm, so I want to make the "right" decision.

For me, there's no real "need" I have to fill, so it's going to be purely an emotional thing.

The Baer would certainly be another nice pistol in my stable, but I wonder if it would provide any real utility over my CQB. The Kimber at least allows me a light rail, although I'm not so convinced I really need one. The Kimber I like just because of the MEUSOC thing and it looks so purty :dope: . But the Baer I like because of all the great feedback I'm getting and how it's such a good pistol. But like I said, I wonder if I'd get more enjoyment over the Kimber because it's slightly different (since I already own a high-end 1911)?

This is going to be a tough decision. I really do appreciate all this great feedback though!
 
#18 ·
Take a look at the Warrior pictures at the link in my sig, with factory and rosewood grips, with and without light attached. There's also some range photies. This might help you to be even more confused!
 
Discussion starter · #19 ·
rodc13 said:
Take a look at the Warrior pictures at the link in my sig, with factory and rosewood grips, with and without light attached. There's also some range photies. This might help you to be even more confused!
Click to expand...
Yeah, I saw those :) . Believe me -- I honed in on those right away!

How do you like the grips it came with? Which set do you currently use? How are the "stock" grips for IWB carry?
 
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