Re: Wilson or Les Baer 1911?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: NY700</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Graham, having shot both wilson and baer, if you had to put down your money now which way would you go, or would you go with a different maker? </div></div>NY700, that's a good question. Of course, the answer always is that it depends on what you want to do with it.
Both are accurate. Both are reliable. Both will stand-up to a lifetime of use. Both make good competition guns and/or carry guns, provided that they are set-up right for the task. Both are quality enough to help you improve your skills over the long haul without being bogged-down by faulty equipment.
But, like quality barrel makers, there are also many good quality bench-made custom pistol makers out there, so Wilson and Baer are not the only ones to consider.
Between the two of them, if I could get close to dealer cost on a Baer I would get the 1.5" guarantee Baer. Keep in mind that Les tells me that the difference on the 1.5" guarantee guns is in the barrel choice, not the tightness of the lockup. I believe him (on that one). Then, hopefully, when you get it, the Baer won't shoot 2" to the left of where the sights are pointed and the finish will be good. If not, be prepared to just keep sending it back until you are satisfied. In my experience Les will bitch about it, but if there's a problem he'll fix it.
That said, I think right now, as opposed to before the beginning of the last decade, your chances are better at getting a more polished piece of work from Wilson. They really are nice pieces of work. But his prices are way, way up there now. You will pay a premium for the name and have no more accurate a gun.
I like the Les Baers from the mid-to-late 90's, and I like Bill's work that he did himself in the early to mid 80's.
Anyone know what frames Wilson is using now? That might or might not enter into my decision as well.