Gun Pricing Question

EisenHulk · 12-31-08, 06:50

Hey, guys. I know there are some pretty serious gun collectors on here, so I wanted to get an opinion.

I found a Les Baer 1911 Premier II 6" .45 yesterday for what seems like a great deal. It's used, but the owner of the shop knows the guy who originally bought the gun. He said it's had less than a box of ammo through it and by the looks of it, he can't be lying. He's pricing it at $1450, which is much cheaper than anything I can find online.

Thoughts? Opinions? Any of you owned this gun or any other Les Baer's?

Thanks.

Accumulator · 12-31-08, 08:21

EisenHulk- I'm the last guy to ask regarding what anything oughta cost but..

Les Baer makes good 1911s, very good. But a 6" oughta sell *cheaper* than a regular/short length as it's much more of a target gun as opposed to the sort of application most people choose a 1911 for (the longslide in The Terminator notwithstanding

).

Wonder what recoil springs it takes, what holsters it'll fit in, what loads work the most reliably

That extra inch makes for a nicer range experience in a number of ways, but I'd *really* think long and hard about it. I know that *I* would greatly prefer a 5", which IME just works out the best overall.

That does sound like a nice price, but I'd pass because of the barrel length.

Setec Astronomy · 12-31-08, 08:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Accumulator

But a 6" oughta sell *cheaper* than a regular/short length as it's much more of a target gun as opposed to the sort of application most people choose a 1911 for (the longslide in The Terminator notwithstanding

).
I know that *I* would greatly prefer a 5", which IME just works out the best overall.

Yeah, but I prefer a phased plasma rifle in a 40-watt range....

EisenHulk · 01-02-09, 07:22

Thanks for the input, guys. I really appreciate it.

themightytimmah · 01-02-09, 07:57

Yeah, I think Accumulator hit it on the head with the barrel length issue. Are you looking for a 1911 for target use or carry use?

I'm looking to pick up one right now to keep in the car/carry on occasion, and I'm really leaning towards the 4" slide/barrel models.

wfedwar · 01-02-09, 08:11

About the only thing you gain with a longer barrel is longer sight plane, and that only matters if you're into target shooting. With all my handguns, a 4-4.5" barrel seems right to me. You may prefer the nose-heavy feel of the longer slide, though. My 0.02.

EisenHulk · 01-02-09, 08:14

I'm actually looking at a 1911 for both uses. It really isn't that bad (The extra 1"). Les Baer told me that it adds an extra 40fps on the muzzle velocity and the added weight helps you get back on the sights faster.

I just think at this price, it's almost too good to pass up. I could buy it, and in theory turn around and sell it, and make a couple hundred bucks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by themightytimmah

Yeah, I think Accumulator hit it on the head with the barrel length issue. Are you looking for a 1911 for target use or carry use?

I'm looking to pick up one right now to keep in the car/carry on occasion, and I'm really leaning towards the 4" slide/barrel models.

EisenHulk · 01-02-09, 08:16

Well said, man.

Quote:

Originally Posted by wfedwar

About the only thing you gain with a longer barrel is longer sight plane, and that only matters if you're into target shooting. With all my handguns, a 4-4.5" barrel seems right to me. You may prefer the nose-heavy feel of the longer slide, though. My 0.02.

Accumulator · 01-02-09, 08:58

Setec Astronomy- Heh heh, yeah, that quip did fit right in there

themightytimmah- Spend some time with a short gun before you buy, it might be a bit, uhm...snappier than you like, or it might be perfect for you. Gotta admit I don't like shooting commander-size ones, let alone the little jobs.

wfedwar & Einsenhulk- I *do* sorta prefer the nose-heavy balance of a longslide for deliberate range work, seems to pair well with an arched mainspring housing (instead of the flat ones everybody seems to like these days). And yeah, it does come back down a little quicker/easier and it's sorta a slower push recoil-wise.

But I'm too used to the 5" and I just don't index a longer *or a shorter* 1911 quite as well. Hey, just me.

I dunno about the quick-flip-for-profit, if it were *that* great a deal somebody else woulda already bought it.

Hey, I sound *so* negative, but I've been known to buy something and have the barrel swapped to something shorter/longer. Not nearly as big a job with a 1911 as it is with a revolver (but I wouldn't DIY it).

Does it have a guide rod setup or a conventional barrel bushing?
What sights are on it?

JDookie · 01-02-09, 09:03

It seems that trying to compare prices from one Les Baer gun to another isn't a very good way to shop. I looked around and found several Les Baer Premier II's for sale, both used and new but they are all different prices because they are all different guns. Certainly, different finishes, sights, machining, and even internal hardware can change the price drastically.

I see that there is even a "1.5 inch" version offered, which is "guaranteed to shoot 1.5" groups, or better, at 50 yards". I have no idea what makes these guns any different than the ones without this guarantee but they are, in fact, more expensive.

Anyway, all I'm saying is, before you buy, do your research and learn about every aspect of this gun. You may find that you prefer certain features over other, and that's more important than saving 100 bucks here or there, especially when you're dropping $1400+ on a gun.

All of this being said, I've met Les Baer and he is extremely knowledgeable, and makes a very fine gun, but when I was shopping for a target 1911, I ended up with a Springfield Armory TGO II Legend Series, which was designed by Rob Leatham. I absolutely love this gun, and am extremely accurate with it at any distance.

Just do your shopping and don't jump into anything feet first.

Exelero · 01-02-09, 09:22

I have a custom carry and a recon from them not a bad pistol.i have shot the 5" an 6" premier really did not like them. the 6" had a little more punch than the 5" which i thought was odd.but all in all way to high of price for what your wanting to get.

AnthB · 01-03-09, 09:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Setec Astronomy

Yeah, but I prefer a phased plasma rifle in a 40-watt range....

Hey, just what ya see pal!