Baer vs DW, bore axis / high grip

[Vno.Helix]

On the verge of ordering a new 1911 with a $2000 budget. Not having an opportunity to try them nor hold them prior to ordering, I had to research on the web to get as "knowledgeable" as possible and this forum has been of incredible value to my "research. The 2 finalist are the bear UTC and DW Valor (black), and for the record, having both is unfortunately not an option. Understanding the different personalities of both guns, hard fit old style craftsmanship vs new and modern machining, etc, etc, I have come to the conclusion that either one would make me very happy.

There where however several questions unanswered not allowing me to make a final decision.

First question: how do I get a 2 dot rear sight on a Baer UTC. This question got answered by finding "harrison customs" website and their offering for a rear replacement sight, therefor bringing the Baer back in the race. (straight eight sights are a MUST, personal preference, what can I say..)

Last and final question that will be the decision factor: Which of the 2 rides lower in the hand? So far I have been unable to find enough information to support a solid "web based" opinion.

I am posting this questions on both (DW & Baer) forums and deeply hope someone with experience on both frames can help me and tell me which one has a lower bore axis due to beavertail radius/design and or in combination with undercut trigger guard.

Thank you kindly for sharing your knowledge, you guys are awesome!

[skosh69]

Originally Posted by Vno.Helix

I am posting this questions on both (DW & Baer) forums

Double posting the same question in different sub-forums is a sure fire way to draw the attention of the MODS and having one of them deleted.

Good luck deciding which gun to get, either of them will be a fine choice!

[asiparks]

My Baer has a higher undercut where the trigger meets the frontstrap, my Valor feels higher cut under the grip safety. I would have a hard time saying that one sat lower in my hand than the other.
If it's controllability under recoil you're worried about, the more aggressive checkering on the DW's frontstrap probably makes more of a difference to me.
Changing the firing pin stop to one with a different profile might make a bigger difference too.

[Jba999]

I saw your DW and am curious about the grips. I just bought a black valor and may want to change grips. Thanks.

[bellsguns]

Best feeling in my hand are Dan Wesson,Les Baer and Colt.
Cant go wrong with Baer or Wesson.
Good luck!

[Redlegvzv]

FWIW I have a Colt Gold Cup Series 70 (still 98% condition) and two Dan Wesson PM7-45s. I never thought I would say this, but the DWs outshoot, outlook, and out-feature the Colt Gold Cup. Love my Dans!

[rbert0005]

Get the Baer

Bob

[Redlegvzv]

I'll take Dan Wesson's precision digital machining over hand-fitting any day. I loved my PM7-45 so much I bought a second one.

Nothing wrong with the Baer but a Dan Wesson fires reliably and precisely right out of the box, from the very first round. That is 21st Century manufacturing versus 19th Century hand-fitting which is expensive but at the end of the day less desirable IMNSHO.

[asiparks]

Originally Posted by rbert0005

Get the Baer

Bob

Why ?

Having shot many rounds through both I'd say get the DW.
This is subjective, but I prefer the frontstrap checkering of the DW, the sights, the ledge slide stop, the high level of machine mark free finish, the precise, not too tight fit and, why not, the looks. It's accurate and reliable and, given the apparent quality of parts used, built to last. ( I put 18k through my CBOB over 3 years without issue)
I ilke my Baer a lot, but I can't think of a single area where it trumps the DW.

[alvinSF49]

asiparks can you tell us a little more about the finish on you're Valor? It's quite nice!

[asiparks]

Originally Posted by alvinSF49

asiparks can you tell us a little more about the finish on you're Valor? It's quite nice!

it's IonBond over polished flats with matte rounds. I can't take the credit, the prior owner did it.

[La Grenouille]

Don't get me wrong, there are some great looking Baers out there, but there's just something about them (asethetically) that I don't like.

[Sarge43]

Duplicate thread in two sub forums. Plenty of good answers in both. This one closed.
Sarge