Which to purchase Kimber or Les Baer

[IFRPilot]

I am looking to purchase a custom 1911 pistol and am seriously looking at the Les Baer Concept 5 or the Kimber Team Match or Grand Raptor. Any thoughts about any of these models or manufacturer? What do you like/dislike?

I am going to post this in the Les Baer Forum also...

Thanks,
Rob

[Kruzr]

You're trying to compare apples and oranges. Baer's are hand made from oversize frames, slides, and barrels. Every part is hand fit and has the gun's serial number on it.

Kimbers are, IMO, the best mass produced 1911 out there but they aren't in the same league as a Baer.

If you are thinking of spending over $1500, I'd go for the Baer.

[Christian James]

I just got my first 1911, a Kimber Custom II. I haven't shot it yet, but all indications are that it is a good firearm. That said, if I had to choose between your two choices I would pick the Les Baer. The Baer is all steel, while the Kimber uses some MIM parts. I'm not anti-MIM like some 1911 aficionados, but I prefer steel. Steel lasts longer.

I don't know about Baer's warranty, but folks say that Kimber offers a de facto lifetime warranty on their pistols.

I want to get a Baer someday and am eyeing the Concept II. I still have to pick up a couple more pieces for my HD battery before I can consider another 1911. I can't really justify another 1911 until I pick up a shottie and either an SKS or Springfield M1A (funds permitting).

Whatever you choose you'll be getting an excellent firearm.

[charlie-6]

Les Baer always

[DANCESWITHGUNS]

Two different league's, go with Les Baer. Kimber will do ya fine and get the job done but Les Baer's internals,hand fitting,finish and overall quality is superior.

[newarcher]

Depends on what you want....if you want an Ultra sized gun, go Kimber.

If you want a full sized 1911 with a pretty name, go Baer.

For me, I just shot 200 rounds through my Ultra CDP with nerry a hiccup and it is more accurate than I. So I ask, why would I want to pay another 1,000 to get something that works just like mine does?

The answer is that I don't....law of diminished returns comes into play.

New

[F16DCC]

I own a Grand Raptor and I could not imagine a finer weapon better than it. I have never shot or owned anything nicer, so take my opinion for what its worth.

I have handled and Ed Brown and Wilson Combat, and they seem nice. But for a $1,000 more? I'm not convinced that 1K - 1.5K more money is going to bring that much more enjoyment and satisfaction. Les Baer's are VERY nice. It just depends on how deep your pockets are... Personally, Les Baer's look too plain to me, but you should go with what you really want.

Yes, Kimbers are mass produced production guns, while they say Baer's are built by hand... You will be very happy with either of the brands!!!!!

[mitrod3]

I have been fortunate enough to have handled most of the Kimber full sized line because we have a dealer here. Friends (as well as myself) have bought various Kimbers and then hauled them to the range where we all shoot. I currently own Custom II's, a Stainless II in . 38 Super and their Gold Combat. I've handled their Raptor line and I did own a Team Match II (one very nice gun) which was traded off when I found out I actually prefer combat sights over target sights on my weapons.

I also had a chance to shot a friends Baer.

I believe you would be happy with any of the choices you mentioned but the Baer is a very fine weapon indeed.

Let us know how it goes.

Be safe, shoot well.

[jonbondave]

yea, if you're laying down serious cash I'd go with the Baer, if you only wanted to spend 1k or less i'd go with the kimber.

[DANCESWITHGUNS]

Resale blue book might help with your decision, just an idea. See wich of the two holds more value,this might help.

[David Barnette]

I went with the Gold Combat Stainless II. While no doubt the Baer has better fit and finish you would be hard pressed to make me believe they shot any better. The GC has excellent slide to frame fit and an awesome no creep 3.75 lb trigger. The front strap checkering is flawless. The bushing is fitted to the barrel. At 15 yds it shoots one ragged hole POA. And as to the MIM, I have a Clackamas that has thousands of rounds through with no change of MIM parts and it continues to function and shoot flawlessly. In fact I think they both only get better with use. MIM is a non issue. Price? 1365.00 plus tax at the last Market Hall gun show. My desire for a Baer, EB, or Wilson is no longer.

[newarcher]

I buy a gun to go bang, hit where I aim, and function 100% of the time.

I want a gun that is small enough that I will actually carry it, is good looking, and is affordable.

Now if money was no object, I would have Wilson build me a custom gun. Money is THE object right now so I bought a CDP ultra.

It is hot looking, comfortable, small, light, very accurate, controllable, and priced right.

Sure, Baers, Wilsons, et all are hand fit and tighter but what do I care? I buy a gun for its usability not resale value.

No one is disputing that Baers are better fit and better parts....but lots are disputing that the extra price brings extra functionality. Perhaps the only exception would be the trigger, IMHO. There can be substantial gains there.

New

[Luv44mag]

This is the very question I am asking right now....Kimber vs. Baer.
I love the look of the Gold Combat II but I like what I hear about the Baer Thunder Ranch.........may just have to flip a coin.........

[IFRPilot]

Thank you for all the input. Seems like I can't go wrong. However, based on many of your feedback - I am leaning heavily towards the Baer.

Rob

[DevilDave1911]

Originally Posted by IFRPilot

Thank you for all the input. Seems like I can't go wrong. However, based on many of your feedback - I am leaning heavily towards the Baer.

Rob

you should.