decisions

[docboss]

I am asking this question, even though there are a number of blogs/forums on this topic. I value the input and intelligence of Rohrbaugh owners above others. Here it is: I have a friend that I wish to reward for his 60th birthday with a 1911. I have narrowed the search to Les Baer, who we met at the NRA (great guy), and Ed Brown. I wish to get a 5" Stainless Steel, then have it engraved with his initials. What are the pros/cons of the firearms? They are about $600 apart in price, but that is really not an issue although I prefer not to spend $3000 for a Nighthawk or Wilson. Thanks. My R9S Stealth rocks! Doc

[tracker]

Ed Brown gets my vote.

[docboss]

Why? Just asking. 

[tracker]

My gunsmith said that he has never seen an Ed Brown pistol come into his shop that required a salvage job; nothing against Les Baer. You must be a good friend to consider either of these masters' products as a gift. 

[backupr9]

My Ed Brown 5" Special Forces in .45 is incredibly smooth and a simply wonderful machine.  You can't even feel the slide cycle when firing.  However, my cousin is a long time gun owner and collector who has his gunsmith tune all of his purchases; he prefers the Les Baer, stating that it has closer tolerances than the Ed Brown.  I would surmise that you could not go wrong with either.

[dmunofo]

When looking into a buying my Rohrbaugh....I was considering going into the ultra expensive market ....Les Baer, Wilson, Nighthawk...etc.  I only went with the Rohrbaugh since I use it for off duty carry, and wanted something smaller, since I already have an H&K 45 as an off duty.

Of the 2 guns  you are considering, I would go with the Les Baer over the Ed Brown.  I know a few officers who own the Les...and rave about them.

Personally my next gun will either be a Wilson or a Nighthawk...but more for a collection aspect and not that I have to put it through semi annually qualifications. 

Just my 2 cents FWIW.

I think either way you will be happy....they are all nice!!

DOM

[docboss]

Thank for all the great responses. I'll let you know what I decide. Doc

[tracker]

On a minor point and depending on one's hand strength it may be more difficult to rack the slide on a Baer because of the tight tolerances out of the box. Some who shoot in competition may find this consideration to be an advantage.

[tracker]

Not to confuse the issue but here is an interesting comparison by Dave Severns:


http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=255555

[docboss]

Bought him a Les Baer Premier II, 5 inch in Stainless Steel. Cove Creek Outfitters, the same place where I bought my R9S Stealth, was great. I called Les Baer and asked him send a personalized birthday note. Hope to surprise my friend with it today. Thanks for all the input. 

[Richard S]

Docboss:

I must say that you really know how to treat a good friend. That is a gift for the ages.

[docboss]

Gave it to him today. Wow. What a beautiful firearm. But! Until it is "broken in", the tolerances are such that you have to be a bodybuilder to rack the slide. Fortunately the FFL I use "offered" to fire a 1000 rounds through it...as a favor. LOL. Higher end firearms, such as the Les Baer and, of course, the Rohrbaugh are really different and special. Not for everyone, but this is why there are Porsches and Ferraris. Thanks for everyone's help. 

[Richard S]

* * * Until it is "broken in", the tolerances are such that you have to be a bodybuilder to rack the slide. * * * 

Permit me to reveal how I handle that problem in my seventh decade on this third rock from the sun:

http://www.amazon.com/Gripper-Pads-4-Pack/dp/B002LHVNTM/ref=pd_sim_misc_3

"Old age and cunning will triumph over youth and exuberance nearly every time."   

[tracker]

With the gift of a gun like that one i could enlist a strong armed friend to accompany me to the range until I could handle it; he could even have every other magazine to shoot as he pleased. 

[Reinz]

Bought him a Les Baer Premier II, 5 inch in Stainless Steel. Cove Creek Outfitters, the same place where I bought my R9S Stealth, was great. I called Les Baer and asked him send a personalized birthday note. Hope to surprise my friend with it today. Thanks for all the input. 

I have this same gun.

I would never say that it is any better than any of the guns mentioned previously.  But I will say that it is something to be proud of and will last at least a few lifetimes.

You did him well my friend.