Posted: 5/19/2011 8:32:52 PM EDT
| I'm back in the market for a nice 1911 and found a used Les Baer commander size custom with a blued finish with rosewood grips. I'd put it about 90%+ because it has some light scratches and wear on the blued finish. The blued finish on the barrel is very worn and is almost 50%+ worn off. The grips were loose(no biggy) and the night sights were not very bright. The gun did feel very tight with no play in the slide to frame and the barrel at the muzzle had no play that I could detect. No idea on the round count. The shop wants $1,500 for it. What do you guys think? How would a new Dan Wesson Valor compare? They have one for $1,900 but it is a full size. |
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Quoted: Also the gun was made in Illinois if that makes a difference? No, same owner same employees between Iowa and Illinois. It was just a politcal statement, plus it probably had tax reasons. I would shop around online, with places like George at Gunslingers in Michigan. Becky at Sporting Arms and John at Proload. You can get new for a couple hundred more. |
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Thanks everyone! I'll pass and keep looking! Those Dan Wessons are looking very nice! The Dan Wessons are nice guns, and (assuming it was the black Valor) the finish is not the same as bluing and will likely last forever. It was the black Valor. What is that black finish on it? Also it was priced at $1,900ish. Seems a bit high, what should I offer the shop for it to see if they will take a lower price for it? Thanks! |
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Quoted: Quoted: The Valor is one heck of a pistol, but I can't see passing up a Les Baer for one. What would your reasons be? I keep reading the commander size Les Baers are not to reliable. How or in what ways is the Baer better then the Wesson? Thanks New Baer's of all lengths can be found for less than the $1900 you listed. While I might not buy the $1500 Commanche in your local shop, Baer offers many other models that can fit your wants and needs for less than it sounds like you're willing to spend. |
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Check out Crazy John at 1911 Heaven
John does some great deals (Baers and Browns) and is a good man! |
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Thanks everyone! I'll pass and keep looking! Those Dan Wessons are looking very nice! The Dan Wessons are nice guns, and (assuming it was the black Valor) the finish is not the same as bluing and will likely last forever. It was the black Valor. What is that black finish on it? Also it was priced at $1,900ish. Seems a bit high, what should I offer the shop for it to see if they will take a lower price for it? Thanks! Its probably something similar to melonite or ion bond. I remember a while back a DW rep who is a member on one of the 1911 forums taking a knife or a file to a slide treated with the stuff and then wiping away the mark it left as if it was made with a lead pencil. The finish is the reason for the $300+ difference in the cost of the plain stainless vs the black version, otherwise they are exactly the same pistol. |