Les Baer Thunder Ranch Special Custom 1911 with LOK Grips

Published on May 1, 2020
Duration: 10:01

This guide details the installation of thin-profile grips on a Les Baer Thunder Ranch Special 1911, specifically addressing the Gen 1 model's thin bushings. It also covers troubleshooting a stovepipe malfunction by suggesting recoil spring replacement. The video emphasizes the pistol's exceptional accuracy and the importance of proper maintenance for continued reliability, drawing on the expertise of an experienced 1911 collector.

Quick Summary

The Les Baer Thunder Ranch Special Custom 1911, chambered in .45 ACP, is renowned for its exceptional accuracy, achieving sub-1-inch groups at 15 yards. This Gen 1 model requires thin-profile grips due to its specific bushings, with LOK Grips offering improved traction. Maintenance, such as replacing the recoil spring, is crucial for reliability, especially with older firearms experiencing malfunctions like stovepiping.

Chapters

  1. 00:17Introduction: Les Baer Thunder Ranch Special
  2. 00:49Initial Shooting & Magazines
  3. 02:17Ammunition & Slide Markings
  4. 03:01Accuracy Testing at 15 Yards
  5. 04:31LOK Grips Installation & Benefits
  6. 07:03Malfunction Troubleshooting & Maintenance
  7. 08:45Holster & Final Thoughts

Frequently Asked Questions

What ammunition was used to test the Les Baer Thunder Ranch Special 1911?

The Les Baer Thunder Ranch Special 1911 was tested using Sig Sauer Elite Performance .45 Auto 230 grain FMJ ammunition and Sig V-Crown hollow points. The FMJ rounds produced excellent accuracy, while the hollow points experienced a stovepipe malfunction.

What type of grips are recommended for the Gen 1 Les Baer Thunder Ranch Special?

Due to the Gen 1 Thunder Ranch Special's use of thin grip bushings, thin-profile grips are required. The video highlights LOK Grips as a suitable option that significantly improves traction over the original smooth wood grips.

How accurate is the Les Baer Thunder Ranch Special 1911?

The Les Baer Thunder Ranch Special 1911 demonstrated exceptional accuracy, achieving sub-1-inch grouping at 15 yards, with 7 rounds fired into a single hole during testing.

What maintenance is suggested for the Les Baer Thunder Ranch Special 1911?

If experiencing malfunctions like stovepiping, it's recommended to replace the recoil spring, especially on older firearms. This ensures reliable cycling and continued accuracy from the pistol.

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