Les Baer 1911 vs Dan Wesson 1911

Published on January 22, 2017
Duration: 12:07

This expert-level review compares the Les Baer Custom Carry and Dan Wesson Specialist 1911 pistols in .45 ACP. The analysis covers reliability, features like sights and magazine wells, design aesthetics (tactical vs. traditional), shooting performance including recoil impulse and sight acquisition, and price-to-value. The reviewer, demonstrating deep knowledge of firearm mechanics and performance, ultimately favors the Dan Wesson Specialist for its superior stock sights and value at its price point.

Quick Summary

Expert analysis compares the Les Baer Custom Carry and Dan Wesson Specialist 1911s in .45 ACP. The Dan Wesson Specialist, priced around $1,500, is favored for its superior Heinie Straight Eight sights with Trijicon inserts and tactical features, offering excellent value and rapid sight acquisition. The Les Baer Custom Carry, costing $400-$500 more, excels in traditional aesthetics and hand-fitted smoothness but has less user-friendly stock sights.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Ammo Overview
  2. 00:30Ammunition Specifications
  3. 00:55Dan Wesson Specialist Range Test
  4. 01:41Dan Wesson Specialist Features
  5. 02:16Sights Comparison
  6. 03:25Tactical vs Traditional Design
  7. 03:52Les Baer Custom Carry Overview
  8. 04:38Les Baer Shooting Performance
  9. 06:40Rapid Fire Comparison
  10. 07:37Price and Value Analysis
  11. 08:48Final Performance Summary
  12. 09:33Conclusion and Verdict

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences between the Les Baer Custom Carry and Dan Wesson Specialist 1911s?

The Les Baer Custom Carry emphasizes traditional aesthetics and hand-fitted quality for a smoother recoil impulse, while the Dan Wesson Specialist offers a more modern tactical design with an accessory rail and superior stock sights, making it a better value out-of-the-box.

Which 1911 is recommended for better sight acquisition?

The Dan Wesson Specialist is recommended for better sight acquisition due to its Heinie Straight Eight sights with Trijicon front inserts, which the reviewer found easier to track during rapid fire compared to the Les Baer Custom Carry's sights.

How do the prices of the Les Baer Custom Carry and Dan Wesson Specialist compare?

The Dan Wesson Specialist has an approximate MSRP of $1,500. The Les Baer Custom Carry is generally $400-$500 more expensive, reflecting its extensive custom hand-finishing.

What ammunition was used for testing these 1911 pistols?

The firearms were tested using Sig Sauer Elite Performance 230gr FMJ ammunition, which provided consistent performance and reliability during the range evaluation.

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