Les Baer 1911 vs Dan Wesson 1911

Published on January 22, 2017
Duration: 12:07

This expert-level review by BERETTA9mmUSA compares the Les Baer Custom Carry and Dan Wesson Specialist 1911 pistols in .45 ACP. The analysis highlights differences in design philosophy, sight systems, ergonomics, and price, offering a detailed performance breakdown based on extensive range testing. The reviewer, demonstrating significant firearms expertise, ultimately favors the Dan Wesson Specialist for its stock features and value proposition.

Quick Summary

The Dan Wesson Specialist 1911 is favored over the Les Baer Custom Carry for its superior stock sights (Heinie Straight Eight with Trijicon insert) and better overall value at its $1,500 MSRP. While both pistols offer 100% reliability in .45 ACP, the DW's tactical features and ergonomics are highlighted as key advantages.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & 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 Dan Wesson Specialist offers a tactical design with a Picatinny rail and superior Heinie Straight Eight sights, while the Les Baer Custom Carry features a traditional aesthetic and intensive hand-fitting. Both are reliable .45 ACP pistols, but the DW is favored for its stock features and value.

How do the sights compare on the Les Baer Custom Carry and Dan Wesson Specialist?

The Dan Wesson Specialist is equipped with Heinie Straight Eight sights featuring a Trijicon front insert, providing excellent visibility. The Les Baer Custom Carry has dimmer, traditional night sights that are noted as harder to acquire quickly during dynamic shooting.

Which 1911 offers better value: Les Baer or Dan Wesson?

The Dan Wesson Specialist, with an MSRP around $1,500, is considered to offer better value as a stock option compared to the Les Baer Custom Carry, which costs $400-$500 more due to its extensive hand-finishing and custom build.

What ammunition was used for testing the Les Baer and Dan Wesson 1911s?

The firearms were tested using Sig Sauer Elite Performance 230gr FMJ ammunition. This load achieved a muzzle velocity of 850 feet per second and generated approximately 369 foot-pounds of energy.

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