Les Baer Custom Thunder Ranch Gen II 1911 follow up

Published on January 29, 2025
Duration: 6:33

This video provides a follow-up review of the Les Baer Custom Thunder Ranch Gen II 1911 pistol. The presenter details its rarity, with only 65 units produced due to the dissolution of the partnership between Les Baer and Clint Smith of Thunder Ranch. Key features discussed include its hand-tuned, hand-fit construction, national match barrel, and the two-tone blue top/chrome bottom finish. Modifications like Wilson Combat magazine release and guide rod are also highlighted, alongside an assessment of its trigger pull weight.

Quick Summary

The Les Baer Custom Thunder Ranch Gen II 1911 is a rare firearm, with only 65 units produced due to the end of the Les Baer and Clint Smith partnership. It features a hand-tuned, hand-fit construction with a national match barrel and a distinctive two-tone blue top/chrome bottom finish.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Thunder Ranch Gen II
  2. 00:12Rarity and Production Numbers
  3. 00:25Partnership Breakdown
  4. 00:36Acquisition at Local Shop
  5. 00:53Handling Marks and Price
  6. 01:17Overall Quality Assessment
  7. 01:32Grip Modifications
  8. 02:02Cocking Serrations
  9. 02:09Post-Discontinuation Market
  10. 02:26American Handgunner Pistol
  11. 02:35Serial Numbers and Collection
  12. 03:14Build Quality and Craftsmanship
  13. 03:21Beaver Tail Safety
  14. 03:33Trigger Reset
  15. 03:41Other Modifications
  16. 03:52Wilson Combat Parts
  17. 04:10Casting Marks and Fitment
  18. 04:19Checkering Details
  19. 04:28Two-Tone Aesthetic Inspiration
  20. 04:43Spring Quality
  21. 04:56Slide to Frame Fit
  22. 05:04Safety Fitment
  23. 05:13Les Baer Custom Philosophy
  24. 05:21Custom 1911 Pricing
  25. 05:38Gen II Thunder Ranch Specifics
  26. 05:55Trigger Showcase
  27. 06:08Trigger Pull Weight
  28. 06:14Closing Remarks

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Les Baer Custom Thunder Ranch Gen II 1911 rare?

The Les Baer Custom Thunder Ranch Gen II 1911 is exceptionally rare because only 65 units were produced. This limited run occurred after the partnership between Les Baer Custom and Clint Smith of Thunder Ranch ended around 2017, significantly curtailing production.

What are the key craftsmanship features of Les Baer Custom 1911s?

Les Baer Custom 1911s are known for their national match barrels and are meticulously hand-tuned and hand-fit by master pistol smiths. This includes features like precise slide-to-frame fit, hand-checkering on the mainspring housing and front strap, and a crisp trigger pull.

What modifications were made to the featured Les Baer Thunder Ranch Gen II 1911?

The presenter replaced the stock wood grips with Lok Grips carbon fiber grips. Additionally, a Wilson Combat extended magazine release and a Wilson Combat bulletproof guide rod were installed, replacing some of the original cast parts.

What is the typical price range for a Les Baer Custom 1911?

Entry into a used Les Baer Custom 1911 typically starts around $2,000. For a new custom 1911 from Les Baer, expect to spend between $3,000 to $4,000, depending on the specific model and any custom features ordered.

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