Dark Helmet

I bought a new Baer Premier II .45 today for $1,300 on-line through a shop in Texas. Thanks to all for all the advice; I'll let you know how it goes.

Thanks to all of you for some every good advice. I appreciate the time you have taken out for a novice such as myself. Jim, I am curious....the $1,000 difference is substantial. What am I giving up by going with the Premier as opposed to the UM? I looked at Baer's website and did not note any discernable difference(?) Also, a good point was made that it would be a long, long, time before I got to be so good that I would be better than any weapon in Baer's lineup.

New guy to the forums here. I have recently joined a local gun club, USPSA, and IDPA. I have been to a few IPSC matches as an observer. I have yet to attend an IDPA match, but joined on the advice of a bud. I have yet to shoot in my first match in either. I am not new to shooting, only shooting competitively. I have a door-kicking background from the military and have a CCW and carry a USP 40 compact that I shoot pretty well. I have read the FAQs, and they have been most helpful and consistent with what everyone has been telling me. After watching the IDPA matches, I have decided on not shooting production class with the USP, and so far like the Limited 10 category. I am starting to gear up, and need advice on my first competition pistol purchase. I want to buy a gun that I can use in both CDP class of IDPA and Limited 10 in IPSC. I realize that at least a few compromises have to be made, but only want to invest in one weapon until I figure out which type of competition is right for me (if not both). From my discussion with those "in the know" (read that as guys that shoot often and are compeitive), that what I am looking for is a single-stack 45 that will 1) fit in the IDPA-regulation box, 2) has a bushing barrel, and 3) has no tungsten guide rod or dust protection on the lower slide. My research and discussion with others has led me to the Les Baer Ultimate Master 45 in 5", with an "un-modified" factory-style mag release (Les Baer says they can-do easy) for IDPA compliance. I know that the holsters will be different already. Probably going with a Safariland for IPSC and a Fubus or BladeTech for IDPA. Knowing the intended hybrid purpose of the weapon, what advice would you offer? Am I tracking correctly with the Baer? Any and all responses from experienced competitors welcome.