Narrowed it down to STI USPSA or Baer Premier

[Hammerman]

I've been shooting single stack and cdp for almost a year now with a kimber warrior. I've decided I want a new 45 that is strickly for competition. I've narrowed it down to the Les Baer Premier II or the STI USPSA. The sti is about $1675 with a dawson FO front sight already installed and all setup as far as I'm concerned. The baer is around $1800, then I will have to add a dawson FO and a magwell for around $130. So that puts the baer up to $1930, or $255 more than the sti. Also I hear that the baer front sight is blind pinned, so a gunsmith may have to install that for me. As for trigger work, if any of the two guns need it, I could do that myself.

So what do you guys think is the best one for competition? Anything more expensive is out of my price range, and I've already had my run of the cheaper run what you got guns.

Oh yeah, one of the reasons I narrowed it down like this is because of their features. Also baer's are one of the top 1911 semi custom pistols compared to wilson, brown, ect. and sti is know for their great competition pistols.

Edited September 3, 2012 by Hammerman

[OperationHitFactor]

I would say you should buy a STI Spartan, then switch out/upgrade the extractor, ambisafety, trigger parts, have them installed by a professional who also will tune the gun. Buy 8 quality Mags, a Dillon 650 or lots of ammo, and last buy a delicious steak dinner.

[a matt]

If you are not going to get the Baer. I like OperationHitFactors suggestion. BUT I would change to a Trojan and a 550 dillon. The Trojan is way better than a Spartan. And the 550 is a great reloader. So you can have OK spartan and great 650 or Great Trojan and Great 550. Up to you. IMHO

I have a Trojan and a 550 GREAT,

And a Baer very great. :cheers:

Edited September 3, 2012 by a matt

[yoshidaex]

STI because they support USPSA.

I've seen several Les Baers and though the quality, fit and finish is superb, they take a bit to break in (One owner said 500 rounds minimum).

Me personally I'd like something that don't need too much break in.

[polizei1]

There are tons of options, it all comes down to what you want. I personally don't like Baer's, but I'm a huge fan of STI, so that would be my vote. Furthermore, if you want to be even more competitive, I would get something in .40, not .45. Also, I would seriously take a look at a 2011 unless you're really wanting to just stay in Single Stack. Lastly, If you don't already reload, I would look into it.

FWIW, I shoot a Spartan competitively as a B-class in Single Stack. I think you might have picked the wrong "cheap guns." I also have a custom Harrison, so I own both ends of the spectrum.

My advice is that, before you start picking out which guns, pick a division(s) and read the rules. See what fits and what you want to shoot. Pick the caliber, read about the rules as far as what the guns can/can't have done to them, etc. etc. Once you've done that, decide where to spend the money. $2k on gun is a lot of money, ask me how I know. Looking back, I would have much more use out of a 2011 Limited gun than my custom Harrison.

[OperationHitFactor]

Actually the 550 and the Trojan is a nice idea too. My whole point is if you don't reload(which you might) get a cheaper gun and a Dillon. Now if you reload already, then yes it is time to treat yourself to a nice pistola. Like others brought up, why single stack and CDP? Don't get me wrong, I like a classic .45 single stack, but a double stack 2011 in 40 is way more fun.

It's hard to really push yourself to go faster in single stack. You always have to worry about running dry and not missing. I'm not saying it's not possible to shoot single stack fast, however, it's much harder to learn to shoot faster in single stack.

If you like both IDPA and USPSA get an STI Eagle in .40

You can load minor for IDPA ESP and major for USPSA Limited.

[Hammerman]

I've got a dillon 650 setup for 45 and 9mm right now, so I've got the reloading end done.

I've always been a traditionalist, and single stack is where it's at for me right now. With this last classifier I shot, I'll be a B class shooter. I'm a sharpshooter in cdp right now, but I'll be able to make expert at the next classification if all goes fine because I had an expert time when I used my same gun to classify in esp.

If I ever get into limited, then I'll have to start reloading for 40 and get an edge or eagle 2011, but right now that will have to wait.

I got to shoot AZ, CO, and NM state IDPA matches this year, but no uspsa matches. Next year I'm going to try to shoot those same matches again as well as high desert classic, area 2 and western states single stack classic.

Thanks for the suggestions.

Clayton

[Suicycle]

I have handled only one Baer and I really liked it. I have touched quiet a few high end 1911's built by smiths that are one man shops and the Baer doesn't take a back seat to them. I'd like to see a Harrison though, his work looks great online. STI seems to be a game gun and you probably won't get hurt either way you go. Les Baer is big in bullseye shooting I have been told.

[donnyglock]

You can't go wrong with either. I love the Baers I have owned. My STIs run great as well. If it were me I would go STI for a few reasons. The uspsa is ready with the fiber optic sight as well as the magwell. Also STI has great cust service. Not to mention they pay out in product dollars if you win at a major match.

[Hammerman]

You can't go wrong with either. I love the Baers I have owned. My STIs run great as well. If it were me I would go STI for a few reasons. The uspsa is ready with the fiber optic sight as well as the magwell. Also STI has great cust service. Not to mention they pay out in product dollars if you win at a major match.

Pay out as in credit towards other sti products? I wonder what their payouts are?

[Jaxshooter]

I have the USPSA STI single stlack, STI Trojan, a Les Baer and several Wilson's. If I was in your position would without a doubt buy the STI Trojan and a Dillon 550 loader. The Trojan is a .great gun and will run right out of the box. With the loader you can custom tailor your load to the gun. If you go with the Trojan and loader you will never be disappointed with your decision.

[blueeyedme]

I run a Baer PII in SS. My wife shoots it so well that she is moving up to SS to run the PII which gave me the opportunity to buy a Baer Ultimate Master. I guess you know what my vote is.

Edited September 4, 2012 by blueeyedme

[Aglifter]

Well, I had Benny Hill build a single-stack for me in 45 - I see no reason to shoot a 40 instead of 45, aside from cheaper bullet costs. To me, the concern about getting 40 major in a pinch outweighed the benefits.

I really liked Les Baers, and was going to buy a PII, but, er... Benny builds really nifty guns...

I would say go w. the Les Baer.

[OperationHitFactor]

I've got a dillon 650 setup for 45 and 9mm right now, so I've got the reloading end done.

I've always been a traditionalist, and single stack is where it's at for me right now. With this last classifier I shot, I'll be a B class shooter. I'm a sharpshooter in cdp right now, but I'll be able to make expert at the next classification if all goes fine because I had an expert time when I used my same gun to classify in esp.

If I ever get into limited, then I'll have to start reloading for 40 and get an edge or eagle 2011, but right now that will have to wait.

I got to shoot AZ, CO, and NM state IDPA matches this year, but no uspsa matches. Next year I'm going to try to shoot those same matches again as well as high desert classic, area 2 and western states single stack classic.

Thanks for the suggestions.

Clayton

I can totally respect being a traditionalist. Since you are squared away with a reloader treat yourself to a nice gun. Sorry for assuming, I just always see people buy or wanting to buy a top notch gun but don't reload and then don't have money for ammo. STI is my vote, with the amount if rounds most of us put through our guns. It is nice knowing 10,000-15,000 rounds in that you can send it in to be fixed

if you discover the frame or slide is not wearing properly. Maybe Les Bauer does that too, but I know for a fact STI does.

On a final note, don't be afraid to check the used STI market either. New or second hand STI will still stand behind their product.

[PumpGunGuy]

Have you checked with Crazy John at CJ1911heaven? He often has LB's with FO sights in stock, so no need to change out sights. He is also a great guy to deal with, with great prices. I have an LB and I love it, I just enjoy such a finely fitted machine. I did not find the 600 round break in to be a problem. I was going to shoot them anyway.

Enjoy,

Rick

[Aircooled6racer]

Hello: One thing to note on the Baer pistols is if you change anything or someone else works on it, it will void the warranty. That may not be a concern but it is something to think about. Thanks, Eric

[CMV]

If you are still considering a Trojan, you might want to look at Shooters Connection. They carry them with F/O front sight, ambi safties, and hard chrome...a little trigger work and a magwell and you are ready to rock in SS!

[wes777]

Hammer, if you have to have a new gun right now, think about the Trojan. Buy it right after you put the down payment to start your build at SVI.

[ktm300]

As you are getting pretty close (30%) to the cost of a full custom gun, set up for competion exactly the way you want it by someone like Akai. That is the way I would go. I own a Nighthawk custom, have owned a Wilson, and now own two full custom 1911s one by Keven Toothman, I bought used, and one by Akai I bought new. The Akai is built on an STI frame & slide so it still works for the STI contengency.

Hands down I like shooting the full custom guns more than anything else I have. I was shooting a Trojan for a year or so and I liked it a lot. Had a weak moment and bought the Akai. I am very glad I had that weak moment. The gun is a pleasure to shoot, came sprung perfectly, the fit and finish is amazing, it is the most accurate 1911 I have, the slide feels like it runs on ball bearings, and the trigger is perfect. The first day I took out the Akai I shot better than with the Trojan I shot for over a year.

[Mike21STI]

Out of the 2 you mentioned, I would probably go with the Baer. I do love my STI but the Les Baer is on my short list of guns to acquire in the future.

[Hammerman]

This is such a hard decision. I guess I'm going to have to find a store that has both of them so I can pick.

[GForceLizard]

Take the road less traveled. Buy the Les Baer. Have you looked at the Boss 45?

[dsmw5142]

If you are still considering a Trojan, you might want to look at Shooters Connection. They carry them with F/O front sight, ambi safties, and hard chrome...a little trigger work and a magwell and you are ready to rock in SS!

Shooters Connection is a great company to deal with. I just ordered a .45 Sentry from them yesterday. Can't wait to get my my grubby mittens on it . That might be another option for you. Save a bit of money over the USPSA but still get a forged frame with checkered front strap.

[TriggerJockey]

I have had great luck with the USPSA in .40. I have one of the later serial numbers with the undercut frame and it is sweet. I did lose the recoil master and replace it with a full length steel guide rod and a 14lb recoil spring. With some Wilson mags and a Dawson Ice magwell you have yourself a very competitive single stack. I also put an SVI interlocking trigger with a silver base because it not only feels good it really fits in with the duotone slide. As far as your Les Baer/STI dilemma, I guess it really comes down to preference. I wouldn't be shocked if the Baer was more accurate when clamped in a ransom rest but in IPSC style shooting it's not really necessary. The USPSA is plenty accurate, much more accurate than I am!

Brent A73332

[cuzinvinny]

I have a Premier II in .45 and an STI Trojan in 9mm. The Baer is a more accurate gun due to the tighter fitting, but the accuracy from the Trojan is perfectly fine for USPSA and IDPA. One thing to consider, has already been pointed out by Aircooled6racer, any work not done by the factory voids the Baer warranty. I also saw a post here on the Brian Enos forums where someone noted that Baer manufactures their guns to different tolerances. I would assume they are tighter tolerances than most other manufacturers. This could mean that drop in parts may not easily drop in to a Baer. I haven't replaced any parts other than the recoil spring, so I can't say for sure. I have been considering having my Premier II hardchromed, which means that I have to send it to Baer for hard chrome. I thought about going elsewhere to save a few bucks on the plating, but realize that it won't receive the same hand fitting after the plating process, as it will from Baer. Based on my experience with both guns, if I had to do it over, I would probably buy the "Competition Ready" Trojan, that comes already hard chrome plated, and includes the fibre optic front sight.