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View Full Version : First Impressions Premier II 1.5" Tactical Package


chrisp0410
1st April 2006, 12:11
First let me thank Pogie45, his range report is what finally made me drop the hammer on purchasing my new Premier II with 1.5" groups and Tactical Package. Before I give my first impressions, I'll post the required pic.

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g62/chrisp0410/MyLesbaer008.jpg

The only change from stock I made was the purchase and installation of an absolutely flawless set of smooth cocobolo grips from Esmeralda. If anyone is in the market for a new set of grips, I highly recommend visiting her website which you can find through advertisements at the top of the forum pages.

When I unpacked the pistol, the first thing I noticed was how even the bluing was and the subtle breaking of sharp lines offered by the Tactical Package. Some makers melting packages make their pistols look like thawing ice cream which (IMHO) detracts from the classic lines of the 1911.

The next thing I noticed was how incredibly tight the slide to frame fit and barrel hood fit were. I could not discern any movement at all! Compared to the 1911A1s I remember from my days serving Uncle Sam, this pistol's fit is like a bank vault! I have owned two Colt Gold Cups and a couple of other Colts and Kimbers and none of them had the fit and finish of this Baer.

The picture above still displays some of the range dirt as I have not quite completed the 500 round break-in. Currently, the pistol has digested some 400 rounds of Winchester and Federal 230 grainers and I have not experienced a single malfunction. I have cycled through all of my Wilson mags loading them with 7-8 rounds, randomly, and this pistol just gobbles up the rounds with authority.

As of this moment, when in battery, the fit is still as tight as when first unwrapped but just after about a 1/4" of draw, the slide moves along the frame like butter. Words can't convey the feeling. The trigger seems to be slightly lighter as well but still breaks like the proverbial glass rod with no creep nor overtravel.

Well, enough typing, its time to go shooting again. I'll post an update should I experience any range woes but for now, I'll just leave a final picture of my now two most favorite handguns. The .45 you already know, the wheelgun is an early Lew Horton distributed Smith & Wesson Performance Center 686+ (7 shot) Carry Comp .357 magnum. She's in good company with the Premier II. I think I need to add a Stinger so my Premier II doesn't get lonely in my safe. ;)

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g62/chrisp0410/MyFavoriteHandguns.jpg

lustgarden
1st April 2006, 18:58
Nice gun. The more you shoot it the more you are going to be impressed. Congrats on your purchase.

pogie45
3rd April 2006, 03:03
chrisp0410,

Thanks... It is nice to know that the range report helped on your decision. You will not regret it. The PII is the most accurate & reliable handgun I ever fired. I always have a blast shooting my PII.

Congratulations on your new purchase...Enjoy shooting your PII...

John
3rd April 2006, 04:32
Nice gun! Thanks for sharing.

primersinmyshoe
3rd April 2006, 06:15
Les Baer's shop sure knows how to put together a pistol. Your experience mirrors mine. I've got many thousands of rounds through mine (I count by the amount of 500 round boxes of bullets I reload) without any gun related failures. Thanks for a positive report.