which is easier to strip for cleaning?

[jcburkholder]

I'm ready to spring for a hi-end 1911 and have narrowed my choices to either the Brown Classic Custom or the Baer Premier II. Ease of stipping for cleaning is essential to me. I have arthritis in my hands and it is very difficult for me to exert much pressure (to remove or push parts back in place, etc.). I would appreciate the input from the group as to which, between these two guns, is easier to strip for cleaning, i.e. requires the least physical strength. Or...... are there other models from these makers which are significantly easier to strip? Thanks.

[Nikolai]

Greetings,
I don't think a Baer is for you. They're extremely tight fitting, and near impossible to rack the slide for many, many rounds. Bushing fit on my TRS has ruined 2 polymer bushing wrenches, if that gives you any hints. One of them snapped completely, and the other got so chewed up that it won't fit on the bushing anymore.


Baers are TIGHT. I'd look elsewhere.

-Nikolai

[Colt45guy]

as much as I love my Baer Stinger, I have to agree with Nikolai and recommend something else. I have the same bushing wrench issue---I'm on my 3rd wrench now, and have only owned this pistol for about 6 months. I got my pistol used, and cycling the slide is smoooooooth, but it took a long time to get it to where it doesn't take a Herculean effort. I have heard (but have no first hand experience) that Brown 1911s are field strippable without tools.

[Chuck S]

My Ed Brown Kobra Carry does not require a bushing wrench to disassemble. If you're arthritic you could use one of the nylon bushing wrenches just to make it easier.

The 20# recoil spring on this pistol takes a litttle pressure, but it doesn't seem excessive to me. The full sized models use a lighter recoil spring.

-- Chuck

[Kruzr]

I can also break down my Kobra Carry with my bare hands.

To prevent breaking bushing wrenches on Baers, you have to remove the slide first (capturing the recoil spring and guide rod with your hand), remove the spring from the back, push the barrel out of battery, and turn the bushing. This won't work with a FLGR. The bushing to barrel combined with the bushing to slide fit is what makes it so dang hard.

[HOG4DNR]

I have to agree with everyone here Les Baer's are extremely tight when new and very hard to break down.

[pfc1966]

I Can't Speak On The Ed Brown Pistols, But I Have Baer P-2 With A 1 1/2 " Package And It Is Tight. I Have Trouble With A Nylon Bushing Wrench. I May Try Doing It As Kruzr Suggest. My Pistol Now Has 1750 Rnds. Through It And Is Running Great, But It Was Almost Impossible To Rack The Slide When It Was New. Good Shooting With Whatever You Buy, Pat

[Super]

To ease the bushing removal, you can also hold the side out a battery about 3/4". Most quality barrels, such as the Baers, neck down slightly about a 1/2" or so back from the crown. When the barrel tilts up a tight fitting bushing puts pressure on the top and bottom of the barrel. Taking the side out of battery tilts the barrel down, releasing pressure, and also positions the bushing on the necked down portion of the barrel, which is several thousants smaller.

Super

[GunWares]

I take down my TRS the same way Kruzr notes: remove the slide first by holding it rearward to align the disassembly notch, remove the slide stop, and carefully remove the slide while holding the recoil spring captive. Unfirtunately, it's not easy to reverse this for reassembly, so I reassemble in the traditional manner, which necessitates a bushing wrench.

[Cuba 71]

On my PII w/ a 18.5 lb recoil spring, the hardest part is to compress the spring w/ the bushing wrench to complete the reassembly :mad:

[pfc1966]

Super, i have tried turning bushing with slide out of battery, it can be done , but would be much easier if i had 3 hands. it takes a padded surface and careful handling to keep all the parts under control. i too am in the process of ruining a bushing wrench. good thing wrenches are cheap, i bought 3 (2 wilsons and 1 dillon). thanks for the advice. I like this pistol more each time i shoot it. regards, pat.

[jcburkholder]

Thanks to all who took the time to respond and offer your experiences. Seems like everyone is in agreement -- the Baer is physically harder to strip (and operate the slide). I'll certainly keep your advice in mind when making my final decision.

[jcburkholder]

Thanks to everyone who took the time to offer input. I appreciate your advice and will take your comments into consideration in making my final choice.

[Smitty]

Not pointing at Les Baer 45s, but ANY custom made 45 is hard on any of us that have arthritis in our hands or weak hands with age. It really becomes a two man job. After all they are put togeather with closest of tollerence.

I have two 45s made with the two piece rod & that definately needs the help of a 2nd person. Still once removed, cleaned, lubed, & reassembled the guns are a joy to shoot EVEN with our weak hands.

[DFC45]

The Brown Classic Custom would be your better choice for ease of breaking it down.The Executive or Kobra series guns are even easier since they do not come with a full length guide rod and require no tools for disassembly. These guns are silky smooth to rack and they shoot good too.