Question about production time

[citizen carrier]

Hello,

I'm another vet here in Iraq who is looking to purchase a high end M1911 as a sort of reward to myself when I get home in a month or so.

I have it narrowed down to either a Les Baer Premier II or Ed Brown Executive Elite. I carry a heavy gun like this in the colder months, but I also would like to try out IDPA shooting when I get home.

I'm leaning to the Baer as it is a little cheaper, but I just cannot abide front slide serrations on a M1911. This is a fashion trend in handguns I've despised for years. If Kimber would make a full-sized M1911 without the front slide serrations, I'd own one by now.

An email to Baer said I could order a pistol without the slide serrations at no extra cost, but I forgot to ask how long it takes to produce a gun.

After a year in Iraq having to be content with just looking at pictures of guns, I'm not in the mood to wait three more months for one.

The Executive Elite would cost a few hundred more, but it appears they keep pistols in stock and I wouldn't have to wait.

Quite a quandry. So about how long is the wait on a Baer?

Thanks.

[Karl in NY]

I can't answer your question as I'm in the same boat.

Baer must be getting sick of people asking for front slide serration deletions...I emailed them last week with the same question and got the same answer.

I'll be ordering a Concept V 6" longslide soon, without the serrations.

It appears that the only production longslide 1911 available with no front serrations is the Baer (and the Olympic, which is in a different class).

I'm not in a big hurry, as weather and temporary health problems will keep me from the range until Spring anyhow.

[lustgarden]

Citizen carrier,
I ordered a Premier 2 in hard chrome on July 30. I have not recieved it yet. In four days it will have been four months but who's counting. My dealer said it would take 16 weeks or until it gets here. I do know however long it takes it will be worth it. When it gets here I will order my second Baer.
Now I want to tell you and all your buddies in your unit that there are no words to tell you guys how much we appreciate what you are doing. I will forever be humble in your shadow.

[SatCong]

First off I would like to say is I'am 100% behine you and the job your doing unlike what the Papers say. I own three Les Bears two PII's and one concept VI. I think the best bang for the buck is PII, with a tactical carry package.Time was about 12 to 13 weeks from the time order it. God and stay safe. :geek:

[citizen carrier]

Thanks for the replies and the support. I'm definitly counting down the few remaining days until I get to come home.

I'd really like the Baer, but I'm just really, really into the whole instant gratification thing as far as guns right now. I don't think I'll be in the mood to wait.

Life would be simpler if Les Baer offered front slide serrations as an option, not as standard, so ordering a proper, classic M1911 wouldn't be a custom proposition.

I think it would make an interesting forum poll.

Do you like front slide serrations or do you wish the industry would do away with them altogether? I think even Smith and Wesson knows there are people like me who simply won't buy a handgun with the front serrations, so they created a full-size model SW1911 without them.

If only Kimber would try it.

[John]

Well, if that means anything, my NHC Talon is produced right now, with no front cocking serrations and the rear ones are vertical, just like Mr. Browning designed the gun to be.

Stay safe and get home in one piece, that's what counts most.

[pajohnohio]

Well, if that means anything, my NHC Talon is produced right now, with no front cocking serrations and the rear ones are vertical, just like Mr. Browning designed the gun to be.

Stay safe and get home in one piece, that's what counts most.

Amen~
I recently ordered a Stinger from a company who told me ten to twelve weeks. It quickly turned to 17 and maybe more. I got frustrated and they cancelled my order at my request. I like my TRS, don't get me wrong. But I am really starting to look at other custom 1911s that are equally as good without the wait. It is fast becoming my opinion that the extra cash up front reduces the frustration of waiting to save a few dollars (IMHO).

Be well and stay safe!

[Frank]

It's frustrating. In July I ordered an TRS and an SRP. The TRS was delivered in about three weeks, but I only received the SRP a couple of weeks ago.

It's my understanding that Les Baer makes all guns to order, so special touches, like no front serrations, don't take longer. But I also think that he subcontracts special finishes, like hard chrome or Bear Coat (as on the SRP), so those may take longer and be less predictable.

But let's face it. As annoying as the wait may be, we're a lot better off than we were before shops like Les Bear. Not that many years ago, if you wanted a top drawer 1911, you bought a standard Colt or Springfield, sent it off to someone like Novak or C&S and waited six months -- on up to a couple of years.

And as I think of it, I have a number of "regrets" in the safe -- guns I bought because they were there now instead of waiting for what I really wanted. I could have saved some money in the long run had I been a little more patient.

Good luck.

DVC

[SatCong]

It's frustrating. In July I ordered an TRS and an SRP. The TRS was delivered in about three weeks, but I only received the SRP a couple of weeks ago.

It's my understanding that Les Baer makes all guns to order, so special touches, like no front serrations, don't take longer. But I also think that he subcontracts special finishes, like hard chrome or Bear Coat (as on the SRP), so those may take longer and be less predictable.

But let's face it. As annoying as the wait may be, we're a lot better off than we were before shops like Les Bear. Not that many years ago, if you wanted a top drawer 1911, you bought a standard Colt or Springfield, sent it off to someone like Novak or C&S and waited six months -- on up to a couple of years.

And as I think of it, I have a number of "regrets" in the safe -- guns I bought because they were there now instead of waiting for what I really wanted. I could have saved some money in the long run had I been a little more patient.

Good luck.

DVCI am with you, They are worth the wait!

[littledoc]

I would go ahead and order the Baer. Then get a Springfield Milspec now. Shoot the heck out of it in anticipation of the Baer. The Baer is well worth the wait and when you shoot it after the Milspec, the Baer's worth becomes more apparent. I'm not knocking the Springfield, but I am comparing a work pick up truck to a Corvette.

Trust me, when it comes to 1911's, you'll end up owning more than one anyway.

[ISP1475]

I waited 17 weeks for TRS.

[Joni Lynn]

I waited less time for my P2 than I did for my RRA, but the RRA is a beautiful gun, no machining marks of any kind on it. It and the P2 are so alike as to pass for close kin. Spotingarms stocks LB if you need instant gratification.
After the work you've been doing I think you owe yorself at least one new 1911 and probably 2 or 3. Nighthawk can make a gun about any way you desire. RRA & NH will do a bit more in the way of making it your way.
Les Baer, Rock River Arms, Ed Brown, Nighthawk........there's no wrong choice there.
Good luck! Stay safe!

[dr2e]

be patient and ye shall be rewarded !!! after just over 12 weeks i got an e-mail from brenda saying my srp will be in my hands tomorrow !!! also got the word that a (mine) nh talon II, which was ordered just over 11 weeks ago, will be visiting a town near me on thursday. customer service has been great on both counts and it will be hard to choose on which shop to go with next time. thanks to tuner because both will be eating out of the brand new metalforms that have been waiting to break them in.

[citizen carrier]

Like I said, I know I could get a Les Baer from somebody who stocks them, but they would have the front slide serrations on them that I just cannot tolerate.

They just have absolutely no aesthetic appeal to me.

For goodness sake, I can only just barely tolerate rear slide serrations that are slanted at 60 degrees, like Colt Gold Cups or the Springfield Mil-Spec.

When it comes to the M1911, I am pretty conservative.

There just aren't many high-end makers out there who produce a 5" barreled custom or semi-custom M1911 without front slide serrations these days where you don't have to wait months for the finished product.

Like I said, if Kimber made a nice chromed frame, blued slide full-size gun without the front slide serrations, we probably wouldn't be having this conversation.

I've got a little time to play around with my options.

For example, instant gratification could be in the form of an Olympic Arms Westerner.

A little less expensive, but you get the fitted barrel and fitted slide to frame.

My "project" M1911 I wait for could take the form of a "retro-custom". Perhaps a Norinco with only internal modifications? Barrel and bushing. Trigger work. Just the bare bones essentials of custom work to a M1911. Have the tool marks polished off it by a professional and re-finished with a true carbona blue finish. Make it look like a 1920s Colt product, but with sensible custom work.

Just a few ideas I'm toying with. I keep an eye on the auction sites to see if a Baer turns up without the front serrations, but I doubt that is going to happen.

[John]

I know that Nighthawk Customs does any kind of serrations you want. How do I know it? My Talon has been ordered with only rear, vertical, standard M1911 serrations, as JMB wanted them.

[pajohnohio]

Like I said, I know I could get a Les Baer from somebody who stocks them, but they would have the front slide serrations on them that I just cannot tolerate.

They just have absolutely no aesthetic appeal to me.

For goodness sake, I can only just barely tolerate rear slide serrations that are slanted at 60 degrees, like Colt Gold Cups or the Springfield Mil-Spec.

When it comes to the M1911, I am pretty conservative.

There just aren't many high-end makers out there who produce a 5" barreled custom or semi-custom M1911 without front slide serrations these days where you don't have to wait months for the finished product.

Like I said, if Kimber made a nice chromed frame, blued slide full-size gun without the front slide serrations, we probably wouldn't be having this conversation.

I've got a little time to play around with my options.

For example, instant gratification could be in the form of an Olympic Arms Westerner.

A little less expensive, but you get the fitted barrel and fitted slide to frame.

My "project" M1911 I wait for could take the form of a "retro-custom". Perhaps a Norinco with only internal modifications? Barrel and bushing. Trigger work. Just the bare bones essentials of custom work to a M1911. Have the tool marks polished off it by a professional and re-finished with a true carbona blue finish. Make it look like a 1920s Colt product, but with sensible custom work.

Just a few ideas I'm toying with. I keep an eye on the auction sites to see if a Baer turns up without the front serrations, but I doubt that is going to happen.

How about taking the Kimber you like and sending it off to Virgil Tripp. He can chrome the frame, cobra coat the slide and take out the serrations. You would have a custom gun for far cheaper than other options. Virgil Tripp does awesome work. Anyone here who has had their weapons worked on by Tripp knows what I am talking about. Their turn around time is outstanding too. Very fair pricing!


~Peace~

[Karl in NY]

I'm looking for a 6" longslide without the front serrations, and the only game in town is the Baer...they will delete the serrations for no cost, except for the wait, of course.

You mention Tripp being able to "take out" existing serrations...this opens the door to a Springfield, for about $1000 less than the Baer.

It would seem that milling away the front slide serrations would significantly change the thickness of the slide, and almost render it looking like a Browning HP in profile, depending upon the original depth of the serrations, of course. Have you actually seen a gun where this has been done? Any photos (or links to pics)?

I'm starting to hyperventilate...

[pajohnohio]

Before I had a disagreement with one of the moderators on the www.1911forum.com site, I saw a gun that had serrations taken out. I have been "banned" for expressing my opinions on a gunshop in Texas so they wont let me post anymore there. But I digress....contact Tripp direct, www.trippresearch.com I am sure they can send you photos of their work!

Peace~

[Karl in NY]

http://forums.1911forum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=21336&d=1114465402

I found this on the site you were banned from...
The front of the slide was milled flat, then the new style cocking serrations were added...fairly ugly, I think. More of a Browning HP transition would look better.

I emailed Tripp to see what can be done.

[pajohnohio]

http://forums.1911forum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=21336&d=1114465402

I found this on the site you were banned from...
The front of the slide was milled flat, then the new style cocking serrations were added...fairly ugly, I think. More of a Browning HP transition would look better.

I emailed Tripp to see what can be done.

I like Tripp and know they do great work. The link you gave me will not allow me even to view the page cause I am "banned."

Hope all works well for you.

~Peace~

[Karl in NY]

I got a reply from Shari Tripp today and was told that the front slide serrations on a 6" longslide Baer (or Springfield) will magically disappear if the slide is sent to Tripp Research along with $85, plus $12 for return shipping. The transition to the milling cut will be like that on the Browning HP with a radius, but probably somewhat more subtle as it will likely not be as deep.

I requested photos of guns which had been given this treatment, but they apparently don't have any.

It occurs to me that if you hate the front serrations because you're a 1911 purist, you probably won't be thrilled having a 1911 with Hi Power styling cues...but then again, if you are that much of a purist you wouldn't be buying the "stretch" model in the first place.

We need a guinea pig...

[John]

I've seen such treatment on a 1911 and it looks MUCH better than the front cocking serrations.

[pajohnohio]

I've seen such treatment on a 1911 and it looks MUCH better than the front cocking serrations.


I like the front serrations for one reason only. During training, I was taught to "press check" my weapon. Before holstering, when I awaken or at any other time that I have not been in direct contact with my weapon. One would hate to have the hammer fall onto an empty chamber if that next drop was needed to preserve a life.

Anyway, I find it much easier to utilize the front serrations for press checking. Sweat, oil and other substances cause me to lose a grip at times when trying to use the rears to press check. More control for me using the fronts. But then again, my 1911's are more for personal safety and tactical applications.

Just my opinion.


~Peace~

[crimefighter]

ordered a stainless stinger on aug. 10th from sporting arms. last monday
i received an e-mail that my stinger would be another 8wks. called baer and thay said they had a problem getting good stainless and yes there might
be a delay.? thursday dec. 1st received an email my stinger was shipped to my dealer. i picked it up friday (yesterday)?
it must have been in the loop before they ran out of stainless.
took it to the range and fired over 200rds remington ball. from first shot to last no problems and at 30 ft ripped the bullseye right out. also on my target
i have 1" squares at the bottom. i was able to put 8 shots in 8 squares at
30ft, all in a row. awsome. ? wonder if it will shoot better once its broken in?
not one failure.

[Karl in NY]

I found a photo showing a Browning HP style cut of the front portion of a 1911 slide, courtesy of pistoldynamics.com. Tripp should be able to start the cut wherever you want it...I'm leaning toward aligned with the end of the dust cover.

www.pistoldynamics.com/NewFiles/XO_B_cuts.jpg

[lustgarden]

I called Baer this morning to order something and inquired about my gun order. A premier 2 in hard chrome. She said it was shipped yesterday. If my dealer gets it today
it will have been four months and seven days since ordered.
I will try to post pics.

[DHC]

I like the front serrations for one reason only. During training, I was taught to "press check" my weapon. Before holstering, when I awaken or at any other time that I have not been in direct contact with my weapon. One would hate to have the hammer fall onto an empty chamber if that next drop was needed to preserve a life.

Anyway, I find it much easier to utilize the front serrations for press checking. Sweat, oil and other substances cause me to lose a grip at times when trying to use the rears to press check. More control for me using the fronts. But then again, my 1911's are more for personal safety and tactical applications.

Just my opinion.


~Peace~
I was taught the exact same thing, and do it religiously now. Front serrations make this much easier (and safer) to perform.

[pajohnohio]

I called Baer this morning to order something and inquired about my gun order. A premier 2 in hard chrome. She said it was shipped yesterday. If my dealer gets it today
it will have been four months and seven days since ordered.
I will try to post pics.

I know that pain of waiting and actually caved under pressure. I cancelled my order from a place in Texas after hitting the 11 week mark. I am so glad I did because a found a Stinger on line for much cheaper, then out of no where a friend of mine says he may be parting with his Stinger and the bells and whistles he had added/modified.

Sometimes..and only sometimes...impatience can be rewarded...
hehehehe

~Peace~

[lustgarden]

After 17 weeks I went to my dealer to pick up my first Baer.A p2 hard chrome with tactical package. He set it down in front of me and cut the tape on the cardboard box.
I opened it up and there it was. I pulled it out of the plastic bag and wiped it down. I tried to pull back the slide but it would not budge. I cocked the hammer put the heel of my hand on the front of the slide and pushed it back and it broke enough to where I could work the slide. It was tight but really smooth. I knew right away I was going to like this gun.The trigger broke clean with no creep.
The only thing I would have done different is opted for the single side safety and gotten the checkered msh.
I really like the hard chrome finish.
I am going to the range tommorrow and will give a report and try to post pics.