Les Baer UTC or Colt Wiley Clapp

[RedneckRampage]

I'm looking to move up a notch on the 1911 ladder, and have my choices narrowed down to two pistols, the Les Baer Ultimate Tactical Carry or the Colt Wiley Clapp.

I want a traditional, blued 1911, series 70, that will be a carry gun and will be passed down. Here's what I have come up with.

Things I really want -
Front slide serrations
Front strap checkering
Gloss blue
Clean, classic, classy roll marks
Series 70
5"
Novak style sights
Under $2000

Les Baer -
Pros -
Front slide serrations
Full gloss blue
Front strap checkering
Night sights

Cons -
$1700-1900
Ugly big "45 ACP" on slide
Not as well known as Colt
Thin bluing (I've heard)

Colt -
Pros -
Colt name
$1100-1300
No ugly roll mark

Cons -
Matte blue frame
No front slide serrations

Based off that, what should I get?

I have never handled a Baer, but I've heard good things. I've had two Colts, and I was happy with both, but not amazed, I've never handled a Wiley Clapp though. Like I said, I want a lifetime pistol I can carry for the next 40 years and then hand down to my son. $2000 is max price.

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[PuddleMonkey]

I use to hate Baer for similar reasons, ugly billboard 45ACP on the slide and stories of the bluing wearing quickly. I have multiple Colts, have had them for years. Recently purchased a Baer UTC and I put it in the same category as my Wilson Combat's, Nighthawk and Dan Wesson's. I will never bash Baer again, far superior to my Colts, it's not even close.

 

[joken]

I think you are comparing two different price point rigs. It's no contest IMO, buy the LB

 

[Medic!]

I would get the Baer between the two.

But I would also get a Dan Wesson before the Baer.

 

[2Wheels4Ever]

+1 on the Dan Wesson. I shot the Clapped out Colt and was not super impressed. Reminded me of a Springfield.

 

[Sgt Nambu]

No intent to stomp all over your personal taste or preference, but if you want to both carry and pass down your 1911, I'd consider stainless. Good luck in choosing!

 

[TapRackNGo]

+1 on the Dan Wesson. I shot the Clapped out Colt and was not super impressed. Reminded me of a Springfield.

+2 on the Dan Wesson

 

[Dr_Lou]

Of the two, I'd go with the Baer. However, I'd give DW a look. To my mind, Colt's a $700 - $1000 1911.

 

[RedneckRampage]

Thanks for the opinions. I checked out some new Colts today, and was very very disappointed. I looked at a new series 70, a used Gold Cup, and a "high end" Enhanced Combat something or other. The series 70 was horrible! Thumb safety felt like it was full of sand...the "high end" one was decent, but a TRP was much nicer. Bottom line, I won't be buying a Colt. Even though I didn't see a Wiley Clapp, if their $2300 pistol wasn't anything special, I bet the $1200 one won't be either. Also, all the roll marks looked like hell, almost like someone did it with a hand stamp set.