PA Bill Number: SB945
Title: Consolidating the act of August 9, 1955 (P.L.323, No.130), known as The County Code; and making repeals.
Description: Consolidating the act of August 9, 1955 (P.L.323, No.130), known as The County Code; and making repeals. ...
Last Action: Third consideration and final passage (199-0)
Last Action Date: Apr 17, 2024
Gun Review: Les Baer Thunder Ranch Special :: 08/14/2014
The name Les Baer conjures up an image of expert gunsmiths sitting in well lit rooms that smell faintly of Flitz and CLP. I like to imagine them taking their time with each and every single action masterpiece so that they can make each one feel loved and have enough time to sprinkle some magical gunsmith dust into each and every beautiful blued frame.
The one we're taking a look at is a well-used Thunder Ranch Special in .45 ACP. The TRS is kind of unique in that it was designed in conjunction with Clint Smith of Thunder Ranch to be the perfect combat 1911. And when I say it's well-used, I mean over 6,000 rounds fired by me in a dozen ranges across Texas. So I think it's safe to say that I've put enough rounds down range to make an informed decision as to its quality . . .
When I first received the gun it was so tight that it required some strength to rack the action. I want to say that over time it's loosened up, but that's not fair to the Baer, so instead I will say that it has smoothed out. The word smooth doesn't really capture how wonderful it has become. Suffice it to say it's now like a single malt combined with million thread count silk sheets.
As you'd expect in a gun this expensive, the fit is extremely impressive, but the finish leaves something to be desired. Due to how tightly it's put together, the bluing gets stripped at the friction points. This kind of leaves me with a love/hate relationship with the finish. I really like blued guns, but a combat pistol should have a more resilient finish than this.
While we're on 
the finish I think it's time to say that this is an absolutely gorgeous piece. The bluing is rich and deep. The gun screams classic 1911, but has all the improvements you would want in a modern pistol like the long trigger, extended beavertail and front cocking serrations.
Breakdown on the firearm is just like any full size 1911 with a GI-length guide rod. The philosophy behind making the gun so tight is to promote consistency. The more repeatable the lock up is, the more accurate the gun is. Or so they say. I'm going to go out of my general format to say (like a giddy schoolboy) that this thing shoots. Oh, how this gun shoots!
http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2014/08/wes-minton/les-baer-thunder-ranch-special/
