Well, this is a subject that could be argued for eternity. I’ve been around 1911’s since I was in the Marine Corp in 73’ but did not really learn anything until about 20 years ago before the great gun rush started. At that time you could not find a Bullseye line where the majority of guns just shot were not a LES Baer.. When I helped open one of the largest gun ranges in the country ten years ago, we carried them all. I sold the number 001 and 002 Jones from Cabot (how stupid can I get) but I thought the price of 4500 was ridiculous....I just saw where one was auctioned at over 50,000. We sold Bill Wilson’s Gun’s, his divorced wife’s Nighthawks, etc. and Ed Browns, etc. I got to know some of them well and also saw for myself up close and personal the risk they all take just trying to sell a gun much less one that works. Beside’s having to fight the government they have to train smiths and keep them; find quality parts or make them themselves, worry about a competitor jumping ahead or stealing their smiths, etc. I hope they make every cent they can because they deserve every penny. They were the ones that had originals ideas on how to make custom guns quicker and at affordable prices to the public. Granted, I think the prices are getting out of sight now, but it has nothing to do with greed, it has to do reality. I know for a fact one custom maker who is back logged hundreds of guns (shelved them) but keeps making them so he doesn’t half to lay off a bunch of craftsmen that need the work and have families to care for. They gamble the market will turn. When I got on the other side of the counter I would see people drive an hour to save $20.00 and then brag about it....of course when Obama started the great gun scare on purpose, these buyers were no where to be found and in the city I live in we are down to just 2 stores that sell guns vs 10 pre Obama. Now anyone selling guns or target rest or benches or shooting bags is seeing a 40% decline just from Facebook and Google creating an anti gun culture, steering people away from their web sights, EPA, etc. so I really don’t have much patience when anyone critiques anyone trying to make a dollar in this business, much less their life’s work. Guys who make the custom guns forced the other gunsmiths to step up their work. Who can say that Bill Wilson and Ed Brown each have not made the 1911 better from their inventions? Anyhow, I did not mean to go in this direction but LES Baer sold his $1,700 Premier II “in the simple brown box” for years when others were approaching the $3,000 mark for their comparable gun amd when he did raise the price It was $50.00....I don’t even know what a Premier II cost now, but I know in my opinion it is the best custom 1911 for the dollar, if accuracy is what you are after. As far as his AR’s went, it was his single cut rifle barrels that forced others to do the same. I don’t think he even makes /ARs anymore and if he doesn’t, it’s because he lost a lot of money trying to build something better.I have had a dozen gunsmiths around the country and of those dozen 3 were really good and took pride in their work and when the bill came from each it was more then any custom gun maker charges (Street price). If you are getting a quality gun or AR built for less, someone is loosing money....anyhow, I am biased but after seeing LES Baers manager beg him at a shot show to raise his price and see him hold firm...I have nothing but the utmost respect...
