Thoughts on the Les Baer AR's?

[lhump1961]

Any hands on opinions on the Les Baer AR's? Some input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[oneyeopn]

The reviews on them are outstanding, they are expensive but no more expensive than some of the other boutique Sporting rifles, they are taking no new orders.
For a rifle that is made to be shot and with parts that are made to wear out and be replaced to me they are pretty. Baer makes great pistols, he also makes great rifles. They continue in his tradition of excellent rifles.
I cant really call them an AR, they are not a Colt or an Armalite. S&W refers to this line of rifles as modern sporting rifles and the initials AR send the libs over the edge. If you want one get one, the same as I would say about a DD, Noveske, Knight or a Larue. For me my Sport does just fine.

 

[ken158]

I enjoy quality firearms and own several but I do not own a LB but it is on the short list!

 

[Leonard]

Currently I own two AR based rifles one is a JP fairly heavy used for prairie dogs it is a 1/4" 100 yard gun.

The second is a Les Baer Super Varmint perhaps more accurate that my JP much lighter handles more like a regular AR or field gun. The workmanship is superb The bottom and upper are a tight machine fit no switching out uppers unless it is fit to the gun but no need for rubber spacers or expanding pins. I have a couple of friends who own similar Baer guns one being a long retired gun writer who has been in the industry 50 years and in his assessment Baer has it down to science.

 

[Hapworth]

No personal experience with Baer rifles, just some observations...

In 1911 land, there is considerable ownership of and support for Baer products. Overall, very highly thought of, and impressive brand loyalty. Handled them myself and they are nice indeed.

In AR-15 land, you don't hear nearly so much about Baer, one way or the other. Any of several conclusions can be drawn from this, but it's worth adding to the mix.

What I wonder about the Baer approach to the AR platform is if, for the premium being paid, one is getting that much more rifle...

I suspect not. I don't doubt they're excellent products, but dollar for dollar is the buyer getting a proportionately better build in a Les Baer AR for $2500 to $3500 than they would a Colt, BMC, Daniel Defense, Noveske or LMT for $1000 to $2000?

 

[Leonard]

No personal experience with Baer rifles, just some observations...

In 1911 land, there is considerable ownership of and support for Baer products. Overall, very highly thought of, and impressive brand loyalty. Handled them myself and they are nice indeed.

In AR-15 land, you don't hear nearly so much about Baer, one way or the other. Any of several conclusions can be drawn from this, but it's worth adding to the mix.

What I wonder about the Baer approach to the AR platform is if, for the premium being paid, one is getting that much more rifle...

I suspect not. I don't doubt they're excellent products, but dollar for dollar is the buyer getting a proportionately better build in a Les Baer AR for $2500 to $3500 than they would a Colt, BMC, Daniel Defense, Noveske or LMT for $1000 to $2000?

I think that depends on what you are looking for in the AR, I was after the accuracy for varmint hunting. If your looking for a home defense weapon or just an AR to play with you can satisfy your needs for a lot less. It would be like comparing a custom Wilson, Baer, Brown 1911 to an over the counter Smith or Colt 1911.

 

[Hapworth]

I think that depends on what you are looking for in the AR, I was after the accuracy for varmint hunting. If your looking for a home defense weapon or just an AR to play with you can satisfy your needs for a lot less. It would be like comparing a custom Wilson, Baer, Brown 1911 to an over the counter Smith or Colt 1911.

Understood and agreed, though I would argue that with all three of those superb 1911 builders, there's a point of diminishing returns regarding how much in terms of superior product one is getting for dollars spent.

The difference between a $1000 1911 and a $2000 one can -- in my experience -- be substantial; but a $2000 and a $3000 one, the difference drops significantly, build-wise.

So I wonder where those same thresholds lie with ARs...

 

[Leonard]

Many years ago I asked Paul of JP rifles at what level the accuracy changes. His response was all of his guns from his most basic to the ones with all of the extras were capable of the same high degree of accuracy. I would like to think that all of the high end makers would put their best effort in barrels, chambers, fit , etc and of course reliability in the basic models.

Les Baer offered an upgrade to his 1911 accuracy I believe a 1.5" guarantee at 50 yards. I have no idea as to what they do for the extra accuracy but it would not surprise me if a big part of it is a result of pulling the most accurate guns off the line and using them in this up-grade?

I think beyond the basic gun you are paying for extra features you may find desirable (practical) or for the ascetics.

I personally like quality and a high degree of accuracy and would rather have one very good gun with these features than two or three run of the mill or mediocre guns.

Understood and agreed, though I would argue that with all three of those superb 1911 builders, there's a point of diminishing returns regarding how much in terms of superior product one is getting for dollars spent.

The difference between a $1000 1911 and a $2000 one can -- in my experience -- be substantial; but a $2000 and a $3000 one, the difference drops significantly, build-wise.

So I wonder where those same thresholds lie with ARs...

 

[oneyeopn]

When I buy a rifle and take it out to shoot other than my Hi Point Carbine which is just a fun gun, if they wont shoot less than 1moa I dont keep them very long. And it doesnt matter what brand but some guns are just not as good as others.

 

[Cdog]

I can't see myself paying LB prices for something I can assemble in my garage workshop.

A 1911 needs a very knowledgeable experienced human to create a great pistol. An AR, not so much is required.

 

[Charlie Foxtrott]

I would not buy one for two reasons.

Aside from the price that is.

#1 I do not want a rifle like this that is chambered in .223 Rem. I want it to be chambered for 5.56X45.

#2 that oversized quad rail fore end is just ridiculous. Take a look at the Noveske NSR rail and then take a good look at the Les Baer rail.

 

[Cdog]

Aside from the price that is.

#1 I do not want a rifle like this that is chambered in .223 Rem. I want it to be chambered for 5.56X45.

#2 that oversized quad rail fore end is just ridiculous. Take a look at the Noveske NSR rail and then take a good look at the Les Baer rail.

I'm just the opposite. On a plinker, it doesn't matter. I roll my own and the oversized 5.56 chamber and any type of lining is a deal breaker on a target rifle.

A stainless match .223 chamber is tops for my varmint and target applications.

 

[Charlie Foxtrott]

I have a Sako Vixen and A Ruger #1 in .223 Remington.

And they are great guns for what I use them for. If I am going to spend the money on a Les Baer AR style rifle. I want it to be in 5.56 X 45. That is my point. I use my Ruger #1 and My Sako Vixen for varmints. I use my AR style guns for other things.

 

[oneyeopn]

I'm just the opposite. On a plinker, it doesn't matter. I roll my own and the oversized 5.56 chamber and any type of lining is a deal breaker on a target rifle.

A stainless match .223 chamber is tops for my varmint and target applications.

Cdog. I agree with you any kind of lining is not good. It is really old technology. The Melonite barrel on the Sport is not a lining by the way and if you read under the notable thread index "barrel specs for Sport" you can see the engineering studies that show how much the Melonite Process even blows Stainless Steel away.
I like other people would not want my Sporting rifle in .223 but in 5.56x45. I do use it for varmint and target shooting. I also have a few bolt actions and they are hard to beat but for varmint hunting a semiauto is really handy.
At the Camp Perry competitons the Sporting Rifle platform is doing marvelous things. I am sure there was a time when people would be the same way about cartridge guns because they were so enamored with their muzzleloaders! LOL