Need a .45 Wad Gun - Taking Recommendations

So, I need a .45 wad gun. Budget is $2k tops.

My default position is a Les Baer Bullseye Wadcutter as it's an out of the box and go scenario and comes in on budget.

A custom Caspian build would be preferred but I don't see that being done in budget.

I could always post a WTB but that is probably hit or miss. I really want to avoid having to engage a local smith as that has a tendency to budget spiral upwards.

Thoughts?

Thanks,
dsd

Your cheapest way would be a Springfield Armory Range Officer with a bushing, trigger job, and slide mount. Gun and work would run about $1000-$1100. Easiest way would be the Baer. Champions Choice has them the cheapest if they have any. I shoot one with the frame mount and like it a lot. After about 7000 rounds the lower barrel lugs broke off and Baer fixed it free of charge. Just be warned the trigger sucks until you get about 500 rounds through it.

Scott

An SA 1911 with work done by a gunsmith specializing in wad guns, or order a wad gun from Clark Custom guns.

I would say what is your timeline for needing one. That might be a factor with new custom ones vs. the baer and RO.

Personally, I'd say buy a used 1911, a RIA GI, or a springfield RO, and send it to a gunsmith like KC Crawford to tweak.

I think the $2K budget eliminates the truly custom build. But I don't know, maybe someone could get you into one for that. I totally understand wanting to have nice, fabulous quality equipment. I would love to have a custom built gun also, but like you I wanted a gun now so I could get started and bought the Baer. If you truly are "barely competent" almost anything is going to out shoot you. I'm not saying that because you are not a HM shooter you don't deserve a top notch gun but as long as the gun is reasonably accurate with a decent trigger and functions reliably you are not going to be loosing points due to accuracy. I have no regrets buying my Baer wadgun. It's a very nice pistol and accuracy is not an issue. I just the other day took down my 98-4x 50yd slow fire target to replace it with a 99-4x on my wall in my shooting room. When I drops points I know the reason why- ME. I personally think the Baer would be a very nice fit for your needs.

Scott

Any thoughts on the Clark Premier Bullseye vs the Les Baer Wadcutter? The Clark is around 15% more, is it worth it?

Called Clark Custom about their Premier Bullseye gun and wait is around six months.

I am inclined to order the Clark over the Baer but I have no rational reason for this other than I'd like a Caspian.

Thoughts?
dsd

Thanks all!

Scott, very insightful post. Makes me really think...

-dsd

I am sure if you did a blind taste test with both you wouldn't be able to tell the difference. However, the power of want is huge. If that is what you want, get it. I don't think you will be dissapointed.

Scott

I think you might not like the trigger of neither the Clark or Les Baer. Smaller bullseye pistol operations usually give you a better trigger job. You might want to wait for a good used bullseye pistol to come up for sale. Rock River had some great bullseye pistols and triggers.

SMBeyer wrote: I have no regrets buying my Baer wadgun. It's a very nice pistol and accuracy is not an issue. I just the other day took down my 98-4x 50yd slow fire target to replace it with a 99-4x on my wall in my shooting room. When I drops points I know the reason why- ME. I personally think the Baer would be a very nice fit for your needs.

Scott

Hi Scott,
Nice decision and great shooting!
I made HM and shot my highest score of 2654 with my, as purchased, Les Baer "wadcutter" version pistol.
Keep it up,
Wes