LAR Grizzly Mk. I .45 Win. mag 6.5” Barrel Semi-Auto Pistol, Mag & Box
SOLD FOR: $2,675.00
LSB#: LSB260412RR008
Make: L.A.R. Manufacturing
Model: Grizzly Mark 1
Serial Number: A000383
Year of Manufacture: 1983 – 1998 / Modern
Caliber: .45 Winchester Magnum
Action Type: Single Action, Semi-Automatic, fed by Detachable Magazine.
Markings: The left side of the slide is marked with the LAR logo and, “GRIZZLY WIN MAG”. The right side of the slide is marked, “MARK I” with a grizzly logo. The frame is marked with a patent number and serial number.
Barrel Length: 6.5″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade with an orange stripe staked to the slide. The rear sight is a fully adjustable white outline square notch dovetailed to the slide.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are a single piece checkered rubber wraparound Pachmayr panels screw-set to the frame. There are light rub marks and discoloration throughout. The checkering is sharp. Overall, the grips rate in Good + condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: 1x 7rd .45 Win Mag magazine, in Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is some light fouling present. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9.75/10.
Overall Condition: This pistol retains about 99% of its metal finish. There are faint handling marks throughout. The plunger housing is loose. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are sharp. The pins are unmarred. Overall, this pistol rates in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions mostly correctly as the loose plunger interferes with the safety. We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Original box, 1x magazine, paperwork.
Our Assessment: The LAR Grizzly Mark I was developed as a large-frame magnum semi-automatic pistol designed to handle powerful cartridges beyond the capability of standard 1911-pattern handguns. Manufactured by L.A.R. Manufacturing in the 1980s and 1990s, the Grizzly retained many familiar 1911 operating characteristics while scaling the design substantially larger to accommodate cartridges such as the .45 Winchester Magnum. Chambered in .45 Win Mag, a high-pressure cartridge developed to deliver magnum-level handgun performance in a semi-automatic platform, the Grizzly became well known for its size, power, and distinctive appearance among enthusiasts of powerful sporting pistols. This example retains approximately 99% of its original blued finish with only faint handling marks visible throughout the metal surfaces. The bore remains excellent, showing bright surfaces and sharp rifling with only minor fouling present, supporting its high 9.75 out of 10 rating. The wraparound Pachmayr grip remains in good plus condition with only light wear and discoloration visible. The pistol includes its original box, paperwork, and magazine, further enhancing its presentation and collector appeal. However, the pistol does exhibit a notable mechanical issue, as the loose plunger housing interferes with proper safety operation.
Altogether, this LAR Grizzly Mark I represents a visually attractive example of one of the most recognizable magnum semi-automatic pistols produced during the late 20th century. Its oversized 1911-style design, powerful chambering, and limited production history continue to make the Grizzly series popular among collectors and enthusiasts of high-powered semi-automatic handguns. Despite the noted mechanical issue affecting the safety system, the pistol remains an interesting example of American magnum pistol development during the era. -R.E.