Les Baer Custom Thunder Ranch Special 1911 5″ 45 ACP 1/2” Group Pistol
SOLD FOR: $2,525.00
WOA#: WY240731DW010
Make: Les Baer Custom
Model: 1911 Thunder Ranch Special
Serial Number: TR04345
Year of Manufacture: Modern
Caliber: .45 ACP
Action Type: Single Action, Semi-Automatic Pistol fed by detachable single stack magazines
Markings: The right side of the slide is marked “TR SPECIAL” with a Thunder Ranch lightning bolt and shield logo, the left is marked “BAER / Custom”. The right side of the frame is marked “LES BAER CUSTOM / LE CLAIRE IA USA / TR04345”. The top of the chamber is marked “BAER 45 MATCH”.
Barrel Length: 5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a black blade with a tritium lamp dovetailed to the front of the slide. The rear sight is a Novak-style square notch with two tritium lamps dovetailed to the rear of the slide. 3 dot night sight system,
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered cocobolo wood with double diamonds and Thunder Ranch logos. The checkering has a flat finish from the factory. The grips are in Like New Condition.
Magazine Quantity and Condition: This pistol includes three x 8 round Wilson Combat Style magazines in Like New Condition.
Type of Finish: Polished blue on the side facing surfaces, matte blue on top, bottom, front, and rear surfaces.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. The feed ramp is smooth and shiny. The crown is clean. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. There are some very fine lines in the polished surfaces. With one notable line on the left side of the slide above the slide catch. There are also some small marks on the case deflector part of the slide. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The slide-to-frame fit shows no play. The trigger is light and crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol includes the original box, the three magazines, test target, bushing wrench, patch, manual paperwork, certificate and signed ½” group certificate.
Our Assessment: The Les Baer Custom Thunder Ranch Special is a premium 1911 pistol crafted in collaboration with Clint Smith of Thunder Ranch, a well-known firearms training facility. Designed with input from professional shooters and trainers, this 5″ .45 ACP pistol embodies the ideals of reliability, precision, and practical features that are essential for serious defensive and tactical use. Les Baer is renowned for producing high-quality custom 1911s, and the Thunder Ranch Special is no exception, offering a meticulously hand-fitted firearm that meets the high standards expected by enthusiasts and professionals alike. The Thunder Ranch Special features a full-sized government frame and slide, both crafted from high-quality steel and finished with Les Baer’s rugged and attractive bluing. This combination not only provides a durable exterior that resists wear but also maintains the classic appearance of the traditional 1911. The slide is fitted with Novak sights, known for their low-profile and snag-free design, which provides an excellent sight picture and quick target acquisition in a variety of lighting conditions. The sight setup is practical and reliable, fitting well within the defensive and tactical focus of the Thunder Ranch Special. The pistol’s accuracy is enhanced by a match-grade barrel and bushing, both hand-fitted to ensure the tight tolerances and exceptional performance that Les Baer is known for. The Thunder Ranch Special’s trigger is a Baer aluminum match trigger, which offers a crisp and clean break with minimal take-up and overtravel, characteristics that are highly valued for precise shooting. This trigger setup contributes significantly to the overall shooting experience, providing consistent and predictable performance with every pull. The Thunder Ranch Special comes equipped with cocobolo grips, adding a touch of elegance and tradition to the pistol’s aesthetics. Cocobolo is a dense, oily wood that provides a rich, warm appearance, as well as a naturally textured surface that enhances grip. Combined with the front and rear checkering on the frame, the grips offer a secure and comfortable hold, even in rapid-fire scenarios or under stressful conditions. Overall, the Les Baer Thunder Ranch Special edition 1911 in .45 ACP is a finely crafted firearm that balances traditional 1911 styling with modern enhancements tailored for real-world defensive applications. Its combination of high-quality materials, precise fitting, and practical features makes it a top-tier choice for those who demand reliability, accuracy, and performance from their 1911, whether for personal defense, competition, or as a premium addition to a firearm collection. Please see our high quality photos and best of luck with your bidding!!!-R.L.
