I have a Springfield TRP as a "beater". The FL guide rod is in the trash can, and a EB GI plunger has been installed. I plan on one of two courses of action (in due time):

A) Sell it and buy another Les Bear.

B) Send it to Springfield's Custom Shop for replacement of all MIM parts.

Regardless if I keep the TRP in its factory guise, rebuilt by the CS, or sell it - I will have another Les Baer.

Out of the hundreds of handguns I've shot the LB was the only one that really put a smile on my face. It just "fit" and was more accurate than it needs to be.

Ok I will check in les

You'll be well served by a LB. People will say Ed Brown is finished better, and Wilson has more options and better Customer Service. However, the few people I've heard of having problems with their LB spoke directly to Les, and I'll spend the $800 difference between a LB Custom Carry and EB Special Forces on ammo.

I've considered buying a Les Baer a few times.

The first time I heard of Les Bear was from a book I read back in the '90's, "The Relic." I look into them every 5 years or so. I love the thought of having one, but it would only be a range gun for me. My carry gun will not have a manual safety, and my fighting gun will be high capacity. That doesn't leave any room for the Baer, so I doubt I'll ever own one. A CZ97 will probably be the closest I ever come.

I'm hoping gun dog gets the Les Baer, only because I know he'll love it.

Les bears are sick 1911s but mine is a range queen that I am slowly building up, yes it will cost the same in the long run but into the short run I was able to buy it and a real carry gun plus have money for ammo. Not disagreeing with you Arch I am just thinking that GD has a small collection why not build it up a bit. My Taurus pt1911 has been flawless (I did change the sights) and Wilson combat non mim parts are easy to be had. This is where I am coming from.

What are y'alls opinions on the Guncrafter Industries 1911s?

The lesbear recon is close to what I want but I think the price tag is $2300!

Wilson light rail looks to be about $3200 and the equivalent night hawk is about the same price. Ouch... So who makes 1911s that don't use MIM parts?

Good info between the brand fighting here. Lol
http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=282723

I have no interest in having another railed 1911. The balance is dreadful. Honestly, I know the conventional wisdom is to put a light on your fighting handgun (and I espoused this for years) but in practice it isn't ideal.

When just "looking around" because you heard a noise - pointing your gun at what could be your neighbor doesn't make them happy (ask how I know this).

Lights make holster selection, and carry comfort difficult.

I keep a light on my nightstand gun, but not my carry gun. I carry a high quality light with me (clipped in my weak hand back pocket). This allows the light to be used the 99.9999999999999999999999999999999% of the time I just need a flashlight, but it can be used in conjunction with the weapon if needed.

No personal experience, but I've read high praise from people: a) claiming to own and use them; b) claiming to own and use the other big names.

I do think a duty sidearm needs a light. Different situation. You're carrying an exposed sidearm in a more durable holster and have a separate light on your belt.