Which 1911?
I am going to purchase a 1911 soon, and I went in to this aware that there would be choices, but never thought it would be this tough. I've narrowed it down to a few, 2 different Kimbers, or a Springfield Armory. I've heard some Kimbers have "little problems," however I'm not sure of the truth behind that. What are your opinions? This will be my first 1911, so I'm not that familiar with them, so I'm looking to get steered in the right direction. Thanks for your help!
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Welcome to the forum. Both the Springfields and the Kimbers are truly fine handguns. Take your time and get educated. Some range time with a rental or three might help you find out what you are comfortable with.
Here's a link with some education:
http://www.springfield-armory.com/index.shtml
and: http://www.m1911.org/
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Frog.
RiBBButt...You can't rollerskate in a buffalo herd, but you can be happy if you've a mind to. -Roger Miller0 -
From sunny Florida: [8D]
I wish I was hooked on 1911s because there ARE so many. Truth is, the 1911s and Glocks just don't hit where I'm pointing! And this from an ancient LE who carried a S&E model 64 for 9 years.
I'm convinced that a new shooter needs to see if the angle/cant of the 1911 is "point of aim" for them!
I shoot Beretta and EAA Witness semis because they have the angle/cant and ergonomics thet help me me shoot and hit my point of aim as natural as the 64 did.
I've had some GREAT 1911s and sold them all to good homes. I suggest you try the grip/palm swell/angle/cant of several types of semis and if the 1911 suits you the check out the new 1911s from Taurus...Lifetime Warranty!
I'll go back to my hammock now.
Jim
GunHawke
"They blink an eye or draw a breath before they pull a trigger. I won't!" J.B. Books0 -
...hold that thought Colt, Kimber, or Springfield...can't go wrong with any. May consider the Commander size over the 5 inch Government. for the custom features out of the box Kimber is hard to beat. I carry a Colt daily and swear by it Colt CCO
Paul
Mountain Magic Gunsmithing0 -
Kimber is a better deal than Colt. You pay alot for the Colt name. If deciding between Kimber and Springfield, again the Kimber wins out, because it is made in USA.
"My faith, my country and my family will guide me; nothing more, nothing less" -Gen. Tommy Franks0 -
Ed Brown makes the finest 1911 known to man. 0 -
I bought a Kimber Pro Carry II two or three years back. Ive put nearly two thousand rounds thru it without any problems, misfeeds, etc. If taken care of, it shouldnt give you any problems. But, neither should the Para, Colt, or Springfield. 0 -
I just bought a Springfield compact 1911. They tried to make it look like a GI issue. This one is less than $500.00. Got 10 percent off today for opening a Gander Moutain account. It came out to $439 plus tax.[:D] 0 -
I own a Springfield full-size 1911 (Loaded Model) and it is my favorite gun by far. I also own a Kimber Ultra Carry which shoots great but is a little finicky sometimes due to it's compact close quarter nature. I've never shot a Kimber full-size but will give a huge two thumbs up for the Springfield loaded model 1911's. 0 -
Being raised / spoiled shooting a 1911 Colt Series 70, which I inherited at age 13 from my father, and over the years thereafter customized, let me give you a little history.
Back in the 80's / early 90's and before, you had your choice of Colt, Springfield, and Auto Ordnance. Most 1911's, from the factory, IMHO, were junk. There were a few other brands out there but most were customized Colts or Springfields. At that time, if you wanted a top of the line 1911, you had your choice of a stock Colt, stock Springfield, or customized Colt, customized Springfield, or a Gold Cup Colt. Most gun nuts of the day recommended you buy a stock 1911 and have it customized. Now days they refer to that as Bubbarized.
Customizing involved: lowering the ejection port, ramping & throating the barrel, adding a Kings adjustable speed lightened trigger , adding better sights, commander style hammer, ambi-safety, beaver tail grip safety, action / trigger job, reblueing, checkering, and if need be, bevelling the mag well.
Kimber came on the scene and offered a gun that was custom from the factory. It had all the perks that custom gunsmiths offered (see above) at 1/2 the price.
IMHO, Kimber blew Colt out of business and Springfield pert near it!!!
Kimber offered the same custom gun, made in america, that 1911 owners were paying big bucks to get their Colts and Springfields customized at a gunsmiths fore. Kimber also made a gun that functioned and was warranteed to function.
As an asided-- The sad thing about 1911 owners is that, TO THIS DAY, they have been conditioned to expect a poorly functioning gun. A gun that requires custom work to FUNCTION!!!!!!!! Forget sending it back to the factory for the fact the it doesn't work, send it to a custom gun smith!!!
Moving on, so here we are with Kimber with the 1st mass produced custom 1911 for under the price of a Gold Cup and under the price of a Custom Gunsmithed Springfield 1911.
Springfield, none too recently, decided to catch up.
Springfield sent the majority of it's manufacturing to Imbel in Brazil.
Imbel is a good company (makes some nice FAL's.) I digress.
Springfied sent skilled labor, American steel industry JOBS to South America to compete with Kimber. And flat out coppied just about every Kimber model gun. That was the only way they could compete with the American made Kimber.
Now I'm all for an American made guns, and do own a Customized (see above) Colt series 70 & a Kimber Classic Stainless. I also own a brazilian made Springfield GI 1911A1 and a Filipino Rock Island 1911. All are good 1911's.
Sadly to say none are perfect nor, in my experience, are they as reliable as other designs of guns I own.
You trying to pick between a Kimber or Springfield, I'd say flip a coin. Both are nice guns and will serve you well. Springfield will probably throw in a set of night sights and an ambi-safety for the price of a Kimber.
Either gun will spoil you in the accuracy / trigger pull depatment. I'm so spoiled that I have to work hard to enjoy a DA / SA , non-1911 style gun.
Regards,
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To add fuel to the fire, what about the S&W 1911's?
NRA Life Member0
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