Ok, it's been a while (several months) since I've gotten a new gun--I'm sure someone here can relate. I don't have a .45 and I think I would like to get a 1911. What do you all think about the Springfield "Loaded"? Do you think it is a good gun for the price? What about it compared to a Kimber? I heard that Kimbers have some plastic parts in them, but that Springfields are all metal--does that have anything to do with quality? Advice would be appreciated. Thanks.
Looking for a new gun (1911)--Advice please
- Thread starter zman
- Start date
George Hill
Staff Alumnus
You know - if you do a SEARCH for the words SPRINGFIELD LOADED - you'll get a lot of answers...
In short - Its awesome.
In short - Its awesome.
Captain Bligh
New member
Look at a Springfield. Look at a Kimber. Then decide. You really can't go wrong either way. It's like wrestling over whether you want a Coup DeVille or a Town Car.
Mine's a Kimber.
RJ
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"Never turn your back on the crew."
Mine's a Kimber.
RJ
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"Never turn your back on the crew."
I haven't looked at 1911's in a while. Not since the kimbers came out. It was true then, you couldn't beat what they put on for the price. Now I hear about quality problems and was thinking on how they used to build up a norinco fairly cheaply since the base gun was so cheap. How does that route look now a days?
zman,
I own a Kimber Stainless Gold Match (bought late last year). It is awesome; never any problems that I didn't create by loading my own special target loads. Shooting factory 230 gr RN, I average about 3" groups at fifty feet (free-hand). With my own target reloads (200gr SWC with 3.8gr of Clays) I shoot 1" groups.
I don't know where the information about Kimbers is coming from; I know three other guys who own them, they are all VERY pleased. I do know that Kimber is swamped with orders, and maybe since last year things have changed. Mine was great out of the box.
Having said that, I have never owned a loaded Springfield. I have shot several, and they were excellent shooters. I guess it boils down to what you try and like.
Casey
I own a Kimber Stainless Gold Match (bought late last year). It is awesome; never any problems that I didn't create by loading my own special target loads. Shooting factory 230 gr RN, I average about 3" groups at fifty feet (free-hand). With my own target reloads (200gr SWC with 3.8gr of Clays) I shoot 1" groups.
I don't know where the information about Kimbers is coming from; I know three other guys who own them, they are all VERY pleased. I do know that Kimber is swamped with orders, and maybe since last year things have changed. Mine was great out of the box.
Having said that, I have never owned a loaded Springfield. I have shot several, and they were excellent shooters. I guess it boils down to what you try and like.
Casey
I met with the same quandry just about 3 weeks ago.
In short, I went with the Springfield for several reasons.
1. Comes out of the box with everything that I already would have done to a 1911.
2. Price was perfect, $575 out the door for the loaded full size, in blue with a msrp of $670.
3. Trigger felt better to me than the comparable Kimber at 2 of the 3 dealers that I shopped.
4. I wouldn't feel bad about replacing/trying different "modular" parts in a SA.
The Kimbers are nice, fit and finish is definately first rate, but there seems to be more and more compromises overall with the latest quality control with the Kimbers. Not a judgement, just an observation based on the guns being shot in my club and the experience of the 1911 guys "In the know" that I hang out with.
My SA was fully loosened up by the third box of ammo, and shoots great groups at 25 yards. In fact, it makes me look great on the range!
If you want a gun that you really can play with and customize based on what you want/like, then the SA is the perfect platform, while the Kimber is a little pricey. If you want a great gun out of the box that you think you might never do anything other than a trigger job to, then go with the Kimber.
BTW, my SA has a 3/32" total trigger travel, with a 4lb trigger out of the box!!
If you go with the SA, just tighten the guide rod sensibly, and it won't rattle loose, and trade in your 16lb recoil spring for an 18lb one right off!
Have fun, and either gun would be great. I'll probably end up with the Kimber myself, not to long from now, just to round out the selection. Now, if I can just convince my girlfriend..............
Tom
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A "Miss" is the ultimate overpenetration!
You can never be too rich, too skinny, or too well armed!
In short, I went with the Springfield for several reasons.
1. Comes out of the box with everything that I already would have done to a 1911.
2. Price was perfect, $575 out the door for the loaded full size, in blue with a msrp of $670.
3. Trigger felt better to me than the comparable Kimber at 2 of the 3 dealers that I shopped.
4. I wouldn't feel bad about replacing/trying different "modular" parts in a SA.
The Kimbers are nice, fit and finish is definately first rate, but there seems to be more and more compromises overall with the latest quality control with the Kimbers. Not a judgement, just an observation based on the guns being shot in my club and the experience of the 1911 guys "In the know" that I hang out with.
My SA was fully loosened up by the third box of ammo, and shoots great groups at 25 yards. In fact, it makes me look great on the range!
If you want a gun that you really can play with and customize based on what you want/like, then the SA is the perfect platform, while the Kimber is a little pricey. If you want a great gun out of the box that you think you might never do anything other than a trigger job to, then go with the Kimber.
BTW, my SA has a 3/32" total trigger travel, with a 4lb trigger out of the box!!
If you go with the SA, just tighten the guide rod sensibly, and it won't rattle loose, and trade in your 16lb recoil spring for an 18lb one right off!
Have fun, and either gun would be great. I'll probably end up with the Kimber myself, not to long from now, just to round out the selection. Now, if I can just convince my girlfriend..............
Tom
------------------
A "Miss" is the ultimate overpenetration!
You can never be too rich, too skinny, or too well armed!