Need help Kimber Pro CDP or Wilson KZ-45 Compact

1

1911Ford

New member
I would like to hear opinions on either. If anyone owns either of these guns please comment. My only concern with the Kimber is will accuracy be on par with the Wilson. I have owned a Kimber Custom and Wilson Protector. There is no comparison between these two guns. The Wilson was far superior. The CDP being a Kimber custom shop pistol I am assuming that it will be of better quality. The trigger and accuracy on my first Kimber were not bad but certainly not impressive. Where the Wilson was amazing.
Thanks for your advice.
 
From what I've heard, the Kimber "custom shop" offerings such as the CDP, though more feature rich than their regular line, are not put together with any more care than their regular line of 1911s. Not to say that Kimbers aren't put together well, au contraire, but it's not a true "custom" offering.

I've been looking at the KZ45 compact (as a potential carry pistol) as well, and from what I've read, they are back ordered for about 4 months, and no one has seen one yet (other than on their website).

Good luck with your decision!

Regards,
Cedric
 
It looks like the CDP can be bought for about $100 or so cheaper than the Wilson so that is not that big of a deal. What a decision!!
 
That's the exact same two guns that I'm looking at. Its a real tough choice for me too, but I think I'm leaning toward Kimber mainly due to the fact that I don't want to wait for the KZ and I really don't need the extra magazine capacity.
 
I have also heard that the KZ-45 although demention wise is the same as a 1911 it does not have the 1911 feel. It is more blocky. I don't know how much that would matter.

What price have you been given on the CDP? My best price from a local dealer here is $898
 
I don't own either, but I've considered both. So I'll give it to you from a prospective buyers stand point.

I'll be the first to argue that a single stack .45 is more than adequate for a gun fight. But, would I complain if I could get more rounds in a single stack profile... No! I've felt the Wilson and it surprisingly thin and gives you two more rounds in the mag. Plus, it's a Wilson.

The only down side to that is that you can't use standard 1911 mags in the Wilson. Just something to consider.

-Red-
 
Redhook,

Did the KZ that you held feel blocky? I know that it is supposed to be about the same width but I was just wondering what your first impression of the grip was like>
 
I have a full size KZ-45. The grip feels blockier than an all steel 1911. However, don't think Glock or HK USP blocky. It is not that bad. You can get a full single hand grip on the gun. But, yes, it does feel a little blockier than an all steel 1911. Not bad, though.....

Otherwise, it shoots like a Wilson. Mine has been totally reliable and very accurate. Has a great trigger. I only wish mine had the new (463) Pyramid sights vs their Nite Eyes.
 
I've considered both myself. I've seen the KZ45 full size, and I agree, it's a touch blockier than a regular 1911. It had a beautiful balance, and the trigger was strapped, so I couldn't test the feel there. The real downside for me (I'm looking at the compact), is that if I wanted different grip panels (rubber, wood, etc), different backstrap/treatment, or different frontstrap treatment, that's not an option.

Oh, and I don't know how the KZ's grip would feel if it got wet/sweaty. Slipperier than a steel/wood 1911? Probably. I'd hate to take a beautiful pistol like that and have to put a grip sleeve on it! Blasphemy! :eek:

Regards,
Cedric
 
I own a full size KZ-45 and also the Kimber Compact CDP. Most of the time my preferred carry piece is the Kimber Compact CDP due to the size difference between the two. Normally I use the KZ-45 when teaching. I did spend more than a few minutes at the Shot Show going over the KZ-45 compact. However Wilson's has stated that they will not have it CA Certified so that end's that purchase for me. :(

If I had to or could choose between the two compacts I would:
A) Buy both
B) Go with the one that feels better in my hand as both would be a great choice and serve you well.

Good shooting,

Dean
 
I went with the Compact CDP. It was a little bit smaller than the KZ-45 Compact so it should be a little easier to ccw. Was also a little bit lighter. As much as I like the idea of polymer, no matter how hard I try I always fall back to metal and wood. I just like the way that it feels in my hand better. I just hope that this Kimber can give me close to the accuracy that my Stainless Protector does. Might not be quite as good since one is 4" and one 5" but anything close to my Wilson would be good.
Thank you all for your help.
 
Not that it matters much now, but I agree with JohnO. It's not nearly as blocky as a Glock or HK. I have really small hands and found the Wilson to be quite comfortable.

-Red-
 
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