Springfield? Kimber? Which one?

S

SVTNate

New member
I was just wondering your thoughts on which one of these 1911's you prefer, and why. I haven't looked into specific models yet, but I've had a heck of a time finding examples of both to take to the range and decide for myself. Anyone own both?
 
I went through alot of rounds through several brands of 1911s. When it was all said and done with, I went with Colt. :cool:
 
If you want to do some research, try http://www.1911forum.com/. As the name implies, it's a forum dedicated to 1911's, has rooms for each mfr, lotsa nice, knowledgeable folks, & no shortage of opinions, just like here;)

I, myself, bought a couple of Kimbers, as I thought the fit & finish was better than the SA's I handled. Both are nice guns, and I think you're doing the right thing by trying to shoot and evealuate each. Good luck.
 
Okay, I checked, and the Colt 1991A1 is approved by Komrade Feinstein for sale in CA. So, that is an option. No, not the 1911, the 1991. (Series 80)

How much do the Stainless models run? Is the Colt a good starting point, to be sent away to famous gunsmiths for months at a time? It doesn't seem to have all the nifty extras that the SA's and Kimbers do. Not that I need a ton of extras, but it seems pretty "bare-bones" compared to the other brands I mentioned.

I'm most likely still going to get a USP.45f first, but I am just seeing what's out there and what I should be looking at.
 
In my opinion, Kimber is the way to go!

I've owned all three, SA, Colt and Kimber. Out of the three, Colt was the worst. I own a basic full size Kimber Custom Classic and out of the box it was right on. The most accurate of all three. Also, funstioned better than the others. And, you can't beat it considering its reasonable price! Just my opinion...
 
SVTNate, Get both I did! I like the Kimber better but I will not sell the Springfield any time soon. If you gave me a Colt and it wasnt a Series 70 I would trade so fast it would make your head spin:barf:
 
SVTNate, I sent my 1991a1 away to have trigger work done, beavertail, and hammer done. It has turned into a kind of pet project. It was gone only 12 days. I will eventually have new sights put on, mag well, and whatever else I may want, like I said, it's a project! ;) There are ALOT of very good gunsmiths in Southern California. Ask around, I'm sure you'll find one close by that meets your requirements. :cool:
I primarily shoot my USPs, but I had to have a Colt in the collection. :)
 
My 1st 1911 = Springfield 1911-A1 "Loaded" stainless. Guide rod kept coming lose. Sharp edges. Didn't feel "well-balanced" in my hands while shooting. Front sight was hard to see, had to paint it dark. Not very major problems, never had feeding problems, shot where I was aiming at. More of me being picky, but hey I spent $640 on it and the pistol just didn't do it for me. A few months later, it was sold. I now have 2 custom Kimbers, and a Wilson CQB. End of story...

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BTW SVTNate, I recommend you take a look at a Para-Ordnance also. You'll look twice, I promise. I've shot one and they're sweet! Grip is not any wider than my G21 and you get the higher capacity...
 
The correct answer is for you to get the one that feels right for you. Colt, SA, and Kimber all make fine pistols. If you want some of the extras, I'd get a SA or Kimber. The SA's have a tendancy to have extremely sharp edges and the front strap is a little more square. Handle a couple and see which one you prefer. I own a SA (patiently waiting for SA to replace the slide) and a Kimber (loose barrel hood to slide fit), and they both shoot well and are reliable with ball and with hollowpoints, though I haven't tried much SWC through them.
 
WARNING THE OPINIONS BELOW ARE TEH OPINIONS OF RAVING MADMAN.

that being said in my limited experience. I own a Kimber compact and I love it. shoots perfect right from the box was cheaper than my HK and is beutiful to boot.

My Father's Springfield Armory Ultra High cap Ultra compact. was more expensive, still fails to return to battery sometimes, has two points on it that dig into my hand with each shot. and has a lousy finish in my opinion. On the other hand it is amazingly accurate when someone who knows what they are doing points it. :cool:
 
Does anyone know where I can buy a Kimber online, and transfer it to my local FFL? Even the bare-bones Kimber models start at 800 here in California. I figure I could save money buying it elsewhere and having it transferred here.

I have never seen an SA or Kimber under 750 new here, not matter what model.
 
Another vote for Kimber

Over the past 25 years I have owned almost every make of 1911 offered. All of my Colts have had to undergo some degree of 'smithing before they were acceptable. Afterwards, they all did fine. One Springfield (full-size) needed the same treatment but developed fixable glitches about every 1000 rounds or so. Another one just never quite got over its feeding/accuracy problems. The two Kimbers I own have never malfunctioned and are both very accurate. Their slightly higher initial costs have been more than offset by their not needing any sort of tuning, etc.

My gunsmith is talking about buying a Kimber for his next 1911;)

Those are my experiences. Several of my friends have Springfields and are very happy with them although one complained just two days ago that he thought he was seeing some unusual wear on his slide rails. Could be a maintenance problem? I don't know.
Best of Luck, Jack
 
The kimber is my choice I have owned colts sold them as they were not reliable. The spirnfield was not reliable for me either but it was a compact officers size gun with ports. These seldom run as good as full size guns. My Para is working well for me. Stay away from the Auto Ordance, AMT and other lower end 1911's if you want a reliable gun. Many colts are good just not the ones I had. Colts quality control has gone up and down over the years. If you get a colt get an older one.
PAT
 
I only have one 45 cal. ACP and it's a Kimber Custom Royal. A very nice pistol that looks good and shoots good!
 
I own one Springfield Armory 1911. It is a POS. It isn't reliable, and it isn't accurate. I am not sure if this is representitive of SA guns or not. I have never owned a Kimber but have heard many great reports on them. They look good to me. I own several Colts all of which are totally reliable and shoot groups at least 25% smaller than those of my Springfield. My Officers Model shoots rings around the SA. If I was going to buy another 1911, it would certainly be a Colt.
 
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