STI Eagle vs Kimber Gold Match

R

Rickmeister

New member
I'd appreciate any input relevant to the STI Eagle and Kimber Gold Match pistols. I'm having a hard time deciding which of these two magnificent 1911s I want to buy. Do you have any suggestions? There is no place within practical distance from where I live where I can rent or borrow them, so I must rely almost exclusively on your experience.

Thanks.
 
My only direct input is on my STI Trojan (I would love to have an Eagle). STI basically builds hand made guns that are accurized, tuned, and fitted dead tight. I probably have 10k rounds through mine and it is still dead tight, trigger has not changed a bit, and the rails and barrel show almost no wear (just some silvering along the slide rails where the bluing is rubbed off). Mine is a damn good gun which has obviously been built out of the best materials available. I don't own a Kimber, I understand they are quite good but it would be hard for me to believe thay are better than STI.
 
BOTH GOOD

But if you could think of their status like this: the Kimber is a Honda Accord EX, the STI is a Lexus ES 300.

That make any sense?
Price difference, but IMNSHO worth it.

(Seen many STI's on the USPSA circuit; one flawless gun. Kimbers, too, and developed custom ammo for both.)

If I could buy either I'd be running a 9x23 STI (okay, maybe a 10mm, but I don't have to decide LOL).
 
Hello. I, too, own an STI Trojan, but not the model you mention.
I own a Kimber Classic Custom as well. As has been mentioned, both are good guns and I really like and use both. However, if pinned down, I'd give the STI the edge.

Best.
 
If you have the bucks, you can't go wrong with an STI. If your budget is a factor, then you should have no misgivings about buying a Kimber
 
There's one big difference between the two. The STI Eagle is a double stack and the Kimber is a single stack. There are pre-ban high cap mags around for the STI, though you won't get one with the gun.

I have a couple Kimbers and a couple STIs. Since both my Kimbers and STIs have been 100% reliable, there's really no comparison of merit there; they're both good though I'd fully expect the STI to last 100,000 rounds; I'm aware of several that have been through that kind of round count without any significant wear or failure.

The STIs are tighter and better finished than the Kimbers. The STIs also contain no MIM parts like the Kimbers. I personally haven't experience any breakage but some of the MIM parts are prone to failure so that's a plus for STI.

The bore finish of STI barrels is WAY better than the Kimbers. Only bores I've seen better looking are the Nowlins in my open guns and they're ECM rifled.

The finish of the Kimbers is closer but not as good as my STI Trojan which is one of STIs least expensive guns. The finish on the Eagle is much nicer than the Trojan and even more so than the Kimber. The slide flats are nicely polished on the Eagle.

I suppose since my choice for my high end gun was the Eagle, that speaks to my preference.
 
You can get an 80% 1911 for $600. 95% Kimber Gold Match for $1100. STI I guess would be 99% and I think they go from $1800-$4000.

My point would be that the price graph is exponential and it is more a matter of taste, pocket book and how much you want to "treasure" it. Also, STI offers a 6" version. STI also offers several versions that no one else does.

*All this ignores the double stack / plastic frame choice that you must think about.

So, I bought the $1100 Gold Match Kimber because that was the price point where I didn't want to spend more to satisfy my desire to have the best.
Besides, I'm just starting and need to spend bucks on several more guns.

If you like the double stack and have a very high income and will feel more special with an STI, then just buy it and enjoy. Also, you live in Texas & isn't STI from Texas....
 
Go to an IPSC match most shooters are willing to let you try an STI. If money is not a factor I would go with the STI. They can be found for about 1,700. Last time I looked the Kimber was around 1,200. I shoot a custom STI and a base model Kimber. Both are 100% reliable and have a specific use. If you plan to shoot IPSC go wiht the STI, it is the right tool for the job. For IDPA I would go with the Kimber.

Wherever you are in Texas there is probably a shooting match near you. If you get a chance go to one and watch both guns run.

Mike4045
 
LOL...Yes, I live in Texas, so I suppose there should be a slight bias.

That, plus your input---for which I am greatly indebted to all of you who answered my post---makes for a loud, resounding applause in favor of the little Georgetown gunshop.

I think I'll go for a Trojan or an Eagle, depending on how long I can wait and save :D
 
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