talk me into keeping a 3" 1911

J

JERRYS.

New member
I don't have any spare money and I've been wanting one of those Beretta mod. 81 .32acp really bad. I have a 3" Kimber *ultra carry II that has seen some use but now just sits in the safe.....

this is NOT a.32acp vs. .45acp debate.

I have several handguns but the mini 1911 is the least used/carried. the Beretta 81 would get use as a house gun for my daughter plus I just like the .32acp round. I could "save up" but the pool will be dry by then I fear on the Berettas and or the prices will be considerably higher.

I have a G21 for my .45acp needs, so should the Kimber mini 1911 go or should I sit this one out to make sure its just not a fad which would lead to buyer's remorse?
 
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I think you know the answer. The safe inmate needs to go. The Beretta has a cool factor that a petite 1911 simply cannot. And if you aren't using it, put your assets where they'll get the most traffic!

I don't think you'll have any buyers remorse. At least I wouldn't. ;)
 
My brother has the same Kimber, its a great looking, nice little shooter but it is certainly in no danger of being a collectible. I would go with the Beretta if I weren’t using the Kimber much, life’s to short for a paperweight...:D. If you miss the Kimber you can always get another one down the road.
 
Big Kimber fan here, have a Pro Carry II. Had one Beretta, a 92f. I hated the Beretta, it was very inaccurate.

You know which one I would keep.
 
JERRYS. said:
I don't have any spare money and I've been wanting one of those Beretta mod. 81 .32acp really bad. I have a 3" Kimber *ultra carry II that has seen some use but now just sits in the safe.....

...

I have several handguns but the mini 1911 is the least used/carried. the Beretta 81 would get use as a house gun for my daughter plus I just like the .32acp round. I could "save up" but the pool will be dry by then I fear on the Berettas and or the prices will be considerably higher.

I have a G21 for my .45acp needs, so should the Kimber mini 1911 go or should I sit this one out to make sure its just not a fad which would lead to buyer's remorse?
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Go.

Little used, needs otherwise covered. Stubby 1911s are easy enough to aquire, if the itch strikes again. It's trade fodder. Let someone else "enjoy" it.
 
I also would sell the 3". I had a Springfield V10 stainless 3" that was nice but it was heavier than my Kimber Pro Carry 2 that is commander sized. I never carried it and finally sent it down the road.

I also got one of the Beretta 81's and am happy with it. Cant wait to get the new one to the range.
 
alright folks. after I finish working this weekend I will start looking at the pawn/gun shops near me to see what other goodies they have in the case.... if I see a Beretta 81 .32 it will traded on the spot. otherwise I will just be window shopping for a while.

I really thought there would be more of a following for the mini 1911s here.

thanks.
 
I'm not one to sell much, for two reasons. 1) General principle -- the remorse is usually more than you expect. 2) The sale process is usually a total PITA unless you take a hit on the price.

However, there are exceptional cases, and this one may very well qualify. Go to gunbroker and take a look at recent sale prices of older/used 81's. Eventually (let's say after a couple years), the nicer surplus ones should approach that price level. I'd much rather be holding onto two hand-select 81's right now than one generic and used shorty Kimber. Especially if it's a safe queen.

The 81 is likely going to be a very fun (if surprisingly expensive to feed) shooter.
 
Metric said:
I'm not one to sell much, for two reasons. 1) General principle -- the remorse is usually more than you expect. 2) The sale process is usually a total PITA unless you take a hit on the price.

However, there are exceptional cases, and this one may very well qualify. Go to gunbroker and take a look at recent sale prices of older/used 81's. Eventually (let's say after a couple years), the nicer surplus ones should approach that price level. I'd much rather be holding onto two hand-select 81's right now than one generic and used shorty Kimber. Especially if it's a safe queen.

The 81 is likely going to be a very fun (if surprisingly expensive to feed) shooter.
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the time with the gun has been paid for. its no longer a get my money out of it sort of thing anymore. its get what you'd rather have sort of thing.
 
JERRYS. said:
the time with the gun has been paid for. its no longer a get my money out of it sort of thing anymore. its get what you'd rather have sort of thing.
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Sure, and I've totally been there -- "pre-transaction thoughts." On the other side of a trade, you'll be thinking "Once I had a Kimber, now I have a _____."

Just trying to say the whole process is much easier if you can pat yourself on the back from a value perspective. And in this case, you probably can. No reason not to go for it.
 
I have a Colt New Agent in 45ACP , strictly a carry piece , it came with CT Laser Grips . The pistol doesn't have conventional sights only trench sights . It's my favorite and shooting with laser grips is a first for me , makes it such a fun gun . The Kimber is very similar , have you tried laser grips , just might bring back the interest that made you buy it in the first place , it is a beauty , plus you'll lose alot on a trade in . I practice once a week and my fear is wearing it out
 
I get the impression often here that many gun owners don't have a "harem" full of classic firearms. I'm not a Kimber fan but would never be without a 1911, and certainly wouldn't sell one to buy a gob of plastic. I'm just an old geezer I guess, but plastic and aluminum guns are not treasures for me.

And for self defense the .32 ACP could cost you or your loved one's their lives. I own at least two classic .32's, but they wouldn't be what I'd grab for defense. I did own a Kimber full size .45 1911, extremely accurate but I got rid of it because of the many MIM parts, being a machinist I don't trust it, and have had an MIM part fail in use, transforming the gun into a poor club.
 
cw308 said:
I have a Colt New Agent in 45ACP , strictly a carry piece , it came with CT Laser Grips . The pistol doesn't have conventional sights only trench sights . It's my favorite and shooting with laser grips is a first for me , makes it such a fun gun . The Kimber is very similar , have you tried laser grips , just might bring back the interest that made you buy it in the first place , it is a beauty , plus you'll lose alot on a trade in . I practice once a week and my fear is wearing it out
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I second this post, laser grips can make for a better site picture.
 
If you no longer want the Kimber, then by all means, sell it and move on. However, my two cents on getting a Beretta 81 is that they are super cheap right now from various online sellers and I would just figure out how to scrape up the dough and buy one before selling the Kimber. There is no way in hell I would trade one straight up for the Beretta and if money is as tight as you indicated in your first post, then I think it would behoove you to sell it yourself and maximize your return.

I have a couple guns in .32acp and as far as I am concerned, the best thing I can say about the caliber as a self defense round, it is that it's certainly better than nothing, but just barely.
 
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