Wilson KZ45 of Kimber CDP/Eclipse
- Thread starter HKguy9
- Start date
I voted for the KZ-45 . . . Wilson quality and customer service plus 10+1 capacity. However, I prefer all steel, traditional design 1911A1s to any adaptation (even a Wilson). Therefore, in the $1100 price bracket, I would certainly buy a full-size Springfield TRP (particularly the ArmoryKote model) before opting for either Kimber (and I own a Kimber Custom/Classic and believe it’s a top-quality 1911A1) or the KZ-45.
The Kimbers are more accurate than I ever will be. I have never had a problem with them. I can't find signs of wear in my Kimber CDP, so the alloy frame is not an issue.
Given that, I may as well get a Kimber Pro CDP. This can be had for about $900. I can get a high quality leather gun belt, holster, magazine carrier(s), many high quality magazines, thin grips, and lots of practice and hollowpoint ammo for the cost of a Wilson.
Capacity is not much of an issue. Eight rounds in a single stack versus ten in a semi-staggered magazine is not worth worrying about. Plus, I can always carry ten round Chip McCormick magazines for my reloads.
This is not to say that the Wilson is not a good choise, but I cannot get the most out of it. Plus, with thin grips a "normal" 1911 has a significantly thinner profile.
Given that, I may as well get a Kimber Pro CDP. This can be had for about $900. I can get a high quality leather gun belt, holster, magazine carrier(s), many high quality magazines, thin grips, and lots of practice and hollowpoint ammo for the cost of a Wilson.
Capacity is not much of an issue. Eight rounds in a single stack versus ten in a semi-staggered magazine is not worth worrying about. Plus, I can always carry ten round Chip McCormick magazines for my reloads.
This is not to say that the Wilson is not a good choise, but I cannot get the most out of it. Plus, with thin grips a "normal" 1911 has a significantly thinner profile.
I asked this same question to one of Wilson's largest retailers. (don't ask who, not going to post it on a forum) They suggested that I take a hard look at the CDP or Eclipse. I went with the CDP.
Oh yeah there #1 suggestion was that I buy a used CQB Combat.
I have already spent a good amount of money on a Wilson Stainless Protector. I love the gun. I just wanted to stay around 1000 this time.
Oh yeah there #1 suggestion was that I buy a used CQB Combat.
I have already spent a good amount of money on a Wilson Stainless Protector. I love the gun. I just wanted to stay around 1000 this time.
I had a Stainless Target II that I hated. The extractor didn't. I guess I should have given Kimber customer service a fair shake but I said f*ck it and sold it...I mean for $950 it didn't extract when my $600 Europlastic USP (now $800 Europlastic) and my $630 Eurotrash Beretta barely EVER choked on me.
I admit I am a sucker for pretty guns and the Eclipse is really pretty, so that got me looking at them again. But feeling that and the Wilson, the Wilson fits a lot better.
If I got one, it would be for a defensive arm and it would have to go 'bang' EVERY time, no ifs ands or buts. My Beretta does, but the .45 is much more comforting than a 9mm (yeah yeah shotplacement notwithstanding).
Kimber has a new external extractor on their guns, I wonder if I can get an Eclipse with one?!?!? I'll call them tomorrow.
I admit I am a sucker for pretty guns and the Eclipse is really pretty, so that got me looking at them again. But feeling that and the Wilson, the Wilson fits a lot better.
If I got one, it would be for a defensive arm and it would have to go 'bang' EVERY time, no ifs ands or buts. My Beretta does, but the .45 is much more comforting than a 9mm (yeah yeah shotplacement notwithstanding).
Kimber has a new external extractor on their guns, I wonder if I can get an Eclipse with one?!?!? I'll call them tomorrow.
hey Jeff,
Still alive huh? i haven't heard from you in a while. yet again
looking at the Kimbers? after last time. I like the Wilsons but in
1911 format (single stack). FYI i got my Euroblaster and i am getting another one for the wifey in O.D Green .also put a layaway on a G17 at Turners for my next month's purchase.
e-mail me dude.
kidd
Still alive huh? i haven't heard from you in a while. yet again
looking at the Kimbers? after last time. I like the Wilsons but in
1911 format (single stack). FYI i got my Euroblaster and i am getting another one for the wifey in O.D Green .also put a layaway on a G17 at Turners for my next month's purchase.
e-mail me dude.
kidd
Hey man, I'm still here. Gave up shooting for the last two months...had final papers (wrote about 100 pages for my two classes), finals, saving money for my camping trip (spent $300+ on new boots and a sleeping bag), bought $200 of new clothes because I ditched all my Dockers for political reasons, etc. etc. etc....so yeah I been saving my pennies and spending $100 on match fees per month alone wasn't helping...but I'll be back starting next month.
How does the P99 shoot? Well I just spoke to John at Kimber, and he said that Kimber will not be retrofitting existing pistols to have an external extractor. He said that they may or may not produce production pistols with them in the future, depending on how the LTP 10 works out.
I've seen Eclipses in the $900 range that you could walk out the door with. If I heard correctly, there's a couple of month wait for the KZs. Of course, I'm sure there's someone willing to sell you one for a premium. I'm not much into waiting or paying premiums, so I voted for the Eclipse.