[bep.40]

Alright, so I am in the market for a new 1911 and am currently looking at the kimber tle/rl II and the new Springfield operator. I can not make up my mind and was wondering if anyone had experience with either of these guns and which they would recommend and why. Any help would be appreciated, its driving me nuts.

[Nomad, 2nd]

Guy had a TLE I think it was... Had an flared Mag weld... those are bad... gatta have bumpers on your mags...

Springfields have locks in the mainspring housing... Don't like.

Also don't like too much checkering on the frontstrap.

I susgest you check into the features and make the choice from those.

[g5reality]

I like both the Kimber & Springfield. Hard decision. Personal preferance. Shooth them both if possible and buy the one that feels best in your hands. I have a Kimber Raptor II, and will probably buy a Ultra II carry, custom carry of Springfield TRP-Pro Model next.

All are fine firearms. IMHO

[Ranger+P+]

Working as a Private Contractor, I have 3 Springfields-A Loaded Black SS Combat, XD .45ACP Service and a Lightweight Champion Operator. Me being in the profession I am and owning 3 Springfields I think is a great plug....

I have owned all these guns over 2 years, and had no FTF or FTE. I carry my Champion Operator on detail currently in one of the worst environments on earth and it runs like a champ.

I have owned Kimbers too in the past, but for me, they cannot stand up to abuse like the Springfields--they built guns for GI's in WWII--they know their ****.

--Domari Nolo

[Ala Dan]

Every NIB Springfield Operator that arrives in our shop is wearing
rubber wrap-a-round Pachmayr grips; so there is NO actual checkering
of the front strap~! While the TLE is a nice weapon, I much prefer the
look and feel of the Operator. I realize that the Operator is in most
instances, a few more $$; but that is because it comes complete with
factory night sights~! If memory serves me correctly, we sell 'em NIB
everyday for $929.88. :cool: ;) :D

[shaggycat]

they cannot stand up to abuse like the Springfields--they built guns for GI's in WWII--they know their ****.

Actually, the Springfield Armory that built your guns shares only the name with the 1911s provided for the military.

In 1968, the government closed the Springfield Armory, citing budgetary concerns. In 1974, the Reese family bought the name and started building firearms.

To the original question, I have a Kimber which has not had any failure of any type. For what are you planning on using the gun?

[12many]

Shaggy, would it be correct to say that there are not ANY companies making 1911's today that made them for the US military?

I thought I read that Colt has gone bankco and been bought and sold a few times. Hard to say it is the same company as it seems similar to the SA situation.

Thanks.

[GunNut]

Springfield Operator is just a sweet gun, I'd put it way ahead of the Kimber TLE/RL.

[bigmedicine]

Would suggest a Springfiled or a Colt before anything with a Kimber on the side.

[threefeathers]

I have 7 1911's of all types. I love them all.
Colt Commander Customized by Mike Chulmedika
Springfield customized at Jensons
2 Springfield Militarys
A Colt El Series
Kimber TL/E
Auto Ord.

But I've decided to get a STI Spartan. That is the 1911 I recommend for anyone who plans to use it as a work gun.

[mljdeckard]

Of all the people who are absolutely certain that Springfields are superior to Kimbers, I seriously doubt any of them tested either of them as rigorously as LAPD SWAT did. Brand loylty to the point of superstition doesn't make any brand better than any other.

I have a Custom II, I added the sights, I have no need for an accessory rail. I have never had a failure of any type.

[Biggums]

Mine is a SA Pro. Doesn't get any better!

[10-Ring]

I have owned both SA & Kimber. For some reason, I prefer the way the Springers shoot.

[bigmedicine]

I have owned both Kimber and Springfield Armory - between the two, I would pick a SA again. Never, ever would spend another dime on a Kimber. Actually, I bought an Ed Brown. You really cannot go wrong with a Springfield.

[Bazooka Joe71]

I just don't understand all of the bad mouthing of kimber. My Kimber Eclipse Custom II has eaten 1000's of rounds and never a problem after the first 2-300 break-in rounds.

[oobray]

While Kimber tends to state all the time that LAPD SWAT uses thier brand. They neglect to tell you that upon initial distribution to thier agency, most of the issued Kimbers were sent back to the factory siting many different problems. I'm not saying that there aren't problem records with other companies, but you would think with such a lucrative contract Kimber would have paid more attention. I also have a problem with many of the Kimbers I have seen and shot. For the price you would expect (and should demand) much more bench fitting of parts. I don't know if any bench fitting occurs, and I'm quite sure that their quality control is inferior to companies such as Colt and Springfield.

[JimPGov]

ROCK RIVER ARMS. CLEARLY THE BEST. BEST VALUE , BEST GUN. JUST MY OPINOIN YOU CAN PAY MORE, BUT YOU WON'T GET MORE. YOU CAN PAY LESS AND YOU WILL GET MUCH LESS. JP

[koja48]

Personal choice based on what features you prefer & which fits you best. I happen to be a Springfield fan; my Daughter favors Kimber; my Son likes both.

[Geno]

Colt.

[tbtrout]

I was looking at the Operator until I found the Kimber Warrior. Love the pistol.

[Ala Dan]

2x WW-II (replica) G.I. Springers (one parkerized, one stainless)
1- 5" Springfield MIL SPEC
1- 3" Kimber Stainless Ultra Carry II
1- 5" Stainless Smith & Wesson (product code 108282)
1- Les Baer Thunder Ranch Special 1911

NEVER, EVER had a single problem out of anyone of 'em~! :scrutiny: ;) :D

[gunfighter48]

Kimber Pro Carry II, 2200 rds fired, 100% reliable. Taurus PT1911, 1000 rds fired, 100% reliable. YMMV

[Smoke]

I must be the odd ball around here. I have Colts, Springfields, Kimbers and Para Ordnance pistols.

My Preference in order is: Para, Kimber, Colt, Springfield.

THe lesson here is "To each, his own" GO buy the one that speaks to you.

Smoke

[Leedavisone]

One 1911 that no-one has mentioned (except Ala Dan, owns one) is the Smith & Wesson. I am looking to buy another 1911 soon, and I like the Springfield Armory mil spec. But I may go with a Smith & Wesson... checked one out at Sportsman's Warehouse yesterday ($789), and I was impressed with the fit and finish. It just looks like a quality gun. I want to get one to shoot regularly, and don't want another safe queen. I also think that for resale in the future (or a pistol keeping it's value), one can't go wrong a Colt or a Dan Wesson, at a good price. But, I suppose that I am a bit hopeless... I have a Rock Island that I love.


Fortunately, I always keep my feathers numbered -Foghorn Leghorn

[vanfunk]

Shaggy, would it be correct to say that there are not ANY companies making 1911's today that made them for the US military?


Colt still makes 1911A1's in both series 80 configuration (trigger activated firing pin safety) and series 70 configuration (no firing pin safety). The tooling has been updated a few times, and Colt has been reorganized a few times, but it's the same company. Colt's 1911 lineup is excellent, and the brand I recommend for a standard production gun.

vanfunk