[BlkHawk73]

Was just searching around Gun Broker and was comparing the prices of 1911 style pistols. Maybe I've been out of the loop for a bit but when did Kimbers start going for $900? Cripes, for a few hundred dollars more, I'll go with a Baer! especially with a growing number of kimber complaints I've read lately. As much as I like to look of the Eclipse line, The craftmanship I don't think compares to the Baer and I want the quality over look.

I don't want a thread filled with "My Kimber shoots great ..." I' know they are a good gun . Not arguing that. Just can't see buying one if for only a bit more I could buy a Baer.

[wardog]

I've got a Kimber Custom Eclipse II, no complaints. Paid $842 for it. The standard stainless I was looking at was $622. I justified the extra money for the checkering on the front strap, and the night sights. I really do like the look though, and I think that cinched the deal. It appears that Springfield now has one finished the exact same way, blackened stainless with polished flat sides.

I did buy a Springfield mil-spec about 13 years ago new for $339 which was a good deal even back then.

[Siggyboy]

Prices are creeping up on all 1911's. 1911's are hot sellers so, everybody inflates the price. Almost a year ago I paid $730 for my Kimber TLE, which was a fair price for a nice 1911. I see them now for close to $800, which is getting high. Kimber is also charging a lot for its "higher-end" models, which aren't worth the price IMO (rather get a Colt and make some adjustments). Still, if you want a real semi-custom high quality 1911, the least expensive in that catagory are the Rock River Arms and the Valtro. After them, Les Baer. Generally, Wilson and Ed Brown are more expensive. IMO Brown is the supreme semi-custom 1911.

[ARperson]

I saw a Eclipse Custom going for $740 the other day.

FWIW, I love my Custom CDP. And I just sold a custom Springfield to finance the purchase of another Kimber, though I haven't decided which model yet.

I think Kimber quality is just as good as anybody else's, better in some cases. I think it's ridiculous to compare a mass manufactured to a one-at-a-time thing though. The benefit to Kimber over a custom job like Baer is the price. Not sure the increase in price going from a Kimber custom to a Baer is completely translated into quality. Also, I don't think it makes anymore sense to purchase a less expensive 1911 and then sink $300-500 into to bring it up to Kimber quality, unless you just want the name. In the end, you get what you pay for.

I did check out Kimber's website, and their suggested retail price is way more than I've seen local dealers selling them for, whatever that means. :confused:

[MaterDei]

I don't want a thread filled with "My Kimber shoots great ..." I' know they are a good gun . Not arguing that. Just can't see buying one if for only a bit more I could buy a Baer.
I'm not sure what kind of response you are looking for. :confused:

However, my Kimber shoots great!!! :neener:

[Black Snowman]

Springfiled Stainless mil-spec quoted $525 cash price locally. Don't know if that's good or bad but definately higher than they used to be.