[TXHORNS]

I have listed a LW Colt Officer with some up upgrades for trade locally. The only thing worth considering is a NIB Kimber Custom plus $100. The Kimber owner has been talking with me for a while now so the deal isn't going to be sweetened anymore than it has, so we are at the "take it or leave it" stage now.

I bought this Officer to carry, turns out it wasn't for me but its still a pretty cool gun and hard to let go of as they aren't super common and this one was customized in a way I really like. There are certainly guns out there that would be easier for me to trade for but I'm on the fence with this Kimber. I always wanted to try a Kimber but got scared off every time by the internet bashing. I own STI, DW, SA, and Colts and have had good experiences with them all. To be honest I was originally scared off 1911s in general because of internet hogwash and now own a pile of them and love them. So I wonder if this could be true of Kimber too.

MIM doesn't bother me, I can replace all that if it breaks and honestly I would be proud to break something but RUST and poor slides/frames/barrels would hack me off big time.

Anyway I'm stuck on this one so if anyone has any suggestions I would love to hear them. I always have a hard time trading a gun thats not made anymore for a gun I can go buy at Cabelas right now. But if I liked the Kimber I would shoot it and use it way more than the Officer. Currently I use 1911's to carry on the ranch and for the range but there are much better guns for that than my Officer. I'm pretty much just holding on to the officer because its a neat gun or in case I someday decide to carry it.

Right now I'm leaning towards keeping it.

Officer Pic:

http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy15/txhorns80/officer.jpg

[Lucky Derby]

Personnally I have never been a fan of the shorter 1911s. I love the full size and the commander size guns, but less than 4.25" and I just don't want it.
But I understand that some people love the Officer's ACP sized guns. To each there own.
Here is what I see in your situation.
You own a Colt that you like, but don't really have a use, or need for. It would also be very difficult to replace should you ever decide you wanted one again.

You own several other full sized 1911s that you do use.

The Kimber in question is a readily available gun, and really would not be that different from others you already have.

IMHO keep the Colt.

[Guillermo]

My preference would be to keep the Colt but from the tone of your post, it sounds like you are leaning towards the configuration of the Kimber.

Like all companies, Kimber has had some lemons but it sounds like you know the seller (trader?) and if he hasn't had any problems I would do it.

That said, Dan Wesson and STI, the other guns in your stable, are a hard act to follow!!!

[Lonestar49]

...

What model/size is the Kimber.. ? (Kimber's, in general, have great sizzle/looks) appeal but:

How about a pic..

It's all about choices and any luck, good or bad, that may fall with them as well..


Ls

[dovedescending]

Dude, keep the Colt. Make it a safe queen, it's not the most common pistol.

[Creature]

You will regret parting with the Colt sooner or later. Take my word for it.

[FLAvalanche]

I would NEVER trade a Colt for a Kimber.

Never.

[TXHORNS]

The Kimber is a new in box, never disassembled full size Custom II, matte black, cheapest gun they sell I think. If it were a Clackamas or something maybe I'd feel better about it. The Kimber would be more usable to me IF I liked it but I dont have an overwhelming feeling of trust towards the company with all that I've read.

That said I still want to try a Kimber. I guess my fear is that if the Kimber is trash and I'm out a cool Colt I cant ever find again that would suck. If I just bought a Kimber cash and hated it I can always recoup some of that money and Im just out a little cash.

If this were a 4.25" or 5" Colt upgraded in the same fashion there's no way I'd be letting it go. The only reason I tested the waters was because its an Officer and its the least shot 1911 I own.

I dont know this guy either, he just responded to my ad. But since its never been fired who knows if I'm getting a good one that you dont read about or one of these horror stories that litter the forums.

[Rinspeed]

I would hold onto that Colt if I was you.

[samurai]

Keep the Colt or get more for it in trade. From what I have read and heard the Colt Officer sized 1911s are some of the most reliable sub 4" and from my immediate experience Kimbers are not as reliable and they may not warranty a second owner- this may have changed.

[TXHORNS]

Pretty much a unanimous decision to keep the Colt and I'm gonna take that advice. Thanks to those who chimed in.

[clem]

"NIB Kimber Custom plus $100."

Have you figured this out yet?:D

For "some" reason, the Kimber is worth less.

Keep the Colt.

[TXHORNS]

"NIB Kimber Custom plus $100."

Have you figured this out yet?:D

For "some" reason, the Kimber is worth less.

Keep the Colt.


Ha, yeah I'm figuring that out.

[HisSoldier]

The Kimber has a steel frame, right? The Colt has an aluminum frame. Much as I dislike the MIMber I'd do the trade in a heartbeat. The Kimber I had was extremely accurate, I just couldn't stomach the MIM. In fact that Kimber was a very well made and trouble free gun except for the crudmetal. but a steel framed MIMber is better than any aluminum framed gun in my opinion. The Colt would rate higher than a zinc framed gun though. :D

[Kingofthehill]

I would NEVER trade a Colt for a Kimber.

Never.

Ain't that the TRUTH!...

Kimber was a great deal for a while, their heads got a little big and their product quality suffered.

Id almost dare to say that Kimbers are for Trendy 1911 shooters.

and honestly, im not a fan of the Colt 1911's... the older ones SURE... newer ones, not so much.

[Zerodefect]

If that Colt is reliable and has a good fit. Definately keep it!!!!!!!


Looks like it could use it's sights upgraded to Warren S Comps, 10-8 slide stop, EB thumb safety, and some Sarges grips. That would be a nice little Custom carry build.

As soon as you get rid of it your tastes will change and you'll just wish you had it back.

Besides, if you got all those other 1911's why get a Kimber? Maybe try something crazier like a DW V , LB or EB. Too bad my Kimber is a rusty old beater, otherwise I'd trade straight up.

[TXHORNS]

This officer is built pretty well but more importantly its accurate and reliable. Not the best built Colt I own but its certainly nice. Ive owned and shot some 3"ers too and this beats them all hands down while carrying about the same, that extra 1/2" makes a nice difference to me while shooting.

My plan with the Kimber was more or less for a base gun. I will admit that I just like their appearance and I'd like to shoot one for a while. If I like it I can replace parts, refinish, whatever and build a Kimber I want. Nothing would be super expensive because most the hard stuff is done so I'd just be swapping parts, many of which I already own.

Im not letting myself buy a Baer until my lawman starts falling apart btw, might be a while. I should have bought that black Valor that was listed on here this summer for 1100, dangit.

Either way I bailed on the deal, might offer up a Springer for it though...

[Russ Jackson]

I guess I will just get rid of my lousy Kimber. Even though it is accurate, never jams, shoots anything I put through it and the finish really looks sharp. Keep the Colt Buy a Kimber. My local shop has one for sale for $679 vanceoutdoors.com...Russ

[clem]

You could try a Springfield.

[Kingofthehill]

I guess I will just get rid of my lousy Kimber. Even though it is accurate, never jams, shoots anything I put through it and the finish really looks sharp. Keep the Colt Buy a Kimber. My local shop has one for sale for $679 vanceoutdoors.com...Russ

I love responses like this....

Do you own other brands? and nobody here is saying EVERY kimber is junk, but their percentage or problem guns is quite high. And that is first hand knowledge working at a range/shop that sold TONS of guns. Not to mention our Kimber rentals that always had issues, especially extractors.

Ive gone though 7 or so. I have 3 left that actually work well and i can trust with my life. Too many issues and very poor Customer Service (if you can even cal it Service). Why deal with it when there are SO MANY great choices out there. Sure other brands have problems as well, but at least their CS stands by their products.

JOe

[P30shtr]

"Right now I'm leaning towards keeping it."--TXHORNS

I think you answered your own question. Especially if its no longer in production. Ive heard it a hundred times, " I sold it/traded it and, boy do I wish I hadn't ". Not sure what you payed for it either but I'd be willing to bet if you got rid of it, down the road you'll probably want another one and, probably pay a good bit more to replace it. So... I say keep it and save for a Kimber. Good luck with your dilemma, let us know what you decide.

[EddieNFL]

I would NEVER trade a Colt for a Kimber.

Never.
What he said.

[1858]

I bought this Officer to carry, turns out it wasn't for me but its still a pretty cool gun and hard to let go of as they aren't super common and this one was customized in a way I really like.

Pretty much a unanimous decision to keep the Colt and I'm gonna take that advice.

And now it is for you because of the opinions of people here ... :confused: So what changed with the pistol "that wasn't for you" ... public opinion?

:)

[Russ Jackson]

I love responses like this....

Do you own other brands? and nobody here is saying EVERY kimber is junk, but their percentage or problem guns is quite high. And that is first hand knowledge working at a range/shop that sold TONS of guns. Not to mention our Kimber rentals that always had issues, especially extractors.

Ive gone though 7 or so. I have 3 left that actually work well and i can trust with my life. Too many issues and very poor Customer Service (if you can even cal it Service). Why deal with it when there are SO MANY great choices out there. Sure other brands have problems as well, but at least their CS stands by their products.

I have owned many and still own several. I have had poor Colts also. When I got back into guns in the last year I looked at them all and decided on the Kimber for a new one. I guess Kimber did you wrong and I am sorry about that. Mine personally has been a great hand gun. Go to a local range and fire one before you trade. Talk to the gunsmith in person and ask about his/her experiences with them. When a company sells alot of guns you will have some issues. Percentage wise I doubt they are any higher than any of the other top brands including Colt....Russ

[TXHORNS]

And now it is for you because of the opinions of people here ... :confused: So what changed with the pistol "that wasn't for you" ... public opinion?

:)
If you read the last line of my initial post I said I'm leaning towards keeping the Colt from the beginning. That was reaffirmed by "public opinion" - I didn't change my mind.

When I said "it wasn't for me" I meant CC'ing a 1911 wasn't for me, I have nothing against the officer, but it is built for conceal carry which isn't how I currently use my 1911s.

Either way I'm playing it cautious, the Colt stays.

[TXHORNS]

Russ: For what its worth I offered to buy his Kimber. Haven't heard back yet....

[1858]

I have nothing against the officer, but it is built for conceal carry which isn't how I currently use my 1911s.

So the obvious question now is, what are you going to do with the Colt since it's built for CC and that's not how you use your 1911s? I'd rather have a pistol that I'm going to use rather than one that I'm not regardless of how nice others think it is.

:)

[Gordon]

Have started carrying my nasty parked LT Weight Officers as my exclusive semi auto CCW. Gave away the next best; Glock 26 to a son/daughter in law. Mine is completely reliable and I can make head shots reliably at 15 yards with it (need at least a Commander for 25 yards). From my experience Kimbers are a lot of show and got no soul.
The Lt weight Officers is better than a Defender or any other very small and light pistol for gunfighting- period.

[TXHORNS]

So the obvious question now is, what are you going to do with the Colt since it's built for CC and that's not how you use your 1911s? I'd rather have a pistol that I'm going to use rather than one that I'm not regardless of how nice others think it is.

:)
I'm gonna keep it forever and never use it again just to make you mad. I will periodically PM you just to let you know I'm still not using the Officer. Probably send you pictures of it sitting in my safe covered in dust too. :)

[1858]

I'm gonna keep it forever and never use it again just to make you mad. I will periodically PM you just to let you know I'm still not using the Officer. Probably send you pictures of it sitting in my safe covered in dust too.

Good one!! :) At least we can laugh about it. By the way, I'm one of those idiots that bought a Kimber against all the "expert" advice on THR ... and I LOVE IT!! With Wilson Combat mags it runs through my 185gr SWC reloads just like my SIGs ... and boy is it accurate. I'm going to make another mistake and buy a Kimber Pro Raptor II Stainless in the near future, and an Ed Brown Special Forces Carry to make up for it.

:)

[lawboy]

I would NEVER trade a Colt for a Kimber.

Never.

What he said.
P.S. I have two OACP's. One custom. On original. I have a Kimber. I'd trade the Kimber for another OACP in my sleep!
Don't let the old "i want a new gun" bug cause you to trade a Colt for a Kimber.

The Lt weight Officers is better than a Defender or any other very small and light pistol for gunfighting- period.

I would not go that far. I have a 3-inch Colt Defender as well and it is an extremely capable carry gun. I shoot it competively in IDPA and it gives up nothing in accuracy to a 5-inch gun in this game a least, if you know how to shoot a handgun.

[TXHORNS]

No doubt the Officer is a nice and capable carry gun, for what I paid its tough to beat. Who knows maybe I will carry it some day or every once in a while if the mood strikes me. I'm not against cocked'n locked, I just find wheel guns easier to conceal in shorts and t-shirts which is what I wear all day so they work better for me.

1858: I hope this guy sells me the Kimber. I probably wouldn't buy one sight unseen but thats true for me with Colts as well. Either way I've owned a lot of 1911s now and I still cant shake wanting to try a Kimber.

[Damon555]

As a confirmed Kimber lover I would not take that trade.....More cash is needed to make up the difference in value. That Colt is a super sweet 1911.....Keep it and just buy yourself a Kimber.

[TXHORNS]

Well the price for this guys Kimber is $800 out the door. I know I can do much better but after tax, shipping, ffl fees it gets close. Whats a fair number to counter with?

[MICHAEL T]

I traded a colt for a Kimber Bad Move . never again I have 2 officers and their a good pistol Keep Colt .

Solider:
Almost all Officers are steel frame Guess some lite ones out their . Defender and new Agent are alloy frames I have both and they have never been a bit of trouble . I have a 1951 Commander in 9mm and golly its a alloy frame also as they all were till around 1972 when Colt came out with the Combat Commander (steel frame) . I also have a newer Commander with the LTW alloy frame and it just as good. As all the others. I guess if you shoot a 100K rounds a year you can wear out a alloy frame But most people will never have that problem.

[BushyGuy]

Keep the Colt you can always find a Kimber. but the Colt customer service sucks worst then the Kimber.

[riceboy72]

I, too, would say keep the Colt in lieu of selling it for the Kimber. You're right on track by thinking a Clackamas would be worth it, but I wouldn't get too hot to trot and get rid of your Officer's model.

Speaking of, it's beautiful. I'd be proud to have that.

[mach1.3]

In 1983, I traded a guy a Combat Commander(bought 1980) with an electro-less nickel finish for his Colt Gold Cup(bought about the same time) with blued finish. I have enjoyed the Gold Cup immensely but have always wished I'd kept the Commander and bought the Gold Cup outright. I am not one to have buyer's remorse just liked the CC.

[doc2rn]

Colt vs. Kimber

Keep the Colt they shoot better and I have shot just about every kimber ever made, (my local dealer is exclusively Kimber). I dont even think I would trade for a raptor and that was my favorite Kimber.

[ForumSurfer]

I love my Kimber and it has been reliable and accurate. But I've heard stories to the contrary. It's a pro CDP II. I don't plan on offering it to sale or trade, which is somewhat rare for me with handguns.

That being said, I'd probably trade it for a Colt like yours if I had the chance and someone offered me.

For no other reason than I want a gen-u-ine Colt Officer's Model, but not bad enough to run out and buy one. :D

[FLAvalanche]

I didn't mean to offend any Kimber owners when I said I would never trade a Colt for a Kimber.

But then again I wouldn't trade my Rock Island for a Kimber either...

[Damon555]

=But then again I wouldn't trade my Rock Island for a Kimber either...
Now that is offensive....lol I see no need to trade off any weapon that has proven itself....whether it's a RIA or Colt, Kimber, Glock, S&W. I'm with you on that.

[the_right_reverend]

A Kimber is like fine furniture ............. IT'S nice to look at but still serves the same purpose