Springfield vs Kimber for 1911

I would not buy a Kimber. I owned 4 or 5, and none were 100 percent reliable. Kimber's customer service is the pits as well. I don't have much experience with Springfield, so I have no opinion on them. But I would rather defend my self with a pointy stick than with a Kimber.

Both guns will serve you well. I have both. If you're looking to get a tricked out gun, go with a Kimber as you will save money. Kimber automatically has checkered front straps while Springfield seldom does. If you're looking at an entry level 1911 (i.e. your strapped for cash [$500]), I'd opt with Springfield as you can easily upgrade it over time. I did with mine. If you're willing to spend Approx. 1k, go with the Kimber, get more for your buck.
P.S. They're both forged frames and slides so they are both top notch guns!
Kimber is made in America while Springfield contracts their stuff out to Brazil.

Oh boy...here we go.

I vote Springfield.

I've had two Kimbers, both were reliable and accurate pistols that never gave me any issues. I can't think of any friends who've had Springers who had issues either.

Both companies seem to put out the occasion bit of junk from time to time, but it seems like Kimber has been hammered more on the topic (I guess that's what you get for buying American rather than Brazilian ), and by people who know what they're talking about (i.e. the non-select status of the Kimber Warrior on the 10-8 Forum). If I was playing the odds, I'd think you're less likely to get a lemon from Springfield, but a good one from either company will serve you very well.

I have a 4 Springfield 1911's. Liftime warranty and excellent customer service. I''ve never owned a Kimber.

Having owned a couple of both, and still have one of the Kimbers....

Get a Colt.


Seriously.

Both companies make good guns. I have 2 Kimbers that have been 100% from the get go. I've used freinds SA guns that have also been flawless.

I think that in the $1k price range, Kimber has a slight edge in overall fit and finish. Kimbers triggers are much better, in my experiance. 4-4.5#, very crisp. All the SA triggers I've seen have a lot more creep, and feel gritty and heavy.

SA has the best CS in the business, hands down. Kimber has a spotty reputation in this regard. I'd be hard pressed to buy another Kimber soley on principal; I don't like how they run their business and treat customers after the sale. On the other hand, I don't like the idea of buying a pistol that I know I'll have to send to a smith for a trigger job.

If I was in the market for a $1k 1911, I'd take a serious look at Dan Wesson, they've developed an excellant reputation for putting out a great product, though I have no experiance with them.

Not sure if it matters to you, but Kimber is a US made product, SA is made in Brazil; some of their higher-end guns are assembled in the US.

It depends on your budget. At the entry level, Kimber wins. Once you start spending $1200+ I'd go with the Springfield.

Springfield

'nother vote for Springfield.

Springfield would be my first choice.

i have a SA commander and a kimber custom 2 that i just bought both good guns but i like the feel of the kimber just a lil bit more
buy the kimber

Definately Springfield.

Springfield Armory. Kimber quality is like flipping a coin, you never know when you get a lemon. Springfield has always been consistent.

I own many M1911s in all the main brands, including several semi-customs to full house customs. The most expensive pistol is a $4000 custom based on a SA frame & slide.

My personal choice for M1911s is Springfield.

I got rid of my Kimbers and now have only Colt and Springfield 1911s. BTW, the Springfield Custom Shop does fantastic work. I recently had the sights on my Loaded Champion replaced with Novak Target Sights. I also had them refinish the slide. SA's work is also reasonably priced.

I vote Springfield as well. I have a TRP with ~3k round through it, and the only failure of any kind was when the bottom plate of one of the stock magazines fell off. I replaced both mags with Wilcon Combat 8 rounders and they're still going strong. I've taken mine through 3 days of classes with Louis Awerbuck and it's been a blast to shoot.

I own both brands and have had no problems from either manufacturer.

I cannot speak for or against Kimber.
I've owned 2 Springers - a GI and a "Loaded." Loved both of them. Traded the GI to buy the Loaded - I wanted the ambi thumb safety. My one and only complaint is the Loaded's trigger has a good deal of up & down play. I will probably have it replaced, sooner than later, with the shorter GI/Milspec-style trigger because I have short fingers. If I had longer fingers, getting a little more finger onto the trigger, the up & down might not bother me so much.

I would still recommend or buy Springfield in a heartbeat.

Q

Tell dealer to order you a Dan Wesson Better than either for around same money

I've owned Springfield before, and if money was no option would get a TRP or Loaded in Black Stainless.

i have shot way more kimbers than sa 1911's however i own a sa 1911, and i like it alot, i did break the extractor on it but other than that i don't have any compliants.

springfield customer service is amazing! I have never owned any other product (gun related or not) that even remotely compared.

Ive owned 2 Springfields. Had a Loaded a few years ago that I had to sell for financial reasons. I now have a Milspec. Fit and finish on both are/were excellent and my Loaded was very accurate and only ever malfunctioned on one box of ammo. The ammo felt sporadic and the gun would short stroke. I only ran two mags from that box and got a new one. Never another problem. I havent gotten my Milspec to the range yet.

I know a few guys including my dad who have Kimbers and love them. Never heard anything bad about them.

I would look seriously at Colt and Dan Wesson as well.