1911 Decision

[Coffee357]

A few months back I was ambushed by the 1911 bug. Ended up getting a Colt NRM Stainless Commander and a NRM Govt Model (blued). Put a RIA 4" on lay-a-way and now am comparing for my next purchase. Kinda want something light for carry and like the Commander length the best. I'm trying to decide between the SW1911SC and one of the aluminum framed Kimber 4" guns. Any input would help as I'm not that familier with the 1911 scene.

Thanks,

Coffee

 

[natedog]

If you want something light for carry, and you like your Colt, why not a Lightweight XSE Commander?

 

[Pilot]

"If you want something light for carry, and you like your Colt, why not a Lightweight XSE Commander?"

You keep rubbing it in and rubbing it in that I don't have one of these yet. Sigh.

Yes, I agree, get the Colt LW XSE Commander. My buddy torments me with his on a regular basis.

 

[Coffee357]

Actually considered a Lightweight XSE (and fondled one as well). Although it's not out of the running, I kinda prefer blued weapons. The "enhanced" cut under the trigger guard also bugs me. Also found it to be a little more expensive than the Smith or several of the Kimbers. I do like it well enough that I might be able to be persuaded . Any more feed back on these (now 3) weapons? How about Kimber model preferences (man do they make a lot of different models!!!).

Thanks,

Coffee

 

[EghtySx]

I carried a Kimber Procarry for a while. Gave it to my Dad and got a lightweight XSE. I too prefer blued guns but I do not regret this one bit.

 

[Coffee357]

Any more experiences with the Colt, Kimber, and Smith?

 

[Soap]

What kind of belt and holster are you using for your other 1911s? I've found high quality belts and holsters actually make the gun feel "lighter".

 

[waterhouse]

I've got a kimber pro elite that I really like, but I just got into the 1911 game recently so I don't have much to compare it to. I've also got a dan wesson c-bob with the steel frame, and the kimber feels MUCH lighter, even though the difference is only about 7 ounces.

waterhouse

 

[Coffee357]

Daniel Flory,

Currently using an El Paso Saddlery 1.5" belt. Primarily using pancakes from Bianchi, G&G, and Ross Leather for my Glocks and Sigs. I don't currenty have a decent holster for the 1911's but kinda looking at Galco. Being used to Glocks and the P239, I'm not sure I'm ready to tote an all steel gun again.

Coffee

 

[gpo1956]

Our local dealer just got in a stainless XSE. Price is $899.00. Sorry, but I'm not paying that for a stock Colt.

 

[BluesBear]

I'm trying to decide between the SW1911SC and one of the aluminum framed Kimber 4" guns.

I'd take the S&W hands down.
Better gun. Put one on each hand and you'll see.
Better service IF you should ever need it.

 

[medmo]

I picked up a S&W 1911SC in January. I have only run 500 rounds thru it and it has had no problems. My only concern was the Scand-a-better-aluminum frame alloy on a 1911. There seems to be no signs of accelerated wear so I think it's okay. The trigger was good out of the box but I brought it from 5.5 to 4.5 lbs with stone and 1911 sear jig. After my first trip to the range I noticed that the grip safety was a little too tight for my liking and relieved the contact surface just a tad. I picked it up for less than $700 so I think it is over all a good bang for the buck. It's much lighter (obviously) than my Colt Series 70 Commander with a steel frame. It also comes "ready to wear" out of the box where my Series 70 I had to invest time and cash in porting, polishing, thumb safety, grip safety and sights.

 

[at-home-daddy]

Here's the answer I posted on another forum to essentially the same question:

A few things the SW1911Sc will offer you that the Kimber does not:

1). Front-strap grooving
2). Factory wood grips
3). 4.25" barrel (Kimber is 4")
4). Bushing (Kimber has the bull barrel)
5). Better mags
6). Scandium is presumably a stronger metal
7). Better warranty, better service w/ free shipping to-and-back

I'd also include that there seems to be a profusion of message-board bitching about Kimber's recent quality-control (especially when it comes to the Series II extractor), but I'm just listing the actual tangible differences that exist between the two pistols, not "what I've heard" about their performance. Still, it's something to look into...

I had to make the same decision you're making; I went with the S&W 1911Sc (as you may have guessed), and I've been very pleased.

 

[Carolina Curly]

S&W 1911Sc

A law enforcement friend of mine purchased one about a month ago and he loves it! Allowed me to shoot it and I got the bug and got one also. Both have around two hundred rounds each so far with zero problems. We both replaced the one piece guide rod, not for any other reason than it makes the pistol even lighter! Both ways the pistols are flawless! Good triggers out of the box, I did have to add an ambi safty, because I am left handed! I also have a Glock 36 which is also flawless! I like them both, but the 1911 Sc is very close to an old Combat Commander I got rid of and have regretted it for many years. I will keep them both!