1911 Gun Brand Quality - Need Advice

[progunner1957]

I don't like the Series II Kimber safety system. I have a pre-Series II that I thought is fine, but I can't embrace their "new" idea to tackle and "old" problem.

+1 on that. I had a Kimber TLE II that I traded off for that very reason. I ended up with a Springfield Armory TRP Operator (the non-custom version of the Professional) and it is an outstanding 1911. I would highly recommend it.

Another that I would recommend is the Les Baer Thunder Ranch Special 1911.
It is more costly than the TRP, but it is worth every dollar. I picked up a nice used Thunder Ranch and am extremely pleased with it - 100% reliability, excellent workmanship and it is CRAZY accurate.

Take a look at the Les Baer lineup - he has a few models around $1500. Personally, I'd rather have a no frills Baer than two $700 production line 1911s.

 

[Steelharp]

I don't like the Series II Kimber safety system. I have a pre-Series II that I thought is fine, but I can't embrace their "new" idea to tackle and "old" problem.

Again... Regarding the Kimber II safety... can't you bypass that by simply changing out the firing pin? Somebody told me it works on a notch in the pin. No notch, no "problem." Does anyone know?

 

[KC&97TA]

I started with 1911's with a beat up 70's Colt, didn't have the know how or money to keep the darn thing working right. Sold it and went to a Glock... big mistake. Then I went back to the 1911's and haven't turned to plastic ever since.

I love my Kimber TLE II, it made a trip back to KMI for an IE slide, and since then hasn't had a single hic-up. over 8k rounds. When Kimber was still catching on, I took it back home and my father had one on 10day hold a few hours after fireing mine, a dedicated "Colt Man".

I had a "Cheap WWII" Springfield GI, that thing was beyond amazeing $439, and it was syrgical. Sold it to a buddy that wouldn't leave me alone. Crazy thing was when we put an EGW bushing and tightened the barrel link accuracy went down, it just loved being loose.

Bought a Mil-Spec and build a NRA Hard Ball out of it, it's a laser beam with only $753 invested total.

I carry an older Springfield Mil-Spec Champion, made in 1995, done some work to it, Recoil is horrible, +p rounds aren't recommended, but I shoot them anyway, but it's 100% reliable and very well balanced.

If you're staying away from the Series 80, you have Springfield and the Kimber Warrior. I've never had a problem with the Kimber swarts safety.

As progunner1957 said, Les Baer makes several guns in the $1500 line up, my next 1911 will be a; Les Baer or Rock River Arms. I believe Baer's NRA Hard Ball a traditional 1911 with target sights runs about $1680 but I've found them for as little as $1440. After shooting a few factory custome guns and after customizeing a few 1911's I'm convinced that every 1911 is a $1500-2500 gun after one gets done with it, so why not slap the money down right away and not have to fiddle with anything.

The best Baer for the buck would be the "Concept II" at $1525 retail

 

[ugaarguy]

Which ones would you recommend if you wanted a series 70 type action?

Colt WWI GI Replica, Colt Series 70 Replica, or any STI.

 

[battlecry]

Thanks, Ugaarguy. I'll look into them. Regard, R.

 

[tbtrout]

Kimber Warrior. Made interally like the original, with some custom external features. fine shooting piece and alot of gun for the money.

 

[Phil DeGraves]

Have three Kimbers, two of which are series 2. I have had no problems with any of them and would highly recommend them. I have 4 Colts. Great guns. The newer ones shoot better than the older ones. I have one Springfield. Great shooter but lots of functioning problems. Have sent it back to Springfield twice and it still doesn't work right (and they do NOT pay shipping). They don't charge you for the work on the gun though. Also, the Springfield magazines are junk. I have Colt, Kimber and Springfield mags. Three of the Springfield mags have come apart. The others don't.