1911 - Kimber, Para, or Springer
- Thread starter BBsteel
- Start date
- Status
I know i'm going to get yelled at for this. I'm not a Kimber fan, I would go with a Springfield TRP. With that said my buddy just bought a Kimber Raptor and can drive tacks with it. He said he's never shoot so good, and thats right out of the box.
glockman19
Member
- Joined
- Mar 16, 2007
- Messages
- 3,700
You can't go wrong with a Kimber I have a Raptor II and will DROS tomorrow a Custom II. I can't wait to get another It'll probably be a custom carry II w/ night sights. I think for the money and performance Kimber is the best thing out there. I also like Colt's & Springfields. In order of in 1911's I'd go with
Kimber
Colt
Springfield
Ed Brown
Les Baer
I only put the Ed Brown and Les Baer below the others because on a cost to performance ratio they are realy expensive. I'd almost rather have 2-3 Kimbers Colt's or Springfields than one of the others.
Kimber
Colt
Springfield
Ed Brown
Les Baer
I only put the Ed Brown and Les Baer below the others because on a cost to performance ratio they are realy expensive. I'd almost rather have 2-3 Kimbers Colt's or Springfields than one of the others.
orionengnr
Member
- Joined
- Jan 3, 2005
- Messages
- 5,717
Well, I just sold a Colt Defender.
Sold the Para C6 about 6 months ago.
Nothing wrong with either one, but I like my Kimber Stainless Ultra Carry II.
So you know how I voted.
Sold the Para C6 about 6 months ago.
Nothing wrong with either one, but I like my Kimber Stainless Ultra Carry II.
So you know how I voted.
kentucky_smith
Member
- Joined
- Oct 6, 2005
- Messages
- 1,686
Kimber, Para then Springfield in that order.
Zoomer
Member
Kimber Stainless Gold Match II w/1800 rounds downrange. Get the Kimber you wont regret it.
Ala Dan
Member in memoriam
I sell a lot of the Kimber Custom II's, but most of the ones I sell are the
regular matte finished guns. Stainless Custom II's generally run about
$100 higher in our shop; so the blued weapons are probably a little
more attractive to bargin hunters~!
regular matte finished guns. Stainless Custom II's generally run about
$100 higher in our shop; so the blued weapons are probably a little
more attractive to bargin hunters~!
Black Majik
Member
As many reports of horror stories that were reported with Kimber EE SII pistols, I still think they're one of the best production 1911 makers on the market. Since they went back to internal extractor 1911s, I'm sure those guns run well now.
For myself, I'd rate them Kimber > Springfield Armory > Para Ordnance.
For myself, I'd rate them Kimber > Springfield Armory > Para Ordnance.
schmeky
Member
Kimber
Richard
Member
I have a Kimber Custom Compact, Springfield Loaded and Mil-Spec, Para 12 LDA and P14. All of these have worked well for me but the Kimber amazes me as it will shoot with tuned Government Models. That is what made me vote Kimber. Regards, Richard
Blackadder
member
Dan Wesson?
The only 1911 I have now is a Dan Wesson Bobtail Commander in 10mm. I had a Kimber Eclipse, and it was a pretty nice gun, but for the money I really have enjoyed my DW. I almost exclusively shoot HOT Double Tap 165gr., and have never had a problem.
They ALL make lemons, though. I've seen a fellow so frustrated with a Wilson Combat that he was ready to throw in the river, and (although suspect) heard rave reviews of the Taurus PT1911.
I like the Dan Wesson, but of those listed, I'd vote for Kimber.
The only 1911 I have now is a Dan Wesson Bobtail Commander in 10mm. I had a Kimber Eclipse, and it was a pretty nice gun, but for the money I really have enjoyed my DW. I almost exclusively shoot HOT Double Tap 165gr., and have never had a problem.
They ALL make lemons, though. I've seen a fellow so frustrated with a Wilson Combat that he was ready to throw in the river, and (although suspect) heard rave reviews of the Taurus PT1911.
I like the Dan Wesson, but of those listed, I'd vote for Kimber.
Spartacus451
Member
Springfield springfield springfield. Why bother with other guns that aren't 1911s? I have dealt with enough out of time firing pin safeties to last a lifetime.
Richard
Member
Edmund, Lord Blackadder, I have a 10mm Commader and I agree it is the nicest 1911A1 I have ever owned. Like you I also voted Kimber. Regards, Richard
My 10mm Dan Wesson Patriot:
My 10mm Dan Wesson Patriot:
DomMega
Member
Kimber's are great weapons (although my cousin's jams constantly, but I think it might be his aftermarket mags), but they're overpriced. They just appear to be super fancy to me which isn't what I'm looking for. I'm looking for a great, solid pistol that is going to work and fire accurately everytime I pull the trigger. I know 3 Kimber owners who have had problems firing their weapons at the range, especially at IDPA events we partake in. My cousin and another friend are constantly having problems with their Kimbers. I've shot the Kimber and I love the way it feels, and the bottomline is that I just shoot better with a 1911 than just about any other handgun out there, but I've had their guns jam up in my hands on more than one occasion, both being Kimber. I guess seeing two Kimbers belonging to two different people jam up in your hand on more than one occasion just kind of steers you in another direction when it comes time to purchase that 1911 you've always wanted. The friend in question uses only factory mags and keeps it meticulously clean, however it still jams on him. He could've got a lemon, but I'll take my chances elsewhere.
I got a great deal on my Para P14 and I love it (around $740 or so). It's a very heavy, solid, durable weapon that shoots great everytime with no hiccups or misfeeds, jams, etc. Para's also have a large power extractor that will rip pieces out of a casing being ejected before the gun will allow it to jam. Needless to say I haven't had one jam up yet. And the accuracy! The accuracy on that weapon is fantastic, I hit absolutely everything I aim for at the steel target range and IDPA. I love my Para and I'll always hold onto it. I took a long time researching 1911's when I purchased it and it has done everything it said it was going to do. I finally cleaned it for the first time after putting 500+ rounds through it and it'll be ready for another IDPA match next weekend. You can't go wrong with a Para, you'll know what I mean when you pick one up and feel how solid they are. You can have a round explode in the chamber and because of how solid they are, I'd be surprised if you sustained any injury. Lastly, they also have their Light Double Action 1911's that are chambered for 9mm as well as the .45ACP round which many swat teams are starting to adopt. The 9mm LDA holds about 19 rounds or so if I remember correctly, it all comes down to what you're looking for. I've shot Kimbers, I've shot Springfield's and I OWN a Para but could afford any of the three at the time of purchase. Just my opinion.
Springfield's a great gun, but again, I think it's overpriced for what you get. In the grand scheme of things, Springfield is really trying to make its mark with sub compact and microcompact 1911's but I have a little philosophy about that. The 1911 was designed as a weapon with a 5" barrel, I don't think that design is going to function flawlessly when we start messing with the lengths of the guns and having to engineer 11 different parts within the gun to get it to the size we want. Springfield is the oldest name in American firearms, but that name has been repurchased just a few years back as the original Springfield-Armory went out of business and closed its doors back in the 1960's. It's great to have it back but its a new company. That being said, I love their weapons, I own an XD 40, but I just can't see spending that much money on some of their 1911's when Para does the exact same thing, often for less money. Their guns are extremely shootable and if you bought one I doubt you'd regret your purchase, however you might regret the amount you paid.
Wilson combat also makes a great 1911 and I've read countless articles praising them, however I know that isn't one of the retailers you're deciding between.
Ultimately, it comes down to what you want one for. Are you just purchasing a 1911 to purchase a 1911? Is it for match shooting? Is it for home defense?
I got a great deal on my Para P14 and I love it (around $740 or so). It's a very heavy, solid, durable weapon that shoots great everytime with no hiccups or misfeeds, jams, etc. Para's also have a large power extractor that will rip pieces out of a casing being ejected before the gun will allow it to jam. Needless to say I haven't had one jam up yet. And the accuracy! The accuracy on that weapon is fantastic, I hit absolutely everything I aim for at the steel target range and IDPA. I love my Para and I'll always hold onto it. I took a long time researching 1911's when I purchased it and it has done everything it said it was going to do. I finally cleaned it for the first time after putting 500+ rounds through it and it'll be ready for another IDPA match next weekend. You can't go wrong with a Para, you'll know what I mean when you pick one up and feel how solid they are. You can have a round explode in the chamber and because of how solid they are, I'd be surprised if you sustained any injury. Lastly, they also have their Light Double Action 1911's that are chambered for 9mm as well as the .45ACP round which many swat teams are starting to adopt. The 9mm LDA holds about 19 rounds or so if I remember correctly, it all comes down to what you're looking for. I've shot Kimbers, I've shot Springfield's and I OWN a Para but could afford any of the three at the time of purchase. Just my opinion.
Springfield's a great gun, but again, I think it's overpriced for what you get. In the grand scheme of things, Springfield is really trying to make its mark with sub compact and microcompact 1911's but I have a little philosophy about that. The 1911 was designed as a weapon with a 5" barrel, I don't think that design is going to function flawlessly when we start messing with the lengths of the guns and having to engineer 11 different parts within the gun to get it to the size we want. Springfield is the oldest name in American firearms, but that name has been repurchased just a few years back as the original Springfield-Armory went out of business and closed its doors back in the 1960's. It's great to have it back but its a new company. That being said, I love their weapons, I own an XD 40, but I just can't see spending that much money on some of their 1911's when Para does the exact same thing, often for less money. Their guns are extremely shootable and if you bought one I doubt you'd regret your purchase, however you might regret the amount you paid.
Wilson combat also makes a great 1911 and I've read countless articles praising them, however I know that isn't one of the retailers you're deciding between.
Ultimately, it comes down to what you want one for. Are you just purchasing a 1911 to purchase a 1911? Is it for match shooting? Is it for home defense?
WOW, thanks for the responses. I'm very new here and you guys have been great so far.
I'm basically purchasing the 1911 "just to purchase". I love the looks and feel of them all. I came close to a Springfield Loaded 1911 A1 today for $749 new. However, I opted for the H&K I was set to buy in the first place.
Next is something shiney, sleek looking, and willing tear up the red on the target range. What else than a 1911 to dress up the gun safe!
I'm basically purchasing the 1911 "just to purchase". I love the looks and feel of them all. I came close to a Springfield Loaded 1911 A1 today for $749 new. However, I opted for the H&K I was set to buy in the first place.
Next is something shiney, sleek looking, and willing tear up the red on the target range. What else than a 1911 to dress up the gun safe!
10-Ring
Member
Of the 3, I prefer the Springfields -- personcally, I would buy a Colt
sig228
Member
Without a doubt....
Kimber. The 3" Ultra Carry is one of my favorite weapons. Period.
Kimber. The 3" Ultra Carry is one of my favorite weapons. Period.
Still 2 Many Choices!?
Member
- Joined
- Apr 17, 2006
- Messages
- 455
hmmm...
Get the Colt...Oh wait that wasn't an option !!
Get the Kimber and don't look back ...
PS-Did I mention Colt?
Still 2 Many Choices!?
Get the Colt...Oh wait that wasn't an option
!!Get the Kimber and don't look back
...PS-Did I mention Colt?
Still 2 Many Choices!?
possum
Member
i voted kimber i haven't decided which kimber i am gonna get yet, either the tle ll, or the pro carry tle ll lg, or the covert, they are all sweet and i have nothing but great results with all the kimbers i pick up and shoot.
rollback88
Member
Kimber Stainless Gold Match II - in the permanent collection. So perfect, it was hard for me to even change the grips
Springer GI Micro on the way - we'll see.
--jcd
Springer GI Micro on the way - we'll see.
--jcd
Taurus 617 CCW
Member
You are going to spend just as much on a Kimber as you would a Colt. They are both great guns but I don't consider them a "working man's gun." I started with a mil-spec springfield and have added to it what I wanted, saving quite a bit of money. I have about $550 in the gun total. No doubt the Kimber is a tighter gun, which contributes to better inherent accuracy, but I feel that the mil-spec tolerences lend to less parts fitting and better functioning under extreme conditions.
1911 guy
Member
Are you gonna tinker with it?
If you plan to leave the pistol "as-is" for ever, buy whichever floats your boat or you get enough of a deal on to make you happy. There are owners of all three brands here who swear that their brand is the best.
If, however, you think you might want to tinker with it later or send it to a 'smith for professional level tinkering, buy the Springfield. Kimber uses the Schwartz safety system, linked to the grip safety, and Para Ordnance uses the Series 80 system, linked to the trigger. Springfield uses a mainspring lock which is easy to remove and replace so it's basically a Pre-Series-80 (also called Series 70), parts are easier to come by (series 80 is easier than Schwartz) and several gunsmiths told me they'd rather work on a springer for upgrades due to the consistent quality of the frames and slides.
If you plan to leave the pistol "as-is" for ever, buy whichever floats your boat or you get enough of a deal on to make you happy. There are owners of all three brands here who swear that their brand is the best.
If, however, you think you might want to tinker with it later or send it to a 'smith for professional level tinkering, buy the Springfield. Kimber uses the Schwartz safety system, linked to the grip safety, and Para Ordnance uses the Series 80 system, linked to the trigger. Springfield uses a mainspring lock which is easy to remove and replace so it's basically a Pre-Series-80 (also called Series 70), parts are easier to come by (series 80 is easier than Schwartz) and several gunsmiths told me they'd rather work on a springer for upgrades due to the consistent quality of the frames and slides.
XavierBreath
Member
Of the choices you presented, I would pick a Springfield.
Don't forget about Colt and S&W though. They make pretty good guns too.
Don't forget about Colt and S&W though. They make pretty good guns too.
- Status
