I am considering the purchase of my first 1911. I am new to this platform, and I am most seriously considering the Sig GSR as it has all the features that I think I might want -- it is full size, has a light rail, has an external extractor, and is reported to be accurate. HOWEVER, I hear that it is too heavy for IDPA ( is it also too heavy for IPSIC limitted? ) and that some people don't like the feel of the grip safety. My other 2 choices would be a Dan Wesson patriot ( accurate, external extractor, and no light rail ) or a full sized Kimber ( I just don't know much about Kimbers ). I need advise about this. Any and all info appreciated.
1911: sig GSR v Dan wesson v Kimber
- Thread starter BFG9000
- Start date
- Status
Mylhouse
Member
Well, weight shouldn't be a concern, because all three pistols will weigh near the same amount.
I have handled only one SIG GSR, and I was really disappointed. I am an AVID Sig fan, and I think Sig missed the boat on this one (at least on the example I fondled). The slide to frame fit was not even close to what I would call a tight hand-fit. Every single NIB Kimber I've ever fondled was tighter than the GSR I handled. Also, the trigger was atrocious . If I had bought this pistol from an internet source, and I went to my FFL to pick it up, I would have refused it or sent it right back to Sig. Every single Kimber I have ever handled impressed me more than this particular Sig. I must admit that it really looked cool though. I have no comment on the Dan Wesson, as I've never handled one.
I'd go for the Kimber....plus it is almost $300 less than the Sig!
I have handled only one SIG GSR, and I was really disappointed. I am an AVID Sig fan, and I think Sig missed the boat on this one (at least on the example I fondled). The slide to frame fit was not even close to what I would call a tight hand-fit. Every single NIB Kimber I've ever fondled was tighter than the GSR I handled. Also, the trigger was atrocious . If I had bought this pistol from an internet source, and I went to my FFL to pick it up, I would have refused it or sent it right back to Sig. Every single Kimber I have ever handled impressed me more than this particular Sig. I must admit that it really looked cool though. I have no comment on the Dan Wesson, as I've never handled one.
I'd go for the Kimber....plus it is almost $300 less than the Sig!
I agree,
The general feel of the Sig did not impress me, especially for the money. I own a kimber Target II in 10mm and am considering a Target II in .45acp. My kimber has never given me a problem, it is tight and accurate.
I expected more from Sig. I own a P226 and have owned a P228 and found them both to be at the top of their class, I must say I am very dissapointed with their attempt at a 1911....just my opinion though.
The general feel of the Sig did not impress me, especially for the money. I own a kimber Target II in 10mm and am considering a Target II in .45acp. My kimber has never given me a problem, it is tight and accurate.
I expected more from Sig. I own a P226 and have owned a P228 and found them both to be at the top of their class, I must say I am very dissapointed with their attempt at a 1911....just my opinion though.
silent one
Member
go with the Kimber. I have seven full sized, from the early custom classic to the series 2 Team match, They all run flawlessly.
good luck, and be safe.
SILENT ONE
good luck, and be safe.
SILENT ONE
cerberus
member
My vote is for Kimber
I have the Kimber Custom TLE II and it has been a real great 1911 right out of the box. It shoots tight groups and has not had any problems with FTF or FTE.
I have the Kimber Custom TLE II and it has been a real great 1911 right out of the box. It shoots tight groups and has not had any problems with FTF or FTE.
I've shot the GSR (one of my co-workers pulled some strings and got one a few months ago) and I have to say it shot fantastic. There were some machine marks on it, which didn't speak much for the quality control inspector manning the helm when his pistol came thru however. That aside, it seemed like a fine weapon.
Kimbers, it depends on who you talk to - though I guess the same is true of most guns. Some people love them, some people hate them. Personally, I can't say anything bad about them. I have shot the TLE II and an Eclipse and they both seemd solid.
Never shot a Dan Wesson, but I would expect them to be pretty well made.
Kimbers, it depends on who you talk to - though I guess the same is true of most guns. Some people love them, some people hate them. Personally, I can't say anything bad about them. I have shot the TLE II and an Eclipse and they both seemd solid.
Never shot a Dan Wesson, but I would expect them to be pretty well made.
moorerwc
Member
try reading
Hilton Yam's articles on www.signaturegrade.com
My take on things is that I don't like external extractors on a 1911 or new unproven firing pin safeties. I own a series I Kimber and a SS NRM Colt 1991--the series 80 system has proven itself reliable for over 20 years, I hear really mixed bags about the newer systems. Also, realize that none of the new external extractors are standardized, thus you gotta go to the original manufacturer for parts.
But if I were looking for a light rail 1911, I would look into 1)choice of 1911w/ dawson rail 2)new SA MC operator (short light rail) 3) Kimber rail gun. I don't like many of the stock "features" on the SIG, but the worst has to be the beavertail design.
Also, while I don' t like forward cocking serrations, I think that they are necessary on a rail gun so you can safely do a press check.
And the worst sin to me is that they are charging this much for a 1911 with a cast receiver (Caspian doesn't offer a barstock light rail frame and no one has been able to come up with proof that SIG's frame is anything but cast).
Take it for what it's worth--I guess I sound old fashioned for all of 29.
-Chad
Hilton Yam's articles on www.signaturegrade.com
My take on things is that I don't like external extractors on a 1911 or new unproven firing pin safeties. I own a series I Kimber and a SS NRM Colt 1991--the series 80 system has proven itself reliable for over 20 years, I hear really mixed bags about the newer systems. Also, realize that none of the new external extractors are standardized, thus you gotta go to the original manufacturer for parts.
But if I were looking for a light rail 1911, I would look into 1)choice of 1911w/ dawson rail 2)new SA MC operator (short light rail) 3) Kimber rail gun. I don't like many of the stock "features" on the SIG, but the worst has to be the beavertail design.
Also, while I don' t like forward cocking serrations, I think that they are necessary on a rail gun so you can safely do a press check.
And the worst sin to me is that they are charging this much for a 1911 with a cast receiver (Caspian doesn't offer a barstock light rail frame and no one has been able to come up with proof that SIG's frame is anything but cast).
Take it for what it's worth--I guess I sound old fashioned for all of 29.
-Chad
Black Majik
Member
I vote Kimber
I might be biased, since I haven't held a Sig GSR nor a DW.... but the Sigs are pretty new to the scene and the Dan Wesson is a good gun from what I hear, but still new enough that I would prefer to go with a more well known company. I have a Kimber Series I Classic Royal that I absolutely adore. It has the tightest slide to frame fit I've felt on a 1911 (though I'm not sure if its suppose to be that way since other Kimbers aren't as tight as mine
)
But from my experience, mine has been reliable as heck and very fun to shoot.
For a first 1911 though, I would suggest looking into a NRM (New Rollmark) Colt Government. Theyr'e coming back with a bang!
I might be biased, since I haven't held a Sig GSR nor a DW.... but the Sigs are pretty new to the scene and the Dan Wesson is a good gun from what I hear, but still new enough that I would prefer to go with a more well known company. I have a Kimber Series I Classic Royal that I absolutely adore. It has the tightest slide to frame fit I've felt on a 1911 (though I'm not sure if its suppose to be that way since other Kimbers aren't as tight as mine
)But from my experience, mine has been reliable as heck and very fun to shoot.
For a first 1911 though, I would suggest looking into a NRM (New Rollmark) Colt Government. Theyr'e coming back with a bang!
Brat7748
Member
BFG9000,
I have both a Sig GSR and a Dan Wesson Patriot.
Patriot has a couple thousand rounds down range, it is very accurate, feels right in my hands, excellent trigger, looks great. It has had 2 problems 1) was a broken mag catch after a few hundred rounds, 2) was a lose plunger after maybe 1,200 rounds. Both problems quickly fixed by Dan Wesson (I live less close to Norwich and was able to drop it off at the home office myself). It is an excellent gun. My CCW gun.
Sig GSR has about 1,000 rounds down range. Arrived VERY tight. Destroyed a plastic bushing wrench trying to remove the bushing. Had to send it bach to sig to refit. They have excellent customer service, turned it around in 10 days over Memorial day holiday. They paid shipping both ways. At my request they also lightend up the trigger a little to about 4lbs. When I got it I think it was more like 5lbs. In any case I am very happy with the trigger now. Shoots VERY well, but is a little big for my hands, can't seen to get as nice a grip on it as the Wesson. Sig will be my nightstand gun with a surefire on the rail.
Hope this helps
I have both a Sig GSR and a Dan Wesson Patriot.
Patriot has a couple thousand rounds down range, it is very accurate, feels right in my hands, excellent trigger, looks great. It has had 2 problems 1) was a broken mag catch after a few hundred rounds, 2) was a lose plunger after maybe 1,200 rounds. Both problems quickly fixed by Dan Wesson (I live less close to Norwich and was able to drop it off at the home office myself). It is an excellent gun. My CCW gun.
Sig GSR has about 1,000 rounds down range. Arrived VERY tight. Destroyed a plastic bushing wrench trying to remove the bushing. Had to send it bach to sig to refit. They have excellent customer service, turned it around in 10 days over Memorial day holiday. They paid shipping both ways. At my request they also lightend up the trigger a little to about 4lbs. When I got it I think it was more like 5lbs. In any case I am very happy with the trigger now. Shoots VERY well, but is a little big for my hands, can't seen to get as nice a grip on it as the Wesson. Sig will be my nightstand gun with a surefire on the rail.
Hope this helps
Brat7748
Member
BFG9000,
I almost forgot, The Wesson small parts are MIM, one of them was the mag catch that broke.
The Sig, on the other hand, has all forged small parts.
The Wesson was maybe $100 cheaper...but your price may vary.
I almost forgot, The Wesson small parts are MIM, one of them was the mag catch that broke.
The Sig, on the other hand, has all forged small parts.
The Wesson was maybe $100 cheaper...but your price may vary.
moorerwc
Member
check on the SIG small parts
I know they say no MIM in their literature, but I'm wondering just how much of the gun is cast? frame? thumb safety? grip safety? MSH?
I know they say no MIM in their literature, but I'm wondering just how much of the gun is cast? frame? thumb safety? grip safety? MSH?
I've had 5 Kimbers ... I used to buy into the hype. No more! Just kept one ... just 'cause it's so pretty.
SW1911 (for $700) has been my BEST single-stack 1911 to date ... excellent quality and reliability.
If I ever buy another single-stack, it'll be a STI or SV. Possibly a Wilson ... but I heard a bad story once about them.
I checked out a Dan Wesson at a shop once ... man what a hunk of junk! I'll never give them another look.
Haven't seen the new Sig yet ... but, it sounds like it's made from all the best parts available. I did hear it's made more for self-defense ammo than competition ammo ... but a lighter recoil spring (presuming there's no significant difference in specs) should resolve that.
Also, if you're thinking of shooting Ltd, I'd definately go with a double-stack ... a Dawson Para P16 being your least expensive option (I've heard horror stories about the box-stock ones). Otherwise and STI Edge or SV Ltd would do the trick ... but they're closer to $2000. If you were thinkin' more along the lines of Ltd-10, and insist on a 1911, I'd go with an STI (as you'd likely wait 10mos for an SV and pay double) or pick up a SW1911 (just the $700 one ... it's better than most $1000 1911's IMHO) ... I shot mine for several months for USPSA and had very little trouble with it (any problems were due to bad reloads).
SW1911 (for $700) has been my BEST single-stack 1911 to date ... excellent quality and reliability.
If I ever buy another single-stack, it'll be a STI or SV. Possibly a Wilson ... but I heard a bad story once about them.
I checked out a Dan Wesson at a shop once ... man what a hunk of junk! I'll never give them another look.
Haven't seen the new Sig yet ... but, it sounds like it's made from all the best parts available. I did hear it's made more for self-defense ammo than competition ammo ... but a lighter recoil spring (presuming there's no significant difference in specs) should resolve that.
Also, if you're thinking of shooting Ltd, I'd definately go with a double-stack ... a Dawson Para P16 being your least expensive option (I've heard horror stories about the box-stock ones). Otherwise and STI Edge or SV Ltd would do the trick ... but they're closer to $2000. If you were thinkin' more along the lines of Ltd-10, and insist on a 1911, I'd go with an STI (as you'd likely wait 10mos for an SV and pay double) or pick up a SW1911 (just the $700 one ... it's better than most $1000 1911's IMHO) ... I shot mine for several months for USPSA and had very little trouble with it (any problems were due to bad reloads).
- Status
