1911s - Kimber vs. Springfield

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PirateRadio

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Well, it's high time I got myself a 1911. I went looking around today and checked out a couple Kimbers and a few Springfield. I don't remember the exact Kimber model but it was black with night sights and was roughly $775. (I know that is no help). The Springfields I checked out were the GI models with US on the grips.

The sales guy kept steering me towards the Kimbers but I'm just curious if there is a huge different in quality between the Kimbers and Springfields in the $500-700 range.

This would just be a range gun, by the way.
 
you looking for full size or a compact/carry size? Are these the only two brands you are looking into?
 
Full size.

No, but they are the two brands I've heard about the most. Mostly I'm just looking to get a solid 1911 for between $500-700.
 
This is a Ford vs. Chevy argument.

Personally I'd suggest the Springfield - I feel the $700 SAs are better than the $700 Kimbers, but beyond that price range it's a wash.
 
I've had better luck with Kimber, but I've shot a few very nice springfields. Check out some used 1911's and you can get a lot more for your money. Go to a local range (if one is available) and rent a 1911 to see if you like them. Some people don't like them.
 
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I got the Springfield Loaded model and I LOVE IT!!!!!

I held the Kimbers and I just didn't like them. The Springfield just felt better in my hand.

I know that sounds like gun porn but it is the way it works.

e'trode
 
I just bought a Springfield 1911 Loaded in stainless. Great pistol. My wife really likes it too!
 
I'd go with Springfield for three reasons:
1) Internal extractor (easier to find parts)
2) No firing pin safety (less to go wrong)
3) Lifetime warranty

Nothing against Kimber, they're fine guns, but all things being equal I'd take a Springfield Armory over the equivalent Kimber 10 times out of 10.
 
Bought a Kimber Grand Raptor II

This last year I went shopping for a 1911. A friend brought in his dad's Spingfield Arms. It was a higher end gun that what you are looking for, but i was unimpressed with the workmanship of the gun

I ended up buying a Kimber Grand Raptor II, new for $1,200. I love it.

I know that it is more than what you are looking to spend, but I would highly recommend the Kimber.

I think they have better resell from what i saw when I was shopping around as well.

Good Luck!
 
New, recent production pistols? I'd go with SA.

I own four Series I Kimbers, IMO theyre the best bang for the buck 1911s out there. And IMO they dont build the guns they used to.

Where is Doc2005? He could tell you a lot more about the series II guns than I can...
 
Since comparisons are being made, the Springfield has some shortcuts in manufacture I've heard. Mainly the ejector is glued into the frame. I just can't understand why anyone would do that if it's true.
 
My 2 Cents...if you can still find them a solid reliable 1911 is the Taurus PT1911. They just hit the streets witht the SS model too. Mine has been 100% I just shot another 250rnds reloads through mine today!!!

pt1911wtarget.gif
 
Personally I'd suggest the Springfield - I feel the $700 SAs are better than the $700 Kimbers, but beyond that price range it's a wash.
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Interesting. I think at $700 the Kimbers are the better buy, but I guess it just comes down to personal preference.

Which one feels better to you? I liked the way the Kimber Custom II felt compared to the Springfield Loaded, so I went and bought the Custom II. I still like Springfield though and I have one of their pistols on order.

One thing to keep in mind though is that Springfield firearms come with a lifetime warranty, while Kimber's is only one year.
 
I prefer Kimbers, they feel better.

Asuming both work out of the box, the base Kimber Custom II is a LOT of gun for the money. IMO better fit, cleaner trigger, and a little more accurate for me.
 
Springfield. I have two Kimbers, love them and wouldn't give them up, but the Springfield is just as good of a pistol as the Kimber and it'll cost you less money. Lifetime warranty makes it an even better value; I know you shouldn't need that, but it's good to know it's there if you do need it. Plus, Springfield's customer service is impeccable, in my experience.
 
i own 3 sa handguns 1 of which is a sweet sa 1911, i would go sa but i am a little partial to them, but kimber has been having qc problmes, and with the issues in the past still in my mind, i doubt that i would buy one, i have the full confidence in sa, and i am loyal to them and that is probally the way that i will stay.
 
I have both and I prefer the Kimbers. More reliable and better customer service, in my experience. But honestly, they are both very good guns.
 
I've got a SA Gi model. i bought it new at Sp*rtsmans Warehouse for 450. I love it. The only thing I've ever done to it is buff the feed ramp. Keep it oiled and you'll never have any problems. I've fired my dad;'s Kimber and was impressed with the trigger pull, but there is just something about the GI model that I love. Both companies make fine pistols so it comes down to a personal choice. SA will have lesser expensive models though. Good luck in finding the right pistol.
 
I vote for the SA as well. I have owned several and have been very happy with them. I generally go with the GI or Mil Spec models, I like to modify them as I see fit, not as style suggests.
Colts are best.......

I have looked at the Kimbers several times. Something about them just does not appeal to me. Part has to do with the billboard Kimber on its slide, and alot has to do with the FPS. I do not like them......
 
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