1911s - Kimber vs. Springfield

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So a Kimber and a SA in the same price range will pretty much stack up equal as far as quality and reliability?

Good to know...
I'll have to head back out there in a few days and really take a closer look at what feels good in my hands.
 
I have both. I like em both. I dislike the fireing pin block on the Kimbers, but they shoot great. I am partial to Colts I think. They just seem to work. I believe I would buy another Kimber or Springfield if the price was right, but I like the "new" Series 70 Colts best of what is out there new today in the $600 to $800 range.

For a relatively inexpensive range gun, get the Springfield Mil_Spec, not GI. It will serve you well. If you can find an STI Spartan for comparable monies, it to would be a very good gun for the money. One day when you want one with all the bells and whistles you can shop around again.
 
I own two pre-series II Kimbers, a Springfield Champion, and a Loaded 9mm. The older Kimbers are very nice guns and the Springfieds cannot compare to the Kimber in fit, finish, and quality. I have not shot any of the new Kimbers but I don't care for the firing pin block so I would probably go with the Springfield.

My recent acquisition is a used Dan Wesson/CZ Classic Bobtail. I am taking it to the range for the first time tomorrow so I don't have any accuracy reports but the quality on this gun is top notch.

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The firing pin block is typically a small device that is connected to the trigger or grip safety so that when either is depressed it allows the firing pin to move forward when the hammer drops.

It is suppose to eliminate accidental discharges when the gun is dropped. Springfield eliminated this problem by using a titanium firing pin. What bothers me is that I can feel the takeup in the trigger which is annoying if you are accustom to an original 1911 trigger system. It also adds more parts which may create some reliablity issues according to some people.

If you are used to a Sig, Glock, XD, etc. trigger you probably won't notice it.
 
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It is supposed to eliminate accidental discharges when the gun is dropped. Springfield eliminated this problem by using a titanium firing pin. What bothers me is that I can feel the takeup in the trigger which is annoying if you are used to an original 1911 trigger system. It also adds more parts which may create some reliablity issues according to some people.
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That's why I was having issues with light primer strikes with my new Taurus; the series 80 FPS was not properly unlocking the firing pin. The only reason I don't consider a firing pin safety completely useless on a 1911 is because it can potentially prevent the gun from going off accidentally in case of a sear failure. Otherwise, I'd have no use for them.
 
The G.I.

I have the SA G.I. and love it. I did have better sights put on it.
If I had it to do over I would get the Mill Spec.
Foolishly [sp] I sold a Kimber Eclipse that was a solid performer. Now I have a Kimber Pro in .38 super that is great.
I think you could get either, but for the money I would get the SA because it hasn't got the stupid fps that make taking it apart a pain, [a little pain but a pain just the same].
Good Luck
Longboard
 
Springfield Loaded

I love mine. It feels great in my hand and is one sweet looking piece!:cool:
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Got mine from gunbroker.com NIB for $695 +shipping.:evil:
 
In my limited experience, I've never had a problem with a Springfield, except one jam from reloaded ammo.

I had a horrendous experience with a Kimber. While they're probably generally fantastic, that one day of shooting ruined me on them and I would never own one, unless it were given t me, or on sale for about $200.
 
Kimber, Springfield ... I own superb samples of both. Even the dreaded Series II Kimbers. Amazingly, they all co-exist peacefully in my collection, and often come out to play together. TLE II or Loaded? Each has its pluses. I do think the SS Mil-Spec is the best-looking box-stock 1911 in production, bar none, though ...
 
I bought a SA. Didn't like the lawyered up trigger, but that's an easy fix. Just couldn't see paying the premium in price for a Kimber.
 
The Springfield's frames are made in Brazil. It says so on their slides. The kimber's frames are made by S&W! of all places! I had the thumb safety break in half on my Kimber Classic Custom. I sent it in for repair, and when I got it back, the thumb safety didn't have that positive "snap" like the old one had. I'm thinking about calling them, throwing a temper tantrum, and seeing if they can make it like it was before. Other than that, I love the way my Kimber shoots!
 
I have a Kimber Warrior, a Springfield MilSpec and a Springfield GI Milspec.

The GI gets shot the most, but they've all been great performers.

Just pick the one you like best. It's hard to go wrong with a good 1911A1.
 
I'm a big fan of the SA loaded models, usually $100-200 less than the Kimber pistols, at least up in my neck of the woods. I imagine both are very good representations of 1911's in general but I see used kimbers in larger numbers then SA at the two shops I frequent the most...:confused:
 
SPRINGFIELD!!!

Now that I've got your attention, the loaded model is IMHO by far the best 1911 fit and finish on the market right now for the money! That being said...I had a little more money when I got my second one and got a Springer TRP and haven't looked back.

No offense to those to own older Kimbers but the new ones SUCK! I'd rather by a high point than a Kimber. They ARE pretty though. I guess if you are only buying one to look at...:uhoh: but I like to actually shoot mine :p

Buy hey, it's your money, I already bought my Springer and am not shedding any tears.
 
i would at least go with the SA Mil-Spec, some nice upgrades.

also look at the Taurus PT1911, i own own awesome gun and youget a lot for the money
 
Either or Both.
You really can't go wrong with a Kimber or a Springfield.
Now I will say that for me personally I prefer the Kimber. We also sell a lot more Kimber than Springfield. But of the people who have bought either, there have never been any complaints.
 
If you can find the Mil Spec then it is a good base gun. Sometimes hard to find around here. I you can find a SS Mil Spec then be very happy.....

A Mil Spec is a great CCW as well.....
 
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