Alright, what do you all think 1911 decision?

If the options are Kimber or Springfield, I'd take the Springfield. Kimbers do not give me the warm fuzzies since the Series II guns. Google "Kimber grip safety timing" for a better explanation, but the short version is it's possible to depress the grip safety far enough to release the hammer but not deactivate the firing pin block. While it doesn't happen on to everybody or every pistol, it's something to be aware of.

My personal choices would be a Colt Competition, a Ruger SR1911 or one of the Dan Wesson models, depending on budget and desired features.
 
I have 2 SAs. One is a 1911A1 Mil Spec and the other is a Range Officer. When I bought the Range Officer, I wanted an adjustable rear sight, and it had to be stock. It's the pistol I use for 3 gun. Surprisingly, there were not a lot of models with adjustable rear sights available that were within the price range I wanted to spend. I found that SAs were more affordable than the alternatives. So far, both pistols have performed flawlessly. However, IMO it's hard not to shoot a 1911 well, but there are those that make a mockery of my opinion. If any of the 3 pistols you mentioned meet your requirements, I don't think you'll regret any of the choices.
 
Just an observation...

I've owned a fair amount of 1911's... but not one of everything, certainly. Even though a 1911 is a 1911 is a 1911... they really aren't. I've owned a stainless Colt Government, the Springy stainless Government, 2 different Taurus PT1911's, and my 3 Kimbers. I've fired other 1911's friends have had, and I've rented 1911's at the ranges. My observation is... even though they follow the same generic 1911 pattern, ALL of those pistols were different... or perhaps 'unique'... in their own way. They just felt... different.

When I went shopping for my 4" Kimber, I actually handled about everything in the case. The second I picked up my Eclipse, I knew it was The One... out of all those other pistols. 20 years later, we are still very much in love... although if I was put to a decision, I don't know if I'd pick the Eclipse over the ProCarry... it's a fine pistol as well, although much different in a few key areas.

My suggestion is always to see if you can 'test drive' a pistol you are thinking about, or something similar from the same manufacturer. Everything looks good on paper, but the reality, what fits YOU is probably the best answer to The Question.
 
I have 6 Kimber 1911s, and wouldnt hesitate to buy another one.
-Blued Gold Match from 97-98
-Stainless Gold Match from 2000
-Royal from 2000
-Ultra Carry II ~2012
-Pro Raptor II (not sure of year)
-Custom LW from 2024

I haven't had a minutes trouble with any of them. IIRC the Ultra had a failure to feed one time when using a cheap no-name mag. I now use only the factory mags and KimPro mags and haven't had another problem, Even with 200gn SWC and 215gn WFN


The Custom LW I just picked up a month or 2 ago to use as a supressor host. I haven't put many rounds through it yet, just a few mags to function test after a quick clean/lube out of the box.
(Also of interest, it does not have the series 80 firing pin block)

A friend has a 4" Springfield Range Officer, and it has been a good gun as well. I just dont have any direct experience with them.
 
trackskippy said:
I would hope a $4500 "anything", would work out of the box, with any ammo you put in it, and run reliably without issue.

Truth is, you can spend less than an eighth of that and still get something that does. ;)
Click to expand...
I’m happy to say all of my NHC’s have worked 100% out of the bag, but I certainly expect them to considering the investment. Very true that you can spend considerably less and get something that basically works 100%. I very much like examples such as Norinco, Tisas, Rock Island, Charles Daly, older SA, etc. Also some of the odd makers from the 1970’s-‘80’s that you don’t see much more.
Because the number of clones by different makers is so varied, it makes collecting the 1911 platform so interesting.
 
I’ve been collecting 1911 OTC clones (OTC = Other Than Colt) since the early 1980’s, and have found some interesting pieces. Some are better than others, but they all are welcome in our reference collection.
Here is a un-fired, NIB Norinco that we are going to start using very soon:
image.jpg
 
Nighthawks shoot more gooder…

IMG_3675.jpeg

…25 yards standing. BUT with that said, I’ve always had great success with Colts. I prefer the Series 70 models and all I’ve had have been excellent, reliable shooters. I had an original Kimber Custom .45 (Oregon) when they first came out and that was an accurate and reliable gun, but 80% of the finish wore off in 6 months from routine handling and shooting (?). I traded it but wish I’d kept it and just refinished it.
 
I have three Kimber products; one is an “officer”-sized model with an aluminum frame that is meant for daily carry and is over ten years old. The other two are limited edition “SIS” pistols named after a famed LAPD detective unit known for taking care of business. I acquired both from a member of that unit upon his retirement, and both have only been used on a couple of range sessions and never carried. I wanted them because a certain politician (Maxine Waters) tried to get them banned, and I despise such politicians. The article below is a brief summary of that unit.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LAPD_Special_Investigation_Section

Here is a summation on those Kimber pistols:
https://www.athlonoutdoors.com/article/four-kimber-sis-45-acps/
 
Good 1911 A-1 for cost get a garrison. I do have a colt 1911 made in 1918 I like but good gods the cost of them now the garrison is the most close to that I have seen. I also have a S&W E series commander that the trigger suck vs the garrison and it cost twice as much.
 
New "series II" Kimbers have too many Lawyer parts in them.

SPRINGFIELD ARMORY by a mile

1UBBLTT.jpg
 
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