Cheaper Alternative to Kimber CDP II

[RLZIII]

My local gun show is coming up and I plan to finally get my CCW. The current guns that I own aren't quite suitable to everyday carry and so I am in the market for a new gun. I was originally planning to buy a micro-compact .380 ACP pistol first (to ensure that I carry all of the time) and later get a higher-caliber pistol for a stronger self defense system. Recently, however, I kinda changed my mind about the order given the releases of several new micro-9mm pistols. I'd rather have a powerful pistol that I carry most all of the time now, and then later purchase a backup micro-compact once the recent 9mm variants mature.

I am set on a .45 ACP ("go big or go home"), and I've definitely chosen the 1911-style pistol for many reasons (slim form factor, proven design, wide arrange of options, customizable parts, et cetera). After doing much research, I narrowed my choice down to the Kimber CDP II Compact. Originally I had thought about purchasing the Ultra variant, but I think that the Compact version only being two ounces heavier (an increase of only 8% from the Ultra's 25 ounces) outweighs the potential future hassle of the Ultra's proprietary parts (notably the recoil spring).

However, as many of you know, the Kimber CDP II series comes with a hefty price tag. So, before I go out and buy one, I was curious if there was a comparable 1911-style pistol with many or all of the same features for a cheaper price. This gun is for everyday carry and home self defense, so it needs to be reliable, reliable, reliable. Any suggestions, comments, concerns?

 

[Zerodefect]

My CDP was $989. 1911's don't get any cheaper than that. You could get a base Colt, Spartan, or RRA and have it melted and refinished, but then it would cost as much as the CDP. Kimber is about as cheap as you can go when it comes to 1911's with some custom touches.

Shoot....I recommend jumping up to the $1200-2000 range with a STI or DW CCO or Vbob. These ain't cheap polymer Glocks, good 1911's are going to cost ya.

This STI is similar to the CDP, but costs more (better gun):
http://www.stiguns.com/guns/RangerII/RangerII.php

 

[azranger]

Nothing beats a Colt (Officers or Defender). . .just saying.

 

[george d dennis]

springfield armory loaded .45? i have one i like alot. i brought mine a few
years ago, i dont know what they go for now. just a suggestion.

 

[harmon rabb]

well, the cheapest compact 1911 i know that works is the RIA Compact.

 

[Chuck Perry]

I know you're all set on a 1911, but the Kahr 45's are so worth a look. Either the P,CW or the PM are everything a great carry 45 should be. 3" 1911's are not known for their reliability; the Kahrs seem to run and run well, especially the 3.5" models. The CW's can be had for under $500.

 

[59Bassman]

I have a CDP Pro II. Best carry gun I can imagine. If that's the gun you want, get it. Over the long haul, you're better off buying what you really want than regretting your purchase for the next 5 - 10 years.

 

[Kingofthehill]

I would not take a CDP Custom II 5" for free. Mine was a PITA and the experience with Kimber was awful.

short story, feed ramp was aluminum and Kimber blamed Hollow Point ammo for digging into the ramp, thus causing feeding issues even with FMJ. I had to have the feed ramp milled out and replaced with a steel ramp.

never again.

 

[lobo9er]

feed ramp was aluminum and Kimber blamed Hollow Point ammo

does kimber use aluminum feed ramps? and is that standard with 1911's? I dont own one so I dont know very much about them.

 

[Zerodefect]

The frame is beveled. The feed ramp is part of the frame. Most Al frames have Al feedramps then.

Some of the better Al 1911's have a ramped barrel, like the ramp on a Glock barrel. So those have Al frames but the ramp is steel and part of the steel barrel.


My Al CDP ramps are marked up, but not really worn down any. They don't look pretty. Just make sure you ditch the Kimber mags, they eat the ramps and frame. Use Wilson or Tripp mags with plastic followers.

HP ammo with a rounder profile seems better for my CDP. Rem 230gn Goldensabre, Corbon Powerball etc.

 

[NMGonzo]

Get a Glock 23.

 

[FruitCake]

I'd go with the Kimber.
My boss just bought a brand new 1911 for $500.00. Because he said" why buy the expensive one for $1000 when you can buy one for $500, well he's already dumped almost $300 into it and it sucks, very rough looking and on top of that he said he's going to send it out to get a dovetail in the front because it doesn't have one!!!
Go figure.
I'd rather just get the one that you really like and you will enjoy it.
Those Kimber CDP sure are pretty.