Itch for a 1911

[txgolfer45]

Got the itch for a 1911
Been doing some research. I have narrowed down my choices to the following:

Kimber Custom II
Kimber Custom TLE II
S&W M1911
Colt Government Model 70 Reissue

My FFL said the S&W is severely backordered. Pricewise, it is inbetween the Custom II and Custom TLE II.

This will be my first 1911. Should I wait for the S&W? The Custom II and TLE are at a very good prices and in stock.

Haven't found the Colt yet, but shot it on the range last week.

Thoughts?

Thanks,
Scott

 

[Ebbtide]

Why wait for an unproven product (s&w). There are plenty of proven 1911s out there.

I doubt you will have any regrets with your Kimbers choices.

If this is your first 1911, I would suggest to get a feel for what you like before you plunk down high dollars on modifications you don't need or like, ie. get the colt and add what you like as you go, or sell it once you are familure with what you want and buy it new and right the first time.

Hope this helps,

ehenz

 

[ruger357]

I think you would be happy with the Kimber Custom II.

 

[TheFrontRange]

I've owned a Kimber Custom (pre-Series II...a "Series I," I guess? hahaha..) for over a year now. I've put in vicinty of 1200 rounds through it so far and it serves as my primary CCW piece. When it was brand-new it had the occasional hiccup in chambering the first round out of a magazine...by "occasional" I mean it happened maybe four times over four hundred rounds. Not out of the question on a brand-new gun. After that, it has had NO problems of any kind.

I do use Wilson Combat magazines with it and you'd be advised to get yourself some of those or the offerings by Wolff or Chip McCormick. FMJ, Cor-Bons, Hydra-Shoks, and other JHP varieties, my Kimber has fed them all.

I think the TLE model Kimber is basically a Custom II with the addition of night sights and frontstrap checkering IIRC. If those options are worth whatever extra they're charging, go for it. (Plus, you'd have that added "prestige" of using the same gun chosen by LAPD SWAT, a true tactical coup! )

I'm sure the Colt and S&W offerings you mention are first-rate handguns, too...but speaking for the Kimber, I don't think you'd be disappointed at all with one of those.

 

[Bacchus]

The Custom's a nice gun. I've handled and fired both the blued and stainless versions. I'm intrigued by the newest Kimber (the tactical one). What's the price difference between the custom and the TLE? I understand that the TLE has night sights, right? Some people over at the 1911 forum have had problems with the factory kimber sights.

 

[rblack]

I have 3 of the 4 you list. Any of them will most likely prove to be a very good gun. My favorite is all of them. 1911's are just my favorites period.

 

[txgolfer45]

Bacchus,

The price difference between the Custom II and Custom TLE II is $130. Yes, the TLE has night sights and the front strap checkering.

Scott

 

[Bacchus]

Scott,

Thanks for the info. I've been thinking about getting an Eclipse (about $750) but wanted to see a TLE first. I'm curious to see how shops price the TLE as compared to the Eclipse and CDP.

 

[Keith]

I have two Kimbers - a compact and a Custom Target - and they are simply the best handguns I've ever owned. These are the original Kimbers manufactured prior to that new safety system. I know Kimber had some teething problems with the new system, but I'm told they've worked that out.

I'd take a look at the Springfields also, these are good guns that cost about the same as the Kimbers (with the same bells and whistles).

Keith

 

[10-Ring]

I doubt you could go wrong going w/ the top 3 (Colt, SA, Kimber). Whichever one you like most from your list should serve you well. Personally, I like the Colts

 

[SW9mm]

i bought a springfield compact with all the goodies a lot cheaper than any kimber. i've read as many complaints on www.1911forum.com about kimber as springfield. i'll stick with my springfield. also i wanted a 1911 without a firing pin safety and an internal extractor. i heard kimber is moving to all external extractors. and firing pin safeties aren't in the original browning design. it's all about preference.

 

[45R]

I have a Kimber Target II and I've got nothing to say but good things about it. Mine has been very accurate and reliable. Pick the one that feels best in your hands and shoots well.

 

[Drjones]

Heck, the S&W has so many parts from different manufacturers, its a wonder they can still call it an S&W!!!

My vote is an emphatic one for the Colt.

Have you seen one yet?

A work of art that works.

They are what the 1911 is supposed to be.

I've got my eye on a 1991A1 govt. myself. (Series 80)

The 70's reissue is quite expensive, isn't it?

What prices have you seen for them?

Thanks
Drjones