Kimber 1911 Custom Stainless TLE/RL II

[1911Guy]

I'm looking to buy a .45 1911 I have it narrowed down to a Kimber Custom Stainless TLE II or a Stainless TLE/RL II . It will be used at the range and for home defence. The price difference does not matter. I do think the rail does not look as nice. I know with a rail I can add a light or laser, and that hosters are limited. I also heard that the extra weight helps with the recoil and lower 2d shot patterns with quick shots. I'm looking for feed back on my selection and Rail or no Rail pro's and con's to help me decied ?
Thanks,

 

[MachIVshooter]

IMO, 1911's look retarded with rails. But that's a decision you'll have to make. The added weight of the rail is truly negligeable; if you want better recovery between shots, get a compensated barrel.

You'll be happy with either gun. When it comes to 1911's, Kimber and Colt are my #1 picks.

 

[steelyblue]

Full size 1911 are pretty forgiving in recoil as it is. If your not going to mount a light, you don;t need it. That's just my opinion.

 

[DougDubya]

Kimber has the least offensive rails - in fact, I kind of like that angled dust cover bit at the end.

I prefer smooth dust covers, but I wouldn't be put out by rails, especially if it were something like the Kimber Warrior.

 

[Old Dog]

Well, I've got the TLE II sans rail, which certainly looks better than the railed version. Extra forward weight on an all-steel 5" 1911 means nothing, really, since a full-size 1911's recoil is so easily managed anyway (as two previous posters note).

For home defense scenarios, I prefer a small Streamlight or Surefire flashlight held separately. Don't see the need for a weapon-mounted light if you're not going to train with a weapon-mounted light -- and remember, in most home situations, you don't necessarily want to be covering everything you have to light up with the muzzle of your pistol (teenager coming home in the middle of the night unexpectedly is an example that's happened to me).

As far as lasers go, the Kimber Coverts with Crimson Trace lasergrips look pretty good to me. Me, I just don't like hanging things on handguns. ARs, whole 'nother story.

 

[Ala Dan]

For extra weight towards the front of any 1911, you may want too consider
adding a tungsten guide rod~! My shooting buddy (and co-worker) has one
on his Springfield MC Operator; and its handy for quick follow-up shots~!