I have been passively looking around for a 1911 pistol for a while. I still plan to buy a micro-compact .380 ACP or 9mm Para before buying a 1911, but I plan to do plenty of research and handling (unfortunately not firing, because my local gun shops have very few rentals) before deciding to buy one.
After looking around for a while, I think I have decided on the Kimber CDP II. I plan to originally buy an Ultra variant for conceal carry, and then a Custom (full-size) variant for home defense and range shooting. Even though I've never owned a 1911 before, I do like the custom features that come with this particular model, and I've handled it under several occasions (and absolutely love it). The looks of the CDP II line are also something I find very attractive.
However, reading on forums some, I have seen a good amount of distaste for the Kimber brand. I take all forum criticism for what it is: forum criticism. I've heard about their (failed) attempt at external extractors, and it seems rightfully so. But after switching back to internal extractors, they still get a lot of crap. What's the reasons for this? I've heard great things about the quality and accuracy. And holding them myself (again, I haven't shot 'em), the build seems very solid.
Also, just to add some more discussion, what other 1911 brands should I be seriously looking at? I do have a couple of "requirements" for the guns I'm looking for: I want to have a matching 3" and 5" versions and the guns have to be chambered for .45 ACP (this should go without saying). And while looks aren't the most important thing with a self defense pistol (and shouldn't be), with the money that I plan to pay for a quality 1911, I want an attractive style. I don't sway either way when it comes to a firing pin block (I can do with or without). Having not owned a 1911 before, I don't have many other "set in stone" preferences.
EDIT: I'm sure this website is tired of "Which 1911" threads. But the intention of this post is to be more of a "Why not Kimber?" thread. However, I've seen a lot of anti-Kimber posters. And I would like a reason as to why, and comparable alternatives if applicable.
After looking around for a while, I think I have decided on the Kimber CDP II. I plan to originally buy an Ultra variant for conceal carry, and then a Custom (full-size) variant for home defense and range shooting. Even though I've never owned a 1911 before, I do like the custom features that come with this particular model, and I've handled it under several occasions (and absolutely love it). The looks of the CDP II line are also something I find very attractive.
However, reading on forums some, I have seen a good amount of distaste for the Kimber brand. I take all forum criticism for what it is: forum criticism. I've heard about their (failed) attempt at external extractors, and it seems rightfully so. But after switching back to internal extractors, they still get a lot of crap. What's the reasons for this? I've heard great things about the quality and accuracy. And holding them myself (again, I haven't shot 'em), the build seems very solid.
Also, just to add some more discussion, what other 1911 brands should I be seriously looking at? I do have a couple of "requirements" for the guns I'm looking for: I want to have a matching 3" and 5" versions and the guns have to be chambered for .45 ACP (this should go without saying). And while looks aren't the most important thing with a self defense pistol (and shouldn't be), with the money that I plan to pay for a quality 1911, I want an attractive style. I don't sway either way when it comes to a firing pin block (I can do with or without). Having not owned a 1911 before, I don't have many other "set in stone" preferences.
EDIT: I'm sure this website is tired of "Which 1911" threads. But the intention of this post is to be more of a "Why not Kimber?" thread. However, I've seen a lot of anti-Kimber posters. And I would like a reason as to why, and comparable alternatives if applicable.
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