Kimber CDP Ultra vs S&W1911sc

[osteodoc08]

Looking for a new 1911 and really like the look of the CDP Ultra and a S&W 1911 SC two tone. I currently have a Kimber CDP Compact and a S&W1911TA. I really like the idea of a 3" 1911. My EDC is a S&W M&P40c or the CDP Compact depending on mood. I do have a few questions.

1. Does the bobtail on the SC really make that big of a difference in carry? Comfort and conceal ability wise?

2. Does the 3" model make a big difference in carry? Conceal ability and comfort?

3. Which model would you chose and why?

4. Any other recommended models under a $1150 street price?

5. When looking over a potential purchase, I'm very particular and frequently turn down a gun due to the rear of the slide and frame not being perfectly matched up. It seems the Smiths I looked at today were the most consistent. Is this even an issue except for the fact it annoys and bugs me when it doesn't match up perfectly?

FWIW, this item will also be a night stand and range gun. It needs to have night sights. I didn't care for the colt defender, Sigs because of the squared slide profile, and prefer a completely made in USA product. IE vs EE doesn't bother me. I'm looking to stay mid tier.

Thanks guys.

 

[9mmepiphany]

I like the Commander length slide of the Sc as it offers a larger window of functionality over the shorter barreled Ultra.

I find the bobtails frame does conceal better as that is the part of the frame which is most likely to print under a shirt. I have friends who like it because it doesn't poke them in the ribs.

The last S&W 1911Sc I sold was great, with a solid lockup, clean trigger and very good accuracy. The lighter weight was nice too and the scandium frame was just a cool factor. It's new owner is still raving about it.

The alignment of the the rear of the frame and slide is more than an annoyance...it is indicative of an improperly fitted barrel/link

 

[HankB]

I have a two-tone 1911 Sc with the round butt. I like it a lot - it carries nicely in a Milt Sparks VMII holster, balances nicely, has good "pointability" and the lighter weight doesn't really make any difference to me in recoil.

It's not absolutely perfect - it did burp once on a very light cast 200 grain LSWC target reload. The night sights show up well at night (duh!), but I don't get as "clean" a picture on the target range as I do with the black sights on my Baer 1911. The trigger breaks at 5 1/4 lbs and has a little creep (I'll do something about that eventually) and the grooves on the thumb safety are a little too sharp for comfort. Oh, and I did have to adjust the trigger stop - as adjusted from the factory, I had about a 9 lb pull for the first shot from slide lock with subsequent pulls down at the 5 1/4 lb level; I had to back off a fraction of a turn on the stop.

Again, I like the gun, it's a pleasure to carry, so maybe I'm nitpicking a bit. And I got it new for somewhat less than your $1150 street price.

 

[HKGuns]

I'd take a S&W over a Kimber every day of the week.

I don't trust a 1911 smaller than 5".....YMMV - IMBFOS but for a range / nightstand gun I would definitely go with a 5" model. A buddy of mine had a Kimber Ultra jam-o-matic that he traded in for a reliable pistol. As you're already a Kimber owner you should have your own opinion.

I'd also look at Colt and Springers....in that range, depending on the "features" you want and/or need.

 

[osteodoc08]

As far as reliability in the 3" models, it seems to be hit or miss. Any particular 3" models known for better reliability than others?

 

[osteodoc08]

Anyone care to comment on the series 70 vs Schwartz safety of the Kimber? Is it as bad as the Internet would lead you to believe?

 

[9mmepiphany]

Anyone care to comment on the series 70 vs Schwartz safety of the Kimber?

Sure, Apples and Oranges

A better comparison is the Series 80 FPS vs. the Swartz FPS. Between these two, the Swartz is a bit more sensitive to fitting as it reacts to the grip safety.

If you are asking about what difference a FPS makes to trigger feel, a well fitted trigger makes it a moot point

 

[tiamat]

not sure why i can't quote posts, but as far as reliable 3" 1911's, check out the Springfield EMP.

 

[9mmepiphany]

not sure why i can't quote posts, but as far as reliable 3" 1911's, check out the Springfield EMP.

I really like my EMP, but I only have a bit over 1000 rounds through it so far and it is a little bit early to speak to reliability.

However, know that the EMP isn't really the same as a 3" 1911 built on the .45ACP sized frame. The timing changed when they altered the dimensions to reliably feed the 9x19mm cartridge

 

[DaBruins]

A buddy of mine had a Kimber Ultra jam-o-matic that he traded in for a reliable pistol.

I also made the mistake of buying a Kimber Ultra. First trip to the range resulted in 70 jams out of 75 rounds. It's now in the queue at Kimber, awaiting a resolution to the problem, but I was told there was an 8 week lead time because "we're very busy with customer requests for custom work", translation: "we sell a lot of garbage that needs to be fixed".

A hard lesson learned, the J. Browning design does not function properly in a 3" model.

 

[tiamat]

However, know that the EMP isn't really the same as a 3" 1911 built on the .45ACP sized frame. The timing changed when they altered the dimensions to reliably feed the 9x19mm cartridge

I know, which is why I suggested to take a look at an EMP as one that is known for its reliability in a 3" size. Although, again, we're probably talking about apples and oranges here, since I don't think the EMP is made in .45, although the OP never actually stated they were looking for something specifically in .45, just a '1911'.

I wonder how different the Springield Micro .45 (or whatever they call it) is to it's EMP line - they look identical.

 

[9mmepiphany]

The Springield Micro .45 is a built on a .45ACP sized 1911 frame. The proportions will look the same but the size and more importantly the timing of the action are different

 

[wolf695]

They are both good guns , but remember they are colt clones! Colt sets the standard...

 

[MICHAEL T]

Want a Compact buy Colt Defender or new Agent My 2 carry 1911 is Colt Defender and in cooler weather my Dan Wesson CBOB

 

[340PD]

I have a couple thousand rounds down my Ultra CDP II with no issues at all. My reloads as well as factory rounds flow through it with no problems. I also have a Ed Brown Cobra Karry with the bobtail. Put both in your hands and see which model points the most naturally for you. Now try that with your eyes closed while you are raising to the target. That is the I would buy.

 

[orionengnr]

I've had four Kimber Ultras (two Ultra CDP, two stainless Ultra Carry IIs) in addition to four other Kimbers, and I loved each one. Still have a couple.

I've had two of the S&W 1911PDs (one bobtail) and loved both of those. Still have one.

The Kimber is smaller and easier to carry, but remember that the grip frame is one round shorter. The bobtail on the S&W gets it one step toward the Kimber, while retaining that additional round.

Bottom line...I like them both, and neither is going anywhere. If I could only have one...tough choice. I am coming to believe that an alloy-framed commander size is about the perfect 1911.

 

[chaser_2332]

get the smith.....mainly because your other choice was kimber.