Kimber Compact or Colt Commander?

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I own a couple of full-size Colt 1911's, and also a Kimber Ultra Compact.

The full-sizes go to the range, and the UC is my hot weather daily carry.

I'm looking for a cold weather daily carry, and have decided that a commander-sized 1911 is the way to go. Easier to conceal IWB than a full size (office environment, under sweater), with a better sight radius and muzzle velocity than the Ultra Compact.

I know Kimber offers a commander-size 1911 on an officer-size frame (Compact CDP II), but does Colt also, or are all their commander-size barrels on full-sized frames?

Colt recommendations? Part of the Kimber draw is the standard night-sights and AL frame.

Thanks.
 
With a username like that, it's almost heresy to go with a Kimber :)

That said, the Kimber Compact is actually a 4" barrel on the Officer frame (Commander is a 4.25"). I've got the CDP in that size, and it balances quite nicely in the hand. No trouble with mine whatsoever. Recoil's a bit snappy, but it feeds reliably, and it's far more accurate than I am.

As far as price, in my area, the Colt XSEs are going for about the price of the Kimbers, and the Kimbers just feel a bit smoother and more polished.
 
I would go for Colt....Kimber has too many MIM parts, compared to Colt... Way too overrated, and Colt, way too underrated....Colts are about $100 cheaper, and you get the real thing...not a cheapen Kimber, they used to be nice, but they did add those MIM metal injected parts, and are suspect to failure....Kimber's first generation wer worth it, when they had all machined parts, but Colt's quality is up, Kimber's, I heard, is down....
Talk to that Wild guy from Alaska, he will tell you the same.....
 
greg531mi said:
I would go for Colt....Kimber has too many MIM parts, compared to Colt... Way too overrated, and Colt, way too underrated....Colts are about $100 cheaper, and you get the real thing...not a cheapen Kimber, they used to be nice, but they did add those MIM metal injected parts, and are suspect to failure....Kimber's first generation wer worth it, when they had all machined parts, but Colt's quality is up, Kimber's, I heard, is down....
Talk to that Wild guy from Alaska, he will tell you the same.....
Click to expand...
+1 to what greg531mi says. Plus I would like to add with the Colt you will allways know your gun will be worth at least what you paid for it. Kimbers seem to lose there value pretty quickly......:evil:
 
After my experience with three different Kimbers and flawless performance from my nrm Colt, I'd get the Colt.
 
Colt for sure unless you can find a mint series 1 Kimber for a good price. The series 2 safety in the kimber is rinky-dink.

I bought two NRM Colt Commanders this summer, both are fantastic.
 
I'd recommend the Colt Commander, although I'd also suggest that the new SW1911PD or SW1911SC in the 4.25" barrel length is worth consideration.

The Scandium enhanced aluminum frame is a noteworthy advantage to a great defensive size 1911-style platform.

The external extractor is something that S&W has had some considerable experience with when it comes to doing it right, too.
 
I know Kimber offers a commander-size 1911 on an officer-size frame (Compact CDP II), but does Colt also, or are all their commander-size barrels on full-sized frames?
Click to expand...

I'm not sure if this has been answered yet, but Colt does make one like the Kimber Compact, the Colt CCO (sometimes C.C.O. if you are doing a search). It has the 4.25 inch barrel on an officer sized frame.
 
You know you want the colt...

1991_9.jpg
 
Colt. Don't even think twice. It's what I carry; it's what I love.

(Why are you sitting here reading this when you should be out there buying that Colt?) ;)

StrikeEagle
 
I'd take a Colt over a Kimber every time.

From Kimber owners you'll often hear something similar to, " My Kimber has 3500 rds through it with no problems whatsoever". To me that doesn't mean Jack when considering a Kimber for a serious use pistol.

The trouble is Kimber's MIM parts, and they're literally chock full of 'em. The "iffy" nature of these parts is not in question (especially with Kimber) and they are still the great unknown here. I have to believe that they would give any serious (Kimber) pistolero night sweats over the potential consequences.

The truth is that many of those parts have already failed and Kimber's customer service just keeps on quietly replacing them. I currently look at MIM parts as little "time bombs" just waiting to catastrophically self-destruct on shot #3501 or ... ? Only time is capable of proving otherwise.

My decisions about Kimber 1911's certainly didn't take very long. Kimbers do have their looks going for them, and evidently that's enough to keep them in the game. :confused:


W
 
Well... thats a tough call...

The Kimber would be lighter if you can get a 4" aluminum frame compact. But I'd reckon you'd get a Colt that was more reliable than a Kimber.

Trade off is the Colt is a lil' heavier unless you find a Colt Lightweight Commander, then I'd go for the Colt.

The Kimber, its a toss up, it either works or it doesn't. I think Colt's percentage of reliability is higher than Kimbers.

I'd say flip a coin.

But since you're getting a short 1911, how do you NWIW when its a Colt :D
 
Colt Gunsite Commander. Flawless after 1000 rounds. I broke my first and last Kimber when the barrel link got bolixed and wouldn't own another.

All I did for the Colt was add a Heine night sight to the bow for $60.

HiCap
 
Decision: Colt

After careful consideration, and much pistol fondling at the local gunshop, I decided to go with the Colt Gunsite CCO.

My experiences with Colt and Kimber have been equally good, but in the end, the Colt just felt better in my hand. I like the more traditional looks as well.

Thanks to all for your input.
 
I've tried quite a few platforms for Commander sized 1911s. I've yet to see anyone at the production level do it better than Colt. You'd have to get into Baer, Brown level guns to get a better Commander sized gun. And even then, it's only a marginal improvement in terms of functionality.
 
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