I've decided to get a 1911 and I have two choices right now. A used SA SS Loaded Champion and a Kimber Pro Carry. The Kimber has a bushingless barrell, which I'm not sure is a good or bad thing. The Kimber is new and is $100 more. Which one?
Kimber or Springfield 1911
- Thread starter todd-45
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1911WB
Member
1911 choices
For a first 1911 I would recommend sticking with a 5" model since the pistol was designed that way. Once you go to shorter barrels the problems are more likely to appear. See if you can find an SA GI model; usually they can be found new for around $450- $500. They represent a good value as is, and can be a good platform if you later want to add some custom features. Good luck with your choice.
For a first 1911 I would recommend sticking with a 5" model since the pistol was designed that way. Once you go to shorter barrels the problems are more likely to appear. See if you can find an SA GI model; usually they can be found new for around $450- $500. They represent a good value as is, and can be a good platform if you later want to add some custom features. Good luck with your choice.
Ala Dan
Member in memoriam
Greeting's All-
Our friend 1911WB has some darn good advice~! The Springer
WW-II G.I. 1911 replica makes for a great introductory weapon. As you
grow familiar with its operation, you may decide to customize it a bit too
your liking. It adapts well too upgrades, and custom work. Also, don't
forget too look at the Springfield Mil Spec, as it has better sights and
a lowered and flared ejection port. I own all three (2x G.I.'s and one
Mil Spec), and can tell you that they are excellent weapons for the
money~!
BTW- I also have a 3" Kimber Ultra Carry II that has functioned
flawlessly thus far; even with all types of JHP ammunition.
Our friend 1911WB has some darn good advice~!
The SpringerWW-II G.I. 1911 replica makes for a great introductory weapon. As you
grow familiar with its operation, you may decide to customize it a bit too
your liking. It adapts well too upgrades, and custom work. Also, don't
forget too look at the Springfield Mil Spec, as it has better sights and
a lowered and flared ejection port. I own all three (2x G.I.'s and one
Mil Spec), and can tell you that they are excellent weapons for the
money~!
BTW- I also have a 3" Kimber Ultra Carry II that has functioned
flawlessly thus far; even with all types of JHP ammunition.
Although the build quality of Springfield 1911s is fantastic, and I've never had major problems with the 3 I have owned, ALL manufactured products have a risk of failure or defect. Hence, you want to look for great quality and great customer service. Springfield Armory fits that bill to a T. Go with SA and you will never regret it.
My SA Champion is fantastic (4") and my SA TRP is amazing. I didn't think it could get better than the Champion, but it did!
My SA Champion is fantastic (4") and my SA TRP is amazing. I didn't think it could get better than the Champion, but it did!
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10-Ring
Member
I have a preferenc towards steel guns in general so I'd go w/ the SA in this case.
I've owned guns from both SA & Kimber...they both make some good stuff!
I've owned guns from both SA & Kimber...they both make some good stuff!
DirksterG30
Member
Don't know about Kimbers, but I have a Springfield Loaded Stainless Champion. It's a great gun that has never failed me. For what it's worth, mine has a bushingless barrel. I have no problems with that, as it works just fine and is an accurate shooter.
Neither--They're Both Over-priced ALSO--
Kimber's external extractor is JUNK!
Skip the 4" 1911s. Get a full-sized 1911. I have had, in total about 15 1911s, of all sizes. The 5" is most reliable. If you get a Kimber, get an ALL steel. The Pro Carry is also aluminum.
If you get a Kimber, get a Custom Target 5", with internal extractor. I can't speak to the Springer custom, but others who I know say no way. Like a coin, I am certain you will hear two sides.
Of my current 1911s, my Colts are most accurate and most reliable. There are others here who hate Colt and say that current ones are junk. Mine are excellent.
By the way, of the about 15 total 1911s, 12 were Kimbers. AVOID KIMBER. They are having problems.
Just my experience.
Doc2005
Kimber's external extractor is JUNK!
Skip the 4" 1911s. Get a full-sized 1911. I have had, in total about 15 1911s, of all sizes. The 5" is most reliable. If you get a Kimber, get an ALL steel. The Pro Carry is also aluminum.
If you get a Kimber, get a Custom Target 5", with internal extractor. I can't speak to the Springer custom, but others who I know say no way. Like a coin, I am certain you will hear two sides.
Of my current 1911s, my Colts are most accurate and most reliable. There are others here who hate Colt and say that current ones are junk. Mine are excellent.
By the way, of the about 15 total 1911s, 12 were Kimbers. AVOID KIMBER. They are having problems.
Just my experience.
Doc2005
JackOfAllTradesMasterAtNone
Member
Time to flip the coin!
Ford or Chevy?
I have Colts and one Kimber Stainless II. The Kimber is much more accurate! Has a trigger twice as smooth as any stock Colt. I haven't had one problem with my Kimber through a few thousand rounds so far. I don't like that the sights are proprietary, so you can't just put a good adjustable sight on the fixed sight model. Other than that, I cannot complain about the Kimber 1911. Not at all. As for a Springer, I know that I would not be satisfied with a GI model. In any autoloader though, I like Stainless!
I'll second the standard 5" as your first 1911, but don't get a model that's not up to what your intended use is.
So, to determine which of the two you've referenced is going to be the best fit, you need to determine the intended purpose.
Any of the short barreled .45's are excellent choices for concealed carry. But along with them comes more muzzle flip than with the full sized model. Most any of them are accurate enough for close in personal protection. But if you're going to shoot paper at longer distances, Pins or other combatant competition, get the full 5". Something with adjustable sights. If you're still going to carry concealled, then the MMC low adjustable sights are kinda nice.
Ford or Chevy?
I have Colts and one Kimber Stainless II. The Kimber is much more accurate! Has a trigger twice as smooth as any stock Colt. I haven't had one problem with my Kimber through a few thousand rounds so far. I don't like that the sights are proprietary, so you can't just put a good adjustable sight on the fixed sight model. Other than that, I cannot complain about the Kimber 1911. Not at all. As for a Springer, I know that I would not be satisfied with a GI model. In any autoloader though, I like Stainless!
I'll second the standard 5" as your first 1911, but don't get a model that's not up to what your intended use is.
So, to determine which of the two you've referenced is going to be the best fit, you need to determine the intended purpose.
Any of the short barreled .45's are excellent choices for concealed carry. But along with them comes more muzzle flip than with the full sized model. Most any of them are accurate enough for close in personal protection. But if you're going to shoot paper at longer distances, Pins or other combatant competition, get the full 5". Something with adjustable sights. If you're still going to carry concealled, then the MMC low adjustable sights are kinda nice.
Lone_Gunman
Member
I would not consider buying a Kimber or Springfield. I have owned 4 of each, and none were 100 % reliable.
I have had much better luck with Smith &Wesson and Colt 1911s.
I have had much better luck with Smith &Wesson and Colt 1911s.
Ala Dan
Member in memoriam
Go For The Gusto~!
I know that this one most likely isn't an option, but if you can swing it
try a Les Baer Thunder Ranch Special 1911~!
I know that this one most likely isn't an option, but if you can swing it
try a Les Baer Thunder Ranch Special 1911~!
Captain Bligh
Member
I own a Kimber with an internal extractor, the way God and John Moses Browning wanted it. I can't comment on the new external extractors for I have no experience with them. I will tell the OP, however, that your concern about the bull barrell without a bushing is nothing to worry about.
My Kimber is a Compact of the same barrell length and design as a Pro Carry. It has been very reliable and is a tack driver. I own 5 handguns including Sig, Glock, S&W (2). It is without a doubt the most accurate gun I own.
My Kimber is a Compact of the same barrell length and design as a Pro Carry. It has been very reliable and is a tack driver. I own 5 handguns including Sig, Glock, S&W (2). It is without a doubt the most accurate gun I own.
ajax
Member
Why would some of you guys buy so many of the same guns from a manufacturer if you have so many problems with them. Doesn't make sense to me.
StrikeEagle
Member
- Joined
- Jul 8, 2004
- Messages
- 709
Exactly my feelings as well.
neoncowboy
Member
I have Kimbers and Springfields.
The Springfields are (in my opinion) *by far* better made guns and a much, much better value.
I'm not sure what I got for the extra $400 I spent on my comparable Kimbers, but it defintely wasnt higher quality control, greater reliability or improved accuracy.
The Springfields are (in my opinion) *by far* better made guns and a much, much better value.
I'm not sure what I got for the extra $400 I spent on my comparable Kimbers, but it defintely wasnt higher quality control, greater reliability or improved accuracy.
My only non-Colt 1911 is a Springer. Series 70 style firing system, lifetime warranty, no goofy external extractor or Schwartz FP safety made the decision rather easy when new, good looking Colt's were hard to find in the late 90s.
I have never seen a Kimber I have wanted since they moved to Yonkers.
I have never seen a Kimber I have wanted since they moved to Yonkers.
Crusader_1911
Member
- Joined
- Jun 4, 2006
- Messages
- 2
Ala Dan,
you said that you have owned both GI and Mil Spec model Springfields. Did you notice any difference in reliability between those two models? Which had more malfunctions in your experience? Springfield boasts in their homepage that GI model are made specially reliable as their ww2 counterparts were. (and apparently are also less accurate than more sophisticated models?)
I've not yet decided which SA model to get. Mil Spec, Full Size and GI models are the candidates and I'm primarly interested in reliability.
you said that you have owned both GI and Mil Spec model Springfields. Did you notice any difference in reliability between those two models? Which had more malfunctions in your experience? Springfield boasts in their homepage that GI model are made specially reliable as their ww2 counterparts were. (and apparently are also less accurate than more sophisticated models?)
I've not yet decided which SA model to get. Mil Spec, Full Size and GI models are the candidates and I'm primarly interested in reliability.
JMag
Member
But, those Kimbers are so purdy...
Ala Dan
Member in memoriam
Greeting's Crusader 1911 My Friend-
In all honesty, I haven't even had a chance too test the Springfield MIL-SPEC
gun at this time; but by 2x G.I. 45 caliber model Springers have run without
even a burp~! As for accuracy, a novice shooter should be capeable of
groups of about 4"/25 yards with the G.I. model; provided that they follow
basic instructions~!
In all honesty, I haven't even had a chance too test the Springfield MIL-SPEC
gun at this time; but by 2x G.I. 45 caliber model Springers have run without
even a burp~!
As for accuracy, a novice shooter should be capeable ofgroups of about 4"/25 yards with the G.I. model; provided that they follow
basic instructions~!
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