Kimber or Springfield?

[crsgw]

I am looking to get my first 1911.
I thought I had decided on a Kimber Custom II (or TLE), but I have heard from a few people that Kimber may not be as reliable as they claim. Some have recommended Springfield.

I am looking for a 1911 that is as reliable as possible without needed to take out a third mortgage.

So, whould I be better with the Kimber Custom or the Springfield PX9154L?

Thanks.

 

[Helstrm]

you can't go wrong with either one. Springfield would be my choice between the 2 due to a lot of Kimbers going back for repairs or tweaks lately although you can get a lemon with any brand. Both of these companies stand behind their products so pick the one you like the best within your budget.

 

[Black Majik]

Hmm... should I even get into this one......

 

[1911JMB]

I'll tell you what I know from personal experience. Springfield GI+ $40. worth of reliability work and nothing but Wilson magazines= flawless function. Accuracy is not stellar, but it is decent. I would imagine the PX9154L would be a much different gun. I wish I could tell you something about Kimber, but I've never shot one, and only know of gun rag and internet bull s&%# about them.

 

[Finch]

Not having shot a Springfield, I can vouch for the Kimbers. My Kimber is ridiculously accurate and quite reliable...with the right magazines.

 

[SilverState]

Ford or Chevy?

 

[10-Ring]

I've owned a Springfield, a Kimber, a Colt...and a Para. I still have the Colt. Really there was nothing really wrong w/ the other 3, I just preferred the Colt

 

[Ala Dan]

I own 2X Springfield WW-II G.I. replicas, and a Kimber Stainless Ultra
Carry II. I previously owned a NIB Kimber Raptor II. Now, if I had only
bought a Kimber Warrior in place of the Raptor; I think all would be
well? I ended up using the Raptor as trade on my Les Baer Thunder
Ranch Special, and haven't looked back~! The other's are still
here. If I were unable to afford the Baer, then I would have looked
towards Springfields MC Operator. Its a tad on the heavy side, but
otherwise a great firearm. I could have picked one up, brand NIB
for $827~!

 

[bakeryman]

I've got a Springer 9154L and I'm quite pleased with it(1st 1911). One of my shootin' buddies got a Kimber custom II and it has ran perfect every time we've been out, even with the ext. extractor and his trigger pull is a little nicer than mine, but i still love my Black Stainless!

 

[dmftoy1]

I've got 2 Kimbers ( a Gold Match II and a Series 1 Custom). I wouldn't sell or trade either of them. I also had one of the first Springfield Milspec's back in 1985 and I wish I had it back. (sold it to finance a girlfriend a long time ago. ) I think you'd be happy with either. Right now I'm partial to the Kimber's but I shot a Leathan TGO at a Springfield Factory shoot and if I had the money laying around . . . .

Have a good one,
Dave

 

[U.S.SFC_RET]

Springfield GI milspec

 

[Top_Notch]

It's going to come down to the actual guns as opposed to the manufacturers. You can't go wrong with either. People will chime in and state what they have had good or bad experience with and base their claim. My suggestion to you would be to look at the feature differences between the two, determine what you think you might need or want, weigh the price difference, and then choose a gun and don't look back.

For me, a Springfield Loaded had most of what I wanted (I actually preferred the TRP but couldn't justify the cost) so that's what I bought. Your needs and preferences will vary. Just know what the differences are between your choices.

 

[osteodoc08]

I've got a Kimber CDP Compact II with IE and it has run flawless for me. It is super accurate and feels super sweet in the hand.

I've also shot a SA Mil-spec and it also had zero malfunctions. It is a good plain vanilla kind of 1911 and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that!

 

[Freddymac]

Personaly, Kimber

I have shot many examples of both, and both are great. I personaly prefer Kimber. I have found both brands to be equaly reliable (with good mags), but I just consistantly shoot the Kimbers better, but that's just me. Also, I Hate front slide serations... and fewer of the Kimbers have them. Whatever brand or model that you go with, invest in some good mags. It will save you a headache or two in the long run.

Just a thought.
Fred

 

[crsgw]

Thank you to all who responded.
It sounds like I will be fine with either one.
I will hold both and see how they feel, and compare prices before I make my decision.

Thanks again.

 

[birddog]

Between my wife & I we have (his) the SA Mil-Spec GI, and the (hers) Kimber Ultra CDP II. They're both reliable, accurate and equally fun to shoot. When I'm shooting the Kimber, I feel like I'm shooting a really nice piece of artwork. It's beautiful, with the checkering and melt-treatments, and great attention to detail for a stock pistol. When I'm shooting the GI, I feel like I'm shooting a piece of history, and that I'd be comfortable rolling around in the mud while shooting it. It's ultilitarian, but sharp in its own unique way. I think you'd be happy with either. We're happy with both.

 

[rchernandez]

I have a Kimber Custom Target II and a SA MilSpec. The MilSpec was converted to a custom wadgun with a kart barrel, slide mounted ultradot and 3.5lb trigger. Gunsmith tightened it all up and it will shoot 2" groups at 50 yards (benched of course). The Kimber had a kart barrel fitted and the trigger tuned to 3.5lb (more like 3.75 to 4.0). Shoots quite well up to 25 yards, opens up a bit at 50 yards.

If you're keeping the pistols as they came out of the box, either one is a good choice (still leaning towards the SA) but if you plan to make any custom changes I'd stick with a SA MilSpec (check with your gunsmith first).

My personal preference, is to get a fitted slide and frame from Caspian and have a gunsmith build one up from scratch.