Kimber or Springfield?

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bestseller92

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After my Mini 14 fund matures, my next fund will be earmarked for a top quality 1911 stainless .45. I'm leaning strongly toward the Kimber TLE II, but would consider a Springfield (and I'll have a budget target of not much over a grand for the gun, so no true custom guns need apply). For anyone here who's had experience with both, which do you prefer, Kimber or Springfield?
 
I don't have experience with both, but when I was shoping for a 1911 it was between the Kimber TLE II and a Springfield. I went with the Kimber. For some reason they always feel best in my hand. I'm happy as can be with my TLE II, no problems at all, and it is seriously accurate!
 
I have four Kimbers and three Springers (along with a ParaOrd and a few off-brand 1911's). They all work well, and I have no issues with any of 'em. In large part, I bought what I did based upon what I could get and not based upon a 'need' to have a particular brand of pistol.

But between the two brands, I emotionally prefer the Springers simply because the Springers are a true pre-Series 70 1911 pattern pistol. As such, they do without the firing pin block safety nonsense of the modern-production Colts and Kimbers and S&Ws and ParaOrds and such.
 
I have had terrible luck with a grand total of 4 Kimbers and 3 Springfields. None would feed 100 percent, even after return to manufacturer.

I finally saw the light. I only own Colts and Smith & Wessons now, and they are all 100 percent.

I would not spend money on a Kimber or Springfield, and if one was given to me I would trade it off on something else.
 
SA, just don't get one sight unseen. No Kimber-style FPS parts goofiness in any SA.
 
But between the two brands, I emotionally prefer the Springers simply because the Springers are a true pre-Series 70 1911 pattern pistol. As such, they do without the firing pin block safety nonsense of the modern-production Colts and Kimbers and S&Ws and ParaOrds and such.
Click to expand...
I have both. Both are reliable and accurate; the Kim, a bit more accurate with lead, the SA, with jacketed. That being said, I carry and compete with the SA. It is easy to strip, clean and reassemble. The Kim doesn't really take three hands, although I imagine that would help on reassembly. Also my SA is prettier.
Steve
 
I've written a Kimber vs. SA comparison many times, so I'll just write a cliff notes version. Do a search and you'll read my comparisons.

But, moving on...

Springfield Armory: No FPS like the Kimber's Schwartz Safety (Series II). The SA's usually have sharper edges Slide to frame fit, the fit is slightly looser than the Kimbers. I like the beavertail grip safety on the SA. Slightly less accurate in my hands vs. the Kimber. Has ILS on mainspring which can be swapped for a non ILS

Kimber: Tighter slide to frame fit, slightly more accurate. The grip safety is absolutely horrendous, my most hated part. Lots of MIM parts, which has given it a bad name. Used to have external extractor, finally switched back to internal. I prefer the SA's Novak style sights compared to the Kimber's.

Production gun wise, I'd still give the nod to the Kimbers.

Custom shop wise, Springfield Armory is LEAGUES ahead of Kimber. Kimber's Custom shop guns dont even come close to the Springfield Professional. None, nada, nien.

Cliff notes:

Production = Kimber
Sem-custom/custom shop = Springfield Armory
 
Honestly, I'd go Colt. I've owned all 3 and kept the Colt :) You know, it's not even something I can put my finger on...it's more of an intangible, I prefer Colts :D:cool:
 
I have owned both, and curently own 2 Springfields and 1 Kimber. I had a TLE/RL and it was the only 1911 I have ever owned that was 100% reliable right out of the box. Every Kimber I have ever owned has been reliable 100% after the initial break in period. I know many do not believe in break in periods, but I also believe that most of them have probably not owned any tighly fitted guns. All Kimbers I have had were 100% after 500 rounds or so. actualy about 250 give or take, I just did not consider them broken in untill after that.

As to Kimber vs Springfield, I prefer the Springfields for 1 reason. No series II saftey! The only Kimber I have left is my 25th Anniversary Custom which has no Series II junk. I have never had a problem with these parts, yet I would rather not have them. The guns are much easier to take apart with out the series II crap. The springfields are truer to the original 1911 design in this regard. BTW This is also the reason I have not bought a Smith and Wesson 1911.

By the way, if I were you I would save a few more pennies and pick up a TRP. I just bought one and it is very impressive. The fit and finnish is highly comparable any of the semi custom guns I have handled. I just cannot wait to get it to the range. My roommate has a Ed Brown Kobra Cary and the TRP is actually more tightly fitted then the Ed Brown gun. Although the metal work is actually more refined on the Kobra :) I am very jealous of that gun.

Long story short, get the Springer.
 
I have both and, from my experience, of those two I would vote for the Springfield. However I would rather have a Smith & Wesson.
 
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