Kimber Pro Carry HD vs. Springfield Armory Champion (Loaded)

[Shake]

I'm thinking of adding another carry gun to my collection. I currently carry an H&K USP compact .45.

I've always loved the feel of the Kimber Pro Carry and would like something in that size. The Champion is Springfield's similarly sized handgun. I know the entire Kimber vs. Springfield thing gets beat to death on this board, but what about these particular models? Anything that should make me consider one over the other?

At this point the only thing that separates the two for me is the sights (which can be changed anyway). I definitely like the Novak sights on the Champion better than Kimber's sights.

Does anyone out there own one of these particular models? Do they suffer the rumored (?) "small 1911=unreliable 1911" syndrome?

Also, does the Champion use a steel or aluminum frame? (I may have the answer to which one I want depending on the answer to that question alone)

Shake

 

[Bren]

The New HD's have the type II safety, the old HD's had bugs.

Have you considered the 4" Pre II Kimber compacts? Reliability of 4" really isn't a problem. Bren

 

[Cruiser]

Last year, Tacoma (WA) PD switched from Beretta 96D's to Kimbers Pro Carry II's (& Pro Carry HD II's) & Glocks. The original plan was to issue Springfield Champions & Glocks. IIRC, Springfield could not get the Champion to work with the issue 230 gr. Golden Saber ammo. By the time Springfield got the reliability issue resolved, the decision was made to move to the Kimber, instead. There were also other issues which aren't important here.

The Kimbers have worked flawlessly for a year and a half. Accuracy & reliability are second to none. My understanding is the Champion has the bugs worked out, but I have no first hand experience with one in over two years.

I was one of the few who had no choice & am forced to carry a Glock 21 on duty. I bought my own Pro Carry II which I carry off duty and as a back-up.

 

[PCRCCW]

What you have are just two different examples of a good gun in design and size.
The SA does come with Novak nights....actually my fav. sights. The Kimber sights arent bad in any regard though.
Id say the overall fit, finish and quality is slightly in Kimbers advantage.....with that said. Id buy either depending on the dealer and price.......Shoot well

 

[Smoke]

PCRCCW, is right.

I have both, for fit, finish, and looks the Kimber is ahead. Never had a problem with either other than the extractor on the Champion needed tuning.

 

[SanduneCC]

The Novak sight is unecessarily "busier" than the McCormick/Kimber sight.

 

[Specialized]

Champions & Other "Little" Guns

I have a Champion, as well as a Springfield Ultra Compact (Officer's frame, 3.5" cone barrel), and they both shoot anything you'd care to put through them. I know that smaller guns have been the ones that typically have more problems, but my experience (limited to the two, of course) has been very positive. Both of mine have gone multiple thousands of rounds without hiccups.

I have heard horror stories about ramped barrels, too, but the only thing I've ever seen that was an issue had more to do with nosediving bullets in mags than barrel- or ramp-related feed problems. Tuning the spring tension or changing mags should do the trick. I use Wilson mags, which seem to work the best since they present the round higher relative to the chamber than most/all other mags.

Hope this helps -- good luck!

Specialized

 

[Dobe]

I have a Kimber Compact (4" barrel) series I. I have had no malfunctions at all. It is a fun gun to shoot. I only have about 500 round through it so far, and I really like it.

 

[BlayGlock]

I know it is a little late but if you have not made up your mind yet:

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=538424

 

[akadave]

Easy, get the US made pistol.

 

[wtfd661]

7 years between post 8 and 9

 

[9mmepiphany]

Yeah I think this one is pretty stale