Kimber Raptor or Colt?

[lono]

Thinking about adding another 1911 to my collection. I am trying to decide between a Colt Gold Cup ss and a Kimber Raptor II ss. Both are full size and have similar specs. I am asking for THR opinions on which to buy?

 

[PRM]

Had a friend that used to say the following.

"I rather live next to someone who owns a Colt as to have one of those others"

Little opinionated, little arrogant, maybe snobby... but says it all.

Kimber(s) are good guns, but if the cost was close ~ the Colt is probably a better investment. That's just an opinion.

 

[JTQ]

I prefer Colt, but I'm also not a fan of adjustable sights on a 1911. The two pistols may be comparable price wise, but they are not similar.

I would pick something else from the Colt line-up.

 

[jr_roosa]

Colt, hands down.

Just got a rail gun and it is very impressively put together.

It's not a custom gun, but it's really nice.

-J.

 

[dholla]

My Raptor II is awesome. Eats everything I feed it and is a laser.

 

[Zerodefect]

Kimbers are great, you should buy two!

Read this thread:
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=612094

Seriously though, get the Colt. Kimber appears to be falling apart lately. I've allways liked thier lowend models, but I don't think I'll be recommending those anymore.

They can't fix a simple mag release without 3 trips back to the factory. Also they don't seem to be too sharp at fixing the ones that do come back. A chump like me shouldn't be better at fixing troublesome Kimbers than the Kimber service dept.

 

[TIMC]

I own both; The Pro raptor I own is my favorite carry gun. My Colt is a WWII vet but it does shoot well.

 

[Balrog]

You will see more threads on the internet about faulty Kimbers than any other brand.

 

[EddieNFL]

Colt

 

[loadedround]

Colt hands down!

 

[Tape]

Colt

 

[scramasax]

Go with the Colt. There are two 1911 companies I'll get guns from Colt and Springfield armory. I've owned Kimbers, wilsons, and gotten rid of all but one KImber. Its a safe queen and the only reason I kept it is to go with my Ford Raptor. The Colt might take some gm time to be up to your wishes, but it will hold it's value better. For the best out of the box 1911 shooter I'll take the Springfield Rangemaster.

Cheers,

ts

 

[wow6599]

I'll take the Springfield Rangemaster.

Range Officer?

 

[ColtPythonElite]

Colt...20 years from now you will be glad you did.

 

[lono]

I have to say that I did not expect such one sided comments. Thanks to everyone. I will keep looking I am not wild about the adjustable sights on the gold cup.

 

[Shmackey]

I've got plenty of experience with both.

Colt.

 

[JROC]

I like to go with the original 1911 maker so my 1911 is a Colt. It's a Combat Elite to be exact, and I'm very fond of it. It is very well built, accurate, reliable, attractive, and a good shooter.

My sisters husband likes to say that he likes my Colt, but prefers his dads Kimber, but he's a loser low life so that just gives me another good reason to go with Colt.

Last but not least Kimber is just a really stupid name for a gun. Would you name a gun a Sarah, or Mary, or Brittany? "Hey guys check out my new Tiffany 1911." Girl names may sound good with certain things, but guns are not one of them.

 

[Mr.Blue]

Colt is the original. Colt's maintain their values well. Colt makes the best mid level 1911 out there. No need to spend $2k on an 1911 when a Colt can be had for half that.

 

[Skylerbone]

The XSE line from Colt might be more to your liking as the Combat Elite is only available in two-tone in .45ACP Otherwise, a Special Combat Government in hard chrome with a new rear sight (Bomar cut) and you're in business.

I prefer blued to stainless but have a few ss ones around.

 

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

Colt

Looked over a Kimber years ago--didn't like them then ---still don't.

 

[Ed4032]

+ 1 on the Colt XSE. My has become a favorite while my Kimber has become less than reliable. Beside that you will love the XSE.

 

[Strykervet]

Kimber uses plasic parts in their pistols. I don't know about you, but one of the reasons I'd get a 1911 is workmanship and all metal parts. I've also heard about Kimber problems. The thing about Kimber is that they mass produce a weapon that was designed 100 years ago when they were hand fitted. They had to cut corners somewhere in order to do this and keep costs down.

If it were down to Kimber or a Colt, I'd most definitely get the Colt. Without a doubt. But the one I'm waiting/saving on will be an Ed Brown Custom or Executive Carry. That is a one nice 1911, and is the epitomy of what one should be, I think.

You kind of get what you pay for, but with Kimber, you kind of pay more for what you don't get. They do look nice on the outside, and they work similarly, but a Kimber vs. Colt is kind of like a Glock vs. Sigma. Why get a copy when you can get the real deal for the same price or close to it?

BTW, I wish I still had my Colt Series 70 with the Bomar sight rail... Stupid me, I sold it.

 

[Wags]

Colt.

 

[lono]

I have noticed the plastic main spring housing on Kimbers and was like what the h*** is this doing on a 1911.

 

[JTQ]

I'm a big Colt fan, but you will find plastic mainspring housings on Colts, and some trigger's too. They still work.