Kimber vs Springfield

[Runflat]

I am looking at getting a 9mm 1911. I think I have narrowed it down to two different models. The Kimber Stainless Ultra Carry II or the Springfield Armory EMP. I was looking for any opinions and experiences with the two different models. Thanks in advance.

 

[LancerMW]

do yourself a favor go Springer. I have had 0 problems with any Springfield and really dont know anyone who has. saying that i have never personally owned a Kimber, their are people who love em, people who hate them, and some people who say they are hit or miss.

 

[CoRoMo]

I'd opt for Springfield too. I have heard next to nothing negative about them, and when I have, it is usually their basic GI models. Compare that to the nonstop onslaught of bad press about Kimber.

 

[DennisE]

All 7 of my Kimbers worked like a charm. My 2 EMPs were riddled with issues that trips to Springfield didn't fix. Dennis

 

[GodGuns&Guitars]

Two Kimbers in 45 ACP, no issues since 2003. One Kimber in 38 Super. No issues with that one either. I do believe Springfield makes a fine pistol though. My brother carries one of their Micro Compacs and has zero issues with his. I'd say the choice is yours.

 

[DeepSouth]

do yourself a favor go Springer.

This.......

 

[jmr40]

I've had both. Never the 1st problem with either but the Kimber was a lot more accurate. I've since sold the Springfields and only own Kimber and Colts.

 

[mr. e]

Very happy with my Kimber. Accurate and reliable. Looks like it's a tossup.

 

[Voland]

Its going to depend on your personal preference. I have two Kimbers and now looking for my third. My Kimbers are rock solid and never had a single malfunction but you hear things on the boards. The thing to keep in mind is that people that post in forums generally go online to work out issues. So 99.9% of the problem free pistols never get mentioned.

IIRC, the EMP was designed from the start for the 9mm cartridge vs the standard 1911 .45 acp. That might sway your choice towards Springfield. In a .45 though, I say Kimber all the way.

Best of luck on your purchase and sorting through what will certainly become a long thread...

V.

 

[federalfarmer]

Kimber.

 

[2nd 41]

Springfield's Customer Service is great. Used them once. They were fast & accommodating.

 

[Pietro Beretta]

I would have to vote Kimber, very nice firearms.

 

[EOD Guy in VA]

I have a Springfield "Loaded" and have found it to be of excellent quality.
Fit and finish are superb and it has been 100% reliable.
http://www.springfield-armory.com/armory.php?version=24

 

[earlthegoat2]

What is better in an AR: DPMS or Bushmaster.

When in doubt my vote goes to the high priced bet that they are the same.

 

[Rodentman]

I had a few failures to eject in my EMP but traced it to my reloaded police range brass which was probably not accurately resized. Much of that brass was headstamped +P which may be a factor. I have heard that the chamber is really tight on the EMP. Factory ammo and reloads that I test fit to the barrel work fine.

I love the feel of the EMP and it's one of my favorite carry pieces. I have G10 grips as well.

 

[Walkalong]

I have a 3" Kimber CDP II that has been flawless. My Springfield EMP has been too, but after a trip back to SA. Both are super nice and run 100%, so I don't know. Both good companies, both make fine guns with an occasional lemon, like everyone.

 

[possum]

i had a sa mc operator, that i liked alot, it was a great reliable, accurate gun, then i figured out that i prefer striker fired guns ie glocks and xd's etc.

i have shot many models of kimbers, pro tle, tle, custom tactical, desert warrior, grand raptor, custom 2, pro covert, and a few others and i have never had an issue with any of them. my dad owns three, and never has he nor i had an issue with either of them.

 

[KegCommando]

the EMP was designed from the start for the 9mm cartridge vs the standard 1911 .45 acp. That might sway your choice towards Springfield.

I've heard that too.

What issues do 1911's chambered in 9mm have that warranted Springfield to design the EMP?

 

[10-Ring]

I've owned samples from both and would go Springfield and recommend them highly!

 

[BENELLIMONTE]

Everybody I know that owns anything Kimber has had some type of problem, myself included. Go with Springfield unless you like communicating with customer service depts often!

 

[Voland]

I've heard that too.

What issues do 1911's chambered in 9mm have that warranted Springfield to design the EMP?

Well, its my understanding that the EMP mags are designed for the 9mm as well as the frame. Since the round is shorter, the normal 9mm 1911's do some trickery with the magazine to feed the 9mm but the frame remains the same. The EMP will not take standard 1911 9mm mags. The action is still the cut down 1911 so should be little changes in that...

Some one please keep me honest.

Thanks,

V.

 

[kyo]

do you like pepsi or coke?

 

[orionengnr]

I have owned two EMPs. First one made two trips back to Geneseo; second time Springfield replaced it.

Second one also made two trips to Geneseo. Then it was sold. Beautiful, but troublesome.

I've also had two Stainless Ultra Carry IIs and a pre-Series II Ultra CDP. No issues with any of them.

 

[Mags]

Get what you like best. I don't have anything bad to say about either company I own Goverment models with both names on the side. The Springer did take a little longer to break in but they both are fine guns. I would prefer a Kimber Pro sized model if it was an option though.

 

[schmeky]

They are both top shelf choices and you really can't go wrong with either one. Recommendations are based on personal experience and internet lore.

I have a Kimber Classic Custom (very early model), and I have never found a better 1911. Try as I might, I cannot find any performance, reliability, or even fitting advantages my Les Baer has over my particular Kimber .

I realize there have been some issues with Kimbers, but I have also read about issues with Springfield (as well as others)