Looking for a 9mm 1911 - Kimber?

[Teachu2]

I'm adding to my collection, and I'm thinking I'd like to have a 1911-based 9mm. I know, I know....

My go-to gun is a Colt Series 80 in .45acp. I'd like to keep the same platform but in 9mm, as it will serve me and my family in a number of roles. In addition, I'm located in California, so if it's new (preferred) it's gotta be listed. http://certguns.doj.ca.gov/

So far, the leading candidate is the Kimber Stainless Target II. Any others I should consider? I'd prefer the STI - but they're not listed...

 

[RH45]

A Les Baer, or a Wilson would be towards the top of my list, unless Ed Brown makes another run of 9s.

 

[conhntr]

A ted yost for me. Should be able to find a colt 9mm for 600-800 then around 5000 with options for heirloom to work on it.

I coudlnt be bothered with a wilson or baer

 

[ichiban]

That list made me very sad. If at all possible move to a free state.

I have a Kimber Target in 9mm and it is a good gun so you be disappointed if that is what you end up with by default.

I did a quick scan and noticed that there is a SA 9mm on the list. That would be a good choice as well.

 

[rbernie]

The SA is nice, but will likely have clocking issues on the extractor that will need to be addressed for the pistol to be 100% reliable. (I've had two 9mm Loadeds and both had this issue, as have all of my 45ACP Loadeds and Champions... It was more pronounced of an issue with the 9x19 Springers than the 45ACP units.)

The Kimber is very nice; I have owned both the Target/Stainless Custom line and the Aegis. The Aegis is sublime.

I carry an Armscor 9x19 1911 to the pistol every week, and for a range beater it's been quite satisfying. You should contact the Armscor folk and see if they'll submit the 9mm for testing, since all of their other 1911 models are already on the list.

 

[galena]

I really like my Kimber Pro-Carry II in 9mm, never had a problem with it. I note the CA list includes the Pro-Carry in .45ACP but not in 9mm...........stupid, stupid, stupid!!!! I left CA in 1988 and I've never been back........won't ever go back. If you have to live in CA I'd go with the Kimber Stainless Target II. If you can, vote with your feet. Keep shootin'

 

[guyfromohio]

I've read great things about the EMP and it made the fruits-and-nuts list! I have to agree with California though.... the guns on that list will absolutely kill less deaderer than others not on the list.

 

[bikerdoc]

On a whim I bought Taurus PT 1911 stainless in 9mm ( I got 19 handguns and wanted an even # )

Wow, I am impressed. I am more accurate with it than any of my more expensive 1911 45's or my varous CZ's

YMMV

 

[Flintknapper]

Para Ordnance also makes a number of 1911 platform 9mm's.

Not saying that is what you might want, just giving you something else to look at.

My Daughter's "Carry 9" has been flawless.

Pretty sure its on the good to go list in Kali.

 

[berettaprofessor]

Springfield EMP 9!

 

[foxmoor]

STI Trojan in 9mm was my first 1911 and it's a great choice, if permitted in CA.

 

[JimStC]

I have a Springfield Model 1911-A1 in 9mm. I did have the trigger lightened and put in a Nowlin barrel so the cost is higher than new retail. In any event it is a reliable, very accurate carry and competition gun. I also have a Baer in 9mm, 9x23 and 38 Super (just switch out barrels-not 3 guns). Obviously that is a much higher price point.

 

[Rock185]

Over a period of of 30+ years, I have owned 1911 type guns in 9MM by Colt, Kimber and Springfield. I have handled, but not owned the STI 9MM Trojan and U.S.P.S.A. models. The STIs seemed to be very solid, well fitted guns.


The standard Colts use the traditional unramped type barrel. In my experience, these sometimes require a little tuning to be 100% reliable in 9MM. I have had better results with the more recent pistols that use the ramped typed barrels.

Last year I purchased a new Springfield Loaded Target 9MM. Nice looking, but sorry to say, not a very good gun in stock condition. Pretty rough overall; some of the internal machine work just not right, barrel loose ( bunch of up/down and fore and aft movement in breech area when in battery ), unreliable with several types of factory ammo, one of the most inaccurate pistols I've owned. I purchased it with custom work in mind, so wasn't too dismayed. I see Springfields praised quite often, so I guess I just happened to get one that wasn't as well put together. I have handled another new Loaded Target 9MM in a gun shop since purchasing mine. Can't say about reliability/accuracy obviously, but it appeared to be rougher than mine, with the same issues. Years ago, my early Springfield Trophy match had to go back for a new slide under warranty. More recently. my brother's 9MM EMP, went back for several issues. Came back with issues corrected, a new slide and I forget what else. Both those guns were very nice after the serious warranty work. I guess we just haven't had very good luck with Springfields as received...

I currently have a Kimber Target II 9MM. It, and the previous Target IIs in 9MM and .38 super I have owned, were just excellent guns from the beginning. All were/are 100% reliable with any ammo I tried,accurate, well fitted and finished, barrels/slide/frame fitted very well for production guns, etc. None of the infamous MIM patrs broke in any of them.

I have owned Baer and other higher end type guns, but not in 9MM. I suspect those guns chambered in 9MM would be very nice indeed.

 

[Johannes_Paulsen]

I have a 9mm EMP and love it - works very well as EDC. However, it did require a trip back to Springfield to pin the extractor and have a few other things adjusted. It has worked 100% since getting it back, and Springfield was completely no-hassle about doing the fixes and shipping it to and fro and their expense...but just wanted to let you know this in the interests of full disclosure.

 

[Byrd666]

EMP 9mm. I have the EMP .40 and love it

 

[JimStC]

Rock,
Very accurate comments. My Springfield was intended to be a Steel Competition gun. So, I bought it with more $$ in the budget to get it right. From the factory it did need help......

 

[BYJO4]

I have a Kimber SS Target II in 9MM with 6,000 rounds thru it thus far. It has been accurate and 100% reliable since day one.

 

[Demitrios]

Since you already have a go to gun for self defense then here's an interesting concept, get yourself a Rock Island TCM Micromag. It's a double stack 1911, so you'll be able to shoot more rounds AND on top of that it comes with a drop in barrel for 9mm, no changing anything else. It goes for about $600 and it's made by a company me and many others have nothing but good things to say about.

What it is:
http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2011/11/foghorn/ria-introduces-first-production-22-tcm-firearm/

Where you can get it:
http://www.sarcoinc.com/11-01-11_gunpages.pdf

 

[Teachu2]

Thank you all for the input. I was wondering if I was going to hear horror stories re the Kimber, but none here! The others are options I've already considered - really want a STI, but:

A Les Baer, or a Wilson would be towards the top of my list, unless Ed Brown makes another run of 9s.

On a whim I bought Taurus PT 1911 stainless in 9mm

STI Trojan in 9mm was my first 1911 and it's a great choice, if permitted in CA.

Not on the CA list, and seriously, folks, I'm not moving away from my parents, kids, grandkids, in-laws, friends, job, home, and business relationships just to expand the list of available firearms....

No point in going to a double-stack platform for me - I want to keep the feel of the 1911 but shoot 9mm, and 10 rounds is all I get in California, even if the original design holds 485,373,170 + 1 in the chamber.

If I were looking to build a custom gun, I could start with a RIA or other 38 Super and go from there, but I'd rather buy a $1000 reliable, reasonably accurate factory gun for this one.

 

[ChasMack]

For what it's worth, I have had a Kimber Aegis 9mm for maybe 3 years now. It's a tack driver! It also has never given me any problems when shooting reloads, various brands.

 

[robctwo]

9mm 1911 is a very nice gun. I have a Baer PII. Some extractor tuning issues to begin, but very nice now.

I like the full size all metal for range time. I was looking at the Kimber, SA, STI and Dan Wesson when this Baer fell in my lap.

I've had it at various steel challenge get togethers and anyone with smallish hands like me really likes the feel and handling. Go for it.

 

[AJChenMPH]

Gah...I didn't see the S&W 1911 Performance Edition in 9mm listed. I shot that once (my range has it as a rental) and almost couldn't wipe the silly grin off my face.

I have a Taurus PT-1911 in 9mm, but it's also not listed. It shoots low and the groups aren't bad (see attached target), but I'm about to try a Silverline adjustable rear sight and an EGW front bushing to see if that'll bring the POI up as well as tighten up the groups.

Sorry I'm not much help...was posting more for others looking for a 9mm 1911. Good luck!

 

[Patch Delta]

Kimber Pro-Tactical 9mm.

 

[Constrictor]

hey teach! nice to see you over here from the rc forums! i have a springfield loaded 9mm 1911 and love it.

Steve

 

[jaysouth]

In 2003, I bought a Trojan 5.0 9mm from Dawson Precision with Dawson's trigger and action job.

It has not failed me and has digested many thousands of my handloads. I finally got around to cleaning it about two years ago. The gun definately shoots better than I can hold it.