My next gun a Kimber Tactical maybe?

[marriedguy1]

I went by a gun shop that I don't usually get to very often because it is located on the other end of town form me. Well I got to talking the nice man behind the counter and I was asking aobut 1911s. Well I held a SA GI model and was asking the fellow what makes this a $500 gun and that Kimber a $1000 gun. Well he says see for yourself so he hands me a Kimber Tactical Custom II. WOW. All I could say was WOW. Ok now I'm seriously considering buying this pistol. My wife will not be happy, but I sure will be.
I currently only have a Walther P22 and Walther P99 in 9mm so this will be my first 1911/.45.
I suppose I get a cheaper base pistol and then add the things I want later like sites, ambi safety, mag well, and grips. I'm thinking that I'll end up just missing my pistol and wishing I would've gotten the Kimber to begin with.
Back to my real question what is the verdict on the Kimber Tactical? Does the frame hold up? Comments and complaints are welcome and will be taken with my usual grain or two of salt.

 

[browningguy]

Let me start off by saying the Kimber is a good pistol. I don't currently own either make but have shot several of each so I think my opinion is valid.

You're comparing a farm tractor to a Mustang, put a $1000 Springfield next to the Kimber and I don't honestly think there is a nickles worth of difference. I actually like the looks of the high end blued slide/stainless frame Spingers better, they always seem to have a really good finish and polish on them. Look at a Loaded/TRP/Operator or other high end model from Springfield and then think about the difference.

I think either is better than buying a base model and adding jewelry later, they hold their value better and will probably be more reliable.

 

[kansas45]

I don't own a Kimber...............yet. I have friend's that do & they are very pleased with them. I am a Springfield Armory fan. I did buy the new TAURUS PT 1911. It come's with all the stuff that a custom made gun will have. It also shoot's very well. Look at one. Mine was $450. Your wife might let you get by with one of them!

 

[10-Ring]

I've owned a Springer & a Kimber, sold them both. Neither were bad guns, neither proved unreliable, neither showed unacceptable accuracy but I just never bonded w/ either. For me, they just showed too much of their production line heritage.
That said, both companies make some nice high end guns...well constructed and good shooters. If I had to choose one over the other...all things being equal, I'd go w/ the Springfield

 

[psyopspec]

Does the frame hold up?

Yep. Just don't throw it on the grill.

I've owned two, currently have one Kimber in the collection. Niether were the tactical models, but I'd feel perfectly comfortable adopting one.

 

[marriedguy1]

I'm trying to find a shop that has a Taurus 1911 that I can put my mitts on before I go spend the money. If anyone knows a shop in San Antonio that keeps them in stock let me know.

 

[lance22]

That Tac II in Pro-Size is Su-weeet !!

 

[Bazooka Joe71]

How is kimbers warranty(how long) and customer service?

 

[VPJack]

I have a Tac II custom and must say that I am very pleased with it. For an alloy framed gun it handles recoil as well as my steel framed guns, and is easier to carry due to its lighter weight. I have several thousand rounds through it now and it is not showing any frame wear. All in all it's one of my current favorites.

Jack

 

[up_onus]

I agree with the earlier post...

honestly im spoutin a lil bull cuz ive never owned a kimber...
but a springfield fan i am! They didnt get the FBI swat contract for nothing....
Reliable, right out of the box!
just my humble opinion.

 

[HorseSoldier]

My Tac Pro II has been solidly trouble free and quite a good performer. Actually both my Kimbers have given me no problems to date -- some people seem to have problems occasionally, but my experiences with Kimber have been good so far.

 

[TX1911fan]

Marriedguy, you are following the same path I did. Started with the P22, went to the P99, then got a 1911 in .45. I hardly ever shoot the P99 anymore. I'd sell it, but my wife likes it. I still may sell it or trade it on a High Power. I echo the sentiments above. Before you buy a Kimber, check out comparable Springfield guns. My TRP is fantastic. I couldn't be happier. And, I just bought a GI and have been tinkering with it. By the time I'm done, I could have bought another TRP, but it's been a lot of fun.