Need some opinions here....

[cementmanjr]

I'm looking to buy a 1911. Ive narrowed my choices down to either a Springfield MC Operator or the new Kimber Desert Warrior. Are they made differently(qualitywise) or are they pretty much equals. Any owners of either want to weigh in here, I would appreciate it.

 

[Aguila Blanca]

I can't really help you, because personally I wouldn't own either one. But ... it would help other people respond if you could provide some idea what you plan to use it for.

 

[M2 Carbine]

I don't have the Desert Warrior but I've got four other Kimbers.
The only reason I don't have five Kimbers is they haven't made a Compact or Ultra lately that I really like the looks of.

I don't own a Springfield so I can't comment on them.

 

[cementmanjr]

Thinking use it for IDPA and any other tactical style shooting i can find around here(Minnesota). Ive never had a 1911, but really want one. Currently I carry Glock 22. It does the job. Used to carry a Sig 226 and a HK USP Compact .45.

 

[LanEvo`]

Thinking use it for IDPA and any other tactical style shooting i can find around here(Minnesota). Ive never had a 1911, but really want one.

If you plan to use the gun for IDPA, then the presence of an accessory rail, full-length dustcover, and/or bull barrel might limit your options. If you plan to get a single-stack 1911, better to get one based on the classic design and with a regular barrel bushing. This will give you more options (in terms of class) with IDPA and some other shooting sports.

Two off-the-shelf "conventional" 1911's that are increasingly popular with competitors are the STI Trojan 5.0 and the non-accessory rail version of the SigArms GSR Revolution. Both come in at just under $1000 and niether should need any gunsmithing to work properly or offer excellent accuracy.

Between the STI and the Sig, I would lean towards the STI for a range/competition gun. The adjustible sights on the Trojan 5.0 and the fact that the Sig has a non-standard sized slide (meaning you can't use off-the-shelf Colt Government model gunleather) make the STI a bit more appealing to me. But either is a great choice. And I would take either one over a Kimber Desert Warrior or Springfield Operator.