S&W 1911?

[JTQ]

How does the S&W compare to a similarly equipped Kimber?

They'll each have features that typically annoy the 1911 traditionalist.

Most Kimber 1911's, all with the "II" (2) designation, will have a firing pin safety based on the Colt Swartz firing pin safety. Good or bad, Kimber is the only maker using this variation of a firing pin safety.

S&W 1911's will have an external extractor. Also neither good or bad, it is just that they and SIG are the only ones using an external extractor in their 1911's.

You have to decide what oddity you are more willing to put up with.

 

[JTQ]

Another point - all Kimber 1911 are put together the same way. There really isn't a "Kimber Custom Shop". If you are paying more for one Kimber over another, it is usually some feature, checkering, sights, etc., but usually it is "bling" that drives the price up on the more expensive Kimber 1911 models. In the Kimber line-up, the value is at the Custom II (I believe the Two Tone now occupies that space), and TLE price points as long as they have the features you like.

On the other hand, S&W does have a "Performance Center" that produces guns at a higher level, and price point, than their E-Series line-up.

 

[ontarget]

How about quality between the two? I'm having a hard time deciding whether or not to buy this Smith or just look for a similarly equipped Kimber.