SHould I buy a Springfield or a Kimber?

[Kruzr]

I own or owned both (SA U-C V10, CDP Pro 2, Stainless Target 2). I've also experienced the customer service of both.

Springfields are a hit or miss situation. Their production guns vary widely in quality. SA fit and finish are not as nice as Kimbers in any of the SA production guns (PRO excluded). I had an awful time with their daunted customer service. Mine had finish problems, feeding problems, and accuracy problems. They replaced the barrel and "refit" the slide but it didn't fix the feeding or shooting problems. I ended up fixing the gun myself and then sold it. It was fine but I was pretty frustrated with SA by that time. SA had the gun over 5 weeks after I only had it a week. They paid shipping both ways provided I used a UPS walk-in office. I got a runaround from their customer service reps when I called to find out about the status of the gun and they would never let me talk to whoever was fixing the gun. They also told me that they don't have a range to shoot their guns and were dependent on the weather to go rent range time for testing. So if you have to send them your gun and they need to shoot it, make sure you do it in the summer.

My two Kimbers have a much nicer finish and are accurate out of the box. On one, the adjustable sight broke at 1100 rounds. I called Kimber and they said overnight the slide to them and they will turn it around and send it out the same day they got it. I shipped on a Monday morning and was shooting the gun Wednesday night. I paid shipping one way but spoke to Kimber about it and got a free mag to help offset the cost. The gun now has over 17K rounds through it with no other problem of any kind.

I wouldn't hesitate to get another Kimber but I never intend to own another Springfield (unless I'm given a PRO model).

 

[Ebbtide]

Oh I forgot to add:

Welcome to the board, you squid!!

Which reminds me, I knew a Phil McCracken when I was in stationed on the McInerney in Mayport in 88', are you him?

Ehenz

GO NAVY!!

 

[Lictalon]

Apples/Oranges

Pick the one that you like the look/feel of more. Chances are, whichever one you choose you'll start looking at another 1911 soon enough.

Re: Series II safety

I had an issue with this, and it was very easy to solve. Not that you should have to attack a new gun with a dremel, but it's not a big deal. It's very easy to fix if you run into it...so I wouldn't worry about that complaint.

My .02

 

[RON in PA]

Buy the best, get a Colt.

 

[ETCss Phil McCrackin]

Sorry Ehenz, my real name isn't Phil McCrackin. That's a game/fictional name I created when I was the villian in a drill simulation underway (I was a renegade IRA terrorist, who had "taken over" the sub we were playing aganst!), it's kinda kept up with me though. I AM, however, an ET1(SS).

You guys are putting out some quality info, I think I'm about 90% on the SS Kimber Pro Carry. On another forum, the consensus seems to be that any benefit gained from the loss of an inch on the slide, is insignificantwhen compared with the "superior" 5 inch full size weapons. Anyone have any input on that?

 

[Lictalon]

Is this for carry?

If its for carry, then it's up to you...will you carry a full size gun? Consistently? All the time? If yes, go ahead...get the larger one. If you think a 4'' will be easier to carry, then get that one.

I've carried a full-size Beretta 92 and a 4'' 1911. Granted, the grip is also smaller, but I think that extra inch makes a big difference.

My .02

 

[skippie]

kimber

 

[Kitt]

Not trying to change anyones mind but... I just bought a series 70 Colt Lightweight Commander in 98% condition tax, tags and out the door for less than $500. It locks up tighter than a bank vault and just plain looks "RIGHT". A set of Trijicons ($75) and a Casull long adjustable trigger($21) and a set of Wolff springs and I'm set.

 

[jon1481]

the original

Colt

 

[Majic]

I've owned Colts, Kimbers, and shot several SAs. I've seen all 3 types run right out of the box, and all 3 types that got shiped back to factory for repair. Find one that suits you, there will be many biased reports on all models.

 

[dbracin]

Kimber

Just put 200+ more rounds thru my Kimber Compact CDP II. I've not any problems with funtioning, period. I really like the gun. The only thing I had to do was rub the checkering on the grips with a little 180 grit sand paper where it was really biting into the palm of my hand. It's feed anything I tried so far, lead reloads, jacketed reloads and the Winchester 100 round value pack at wally world ($19.95). I'm pleased with mine.