Springfield Champion Loaded or Kimber Pro CDP

[FEATHERWEIGHT]

I am trying to decide which production 1911 to buy. I have an Ultra Carry Series I; however, I like the commander size pistol the best. I have narrowed it down to a Kimber Pro or a Springfield champion. I hear extractor issues on the Kimber, and service compliants on Springfield. I am spending no more than $1000.00. Thanks

 

[Smoke]

I'll give the nod to the Kimber. Mind you, my opinion is based on my own.
I have both guns Series 1 Kimber Pro Carry CDP, and Springfield Champion.

Both guns work. The Kimber worked out of the box. The Springfield required a new extractor and some tweaking. (Nothing that cost much)
The Kimber has the better trigger. The Kimber's fit a nd finish is a better.
But, the Springfield is a lower level gun. I could have spent more and perhaps got a little better finish.

I have other Kimbers and all perform great. This is the only Springfield I own.

HTH.

Smoke

Edited to add: Kimber customer service has proven to be first rate, never had to use Springfields.

 

[GoRon]

and service compliants on Springfield

Actually I hear just the opposite about Springfield. The question is why do new guns need service?

I bought a Springfield TRP and haven't had to send it in for anything. After 5K rounds the problems feeding or ejecting were so rare I stopped paying attention to the round count they occured at. Maybe ten problems since I bought it.

Check out http://www.1911forum.com/

There are plenty of folks that own both of these guns over at 1911forum that can give you first hand info on them.

 

[bradvanhorn]

I vote for the Pro CDP. However, I suspect I'm a little biased, since I own a Custom CDP and an Ultra CDP (and no Springfields). I held a Pro CDP the other day, and I had to fight the itch to make my pair into a trio. I don't think you'd can really go wrong either way, but again, I'd opt for the Pro CDP.

 

[frankie357]

I don't have a Kimber, but have heard a lot of good things about them. Those who have them usually like them. I have a Springfield Champion loaded that I am very pleased with. It came very accurate right out the box, and feels good in my hand. It is bigger than my Colt Officer model, but not by much so I would notice. So far no FTF or FTE, it feeds everything. The Novac fixed sights were right on out of the box. I'm just spending money on buying ammo for it.

 

[cerberus]

Three Kimbers

I now have three Kimbers a Custom TLE II a Tac Pro II and a Ultra Carry II all are quality 1911s and have shot well the Ultra is picky with non-ball Ammo. and with the shorest bbl. at 3 inchs it take getting used to for good groups. I would go for the 4 inch Kimber Tac Pro II if I were going to have just the one. It's lighter for carry then the all steel Custom.

 

[FEATHERWEIGHT]

I bought the Champion the gun was extremely tight, I have not had a chance to go to the range. I looked at the Kimber and was really disappointed how much the quality had changed from my series I. The finish was not as good. The Kimber trigger still has the Colt and the Springfield beat out of the box. The colt had a nice look t; however, I do not like those cheesy sights. The springer had the extras and night sights for the right price. The only thing I would recommend to Springfield is get rid of the cheesy guide rod set up and go back to a high quality set for an extra $20.

 

[ddj8052]

I am also somewhat biased. I have a Kimber Tactical Pro II and a 25th anniversary Custom. So I would have to vote for the CDP. Bothguns had some issues during the initial break in period, but after about 600rnds both guns have been perfect. I am seriously considering the Ultra CDP or the Eclipse Ultra as my next 1911. I have no experience at all with the Springfield, although if I am ever in the market for a Springer it would be the Champion. Good luck and enjoy whichever you get you will love it.

 

[Tango Sierra]

I'm biased in favor of the Kimber because I always shoot Kimbers to POA and the three Springfields I've tried I shoot low to the left and my group is more spread out than with a Kimber. I'm happy with my two year old Custom CDP though it took a few thousand rounds to get the trigger to where I like it. (it used to have some grit to it)