Springfield XD 4" Compact 45 versus Kimber Pro Carry II

[russcoh]

I'm not trying to start any wars here, just debating which gun to carry, looking for some feedback. The 1911 is certainly thinner, and more stable at really low temps (I grew up in Minnesota, so being able to use the gun at -40F is important), and while the XD is thicker, it's less picky on ammo, and can be carried without any manual safety on. Both guns are about 5" tall, the Kimber allows for all fingers to be on the grip, while the XD doesn't (at least without a grip extension). Lastly, I know the XD is a little thicker than the 1911, and while I carry IWB, it will probably show more. Any thoughts on the advantages and disadvantages to either? Again, please, no 1911 versus poly wars.. I am truly not trying to start one. And finally, while I know the XD is less $$, that's not really part of my consideration.

 

[blarney]

I say 1911. It's the best gun made. It can shoot no matter what. Depending on the company you might need to change springs(I had to on my springfield but not on kimber, taurus or colt. I have no issues with ammo. the only problem I ever had was it returning back to battery.

It can take a serious beating and will show it more than the poly gun will. This is not an issue though to me since I look for functionality and getting a finish redon is not a big deal.

XD is going to be easier to carry just because of weight in the long run if you get a full size 1911.

1911 is an incredibly accurate sidearm and it can go up against any other out there.

XD is going to be a workhorse though. Yes the 1911 can take a beating but in the long run it would most likely break first. This is important to think about if you don't have a backup.

 

[Majic]

Well do you want a single action pistol or a double action pistol? That is the first major decision you have to make. Are you comfortable carrying cocked and locked? If not then the question on which to carry has been answered. If you are comfortable carrying that way then it's a matter of which one feels the best and you shoot better with. It may be cold outside but the gun is carried next to your body so the temp means nothing. The difference in size points to what you are willing to live with. Being picky with ammo don't mean much is a SD gun as you find what works the best and is accurate in that gun then you stick with that ammo.
So which action do you prefer....what are you willing to put up with carrying...which one feels the best and you shoot the best?

 

[MICHAEL T]

I say Kimber or a Colt Defender.

 

[Bo]

Tough question. I have both. I love my 1911 for it's slimness, looks and reliability but, my XD is what I keep out for HD. The XD has fired everything I've put through it plus mine has a laser on it. It's also hard not to look at the fact that the XD carries 14 rds. I carry both, not at the same time. I probably carry the 1911 more because it lays flat to my side. Depends on where I'm going and how I'm dressed.

 

[Kind of Blued]

I'd say if you have others to carry, get the 1911. I think they're nicer guns.

If you NEED this gun to run right out of the box, get the XD. I think they're more trusty tools.

 

[ar10]

Money saved. XD's aren't pretty but they do work and can take a beating . I've seen lots of Kimbers, they're much more expensive and I couldn't afford one anyway.

 

[wtfd661]

My personal choice would be the Kimber, I have a Kimber Tactical Ultra II that has been a great CCW for me, can really hide it under a loose shirt, mine has been 100% reliable out of the box, no issues at all. That said I've only had the opportunity to shoot a XD once and seemed to be a great shooting gun that I've always had in the back of my mind to possibly get one in the future. My suggestion would be to really try hard to handle both and decide which best fits you. Good luck and let us know what you decide and how it went shooting it.

 

[russcoh]

Trying out both, my issue with the XD was its thickness; with just a loose shirt, it really wants to print.

 

[abuelo]

For cary I prefer my kimber, Ihave aquired three oer the years, an eclipse ultra, pro shadow [ aluminum frame pro carry] and my first a gold match.All have been very reliable, and accurate. Also have an XD 4in used for HD, a little to large for carry

 

[Walkalong]

Kimber, and I like the XD's a lot.

 

[Katana8869]

I'm not trying to bash the gun or take anything away from those that own them, but my Pro-Carry II was the hands down sorriest gun I have ever owned. I know that many own and like them, but mine was terrible. No matter what was done to it, it would not function reliably and even sending it back to NY would not fix it. Maybe I got a lemon, who knows, but the bad taste that I was left with has soured me forever on Kimber's products.

My XD Compact on the other hand did everything it was supposed to do from day one. However, it is top-heavy and thicker than what I like in a carry gun.

I eventually settled on a Ruger .345 as my .45 choice for CCW. If one MUST have a 1911, especially in a Commander sized model in the same category as the Pro Carry, I would suggest either a model from Springfield Armory or S&W. I have had good luck with both.

My honest appologies to the Kimber folks out there, no offense intened. There can be lemons from any manufacturer and I guess I got a big one.