Thinking of a 1911, need opinions
- Thread starter WalP99
- Start date
- Status
.45 Cal
Member
I'm biased, but what the heck. I vote Springfield. I own the WWII version, and fired a friend's loaded model. Great guns.
GoRon
Member
The flower has fallen from Kimber.
I see I am not the only one who has seen more and more Kimbers choke as time has gone by.
Even adding the two Kimbers in the poll together they are last.
I see I am not the only one who has seen more and more Kimbers choke as time has gone by.
Even adding the two Kimbers in the poll together they are last.
Dollar An Hour
Member
Good thread with lots of good info.
I'm also shopping for my 1st 1911. On one hand, Kimber is said to have super fast customer service, but OTOH, it seems like you're more likely to need it!
I'm pretty much torn between a Springfield Mil-Spec or Loaded - or a Colt M1991A1 stainless. No Swartz safety either way, or external extractor.
I'm also shopping for my 1st 1911. On one hand, Kimber is said to have super fast customer service, but OTOH, it seems like you're more likely to need it!
I'm pretty much torn between a Springfield Mil-Spec or Loaded - or a Colt M1991A1 stainless. No Swartz safety either way, or external extractor.
GoRon
Member
The Colt has a firing pin block safety. Don't know if it really makes a difference. I avoid them but don't know how rational that behavior is
I would go for the loaded myself. But I like the beaver tail safety and long trigger combined with the flat mainspring housing.
Don't take my earlier post as Kimber bashing, the Dessert Warrior is singing its siren song to me
They just have had an over inflated rep and are coming down to earth now.Dollar An Hour
Member
I wonder if the 'bump' on the Loaded's grip safety hurts the hand after awhile? It looks like it could get irritating.
Is hammer bite really a common issue with 1911s, or is it just for guys with meaty hands? I've got pretty thin hands with long fingers and I'm thinking I'm not a hammer bite candidate.
Zen21Tao
Member
Springfield "Loaded" 1911-A1
progunner1957
member
Go with a Springfield or a Colt - Kimber uses the Schwarz safety in their 1911s to save money. Colt developed the Schwarz in the 1930s and abandonded it due to reliability problems.
Springfield_1911SS
Member
i just got a springfield loaded and i love it, so my vote goes to the springfield
The Reverend
Member
+1 S&W
tegemu
Member
I have a Kimber, Springfield, Dan Wesson and a Smith & Wesson. I would unhesitatingly choose the S&W.
robctwo
Member
I have the SA Black Stainless Target and the SW1911PD Commander. Both good guns. The SW has a better trigger out of the box. There is a slight problem with the brass hitting my head. I've done a bit of filing and have slowed that way down. The SW is every bit as accurate as the SA. Lighter for carry, not as good for long range sessions. SW stainless would solve one of those issues.
The SA lost the hook on the extractor in the first few hundred rounds. SA service was excellent. They paid shipping both ways and had 4 week turn around. The trigger on the SA is heavy. Every bit of the advertised 6 lbs. I decided to put in a few custom parts and tweak the sear spring. Very nice now, but not for everyone to do that work.
Both 1911s were bought after the Sig 220 stainless. Had to have the 1911. The Sig outshoots both out of the box and is rock solid reliable. The SA with $150 extra parts is approaching the Sig for accuracy. The SW is very accurate as well, and with the laser grips is my bedside gun.
I can recommend both SA & SW. I have come to believe it's not which gun, it's which gun next.
The SA lost the hook on the extractor in the first few hundred rounds. SA service was excellent. They paid shipping both ways and had 4 week turn around. The trigger on the SA is heavy. Every bit of the advertised 6 lbs. I decided to put in a few custom parts and tweak the sear spring. Very nice now, but not for everyone to do that work.
Both 1911s were bought after the Sig 220 stainless. Had to have the 1911. The Sig outshoots both out of the box and is rock solid reliable. The SA with $150 extra parts is approaching the Sig for accuracy. The SW is very accurate as well, and with the laser grips is my bedside gun.
I can recommend both SA & SW. I have come to believe it's not which gun, it's which gun next.
I currently own a S&W 1911 and an old Norinco 1911 that I am converting to a 38 super. I have owned a Kimber and a Springfield Arms 1911. To tell you the truth, I was very unhappy with the Kimber and sold it after only a few months of owning it. I like the S&W and think they did a fantastic job. My Smith is very accurate and eats anything I feed it. My all time favorite was my Springfield. She was a basic 1911 with good sights, beavertail safety, and no "tactical" frills. After several years of agravating me, my brother finally talked me into selling her to him. BIG MISTAKE! My advice, go with the Springfield, it won't hurt your pocketbook as much as the Smith, won't jam and stovepipe like the Kimber, and will run forever.
Black Majik
Member
All three are great companies, but I'd go for the TLE all things being equal (all are reliable). I need frontstrap checkering and thats the only one that offers FSC. TMMV
- Status
