Trade my used Kimber 1911 for a new Glock 17 w/ 3 Mags?

[StrikeFire83]

Okay, this is not meant as a topic for a flame war, but I really need some input on this one.

I currently own a Kimber Custom II 1911 pistol that I shoot and enjoy. Here’s the problem, I’m very accurate with it at up to 20 yards. My friend has a G17 that he’d never part with, that I’m able to shoot a couple times a year. I’m not nearly as accurate with it, but I find it to be a very fine pistol. My friend claims 2000 rounds with only 1 jam, and that one being an aluminum cased CCI blazer. That’s better than I can claim with the Kimber.

There’s another element to the equation. In the next year or so, I may be starting a career in law enforcement, and the likelihood of using the Glock (or something like it) is much greater than using a 1911. Familiarizing myself with this pistol would seem to be a good idea on several counts.

Add to that the fact that I have limited income, and for every ONE box of .45 I can put through the 1911 I can put two and a half through a 9mm.

A guy at the a local gun store is willing to trade me a BRAND NEW G17 with two 17 round clips and one 10 round clip.

Is this a good deal? Sounds like it, maybe I should bite.

 

[Chipperman]

The gunshop is coming out ahead, but that's what they are supposed to do. You could do better financially by selling the Kimber privately and then just buying a Glock.

As for the general wisdom of the trade....
If you truly cannot afford to have two guns, and you are sure that you will end up with a Glock as a duty weapon, then go ahead.

OTOH, you sound like you are not entirely sure about the LE career. Even if you do end up in LE, you may carry a Sig or something else.

I guess my advice is to wait until things are more solidified.

 

[StrikeFire83]

Thanks so much for your reply.

Maybe I'll just BUY the G17, put it on a credit card, and pay for it with my tax refund money when it comes in next week.

Was gonna spend the money on a new tailgate for the truck, but hey, life's too short.

I really do LOVE my Kimber, and would probably regret selling down the road....

 

[Sergeant Sabre]

The way you talk, it sounds like if you give up your .45 auto for a Glock you'll end up regretting it.

When you get your tax refund money perhaps you could take your .45 down to the shop and talk to the guy about trading it. Then, change your mind and see if he'll knock a few dollars off the price of the Glock if you buy it right now with cash instead.

 

[Lennyjoe]

Keep the Kimber and put the Glock on layaway.

 

[Old Dog]

Is this a good deal?

No. Not just because I'm a 1911 guy, but a good Kimber is always worth substantially more than any Glock (new or used). Keep the Kimber, if you're set on getting a Glock, get one ...

I really do LOVE my Kimber, and would probably regret selling down the road....

You would. I know I've regretted trading or selling every 1911 I've ever parted with, even when I came out "on top" of a trade deal (e.g., traded a lightly used SA Mil-Spec straight up for a NIB SIG 226).

 

[10-Ring]

Keep the Kimber since you shoot well with it and just buy yourself Glock...finding them on the "pre-owned" market at good deals really isn't all that difficult

 

[Black Majik]

Definitely keep the Kimber, I agree with others that the shop will come out ahead.

If you can go by putting the Glock on CC and paying it off with tax returns, do it that way. Whatever you do though, KEEP THE KIMBER.

Plus, you got a Kimber that works, thats why the gunshop wants it so badly...

just kidding!

 

[MICHAEL T]

Keep the Kimber use the money to buy another 1911 forget the Glock. I rather have 2 1911s any day than one Glock.

 

[Rob1035]

or you could find a used glock from ky imports, cdnn, or summit gun broker to get to use...

 

[bearmgc]

Don't give up something you enjoy shooting. You'll regret it down the road. Lay a way on the Glock sounds like a good idea.

 

[StrikeFire83]

Thanks to everybody for ALL of the input. I really love this pistol, but it just doesn't gel with my my current lifestyle and needs.

The Good
1. Very Accurate. This is what I can do with it at 15 yards, and I'm not a very accomplished pistol shooter.


2. Reliable...with FMJ BALL ammo. Never had a jam with any kind of ball ammo.

3. Beauty. It's a gorgeous weapon, has the classic appeal. Wonderful to look at.

The Bad
1. Expensive Ammo. I can buy decent 9mm for just under $4 per box here in Austin, but even **** .45 ACP is $10-$12 per box.

2. Not 100% Reliable...with Hollow Points. Never had a jam with FMJ, but every 200 or so rounds of HPs the Kimber chokes at least once. I don't fault the gun, as it wasn't designed for this type of ammo, and works FLAWLESSLY with what it was designed for, FMJ.

3. Utility. A heavy, steal gun with an 8+1 cap vs. a light polymer weapon with 17+1.

I haven't made up my mind yet, but am thinking of selling it. I don't know. Guys, talk me out of it, I love this gun but I need a WEAPON more than I need a piece of art.

 

[Rob1035]

I need a WEAPON more than I need a piece of art.

Honestly, if that's your current state, then the trade might be a good idea. Not everyone needs a different pistol for each day of the week, and I can't think of many better "only" pistols than a 9mm glock.

 

[daysleeprx]

Where can you get 9mm for that cheap in Austin? =)

 

[StrikeFire83]

Bought 2000 rounds of CCI Blazer 9mm at Academy in November for $3.86 per box in November.

I think it's still that price. Haven't been back for 9mm yet, obviously.

 

[Majic]

Since you know what LEA you are going to apply for why not check to see what pistols they carry. They may not even use Glocks.