TurboFC3S
Member
Actually just got it a couple weeks ago from a seller in the classifieds here ...
Which of these two 1911s would YOU buy and why...
- Thread starter tbreihan
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Actually just got it a couple weeks ago from a seller in the classifieds here ...
TurboFC3S
Member
... double tap somehow?
Mad Magyar
Member
The Colt Series 80 is an excellent pistol. No problems with it what so ever.
To be honest, can't compare since I know very little about Kimbers...
To be honest, can't compare since I know very little about Kimbers...
BigGuy52
Member
Not to show my age, but I owned a Colt Gold Cup and it was a wonderful gun. But that was decades ago.
I now have a Kimber Raptor, and I love the gun. I've shot around 1000 rounds through it with no malfunction.
I now have a Kimber Raptor, and I love the gun. I've shot around 1000 rounds through it with no malfunction.
Eightball
Member
I've seen a lot of Colts with spotty QC issues; less so with the Kimber. Plus, my Kimber has been flawless.
MICHAEL T
Member
Colt Why becaused I once traded a Colt for a Kimber. Worst thing I ever did. Traded the Kimber ASAP
Good find!
Until I found out my Kimber factory magazine was causing my early slide lock, I thought I had a POS. I can honestly say my Ultra Carry, has not had one jam, ever, in a 1000 rounds. Only my Glocks and CZs, can equal that reliability.
benderx4
Member
1. It's a Colt
2. Kimbers notoriously need all kinds of work to operate properly
3. Resale
4. It's a Colt
2. Kimbers notoriously need all kinds of work to operate properly
3. Resale
4. It's a Colt
Zach S
Member
My most expensive kimber was $650, IIRC. Series I off the used market. My least expensive, off the used market, was $500. Personally, I feel that series I kimbers are close to the top of the bang for the buck list.
As far as new pistols go, I would get the Colt. I never warmed up to the seires II pistols.
As far as new pistols go, I would get the Colt. I never warmed up to the seires II pistols.
I agree, mine rattled like a bucket of bolts. But it would still drill the target as well as any of my Kimbers. And I kinda liked the missing bells and whistles. Had I not had the Ed Brown gripsafety installed, I'd probably still have it, or at least miss it.
hillbillydelux
Member
Neither. Springfiled Loaded. Same price. Better gun IMHO.
rbernie
Contributing Member
I have both. Both worked out-of-the-box just fine.
The prices you quoted are actually pretty good, at least in terms of retail in the DFW/TX market.
I would get the Colt, simply because I believe that the Colt bits are better made.
The prices you quoted are actually pretty good, at least in terms of retail in the DFW/TX market.
I would get the Colt, simply because I believe that the Colt bits are better made.
chieftain
Member
I have 6 Colts
I have 5 Kimbers
I have 1 Springfield
All my 1911's work. Of course all but one of the Colts, all of the Kimbers, and the Springfield are 5" barrels or said another way are Government sized. (1 Colt Combat commander in 9mm) Kimber and Springfield offer a lot of value for the dollar though.
Mine work. All of them, right from the box. Of course before I shoot any weapon I acquire, I tear it ALL THE WAY down. Inspect, tweak, new springs (often if brand new too), I replace several parts with parts I prefer or are "improved" or not stock (most of the new parts are related to the dimensions of my hands or INMNSHO "better" than original parts) clean, and lubricate BEFORE I SHOOT IT.
I do this with my Browning's, SIG's, Glock's, Rugers etc..... too. Even my many revolvers, rifles, and shotguns. My stuff works. I also clean every one of my firearms after every use, every single use without exception.
1911's are only for those that are willing to spend the time and money to first set them up properly or have them set up for the shooter. And maintain them properly. They also require more time to maintain. If you want a good reliable handgun with minimal need for maintenance, get a SIG,GLOCK,XD,RUGER etc.... all very good pistols (they all need their springs changed regularly too). But none of them compare to the 1911 for its strengths all steel, accurate, finest trigger, ergonomics, "pointability", and the fact that those ergos' can be made to fit virtually any hand out there, better than any other handgun, bar none. Those other pistols are for those that only want to 'drive' their handgun, not have a relationship with it. That is a very fair and honest statement. One other bit of advice, purchase the handgun any handgun in the caliber it was originally designed for.
A well set up and maintained 1911 is dead nuts reliable, accurate and durable. Just remember to change the "oil & filter" on schedule.
The Colt if maintained, will hold and probably increase in value over the years. Understand you ain't going to make a killing or get rich in most cases, just a nice increase. Most of the others, will depreciate, slowly very slowly with occaisonal upswings, but usually a downward trend in compared to the Colts.
No one is going to become rich and famous trading in Colts or poverty stricken dealing in Kimbers or Springfield's. Just some small marginal trends.
And then there are the killer statements:
#1. "COLT 45" To the question, what do you carry? Everyone, even folks who know nothing about guns, know what you have. To the answer, "Kimber 45". You will often get the follow up question, what is a "KIMBER" etc..... It will never happen with a Colt. Coming up on the second century for the Marque in America and 100 years for the model of the gun itself. People do know what it is. The combination IS uniquely AMERICAN.
#2. "If it ain't a COLT it's just a copy."
Go figure.
Fred
Stupid should hurt
I have 5 Kimbers
I have 1 Springfield
All my 1911's work. Of course all but one of the Colts, all of the Kimbers, and the Springfield are 5" barrels or said another way are Government sized. (1 Colt Combat commander in 9mm) Kimber and Springfield offer a lot of value for the dollar though.
Mine work. All of them, right from the box. Of course before I shoot any weapon I acquire, I tear it ALL THE WAY down. Inspect, tweak, new springs (often if brand new too), I replace several parts with parts I prefer or are "improved" or not stock (most of the new parts are related to the dimensions of my hands or INMNSHO "better" than original parts) clean, and lubricate BEFORE I SHOOT IT.
I do this with my Browning's, SIG's, Glock's, Rugers etc..... too. Even my many revolvers, rifles, and shotguns. My stuff works. I also clean every one of my firearms after every use, every single use without exception.
1911's are only for those that are willing to spend the time and money to first set them up properly or have them set up for the shooter. And maintain them properly. They also require more time to maintain. If you want a good reliable handgun with minimal need for maintenance, get a SIG,GLOCK,XD,RUGER etc.... all very good pistols (they all need their springs changed regularly too). But none of them compare to the 1911 for its strengths all steel, accurate, finest trigger, ergonomics, "pointability", and the fact that those ergos' can be made to fit virtually any hand out there, better than any other handgun, bar none. Those other pistols are for those that only want to 'drive' their handgun, not have a relationship with it. That is a very fair and honest statement. One other bit of advice, purchase the handgun any handgun in the caliber it was originally designed for.
A well set up and maintained 1911 is dead nuts reliable, accurate and durable. Just remember to change the "oil & filter" on schedule.
The Colt if maintained, will hold and probably increase in value over the years. Understand you ain't going to make a killing or get rich in most cases, just a nice increase. Most of the others, will depreciate, slowly very slowly with occaisonal upswings, but usually a downward trend in compared to the Colts.
No one is going to become rich and famous trading in Colts or poverty stricken dealing in Kimbers or Springfield's. Just some small marginal trends.
And then there are the killer statements:
#1. "COLT 45" To the question, what do you carry? Everyone, even folks who know nothing about guns, know what you have. To the answer, "Kimber 45". You will often get the follow up question, what is a "KIMBER" etc..... It will never happen with a Colt. Coming up on the second century for the Marque in America and 100 years for the model of the gun itself. People do know what it is. The combination IS uniquely AMERICAN.
#2. "If it ain't a COLT it's just a copy."
Go figure.
Fred
Stupid should hurt
1911shooter
Member
Colt, Kimber has been junk since they were built, the colt is a better pistol, and doesnt have a billboard on the side of them which is just gaoutty and unprofessional. CS sucks they are good for Paper weights thats it. Like i said go with Colt., others have said it too so the majarity wins right?
But then again it depends on which one you see as a better value and worth your money, and also it depends on if you will carry it, then which one you will be comfortable betting your life on, it really is not our choice we can give you input, into this matter but ultimitly you need to make the final decission and in the end you have to be happy with your choice.
You will never get an unbiased oppinion here.
The 1911 does require you to spend more time in maintainece but they are worth it.
Of all my 1911's i own my Colt Officers acp is the most reliable i have had right out of the box. it has run perfect from round one and 13,000 rds later it is still running. just replaced some worn parts but thats all preventive maint. which needs to be done on any firearm.
But then again it depends on which one you see as a better value and worth your money, and also it depends on if you will carry it, then which one you will be comfortable betting your life on, it really is not our choice we can give you input, into this matter but ultimitly you need to make the final decission and in the end you have to be happy with your choice.
You will never get an unbiased oppinion here.
The 1911 does require you to spend more time in maintainece but they are worth it.
Of all my 1911's i own my Colt Officers acp is the most reliable i have had right out of the box. it has run perfect from round one and 13,000 rds later it is still running. just replaced some worn parts but thats all preventive maint. which needs to be done on any firearm.
Lone_Gunman
Member
I would never buy a Kimber, they are some of the worst guns made.
Colt or Kimber ?
Have owned a Custom 2 for a number of years, the one with the much maligned external extractor. Have never had a failure to eject or chamber or extract. Why all the fuss ,Smith ,Sig 1911 and several others have been produced with Ext. Extractors and none of the other brands have dumped the design yet .
Have owned a Custom 2 for a number of years, the one with the much maligned external extractor. Have never had a failure to eject or chamber or extract. Why all the fuss ,Smith ,Sig 1911 and several others have been produced with Ext. Extractors and none of the other brands have dumped the design yet .
rklessdriver
Member
When I got home from my first trip to the sand box I had a bunch of $$$ to buy new guns with.
I saw the new Kimber Tactical Pro II on the cover of GUNS mag while I was out there and drooled over that pistol... until I got home and actually bought one. Nice looking and accurate, but it was the biggest POS 1911 I have ever owned. Failure to extract at least once per mag. It went back to Kimber 3 times for repair and it never got better.
I defended it's problems to my buddies for a very long time because it was really nice looking, cost me a lot of money and I really wanted it to be a good gun - but I was fooling myself. After a few yrs of ownership it was relegated to the back of my safe, never carried and never shot. The only other 1911 I owned at the time was a Baer Premier II that was flawless.
Then a funny thing happened. One day slinking around (trying to avoid the Kimber fan boys running the counter) at Gander Mtn, I saw a neglected COLT Series 70 in the used pistol case for next to nothing so I bought it. Here are the threads I started on it.
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=419155
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=419380
After that another funny thing happened. I drug that Kimber Tactical Pro II out of my safe and SOLD IT to buy a new COLT Commander.
No surprise here as it is accurate and runs 100% on whatever ammo I put in it.
When my grandmother passed on I recieved a small amount of money. I thought about buying a gun with it to remember her by as the most valuable firearm I own (to me) is a Remington 513T (her husband) my grandfather left to me after his passing back in 1989. I have many firearms worth far more $$$ wise but that Remington .22 rifle was my only NEVER EVER sell gun.... until a few months ago when I came upon a COLT Combat Elite. I spent the money my grandmother left me on it. I think about her everytime I take it out of the safe, for a day at the range and I don't have to worry about anything but putting the smallest group possible on the paper, because to date it has been 100% and it is very accurate, just a joy to shoot. I shudder to think how I would feel if that Kimber I use to have had this kind of senitmental meaning. I'm glad I have this:
For me COLT has proven to build the better weapon. All the history, all the value and name recognition don't mean sqat if they built a gun that wasn't a quality peice. The fact that they build quality is number one - the rest of it just makes owning a COLT that much better of a choice.
Will
I saw the new Kimber Tactical Pro II on the cover of GUNS mag while I was out there and drooled over that pistol... until I got home and actually bought one. Nice looking and accurate, but it was the biggest POS 1911 I have ever owned. Failure to extract at least once per mag. It went back to Kimber 3 times for repair and it never got better.
I defended it's problems to my buddies for a very long time because it was really nice looking, cost me a lot of money and I really wanted it to be a good gun - but I was fooling myself. After a few yrs of ownership it was relegated to the back of my safe, never carried and never shot. The only other 1911 I owned at the time was a Baer Premier II that was flawless.
Then a funny thing happened. One day slinking around (trying to avoid the Kimber fan boys running the counter) at Gander Mtn, I saw a neglected COLT Series 70 in the used pistol case for next to nothing so I bought it. Here are the threads I started on it.
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=419155
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=419380
After that another funny thing happened. I drug that Kimber Tactical Pro II out of my safe and SOLD IT to buy a new COLT Commander.
No surprise here as it is accurate and runs 100% on whatever ammo I put in it.
When my grandmother passed on I recieved a small amount of money. I thought about buying a gun with it to remember her by as the most valuable firearm I own (to me) is a Remington 513T (her husband) my grandfather left to me after his passing back in 1989. I have many firearms worth far more $$$ wise but that Remington .22 rifle was my only NEVER EVER sell gun.... until a few months ago when I came upon a COLT Combat Elite. I spent the money my grandmother left me on it. I think about her everytime I take it out of the safe, for a day at the range and I don't have to worry about anything but putting the smallest group possible on the paper, because to date it has been 100% and it is very accurate, just a joy to shoot. I shudder to think how I would feel if that Kimber I use to have had this kind of senitmental meaning. I'm glad I have this:
For me COLT has proven to build the better weapon. All the history, all the value and name recognition don't mean sqat if they built a gun that wasn't a quality peice. The fact that they build quality is number one - the rest of it just makes owning a COLT that much better of a choice.
Will
mljdeckard
Member
I have also owned both. The 1991 was good, but unremarkable.
My Custom II is the best pistol I have ever owned. About 5 years ago I paid $630, NIB. I added night sights, dropped the full-length guide rod, and put on Hogue wrap-around finger grips. Three of my friends liked it so much they went out and bought one. I don't remember the last time it malfunctioned, and I don't ever see myself changing. We know what opinions are like, this one is mine.
In all fairness, if I were to shop for a replacement today, I would also look at Dan Wesson and a STI Spartan.
My Custom II is the best pistol I have ever owned. About 5 years ago I paid $630, NIB. I added night sights, dropped the full-length guide rod, and put on Hogue wrap-around finger grips. Three of my friends liked it so much they went out and bought one. I don't remember the last time it malfunctioned, and I don't ever see myself changing. We know what opinions are like, this one is mine.
In all fairness, if I were to shop for a replacement today, I would also look at Dan Wesson and a STI Spartan.
TurboFC3S
Member
You know, if I based my opinions from what keyboard warriors said I'd be sure Kimbers were junk. But fortunately I didn't, and bought some to see for myself. My first was a CDP II Govt, it's a beautiful gun that's put together well. The trigger is excellent out of the box. At first I had some FTE stovepipes, but quickly realized this was only with my lighter handloads ... swapped in a 16.5# spring and it's ran 100% since. Second was an Eclipse 10mm that never had any sort of failure while it was in my hands. I sold it however to fund a Fusion 10mm longslide. My most recent Kimber is their cheapest, a Custom II ... just yesterday I used it for chrono testing of about 10 different loads. It ran every load perfectly, all different COL's, different charge weights, FMJ and JHP's ... ran them all 100%. And it did it through a factory Kimber mag.
Honestly I want to hate Kimber, but can't because of my experience. If there had been any real problems with my first Kimber I was totally ready to dump it and never look back.
Honestly I want to hate Kimber, but can't because of my experience. If there had been any real problems with my first Kimber I was totally ready to dump it and never look back.
mljdeckard
Member
I think a lot of it is what I call Ford Taurus syndrome. Ford sold a bajillion Tauri. After a while, I started hearing a lot of people complain about them, various problems. But I talked to a few mechanics, they told me that they weren't any more likely to break down than any other car, it's just that there were SO MANY of them on the road, it created a perception of a higher rate of failure, when what it really was, was a higher number of cars.
Kimber sells MANY more pistols than their competitors. (Once someone posted BATFE stats for handgun units sold, by mfr, Kimber sells a LOT more, I don't really know where to find that chart again,) When you hear about Kimber problems, consider a couple of things. People who have problems complain. (Ask me about my S&W Sigma sometime.) People who don't usually don't say anything. And just because you hear about failures doesn't necessarily mean the RATE of failure is higher than any other shop.
Kimber sells MANY more pistols than their competitors. (Once someone posted BATFE stats for handgun units sold, by mfr, Kimber sells a LOT more, I don't really know where to find that chart again,) When you hear about Kimber problems, consider a couple of things. People who have problems complain. (Ask me about my S&W Sigma sometime.) People who don't usually don't say anything. And just because you hear about failures doesn't necessarily mean the RATE of failure is higher than any other shop.
Coltman 77
member
Good for you. Colt is the way to roll.
Look forward to the pics and range report.
Look forward to the pics and range report.
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