Which one???

[guitar7272]

Hey guys, your input is much appreciated.

Im getting my tax return check in a couple of months (Im lucky enough that I actually get money back since Im only 19 and don't make enough to warrant the feds taking all my money) and Im planning to use it to get my own handgun.

My dad will be buying it, we have all the necessary permits, and we're all ready to go. But I'm undecided as to which one to get.

Ive narrowed it down to:
SigArms P220
or something in the Kimber line, like a Custom Carry or Eclipse Target.

(Since I live in jersey, this gun will not be used for concealed carry)

Any recommendations?

thanks,
Scott

 

[AndABeer]

If you can find a Kimber pre-II model I would opt for it. Otherwise, I'd get the 220.

 

[dairycreek]

It is hard to beat a SIG 220!

They are exceptionally well made, realiable, and accurate. They are also durable and, with reasonable care, will last a lifetime. Good shooting

 

[pogo2]

I'd personally buy the Sig P220 - maybe the all stainless version now available. I've had nothing but good luck with Sigs, and find them reliable and accurate. The Kimbers are generally good, but don't rank as high as Sigs in reliability, in my opinion.

 

[BiG_MaN]

It's hard to beat the value of a entry level Kimber. Although either gun is an excellent firearm, IMO.

 

[rick458]

Get the Full size Kimber you will not be sorry

 

[gorf]

Get the one that feels best for you. Either one will be a good choice. However, I think everyone should own at least one 1911.

 

[blades67]

I have both a SIG Sauer P220 and a Kimber Custom II. I suggest you flip a coin for your answer. Either way you win.

 

[Nosferatu]

Between the two, if I could only own one gun, I would pick the P220. As much as I like 1911's, I tend to tinker with them too much, which means my gun my be in pieces or sent off for work when I may need it. The Sig will work right out of the box, with the only real necessary addition (for me) is night sights.

Go with the P220.

 

[10-Ring]

I've been told many times that no collection is complete w/o a 1911. That said, I have yet to run into a 1911 that didn't need some fine tuning. SIGs OTOH have a reputation for out of box reliability & dependability.
All things considered, of the options you've given, I'd go w/ the SIG.

 

[cratz2]

The SIGs always feel top heavy to me but have always found them to be utterly reliable. For ergonomics, I'd definately give the 1911 the nod.

If I wan't planning on carrying, I'd be 100% for the 1911. The basic Kimber is a good choice as is a Springfield Loaded. With the Springfields, I'd handle a few of them at the shop and take the best one. There is a bit of variation from piece to piece. Moreso with Springfield than Kimber. In my experience.

 

[guitar7272]

Seems to be about even on the two... kinda what I expected.
What I'm really looking for is a solid, dependable, accurate, good looking gun. I love the all stainless or combination of black/stainless.

That being said, cosmetics is way at the bottom of my list, I want something I can have and depend on for a long time.

Is there any gun that I might be overlooking as a good choice?

(Im going to pick up a Colt 1911 which my grandfather, who is no longer with us, "aquired" from the airforce in WWII. So don't worry, either way, I wont be without a 1911)

thanks guys

 

[chaim]

Im only 19 and don't make enough to warrant the feds taking all my money) and Im planning to use it to get my own handgun.

My dad will be buying it, we have all the necessary permits, and we're all ready to go. But I'm undecided as to which one to get.

Two things. First, double check the law to be sure whether or not this qualifies as a straw purchase (not sure if it does I'm just saying to check). If it does don't do it, you and your dad may never be able to buy a gun again (not to mention the fun jail time). Also, check state law about what age you need to be to possess a handgun. Don't want any of our new young members getting into trouble that keeps them from owning guns for the rest of their lives, especially this early in your gun owning days.

 

[Bushrat]

I agree, you can't go wrong with a Sig. But since cosmetics is at the bottom of your list, may I play Salmon and try swimming against the current. How about a Glock 21. "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder." And they will last forever and a day!

 

[guitar7272]

chaim,

I appreciate the heads-up, since im living in the peoples republik of New Jersey and all, but I mispoke. What I meant to say is my dad is planning to buy a handgun .

But seriously, I am aware of what you talk about, and in NJ that would be considered a straw purchase if certain guidlines werent followed. Being that I still live at home, it will actually be in his possesion until we hit the range. At that time, under N.J.S 2C:58-3.1, he can do a temporary transfer for the duration of practice (the above said law allows the transfer of long rifles and handguns to anyone over the age of 18, licensed or not). I will not be going around with it without him, which would than violate the statutes.

On a side note, I am in possession of my NJ Firearms ID card, and do have several long rifles in my name. Plus my dad is in possession of a couple of handguns already.

Thanks for your concern, I appreciate it. I assure you we have every intention to follow the laws in NJ, Neither of us want to fall victim to this legal system.

 

[tlhelmer]

Sig P-220 was and is my choice. The 220 is very accurate and reliable.

 

[chaim]

guitar7272,

Glad to see that you already thought of that. Sounds good then. So I guess he will "gift" it to you when you turn 21. I assume you are more familiar w/ state laws there then me so I assume you know what hoops you need to jump through for that- here I'd need to go to a state police barracks with the gun and the new owner for a sale or gift so he/she could fill out the proper paperwork, pay the proper fees and have a background check to be sure he/she is suitable to exercise his/her constitutional rights, err, I mean to own a gun.

 

[chaim]

Oh, about which gun. Well, I wouldn't want to be without a 1911 if I was to own a .45 (which I do)- in fact I wouldn't mind only owning 1911s (though there are a few other .45s I want). At any rate I'm not sure how comfortable I would be shooting a gun as valueable as your grandfather's gun (both financial and I assume sentimental value). Occasionally, sure, as an only 1911 probably not. You need a 1911 that you can shoot as much as you can afford to shoot it and not worry about it.

My best friend has a stainless Kimber Custom Target II and frankly it is a wonderful gun. 100% reliable (he has thousands of rounds through it in just a few months and he hasn't yet had a glitch of any kind) and highly accurate. Functionally it doesn't really do anything better than my cheap Charles Daly (at least since I discarded the factory mags) but it is just a much more beautiful gun- the quality of the materials and the fit and finish is great. The only problem (cheap and easy to fix) is the darned plastic mainspring housing- tacky to have that on such an otherwise nice (almost perfect) gun. In 10 years I'd guess that my CD will show its age and that Kimber will be almost as good as the day he bought it.

Of course the SIG is a nice gun too.

 

[emann]

A Kimber would be nice since you'll not be carrying it concealed and can baby it somewhat. But please, do make sure you shoot it.

 

[makarov]

If you don't have to worry about concealing it the CZ-97 is a great gun. So is the CZ-85 Combat in 9mm. I am very partial to the CZ line. Great guns for any price. It doesn' t hurt that they are a pretty good deal. I would never call them cheap. The 97 is a BIG gun, so try it out in your hands to see if it fits you. I really like the grip on the CZ-75/85 series.

 

[sm]

Though I like the 1911 style myself I always suggest a buyer try a gun before they buy. Fit , MOA...etc. Your choices and others given worth a testing before buying.

 

[tlhelmer]

Both are great guns. I prefer the Sig 220.

 

[Bottom Gun]

The Sigs are nice, but Kimbers are very hard to beat.
My shooting buddy lets me fire his P220 whenever I want, but I've found I prefer my Kimbers. maybe it simply because I've been shooting the 1911 style for so much longer, but I do much better accuracy wise with one of my Kimbers than with Darrel's Sig.

Another thing you may want to consider is availability of accessories like holsters. you can pick up a good 1911 holster in any gun shop on the planet but my friend has trouble finding what he wants for his P220.

 

[Kevinch]

It's hard to say, because you are trying to choose between 2 different types of firing systems - the SIG being DA/SA, & the Kimber a pure SA. Although that distinction might have more impact in a CCW application, it stills deserves consideration.

You need to decide which you prefer.

That said, I have (2) Kimber 1911 handguns, and like them both. Can't say anything bad about them, & would recommend the brand.

 

[Neal Bloom]

I was undecided bwtween a SIG P220 and a Kimber. Not many Kimber dealers in my neck of the woods. I had purchased a SIG P225 and was very impressed. I received a SIG P220 for my birthday this month and am quite impressed with how accurate it is. I will probably buy a Kimber this coming year since I do not have a 1911 in my collection.