I looked at the same two models (more or less; this was before the II Kimber) and ended up buying the Springfield. Both were SS, bushingless "bull" bbl, and otherwise comparablely equipped. Fit, finish, etc. were also pretty much identical on the two I was looking at.
The clincher for me was that the "Loaded" package on the Springfield had things that I wanted in a CCW included in the price. Novak tritium sights and ambi thumb safety were the main ones, but the lightweight titanium FP and heavy spring for added "drop" safety was also a factor. I'm a southpaw, and having an ambi installed on the Kimber would've added an additional $75 or so to the net cost. Tritiums, even if I installed them myself, another $100 or more. When you take the fact that the Kimber was about $45 more to start with, it was pretty much a no-brainer on my budget.
The only problem that I encountered was that the extractor turned out to need a minor adjustment for 100% reliability OTB. Not unusual, and not a biggie to fix. After that, no further futzing needed and I've been very pleased with its performance. It digested over 2300 rds in five days during use in a DP-I class at Chapman Academy with no trouble, and it remains my primary CCW.
I like the idea of the external extractor on the new Kimbers, but not enough to trade the other items for. All I can say is compare them side-by-side if you can, and pick whichever seems to offer you more of what you want for the money you have to spend.
Now, I'm glad I did as this weapon
As far as leather,
