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I want one bad, but I'd like to hear what you guys think of these Polymer framed 1911's first.
thanks
thanks
Wilson Combat KZ-45
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I have a KZ-45, purchased slightly used in November of last year. I recently passed the 4,000 round mark without a single malfunction. Most of the ammo has been my reloads but I initially test fired it with a variety of factory JHPs: Federal 230g Hydra-Shok, Fed 230g Classic JHPs & Fed 200g +P EFMJ; Speer 200g +P Gold Dot and Blazer 200g JHPs; Winchester 230g Black Talon, Win 230g XTP & Win 185g SilverTip; plus several varieties of Mil Surp Ball and commercial Ball.
I was so impressed with the full sized KZ that I ordered the Compact version as a daily carry gun. It has now digested something over 600 rounds with only one ammunition related malfunction - a piece of brass (reload) broke off and stuck in the front of the chamber preventing any other rounds to chamber all the way. Once I saw it and cleaned the chamber it continued to function flawlessly.
Besides the weight advantage and slight capacity advantage over Government Models and Commanders, the KZ line has a couple other advantages. There is no plunger tube to loosen as it is moulded into the polymer frame; the ejector is a fixed part of the stainless sub-frame, not a staked in part; and the external extractor does not need "tuning" like the traditional one. Also, during a long outdoor shooting session in the desert sun the KZ slide got so hot I could barely touch it long enough to chamber a round. The polymer frame stayed comfortable to the touch and I continued to shoot in the 100+ heat. I hadn't thought of that as an advantage until that day at the range.
Oh, concerning accuracy, I managed from prone to put 5 of my H&G #68 handloads into a 4.5" group @ 50 yards, and my middle aged eyes can't see 4.5" at 50 yards.
If something should happen to either one of these KZs I will immediately order another one to replace it. I consider it about the best 1911 pattern weapon I have owned in over 30 years of handgun shooting.
YMMV!
I was so impressed with the full sized KZ that I ordered the Compact version as a daily carry gun. It has now digested something over 600 rounds with only one ammunition related malfunction - a piece of brass (reload) broke off and stuck in the front of the chamber preventing any other rounds to chamber all the way. Once I saw it and cleaned the chamber it continued to function flawlessly.
Besides the weight advantage and slight capacity advantage over Government Models and Commanders, the KZ line has a couple other advantages. There is no plunger tube to loosen as it is moulded into the polymer frame; the ejector is a fixed part of the stainless sub-frame, not a staked in part; and the external extractor does not need "tuning" like the traditional one. Also, during a long outdoor shooting session in the desert sun the KZ slide got so hot I could barely touch it long enough to chamber a round. The polymer frame stayed comfortable to the touch and I continued to shoot in the 100+ heat. I hadn't thought of that as an advantage until that day at the range.
Oh, concerning accuracy, I managed from prone to put 5 of my H&G #68 handloads into a 4.5" group @ 50 yards, and my middle aged eyes can't see 4.5" at 50 yards.
If something should happen to either one of these KZs I will immediately order another one to replace it. I consider it about the best 1911 pattern weapon I have owned in over 30 years of handgun shooting.
YMMV!
I called one of Wilsons larger stocking dealers about purchasing a KZ-45 compact. He talked me out of getting one. Basically I just don't think that he liked them because they have a polymer frame and the limitations of customization that comes with that. He recommended that I purchase a compact CQB. I already have a Stainless Protector and I wanted to keep this gun under a thousand. He then told me to check into either finding a used CQB or a Kimber CDP.
BerettaNut92
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Run a search for 'Skunkabilly' and 'KZ45' and you'll see all my comments...used to have one, don't have one anymore.
Wanted a KZ45 Compact, but they were for a time impossible to get. So I bought a KZ45 full-sized. Loved it, but sold it, in part to pay bills and in part to save for KZ45 compact (which were then starting to show up). Now still saving for the KZ45 compact - What's not to like? 9+1 capacity of .45acp in light, concealable, thin/comfortable, pointable, accurate gun with Wilson braggin' rights without paying over $1,500-$2,500. Doesn't get any better in my book for a primary carry gun. Oh yeah, supposedly the double stack mag is thinner than a single stack 1911 with standard grips - I didn't measure, but it's a very comfortable pistol, much better than holding the brick that is the Kimber polymer 10. Thanks for the info, Dave T.
And Skunk, yeah but since you've determined to be completely 1911-free yourself, you don't really count in terms of comparing this to OTHER 1911s.
And Skunk, yeah but since you've determined to be completely 1911-free yourself, you don't really count in terms of comparing this to OTHER 1911s.
Futo Inu,
Just put another 156 rounds through the KZ-45 Compact this morning. I shot 13 El Presidentes on 12" steel plates and didn't have a single malfunction or problem.
I would encourage you to get one. It is my answer to the alloy framed Commanders I carried all through my LEO career and broke (three frames cracked). So far I continue to be impressed by the KZs.
Just put another 156 rounds through the KZ-45 Compact this morning. I shot 13 El Presidentes on 12" steel plates and didn't have a single malfunction or problem.
I would encourage you to get one. It is my answer to the alloy framed Commanders I carried all through my LEO career and broke (three frames cracked). So far I continue to be impressed by the KZs.
asiparks
Member
I rented one at my local range with a view to maybe buying one. It shot superbly and faultlessly, but the safety was uncomfortable both with a thumb over and thumb under grip, and the grip shape, rather than the bulk of it didn't suit me, whereas the fatter Kimber one does. I would try before buying if you can to make sure it suits you. as a side note, the Wilson beat a Kimber in a recent Gun Tests issue especially based on cost/value. Though that was for a Stainless model, not the much cheaper BP model.
One of my roomates bought one. The trigger would lock up. Sent it to Wilson they fixed it straite away. Works fine so far. Good accurate reliable gun. I slightly prefer the standard feel of a single stack but the KZ has me tempte to change.
Pat
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