Gun shopping

[JD81]

I'm shopping for a full size .45, and I've narrowed it down to a Kimber 1911 and a Springfield 1911. Does anybody here have any experience with both? I have shot my friend's Springfield, and I like it alot, but I hear the Kimber's are pretty badass too. I'm more curious as to if one is more reliable than the other and if there is one that is more durable than the other. Any input is appreciated !

Josh

 

[theduke]

i shoot a Springfield 1911. stainless loaded model. i've shot Kimber and Para, but both were compact models. i didnt' shoot that great with either (esp the Para), but i think it was mostly because they were too small.

Kimber rocks. they're expensive as hell, though...even more than the Springfield. you'll meet some people who boycott Kimber because the owner or whoever pulled some questionable business moves or something a while back...i can't remember.

i don't think you can go wrong with either, really. they're both very well made pieces. most people will tell you that the Kimber is a little better, but not enough to justify paying any more than the Springfield. plus, you can always hot-rod a Springfield Loaded if you want something truly world-class and then some.

 

[Lawman]

If you just want a weapon out of the box, and the name on the side doesnt give you that warm and fuzzy feeling like it does some, get the Springfield. This isnt like 2 differnt guns being compaired with eachother its two good quality 1911's being compaired side by side. There isnt that much differnce to begin with and because its a 1911 you can if you want buy every aftermarket part you need to make it shoot like a Kimber and still be cheaper. Plus if you do break something you've got fact that any gunsmith worth his salt has fixed and built up god only knows how many Springfield and Colt 1911's.

 

[metro]

Have one of each, a Springfield Stainless Loaded (PX9151L) and a Kimber Series 1 (Classic) Stainless. I like them both, and they are virtually identical, but my carry weapon is the Kimber, and it's the one I shoot more often by far. Feels a bit better/smoother, shoots better, and the overall fit and finish is better. Having said that, unless you can get a great deal on a Kimber, you might be better off with the Springfield for the money.

Bottom line is that you can't go wrong with either one. Hey, at least it's a .45, right? And hey, at least it's a 1911, right?

 

[ChuckMK23]

I have a Kimber Custom 2 - 1911 in .45 ACP.

They are a great value, great gun. $600-$650 is what you'll pay retail.

Just get some Wilson Combat 47D 8 round mags.

Great pistol, nice value. Keep it clean.. the slilde, barrel, and barrel bushing are made to some pretty tight specs. Also be sure to break this gun in with 500 rounds of 230 gr. ball. Expect a few failure to feeds now and again until the 500 round mark.

Kimber customer service and warranty support are outstanding.

 

[feddoc]

I carry a Kimber Polymer Target. About $1000 for the gun and one magazine; a bit thicker than a single stack...but a real joy to shoot. I also have a Springfield which is ok, but, the Kimber fills my hand better.

 

[JD81]

I think I'll go with the Springfield. I did a little more research and think it will be the best for what I will use it for. Thanks for the info guys.

 

[Fly Navy]

I think I'll go with the Springfield. I did a little more research and think it will be the best for what I will use it for. Thanks for the info guys.

I bought a Springfield Mil-Spec 1911 a few weeks ago. Haven't shot it yet (no time), but I like how it feels, operates, etc. I posted a thread on here about it, do a search for Springfield.

 

[JD81]

Thats the model I decided on, the mil-spec. You got it for $537? I was quoted 575$ by the local guy, guess I better shop around some more.

 

[Fly Navy]

Thats the model I decided on, the mil-spec. You got it for $537? I was quoted 575$ by the local guy, guess I better shop around some more.

The FFL I go through treats me well. Whatever it costs him, he adds $20 and that's what I get it for. Good guy, runs a pawn shop.

 

[Steve Wilkins]

I bought a Springfield Mil-Spec 1911 a few weeks ago. Haven't shot it yet (no time), but I like how it feels, operates

BS! 1,943 posts and counting. You have time. You just choose to spend it here instead. And how the hell do you know how it operates if you haven't shot it yet?

 

[Fly Navy]

BS! 1,943 posts and counting. You have time. You just choose to spend it here instead. And how the hell do you know how it operates if you haven't shot it yet?

I can drop a post or two on here in 5 minutes. Going to the range is at the least a halfl-day evolution. My weekends haven't allowed it since I bought it, either from time or weather.

1943 posts... yeah... over a couple years

I don't remember it being that high before John reset the site.

As far as operates, well, you know, I can take my hand and move the slide, feel the trigger, make sure it functions properly, dissassemble and reassemble it. Come on Steve, you should know this.

 

[Herc_Dude]

Thats the model I decided on, the mil-spec. You got it for $537? I was quoted 575$ by the local guy, guess I better shop around some more.

The mil-spec is what I have. Shot a crap load of rounds through it over the past year. I love it. Its a large pistol to carry, but I doubt thats why you are buying it being that you wanted a full size. I have carried it and with a nice small-of-the-back holster it conceals nicely. You will be pleased ... happy shooting. Ask any questions you may have about it

 

[Fly Navy]

I have carried it and with a nice small-of-the-back holster it conceals nicely. You will be pleased ... happy shooting. Ask any questions you may have about it

You like SOB? I'm not comfortable with that. I'd fear falling on the pistol and hurting myself.

 

[metro]

Inside-the-waistband all the way. I tried a SoB, and a Pancake holster, but neither were comfortable for carrying full-size 5" for me...I got a Galco ITW leather, smooth side in, rough side out, and it's been the most comfortable for me. YMMV.