Kimber Custom TLE II (Read: Best 1911 to get?)

[Wingnut172N]

Hello,

So I went shooting the other day with a buddy and shot a 1911 for the first time. It was a Wilson Combat CQB and we were hitting 5" plates at 25 yards easy. I was really impressed, and also decided that I need a .45ACP to supplement my Beretta 9mm. I know that many of y`all swear by the .45, so I figure this is a good place to ask.

So, I've been looking at the Kimber Custom TLE II because it has all the features I'm looking for, beavertail grip, single sided safety, night sights, commander hammer, checkered frontstrap...

Are there any other guns I should look at in my price range <$1000? The Wilson's, Baers, RRA's are nice, but are kind of a dream on a mid's pay. I really don't like the Springfield Loaded because I've heard many say that the triggers are heavy/gritty/awful and I'm not a fan of ambi safeties. Any suggestions?

Thanks all!
Evan

 

[utak]

I heard very good things about the HK45. Look that up too, it's about a grand give or take.

 

[VetteMuscle427]

Why don't you like ambi safeties? I have a Springfield MC Operator. Couldn't be more pleased with it.

 

[Wingnut172N]

I don't like the ambidextrous safety just because it's another part to take out during a detail strip, I don't like the look of it, and I don't really have a use for it...nothing wrong with them, just I'd prefer not having one.

Thanks for the HK45 suggestion, but I was more looking at the 1911 platform...sorry, I should have specified.

 

[A4sForever]

....I was really impressed, and also decided that I need a .45ACP to supplement my Beretta 9mm....

Actually ... it's the other way around... you (might) need a 9mm to supplement a .45ACP ...

Why not start w/ a commercial Colt from the post-war years? A used Colt 1911A1 Government Model can be had on a regular basis for under $1K and will give you good service until you move on up to the "spendier" models, should you so desire. You might check GunsAmerica.com, Gunbroker.com, or Auction Arms.com, as a launching pad on price shopping.

Without making any representations re: the seller or item offered, here is an example of what I'm talkin' about:

Colt .45 MK IV / Series '70 Government Model

While a pistol like this may not provide NM performance, you can always do some work yourself if you don't like the trigger, sights, grips, etc. You can also go w/ a fitted barrel, bushing, the whole 9 yards w/out breaking the bank.

It's a great platform to learn about semi-auto pistols. A 1911 should be everyone's FIRST semi-auto pistol, irregardless of what you finally settle on, as so many others are based on John Browning's timeless design.

 

[A4sForever]

Or ... if you can spring for your budget + $150 ..... another example. It's available, right now; no "reserve".

The selections on these websites change w/ the day, the week, and the wind ... keep an eye out.

Colt MKIV/Series 70 Government Model .45

 

[Wingnut172N]

A4s,

So would you say it's a better idea to start with a Series 70 weapon, and then customize it to my liking with aftermarket sights, grip safety, thumb safety, etc...than to go with a factory customized gun? Are things like grip safties and such drop in fit? I'm comfortable with detail stripping a 1911, but I don't have the first clue what I'm doing when it comes to any gunsmithing procedures...

 

[ChuckMK23]

Happy Kimber owner

Kimber makes a great 1911 - as a very satisfied Kimber 1911 owner myself, I would put the Kimber Custom II line (TLE, Warrior, etc) against any other high end 1911. My personal opinion, you get more for your money with Kimber.

So the Custom II line is the mainstay Kimber 1911 upon which many of Kimbers premium models is based on - all steel slide and frame, match grade barrel and bushing, beavertail, extended safety, beveled magwell, custom aluminum trigger, etc.

The TLE line (Same gun LAPD SWAT uses) adds night sights and checkering.

You can pick up a new base Custom II for around $650 - and add night sights and checkering later as you enjoy owning the pistol.

I'm up to about 5,000 rounds on my Kimber - and it's been a workhorse - self defense/concealed carry, USPSA, Steel Challenge, etc.

That said you will find plenty of folks who love their Springfields, Wilsons, Les Baer's, etc.

My Kimber Custom II - 3 years/5,000 rounds later -all I've really done for maintenance is change the recoil spring

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[A4sForever]

A4s,

So would you say it's a better idea to start with a Series 70 weapon, and then customize it to my liking with aftermarket sights, grip safety, thumb safety, etc...than to go with a factory customized gun? Are things like grip safties and such drop in fit? I'm comfortable with detail stripping a 1911, but I don't have the first clue what I'm doing when it comes to any gunsmithing procedures...

No clue = a learning opportunity.

I think it's a good place to "learn" about the finest pistol ever made. What you DO with that knowledge is up to you, of course. I am the slightly ashamed owner of several Euro-trash pistols, for example. But the 1911/1911A1 is still the one I go home with after the dance ...

Remember -- if something is advertised as "drop-in" ... it's "drop-in", not fitted. :icon_wink If you can detail strip the 1911, you can do virtually anything you would ever have to do to make it a excellent pistol for reliability and combat accuracy. You probably won't be able to "fit" the slide/frame, but you probably won't need to, either.

I don't have a particular hard-on re: Series '70, they just seemed to jump out given your price point. You might try Series '80, although some buffs claim they "don't like the trigger". I've competed w/ a Series '80 Commander, and the results were just fine. Like I say, the "selection" that's out there varies constantly .. you might even get a parkerized, GI arsenal rework for less than $1K once in a while.

 

[phrogpilot73]

My question is how in the F can a plebe afford something like a Kimber?!? Did you forego partying on the $50/month and save it all up?!?

 

[ChuckMK23]

Since this is a 1911 thread - allow me to offer a book recommendation - Patrick Sweeney's books on the 1911 are the definitive guide on all things 1911. From the origin and design of the pistol, to manufacturing, operating, and maintaining.

If you are at all a 1911 fan - these books deserve a place on your bookshelf!

and

 

[Wingnut172N]

Phrogpilot,

We got a raise!!! We're gettin` $100.00 a month! Big bucks!

Between saving half of that a month and my tax refunds, the opportunity presented itself

 

[Zissou]

In answer to this question: "any other guns I should be looking at under 1000"

Glock. They are ugly, boring, and have no equal in reliability.

My job put me on the range well over 100 days last year.

Students and cadre run SIG226, Springfield 1911's, and Glocks.

The Glocks are in absolute first place in terms of the weapon functioning.

The Springfield's had an appointment every Friday with the armorer for spec checks and spring replacements. The still had more malfunctions than the Glocks.

SIG's had alot of mag issues, again the springs were a common issue though not nearly the problem the 1911's have.

These guns were run by professionals and maintained accordingly. Not Wilson tweek jobs or guns with bad mag springs. They were as honest as man can make them.

Hands down the Glocks were superior in every tactically relevant catagory.

If I had 1000 dollars? Glock, ammo, training...

That said the Kimber is a good 1911, and sexy. It should do you fine.

 

[A4sForever]

In answer to this question: Glock. ...

Is that a new type of 1911???

 

[Zissou]

Couldnt help it. I'm compelled to lure young shooters to the vices of reliability, practicality, and sustainment in their weapon choices. Even to the point of threadjacking.

You have attention to detail A'4s. Didnt think you'de catch it.

Z