Which 1911?

Buckeye4255 · August 29, 2012, 03:32 PM

Talked to my local guy at the GS. Was asking him about prics on a couple of 1911's I've been looking at and he told me either one would run me around $1K. So I'd like some input from folks who own/owned/shot either of these 2 pistols.

http://www.kimberamerica.com/1911/co...s-pro-carry-ii

http://www.coltsmfg.com/Catalog/Colt...XSESeries.aspx

The Colt I'm looking at is the LW Commander ( which comes with the night sights already). He told me he could get the night sights for the Kimber for around $100 and he wouldn't charge me anything to put them on. They seem pretty comparable in all areas, but i'm just wondering about reliability, warranty, customer sevice if there happens to be any problems, etc.

Thanks in advance for your input.

loose_holster_dan · August 29, 2012, 03:37 PM

colt colt colt!
the kimber is pretty, but i wouldn't want to chance getting one of their many lemons.
all of my colts have been flawless.
all of my kimbers have been finicky.

Coltman 77 · August 29, 2012, 03:45 PM

Colt is the real deal and has been making 1911's for a long time. That's the direction I'd go.

**Aguila Blanca** · August 29, 2012, 03:54 PM

Colt.

No further discussion necessary.

Tactical Jackalope · August 29, 2012, 03:57 PM

Yeah...Kimber is pretty...But you ever had a pretty girl that when you took her home...you know what. Never mind.

Colt..I'd go with the Colt.

BarryLee · August 29, 2012, 04:03 PM

The Colt XSE is a very nice gun and I personally would pick it over the Kimber.

Fishbed77 · August 29, 2012, 04:08 PM

A Colt XSE is on my short-term wishlist!

m82a1 · August 29, 2012, 04:10 PM

I have two Kimbers (Stainless Target II's), a .45 & 10mm - they've performed flawlessly. I've never owned a Colt so I can't speak to them but I'd imagine they're also a fine gun.

You might want to do some research on manufacturing techniques between the two. I bought my first Kimber around 10 years ago because I liked what I'd read on their manufacturing techniques. I'd imagine Colt has also improved their process from years ago so it might be worth some investigation to see if it influences your like of either brand.

This article gives a bit more info on the Kimber Pro Carry which might be helpful. They site some testing done by the Tacoma Washington PD on the Pro Carry II specifically.

http://www.sightm1911.com/lib/review/KimberProCarry.htm

Olympus · August 29, 2012, 04:24 PM

I believe Kimber only offers warranty for one year. If it were me, I'd probably choose the Colt.

smokiniron · August 29, 2012, 04:36 PM

A little further comment from the gang requested....

I've been chasing a Springfield 'Loaded', SS, bushed match barrel, adjustable sight, wood grips, etc. I believe it's a stainless version of the Range Officer - which might be a good choice.

Anyone have first-hand experience with either of these guns?

Caz83 · August 29, 2012, 05:33 PM

Dan wesson's are fantastic 1911's as well. I bought my commander size bobbed 9mm guardian at a gun show for right at $1k which is a rare find but there are diamonds in the rough if u look hard enough.

Olympus · August 29, 2012, 05:40 PM

I don't believe the Loaded is considered a stainless version of the RO. They've been making the Loaded model long before the RO was introduced. The RO is supposed to be a TRP without some of the extras.

RJay · August 29, 2012, 05:52 PM

Since you asked, I've had a Kimber from the first year they were manufactured, been as reliable and accurate as any gun I've ever owned. In fact it will out shoot most Match 45's it has gone up against.

Kreyzhorse · August 29, 2012, 07:32 PM

Colt over Kimber without question.

The Springfield is a nice gun and is a lower end version of the TRP. Out of the two, you really can't go wrong with either. Colt obviously has the best name, but both guns are well made and worth the money. Pick the one that you like the best and you'll be happy with it.

Stuohn · August 29, 2012, 07:54 PM

I can not comment to either but, I saw this earlier and it looked like a good deal.

http://palmettostatearmory.com/index...i-3200190.html

NJgunowner · August 29, 2012, 08:38 PM

Sig 1911 nightmare carry.

Hunter Customs · August 29, 2012, 09:13 PM

Between the Colt and the Kimber I would choose the Colt hands down.

Best Regards
Bob Hunter

mikejonestkd · August 29, 2012, 09:45 PM

I would choose a colt over a Kimber without reservation. In fact, I have bought two newer colts in the past few years and they have been exceptional. One is an XSE combat elite and the other is a stainless gold cup.

Nathan · August 29, 2012, 11:01 PM

Colt, but I would go series 70

smokiniron · August 29, 2012, 11:01 PM

Olympus, you are correct about the Loaded preceeding the RO. I meant to suggest that to my understanding, they differed mostly in material but were otherwise similar in design. I guess if one of my local shops had a pair, I'd just have to buy one of each to compare!

TacticalDefense1911 · August 30, 2012, 07:26 AM

Between a Colt and a Kimber the edge would have to go to Colt. The Colt will be looser then the Kimber but has better internals, will hold its value better and Colt 1911's seem to run pretty well out of the box.

The Springfield Loaded is not the same model as the Range Officer and does not have the same attention to detail. The Range Officer gets the attention to detail of the higher end TRP but without all the frills. The Range Officer will be a better made gun then the Loaded.

If you are willing to spend $1k on a 1911 I highly suggest that you take a look at the Dan Wesson Heritage. It is an awesome piece of hardware for right around the $1k mark. Also, you can find lightly used Springfield TRP stainless 1911's for around the $1k mark. These guns will be much better guns then anything you are currently looking at.

TacticalDefense1911 · August 30, 2012, 07:28 AM

Quote:

Olympus, you are correct about the Loaded preceeding the RO. I meant to suggest that to my understanding, they differed mostly in material but were otherwise similar in design

The Loaded, Range Officer and TRP all share the same internals but the Range Officer and TRP have more fitting done while finishing the gun.

***Edit*** This is mis-information by me. Apparently, Springfield has two different levels of quality when it comes to their MIM parts. This comes from Hilton Yam of 10-8 Performance. See post #26 for further information.

Roland Thunder · August 30, 2012, 10:50 AM

I was going to buy my first 1911 about a month ago. I had wanted a Colt XSE and could only find a stainless one and I wanted one with a blued finish. The LGS had a blued Colt 1991 and an SA Range Officer. I liked the competition sites on the RO better that the fixed white dot sites on the 1991 so I got the Range Officer and am pretty happy with it. The RO has some features that are on some of the more expensive 1911's (like TRP) and a new RO can be gotten for around $750

smokiniron · August 30, 2012, 10:59 AM

Code:

The Loaded, Range Officer and TRP all share the same internals but the Range Officer and TRP have more fitting done while finishing the gun.

Tactical...1911

I believe what you said regarding fitting of the internals. But, as an uninformed 1911 buyer, how do I find that out for myself? From casual reading, I'm given to believe that the Loaded is a 'well fitted' very accurate out-of-the-box pistol. How do I get the straight skinny on the various models? BTW, refresh me on 'TRP'. I think I'm not dialed in on that model/configuration.
Thanks!

TacticalDefense1911 · August 30, 2012, 12:04 PM

Quote:

I believe what you said regarding fitting of the internals. But, as an uninformed 1911 buyer, how do I find that out for myself? From casual reading, I'm given to believe that the Loaded is a 'well fitted' very accurate out-of-the-box pistol. How do I get the straight skinny on the various models? BTW, refresh me on 'TRP'. I think I'm not dialed in on that model/configuration.

The Loaded is a solid production gun, but with all production guns they are mostly thrown together from parts that fall "within spec" with minimal fitting. This would describe the Loaded. Sometimes they have issues, sometimes they run just fine. The Loaded will be more accurate then 99% of its operators. As a whole Springfield makes a very nice 1911.

The "TRP" is a more tactical model that has received more attention to parts fit and it also has front strap checkering, ambi safety, night sights, and a magwell to help with speedy reloads. You can also get a TRP "Operator" that has a picatinny rail on the front for lights and lasers. The Operator model also has a bushingless bull barrel which makes the gun quite heavy as well as Bomar cut adjustable rear sights. Hope this helps

August 29, 2012, 03:32 PM	#1
Buckeye4255 Member Join Date: April 13, 2012 Location: OH Posts: 15	Which 1911? Talked to my local guy at the GS. Was asking him about prics on a couple of 1911's I've been looking at and he told me either one would run me around $1K. So I'd like some input from folks who own/owned/shot either of these 2 pistols. http://www.kimberamerica.com/1911/co...s-pro-carry-ii http://www.coltsmfg.com/Catalog/Colt...XSESeries.aspx The Colt I'm looking at is the LW Commander ( which comes with the night sights already). He told me he could get the night sights for the Kimber for around $100 and he wouldn't charge me anything to put them on. They seem pretty comparable in all areas, but i'm just wondering about reliability, warranty, customer sevice if there happens to be any problems, etc. Thanks in advance for your input. __________________ Ruger SR9c, Colt XSE LW Commander, Windham Weaponry SRC (AR 15)

August 29, 2012, 03:45 PM	#3
Coltman 77 Senior Member Join Date: October 3, 2009 Location: NC Posts: 1,244	Colt is the real deal and has been making 1911's for a long time. That's the direction I'd go. __________________ "A man can be destroyed but not defeated". Ernest Hemingway Protect our 2nd Amendment Rights -- Join the NRA

August 29, 2012, 04:03 PM	#6
BarryLee Senior Member Join Date: July 29, 2010 Location: The ATL (OTP) Posts: 3,946	The Colt XSE is a very nice gun and I personally would pick it over the Kimber. __________________ A major source of objection to a free economy is precisely that it ... gives people what they want instead of what a particular group thinks they ought to want. Underlying most arguments against the free market is a lack of belief in freedom itself. - Milton Friedman

August 29, 2012, 04:36 PM	#10
smokiniron Senior Member Join Date: August 10, 2012 Location: Utah Posts: 232	Which 1911..... Springfield? A little further comment from the gang requested.... I've been chasing a Springfield 'Loaded', SS, bushed match barrel, adjustable sight, wood grips, etc. I believe it's a stainless version of the Range Officer - which might be a good choice. Anyone have first-hand experience with either of these guns?

August 29, 2012, 05:52 PM	#13
RJay Senior Member Join Date: November 2, 2005 Location: Arizona Posts: 1,936	Since you asked, I've had a Kimber from the first year they were manufactured, been as reliable and accurate as any gun I've ever owned. In fact it will out shoot most Match 45's it has gone up against. __________________ Ron James

August 29, 2012, 03:37 PM	#2
loose_holster_dan Senior Member Join Date: April 5, 2011 Location: NE Ohio Posts: 2,461	colt colt colt! the kimber is pretty, but i wouldn't want to chance getting one of their many lemons. all of my colts have been flawless. all of my kimbers have been finicky. __________________ Favorite range gun for the money - CZ 75B or STI Spartan V 9mm Go-to carry setup - Walther PPS or PPQ in FIST kydex holster 1AK Favorite semi-auto design - HK P7 "A Sig is like a lightsaber - not as clumsy or random as a Glock."

August 29, 2012, 03:54 PM	#4
Aguila Blanca Staff Join Date: September 25, 2008 Location: CONUS Posts: 18,459	Colt. No further discussion necessary.

August 29, 2012, 03:57 PM	#5
Tactical Jackalope Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2010 Location: Miami, Florida Posts: 6,429	Yeah...Kimber is pretty...But you ever had a pretty girl that when you took her home...you know what. Never mind. Colt..I'd go with the Colt.

August 29, 2012, 04:08 PM	#7
Fishbed77 Senior Member Join Date: November 23, 2010 Posts: 4,862	A Colt XSE is on my short-term wishlist!

August 29, 2012, 04:10 PM	#8
m82a1 Junior Member Join Date: February 5, 2009 Posts: 1	I have two Kimbers (Stainless Target II's), a .45 & 10mm - they've performed flawlessly. I've never owned a Colt so I can't speak to them but I'd imagine they're also a fine gun. You might want to do some research on manufacturing techniques between the two. I bought my first Kimber around 10 years ago because I liked what I'd read on their manufacturing techniques. I'd imagine Colt has also improved their process from years ago so it might be worth some investigation to see if it influences your like of either brand. This article gives a bit more info on the Kimber Pro Carry which might be helpful. They site some testing done by the Tacoma Washington PD on the Pro Carry II specifically. http://www.sightm1911.com/lib/review/KimberProCarry.htm

August 29, 2012, 04:24 PM	#9
Olympus Senior Member Join Date: December 15, 2008 Posts: 770	I believe Kimber only offers warranty for one year. If it were me, I'd probably choose the Colt.

August 29, 2012, 05:33 PM	#11
Caz83 Senior Member Join Date: January 25, 2011 Location: Houston Posts: 125	Dan wesson's are fantastic 1911's as well. I bought my commander size bobbed 9mm guardian at a gun show for right at $1k which is a rare find but there are diamonds in the rough if u look hard enough.

August 29, 2012, 05:40 PM	#12
Olympus Senior Member Join Date: December 15, 2008 Posts: 770	I don't believe the Loaded is considered a stainless version of the RO. They've been making the Loaded model long before the RO was introduced. The RO is supposed to be a TRP without some of the extras.

August 29, 2012, 07:32 PM	#14
Kreyzhorse Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2006 Location: NKY Posts: 12,463	Colt over Kimber without question. The Springfield is a nice gun and is a lower end version of the TRP. Out of the two, you really can't go wrong with either. Colt obviously has the best name, but both guns are well made and worth the money. Pick the one that you like the best and you'll be happy with it. __________________ "He who laughs last, laughs dead." Homer Simpson

August 29, 2012, 07:54 PM	#15
Stuohn Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2009 Location: Back Home in Baytown, TX Posts: 139	I can not comment to either but, I saw this earlier and it looked like a good deal. http://palmettostatearmory.com/index...i-3200190.html __________________ "Be the change you want to see in the world"

August 29, 2012, 08:38 PM	#16
NJgunowner Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2009 Location: NJ Posts: 1,254	Sig 1911 nightmare carry.

August 29, 2012, 09:13 PM	#17
Hunter Customs Senior Member Join Date: March 26, 2005 Location: Osborn, Missouri Posts: 2,697	Between the Colt and the Kimber I would choose the Colt hands down. Best Regards Bob Hunter

August 29, 2012, 09:45 PM	#18
mikejonestkd Senior Member Join Date: January 3, 2006 Location: Brockport, NY Posts: 3,716	I would choose a colt over a Kimber without reservation. In fact, I have bought two newer colts in the past few years and they have been exceptional. One is an XSE combat elite and the other is a stainless gold cup. __________________ You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.

August 29, 2012, 11:01 PM	#19
Nathan Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2001 Posts: 6,326	Colt, but I would go series 70

August 30, 2012, 07:26 AM	#21
TacticalDefense1911 Senior Member Join Date: April 4, 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,277	Between a Colt and a Kimber the edge would have to go to Colt. The Colt will be looser then the Kimber but has better internals, will hold its value better and Colt 1911's seem to run pretty well out of the box. The Springfield Loaded is not the same model as the Range Officer and does not have the same attention to detail. The Range Officer gets the attention to detail of the higher end TRP but without all the frills. The Range Officer will be a better made gun then the Loaded. If you are willing to spend $1k on a 1911 I highly suggest that you take a look at the Dan Wesson Heritage. It is an awesome piece of hardware for right around the $1k mark. Also, you can find lightly used Springfield TRP stainless 1911's for around the $1k mark. These guns will be much better guns then anything you are currently looking at.

August 30, 2012, 10:50 AM	#23
Roland Thunder Senior Member Join Date: December 29, 2010 Location: Gwinnett County Georgia Posts: 1,136	I was going to buy my first 1911 about a month ago. I had wanted a Colt XSE and could only find a stainless one and I wanted one with a blued finish. The LGS had a blued Colt 1991 and an SA Range Officer. I liked the competition sites on the RO better that the fixed white dot sites on the 1991 so I got the Range Officer and am pretty happy with it. The RO has some features that are on some of the more expensive 1911's (like TRP) and a new RO can be gotten for around $750 __________________ Do not follow where the path may lead, go, instead where there is no path and leave a trail - Ralph Waldo Emerson

August 30, 2012, 10:59 AM	#24
smokiniron Senior Member Join Date: August 10, 2012 Location: Utah Posts: 232	The Loaded, Range Officer and TRP all share the same internals but the Range Officer Code: The Loaded, Range Officer and TRP all share the same internals but the Range Officer and TRP have more fitting done while finishing the gun. Tactical...1911 I believe what you said regarding fitting of the internals. But, as an uninformed 1911 buyer, how do I find that out for myself? From casual reading, I'm given to believe that the Loaded is a 'well fitted' very accurate out-of-the-box pistol. How do I get the straight skinny on the various models? BTW, refresh me on 'TRP'. I think I'm not dialed in on that model/configuration. Thanks!