Kimber v. Dan Wesson Heritage?

Mosin44az · June 21, 2018, 11:21 PM

Cabela’s has a $100 off sale on in-stock Kimbers. Some of the base ones look nice, but they have very nice-looking fancier models for about $500 more. Roughly $700 v. @$1200.

$1200 is Dan Wesson Heritage territory.

So two questions:

1. Are the $1200 dollar Kimbers that much better than the base ones? Do they have better components and construction, or are you just paying for style?

2. Are the fancy Kimbers as good as the base Dan Wesson in terms of quality?

Would appreciate any input from those with knowledge or especially experienced knowledge. Thanks.

railroader · June 21, 2018, 11:48 PM

I have a couple of the lower end kimbers and a heritage. Yes the heritage is a nicer gun but there are some great deals on the lower end kimbers. Yes the wesson is fitted better but the kimbers overall are very nice guns. One kimber I have is a two tone in 9mm. I put a lighter hammer spring in it and i installed a fiber optic front sight. Gun runs great and is very accurate. If you are interested this is where I got my two tone. They have the same gun in 45 right now for $599 shipped. Great deal if you have a an FFL who is reasonable on the transfer.
https://www.smga.com/p-104725-kimber...-two-tone.aspx
Here's a pic of the heritage like mine. And a pic of the kimber.

Charlie98 · June 22, 2018, 07:30 AM

The higher end Kimbers in that price range usually come with some extras... like night sights, front strap checkering, wood or laminated grips, etc. My $1100 Kimber Pro Eclipse II has all that, my $800 Pro Carry does not, all else being equal.

Fishbed77 · June 22, 2018, 08:04 AM

I would never pay Dan Wesson prices for any Kimber.

sevt_chevelle · June 22, 2018, 04:28 PM

Dan Wesson hands down.

Brutus · June 22, 2018, 04:48 PM

Wessons today are what Kimbers were 20 years ago. Now they have MIM parts and the company spends more on advertising than quality. Add to it the worst customer service ever encountered. Go with the Dan Wesson.

WVsig · June 22, 2018, 05:06 PM

No contest Dan Wesson all the way vs MIMber.

Mosin44az · June 22, 2018, 09:55 PM

Thanks to all, especially railroader and Charlie98. Keep ‘em coming

RJay · June 22, 2018, 10:33 PM

I own a Kimber Custom, ( fancy name for a regular pistol ) . I can find no fault with it, It is as accurate a 1911 as I've ever owned , right out of the box, the trigger is suspuer . I've have owned and shot 1911 since 1959 and of them all I would pick the Kimber again, That is just my opinion and other views my differ.

Charlie98 · June 23, 2018, 09:13 AM

I guess since Railroader posted his pic, I can, too...

A good friend of mine owns a DW bobtail, he says it's probably the finest 1911 he's ever owned or fired... and I believe him. I like my Kimber, it checked all the boxes when I bought it, and has proven itself the past 15 years or so. I have not had any of the problems some people have had with their Kimbers; the presence of MIM parts on my pistol doesn't bother me... see my comments above about not having any problems or failures in 15+ years. I suspect the DW is the same in that regard, and you certainly wouldn't be wrong selecting either of them.

JWT · June 23, 2018, 11:31 AM

I have Kimber and I have DWs. Kimber is a good gun but Dan Wessons are much better guns in my opinion. Better fit and come with much better triggers right out of the box.

LineStretcher · June 23, 2018, 12:30 PM

I also have a Kimber Custom II 1911 all stainless. It's nice but I prefer my neighbors DW trigger and overall smoothness. I can out shoot him with my Kimber since I added a RMR and Hogue laser grips but I feel like I'm cheating. LOL..

Chui · June 23, 2018, 01:14 PM

No. Stay away from Kimber.

The DW is a much better constructed pistol.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

DFM914 · June 23, 2018, 05:33 PM

Kimber doesn't compare to Dan Wesson on any level.

KY_blkout · June 23, 2018, 05:45 PM

This post made me put a kimber custom two tone on layaway with buds gun shop. Something about the looks of a kimber for my price range is exactly what I like and want in a 1911. Have yet to ever shoot a kimber so this gun will be the guinea pig.

railroader · June 23, 2018, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KY_blkout

This post made me put a kimber custom two tone on layaway with buds gun shop. Something about the looks of a kimber for my price range is exactly what I like and want in a 1911. Have yet to ever shoot a kimber so this gun will be the guinea pig.

Good choice. It's a really nice gun.

Charlie98 · June 24, 2018, 07:36 AM

Quote:

Kimber doesn't compare to Dan Wesson on any level.

Say what? '...on any level'???

rock185 · June 24, 2018, 11:25 AM

I have owned several Kimbers, and two Dan Wessons. My Kimbers have been good guns, but I don't believe the higher end ones are higher quality guns. IMHO, the more expensive Kimbers add features, finishes, etc., but component parts quality and fit are not superior to the less expensive versions. I would not pay $500.00 over the price of the more standard Kimbers for any Kimber. And this, from a guy who likes Kimbers.

The Dan Wessons do have superior parts, i.e., non MIM, superior fit of component parts,etc. Just a cut above other production 1911 type pistols IMHO........ymmv

Mosin44az · June 24, 2018, 12:56 PM

Rock 185 yes that’s what I suspect as well on the pricier Kimbers, you are paying for features and style rather than better construction. If anyone knows different, would like to hear.

Kimber is good at making stylish guns, some are tempting. My guess at this point is that the base Kimbers are as good in terms of build quality. Dan Wesson sounds better by the consensus here.

Thanks for all replies, especially the ones with more detail.

June 21, 2018, 11:21 PM	#1
Mosin44az Senior Member Join Date: January 15, 2006 Posts: 2,585	Kimber v. Dan Wesson Heritage? Cabela’s has a $100 off sale on in-stock Kimbers. Some of the base ones look nice, but they have very nice-looking fancier models for about $500 more. Roughly $700 v. @$1200. $1200 is Dan Wesson Heritage territory. So two questions: 1. Are the $1200 dollar Kimbers that much better than the base ones? Do they have better components and construction, or are you just paying for style? 2. Are the fancy Kimbers as good as the base Dan Wesson in terms of quality? Would appreciate any input from those with knowledge or especially experienced knowledge. Thanks.

June 22, 2018, 07:30 AM	#3
Charlie98 Senior Member Join Date: September 6, 2006 Location: Great state of Texas Posts: 1,077	The higher end Kimbers in that price range usually come with some extras... like night sights, front strap checkering, wood or laminated grips, etc. My $1100 Kimber Pro Eclipse II has all that, my $800 Pro Carry does not, all else being equal. __________________ _______________ "I have this pistol pointed at your heart!" "That is my least vulnerable spot."

June 22, 2018, 04:48 PM	#6
Brutus Senior Member Join Date: September 11, 2005 Posts: 1,023	Wessons today are what Kimbers were 20 years ago. Now they have MIM parts and the company spends more on advertising than quality. Add to it the worst customer service ever encountered. Go with the Dan Wesson. __________________ Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak out, Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen, Winston Churchill.

June 22, 2018, 05:06 PM	#7
WVsig Senior Member Join Date: June 30, 2010 Location: NC Posts: 5,309	No contest Dan Wesson all the way vs MIMber. __________________ -The right to be left alone is the most comprehensive of rights, and the right most valued by free people.-Louis Brandeis -Its a tool box... I don't care you put the tools in for the job that's all... -Sam from Ronin -It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it. -Aristotle

June 22, 2018, 10:33 PM	#9
RJay Senior Member Join Date: November 2, 2005 Location: Arizona Posts: 1,936	I own a Kimber Custom, ( fancy name for a regular pistol ) . I can find no fault with it, It is as accurate a 1911 as I've ever owned , right out of the box, the trigger is suspuer . I've have owned and shot 1911 since 1959 and of them all I would pick the Kimber again, That is just my opinion and other views my differ. __________________ Ron James

June 21, 2018, 11:48 PM	#2
railroader Senior Member Join Date: February 8, 2000 Location: Tucson Arizona Posts: 1,756	I have a couple of the lower end kimbers and a heritage. Yes the heritage is a nicer gun but there are some great deals on the lower end kimbers. Yes the wesson is fitted better but the kimbers overall are very nice guns. One kimber I have is a two tone in 9mm. I put a lighter hammer spring in it and i installed a fiber optic front sight. Gun runs great and is very accurate. If you are interested this is where I got my two tone. They have the same gun in 45 right now for $599 shipped. Great deal if you have a an FFL who is reasonable on the transfer. https://www.smga.com/p-104725-kimber...-two-tone.aspx Here's a pic of the heritage like mine. And a pic of the kimber.

June 22, 2018, 08:04 AM	#4
Fishbed77 Senior Member Join Date: November 23, 2010 Posts: 4,862	I would never pay Dan Wesson prices for any Kimber.

June 22, 2018, 04:28 PM	#5
sevt_chevelle Senior Member Join Date: April 13, 2013 Posts: 324	Dan Wesson hands down.

June 22, 2018, 09:55 PM	#8
Mosin44az Senior Member Join Date: January 15, 2006 Posts: 2,585	Thanks to all, especially railroader and Charlie98. Keep ‘em coming

June 23, 2018, 09:13 AM	#10
Charlie98 Senior Member Join Date: September 6, 2006 Location: Great state of Texas Posts: 1,077	I guess since Railroader posted his pic, I can, too... A good friend of mine owns a DW bobtail, he says it's probably the finest 1911 he's ever owned or fired... and I believe him. I like my Kimber, it checked all the boxes when I bought it, and has proven itself the past 15 years or so. I have not had any of the problems some people have had with their Kimbers; the presence of MIM parts on my pistol doesn't bother me... see my comments above about not having any problems or failures in 15+ years. I suspect the DW is the same in that regard, and you certainly wouldn't be wrong selecting either of them. __________________ _______________ "I have this pistol pointed at your heart!" "That is my least vulnerable spot."

June 23, 2018, 11:31 AM	#11
JWT Senior Member Join Date: March 16, 2007 Location: Southern Arizona Posts: 3,888	I have Kimber and I have DWs. Kimber is a good gun but Dan Wessons are much better guns in my opinion. Better fit and come with much better triggers right out of the box.

June 23, 2018, 12:30 PM	#12
LineStretcher Senior Member Join Date: June 14, 2018 Posts: 619	I also have a Kimber Custom II 1911 all stainless. It's nice but I prefer my neighbors DW trigger and overall smoothness. I can out shoot him with my Kimber since I added a RMR and Hogue laser grips but I feel like I'm cheating. LOL..

June 23, 2018, 01:14 PM	#13
Chui Senior Member Join Date: June 28, 2004 Posts: 1,784	No. Stay away from Kimber. The DW is a much better constructed pistol. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

June 23, 2018, 05:33 PM	#14
DFM914 Member Join Date: March 2, 2011 Posts: 63	Kimber doesn't compare to Dan Wesson on any level.

June 23, 2018, 05:45 PM	#15
KY_blkout Member Join Date: June 10, 2018 Posts: 67	This post made me put a kimber custom two tone on layaway with buds gun shop. Something about the looks of a kimber for my price range is exactly what I like and want in a 1911. Have yet to ever shoot a kimber so this gun will be the guinea pig.

June 24, 2018, 11:25 AM	#18
rock185 Senior Member Join Date: September 2, 2001 Location: Out West in Rim Country Posts: 1,093	I have owned several Kimbers, and two Dan Wessons. My Kimbers have been good guns, but I don't believe the higher end ones are higher quality guns. IMHO, the more expensive Kimbers add features, finishes, etc., but component parts quality and fit are not superior to the less expensive versions. I would not pay $500.00 over the price of the more standard Kimbers for any Kimber. And this, from a guy who likes Kimbers. The Dan Wessons do have superior parts, i.e., non MIM, superior fit of component parts,etc. Just a cut above other production 1911 type pistols IMHO........ymmv __________________ COTEP 640, NRA Life

June 24, 2018, 12:56 PM	#19
Mosin44az Senior Member Join Date: January 15, 2006 Posts: 2,585	Rock 185 yes that’s what I suspect as well on the pricier Kimbers, you are paying for features and style rather than better construction. If anyone knows different, would like to hear. Kimber is good at making stylish guns, some are tempting. My guess at this point is that the base Kimbers are as good in terms of build quality. Dan Wesson sounds better by the consensus here. Thanks for all replies, especially the ones with more detail.