STI Shadow/Escort vs Kimber Ultra Carry

308Gunner · March 12, 2013, 01:26 PM

Now, I'm going to preface this with the fact I know this is going to be a dumb question, BUT, what is the general consensus for a carry 1911; the STI Shadow or Escort 3.0, vs a Kimber Ultra Carry II.

I already own the Kimber, and have made some mods to it; night sights, and new grips. I like it, it's reliable; I've never had any of the issues associated with a 3" 1911. However, I hear such wonderful things about STI; better trigger, smoother, and more accurate. Since NY now has all this BS starting in April, I'm limiting myself to guns that 'naturally' hold 7 rounds, just to avoid issues with legalities for the time being(probably going to invest in a Shield this Fall as well). I've been carrying the UC for years, and I like it, but I'm open to the possibility of 'better.'

And I don't want this to become a Kimber bashing thread.

Technosavant · March 12, 2013, 02:10 PM

Your Kimber is reliable, I wouldn't trade a reliable and functional gun for one that only has a reputation of being better. If you want a better trigger then send it for a trigger job.

STI has a good rep, generally a better one than Kimber, but I'd not toss a perfectly functional Kimber just to replace it with a nearly identical STI. I wouldn't expect the STI to be problematic but you KNOW your Kimber isn't.

zincwarrior · March 12, 2013, 02:40 PM

Indeed, if you've already personalized it, you should keep that. Just remember to change that spring out.

308Gunner · March 12, 2013, 03:00 PM

This isn't necessarily 'swap' it's 'in addition to'

I'm through selling guns; I'm only going for quality at this point in the game, and don't want to pick up anything I'll 'regret' and want to ditch. The Kimber was bought on a budget; at the time, I wanted something all steel, compact, and in .45, and the UC met the bill well at $800.

The STIs are $3-400 more than the UC; not unlike how, at the time, I didn't go for an Operator simply based on cost. I've got more 'play' money these days, and I've had a couple people go on about the Shadow, so it's an idea I've been tossing around. But I certainly don't plan on parting with the Kimber even if I did get an STI.

308Gunner · March 12, 2013, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Indeed, if you've already personalized it, you should keep that. Just remember to change that spring out.

Do you mean every 'X' number of rounds, or just a better one in general?

KyJim · March 12, 2013, 10:00 PM

I would buy the STI but since you've got a fully functioning Kimber, why not stick with it? The recoil springs on compact 1911s have to be changed more frequently than with full size pistols. Check your owner's manual for frequency. Most manufacturers suggest a change every 1,000 to 2,000 rounds on this type of gun.

View Poll Results: STI Shadow/Escort 3.0 vs Kimber Ultra Carry II
STI Shadow/Escort	11	73.33%
Kimber Ultra Carry II	4	26.67%
Voters: 15. You may not vote on this poll

March 12, 2013, 01:26 PM	#1
308Gunner Senior Member Join Date: March 22, 2008 Location: NY Posts: 199	STI Shadow/Escort vs Kimber Ultra Carry Now, I'm going to preface this with the fact I know this is going to be a dumb question, BUT, what is the general consensus for a carry 1911; the STI Shadow or Escort 3.0, vs a Kimber Ultra Carry II. I already own the Kimber, and have made some mods to it; night sights, and new grips. I like it, it's reliable; I've never had any of the issues associated with a 3" 1911. However, I hear such wonderful things about STI; better trigger, smoother, and more accurate. Since NY now has all this BS starting in April, I'm limiting myself to guns that 'naturally' hold 7 rounds, just to avoid issues with legalities for the time being(probably going to invest in a Shield this Fall as well). I've been carrying the UC for years, and I like it, but I'm open to the possibility of 'better.' And I don't want this to become a Kimber bashing thread. __________________ ‘‘To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them.’’ — George Mason

March 12, 2013, 03:00 PM	#4
308Gunner Senior Member Join Date: March 22, 2008 Location: NY Posts: 199	This isn't necessarily 'swap' it's 'in addition to' I'm through selling guns; I'm only going for quality at this point in the game, and don't want to pick up anything I'll 'regret' and want to ditch. The Kimber was bought on a budget; at the time, I wanted something all steel, compact, and in .45, and the UC met the bill well at $800. The STIs are $3-400 more than the UC; not unlike how, at the time, I didn't go for an Operator simply based on cost. I've got more 'play' money these days, and I've had a couple people go on about the Shadow, so it's an idea I've been tossing around. But I certainly don't plan on parting with the Kimber even if I did get an STI. __________________ ‘‘To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them.’’ — George Mason

March 12, 2013, 02:10 PM	#2
Technosavant Senior Member Join Date: May 29, 2007 Location: St. Louis, MO area Posts: 4,040	Your Kimber is reliable, I wouldn't trade a reliable and functional gun for one that only has a reputation of being better. If you want a better trigger then send it for a trigger job. STI has a good rep, generally a better one than Kimber, but I'd not toss a perfectly functional Kimber just to replace it with a nearly identical STI. I wouldn't expect the STI to be problematic but you KNOW your Kimber isn't.

March 12, 2013, 02:40 PM	#3
zincwarrior Senior Member Join Date: July 1, 2011 Location: Texas, land of Tex-Mex Posts: 2,259	Indeed, if you've already personalized it, you should keep that. Just remember to change that spring out.

March 12, 2013, 10:00 PM	#6
KyJim Senior Member Join Date: July 26, 2005 Location: The Bluegrass Posts: 9,142	I would buy the STI but since you've got a fully functioning Kimber, why not stick with it? The recoil springs on compact 1911s have to be changed more frequently than with full size pistols. Check your owner's manual for frequency. Most manufacturers suggest a change every 1,000 to 2,000 rounds on this type of gun.