Virginia Gun Owners Forum - VGOF

In the market for a full frame 1911. I'm sure you can't really go wrong with colt, kimber, or springfield. But I was looking for some more input/opinions. I'm personally leaning "very slightly" twords the Colt. Mostly for the originality/history of the Colt 1911. But honestly at this point I could flip a coin between the colt and the kimber. Both nice guns. As well as the springfield.

To the 1911 lovers...pro's/con's/opinions?????

I've found the Kimbers I've shot to be maybe a little more accurate and *maybe* to have a little bit better triggers. (Now that I think about it, maybe that's why I shoot the Kimbers better) I lean more towards the colt for looks though (XSE/Rail Gun types).

If you want to take a little bit of a step up you could check out Dan Wesson: http://cz-usa.com/products/by-brand/dan-wesson/

Like you said, I don't think you could really go wrong with any of the 3 brands you mentioned. TBH I think it'll come down to preference over performance differences if any significant ones even exist.

Yeah, the more I look/ask around and pick them up, I'm starting to lean back over to Kimber. I've been hearing alot of things about Colt not making the quality of gun they used to back in the day. Just what I've heard.
Thanks for the info.

I was in this same boat several months ago. I had narrowed my search to either a Springfield GI, Kimber Custom II, or a Taurus PT1911. It took me about two weeks of research. In my opinion, you really arent going to go wrong with the choice. I would recommend seeing which 1911 fits your hand the best. I ended up with the Taurus due to its weight and sights. After the first time at the range, I knew I had made the right decicion. It felt great in my hands, miniscule recoil, and accurate.

However, just my two cents, if I had waited and saved another $150, I would have gone with the Kimber.

Either way, enjoy!

youg wrote:Yeah, the more I look/ask around and pick them up, I'm starting to lean back over to Kimber. I've been hearing alot of things about Colt not making the quality of gun they used to back in the day. Just what I've heard.
Thanks for the info.

Very few companies make the quality of gun they use to and when they do they are charging WC, Les Baer, etc. prices. Inflation is a big problem that the companies have been doing various things the last decade to hide. Of course when the government wants to make it look like things are doing ok, they just change the formula they use for inflation and claim policy X made it happen. Technically, inflation isn't under control if you just use the old formulas: http://www.shadowstats.com/alternate_da ... ion-charts

Government debasing of the currency hasn't stopped, so inflation won't either...they two are just different sides to the same coin, but only one is causal.

That aside, I would prefer a Colt over a Kimber or Springfield. I second the Dan Wesson. I wanted to get a Valor and almost did, but then I decided to really splurge and get a WC CQB. I'll probably buy a Valor at some point and IMHO, at that price range they are probably the best 1911s around. RRA use to fill the gap between factory and premium factory/custom 1911s, but I don't think they are doing that anymore.

Honestly Colts are great but if you get a Kimber or Springfield you won't look at it and say "Man I wish I got the Colt." Of the mass produced 1911s, they are probably the best three makers.

I don't think you would have a problem with any of them. I guess pick which ever one floats your boat. Kimber outsells the other two by a large margin.

http://www.thefreelibrary.com/U.S.+fire ... 0233050533

I'm gonna shop around a bit. But I think I'm diggin' the Kimber Custom CDP II. Nice looking gun. I already have a compact .45 for cc. That's why I'm looking for the full size frame. More for fun and target. I like the idea of the .22 conversion kit too for cheep target shooting. But $300.. that's damn near the price of another gun. Cool idea though. I think everybody's right though. Probably can't go wrong with any of the mentioned brands. (still leaning Kimber though!)

I've never owned a Kimber. Regardless of how well they are made, they are beautiful guns.

I have owned a number of Springfields and Colts. Honestly, I don't prefer one over the other. I do believe Springfield has a more consistent product. I've never seen a bad example by Springfield. I've seen a number of manufacturing defects on Colts. Colt is one brand I refuse to buy unless I can put my hands on it and inspect it before I do.

Springfield has a comprehensive lineup of pistols. You can get basic GI models, or high end semi-custom TRPs. The Loaded guns are fantastic, and represent a great value once you consider the expense involved getting a basic gun into a Loaded configuration. The Mil-Spec is a really nice 70s series pistol. In short, you can buy a Springfield up-front in the ultimate configuration you want a 1911 in. Not as easy with Colt's pistols.

I hear you can pick up some Kimbers real cheap in North Carolina...

Diomed wrote:I hear you can pick up some Kimbers real cheap in North Carolina...

I'm guessing the revenuers were doing pretty well if they had the funding to buy a bunch of "custom" 1911s.

Too bad about those Kimbers. Well, now maybne they can replace them with something practical for NC Alcohol Agents. Perhaps some custom engraved and gold inlayed Belgain Hi-Powers.

And the winner is........Kimber Crimson Carry II 5" barrel. Got it this weekend. LOVE IT!!!!!! Thanks again for the input.

youg wrote:And the winner is........Kimber Crimson Carry II 5" barrel. Got it this weekend. LOVE IT!!!!!! Thanks again for the input.

Post pics when you get a chance! And of course a range report when you take it for its first test drive.

newdovo wrote:

youg wrote:And the winner is........Kimber Crimson Carry II 5" barrel. Got it this weekend. LOVE IT!!!!!! Thanks again for the input.

Post pics when you get a chance! And of course a range report when you take it for its first test drive.

+1

Congrats on the purchase.

Nice! Post pix or be shunned!

Here are some pics. And she shoots like a dream. Laser is set a little high. I have to adjust it a smidge. Lovin' it!!!

I have owned all three.
The kimber shoots the best, Even better than my gold cup.
The springfield was very good for the money. Being the cheaper of the three.
The Colts are the best looking. Colt puts the best finish on a gun of any maker. Lest to my eye.
Over all I think the kimber is the best.

Kimber.
The trigger is smooth and the accuracy out of the box is impressive.
Fit and finish are excellent.

I don't know who's really the best, but I just bought a Kimber Pro Carry 2 after comparing with the Colt Commander Series 80. The Colt was pretty and a little more expensive, but the Kimber just felt right. I'll even have to upgrade the sights and I'm comfortable with the decision. I haven't even fired it yet.