Gunfighter

texhntr1022 · Joined: 08 Nov 2008 Posts: 10 Location: Webster, TX

I am thinking about getting a 1911 & have always heard that Kimbers are really good pistols for the $$. Leaning towards the 4", but there are so many models with different options. I will be carrying it on occaision, but I really just want a 1911. I have always shot glock & sig. Advice? Question

wichaka · Joined: 27 Jul 2007 Posts: 111 Location: Washington State

I'm not a big Kimber fan because of their corners they cut to put out a good looking product.

Yes, there are many that run without fail, but with having many on the bench over the years....I just think there are better choices.

texhntr1022 · Joined: 08 Nov 2008 Posts: 10 Location: Webster, TX

such as? I really don't want to go over $1100-$1200.

Semper_Fi · Joined: 08 Jul 2007 Posts: 471 Location: MENA

Check out the Springfield Armory TRP at $1,350.00.

Tac · Joined: 02 Sep 2007 Posts: 57 Location: Arizona

Tex,
I have owned a pretty good sample of the Kimber line over the years and don't have much bad to say about them at all. My favorite Kimber is my Ultra CDP (Officers model size, two tone with a carry bevel package). It was given to my by my wife as a Christmas present some years back and I have shot it extensively and carried it daily as either my primary CCW gun or a back up to my duty gun for over 5 years now. It has never failed me or malfunctioned that I could attribute back to the gun, (all of it's issues were either me or ammo related). I only use two brands of magazines in any of my 1911's (I own Kimber, Colt, Sig, Browlin Arms, Springfield versions). Either the Wilson magazines or the Chip McCormick magazines. They have proven reliable enough that I will bet my life on them in a fight. I can not say that about the magazines that ship with my Kimbers, Colts, Sigs or Springfields....

If I were going to look at one "all around" Kimber for CCW, IDPA, and just general "range" work, I would look real hard at either the Mid-sized CDP or the Mid-sized "Tactical". Both leave the factory with night sights, good triggers, checkering where you need it and use a light weight alloy frame.

Just my advise/commentary on the subject... Good luck.
-Tac

Semper_Fi · Joined: 08 Jul 2007 Posts: 471 Location: MENA

Same logic as Tac regarding 1911 magazines; canned the factory Springfield magazines and upgraded to Willson Combat magazines for field carry and IDPA training and have had no mag malfunctions so far.

I disassemble, clean and lightly oil the mags once a year and they've held up fine after 4+ years of service in the field.

DEMON · Joined: 13 Jul 2007 Posts: 266 Location: Houston,Texas

I own several Springfield 1911's. Including a TRP. I have put them through H*LL and back and they have never given me a problem. The Kimber is a good pistol if you are not going to shoot it often or you are just punching holes in paper on the range. I have noticed in the training arenas that the Kimbers are a little more sensitive then other 1911's. When I have seen someone having a problem in training enviorments with a 1911, 90% of the time it has been a Kimber. I hope that helps you a little bit. Twisted Evil

wichaka · Joined: 27 Jul 2007 Posts: 111 Location: Washington State

If you can find an early made Kimber, before the Series II's, you'd be better off.

ngoc@shiloh · Joined: 13 Feb 2009 Posts: 9

if you can afford and find one, id go with a spingfield TRP as well, but for the money, budgeting around 1200 or less, id go with a STI...

texhntr1022 · Joined: 08 Nov 2008 Posts: 10 Location: Webster, TX

Thanks for the info! Sounds like the TRP is the way to go.