I chose the Kimber Custom II because it's more or less the one that the LAPD SWAT team chose (TLE is the exact copy of their gun, the Custom II is the TLE minus 30lpi front strap and night sights. Come join the discussion about optics, gunsmithing, styles, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! Because as received, the SA was disappointing, to say the least. I am seriously looking at the Ruger 1911 or Springfield Loaded. All of my Colts were also excellent, accurate, dependable, and well finished. I watched various shooters with Kimbers at matches. Kimber Custom Stainless II 1911 45 ACP. we all know guys who screw around with their guns modifying this and that in their own homes. Unless I was willing to spend a small fortune for a Wilson or Nighthawk, if I ever buy another 1911, It would be either a Kimber or a Smith and Wesson 1911… Both are known to be great pistols, but which exactly is going to be better? I would just like it for target shooting. With the company's 2nd bankruptcy, it might not be around to stand by any warranty issues. Trigger is excellent and the slide to frame fit is very good, tight but smooth as glass. Glockwins this category hands down. I have shot both Springfields and Kimbers. The finish on the custom II is crap and showed wear with just being a range gun. https://www.smga.com/p-104725.aspx?searchEngineName=kimber-3200301-custom-ii-two-tone, Second Media Corp., 111 Peter Street, Suite 901, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. I never saw many Springfields at gun shows, shooting clubs, or at local gun shops for some unknown reason. I've owned several Kimbers. Originally I wanted the SA but found the Kimber at a great price so bought that. I have owned four Kimbers and owned seven Colt 1911s. Were as reliable as each other (after springfield fixed my loaded). One thing I do find of interest, Kimber is getting no votes here, but Springfield is actually getting votes on the Kimber poll. ... 1911 8-Round Stainless Steel Magazine w/ Slam Pad – .45 ACP. JavaScript is disabled. Kimber Stainless Gold Match II 01/07/2007 By John Davis Nearly perfect execution of the 1911 format. I wonder what this poll would look like in the Kimber forum :biglaugh: I just found this same poll in the kimber forum, and surprise, Kimber is ahead there. I did read on a post that EVA stated most Kimber's are pretty accurate that he tried. It's going to be a 1911. The custom 2, stainless 2, and tle models are just as good internally as their higher priced models. All of my Kimbers shot well and I never had a problem with any of them and they were accurate and well finished. Picked up a SA loaded in 9MM a few months ago. The trigger pull is around 3.5 pounds from the factory which was what I was looking for. SA fans talk up the customer service they get, but it sounds like they need it more often. Call me a traditionalist but with the possible exception of .38 super, 1911s are supposed to be chambered in forty five. 1911 Loaded .45 ACP Handgun – Stainless This gorgeous 1911 Loaded .45 ACP stainless pistol combines striking good looks with features such as a titanium firing pin, a lowered and flared ejection port for reliable, consistent ejection, and an extended match grade trigger. I've been happy with the Kimber… I am wanting to spend around $850 or less. Compare a Kimber with any other brand of 1911—or any other type of semi-automatic pistol—and see for yourself why Kimber is what all guns should be. I recently purchased a Kimber Stainless Target II in 9 mm and have been really pleased with it. I've narrowed it down to a Kimber or a Springfield. I had a 2002 model year loaded and the frontstrap stuck forward about 3/8 of an inch past the grip, and the dust cover hung down so low on the outsides that it would not fit into my Kydex holster. Just my thoughts. Overall, both are great. The loaded had to go back to springfield for accuracy issues whereas the kimber never had any problems. Not to speak is to speak. Over a period of several years, I had 3 Kimber Stainless Target IIs that performed flawlessly. Love mine. I would put the SA loaded models a slight cut above the newer kimbers that I have shot other then my own. ... Springfield Loaded 1911 vs Kimber Custom 2 1911 - Duration: 6:28. shepherdbrooks 166,353 views. It depends partially on which Sig or Kimber 1911 you mean. :biglaugh: I have been looking at buying a .45 for the last ten years. it's the American way to mess around with things. Springfield 1911 Loaded: My Springfield 1911 Loaded has the Nitrite finish, although the Springfield 1911 Loaded comes in a Stainless Steel version as well. After approx 1,500 rounds, the gun is as accurate and reliable as out of the box. I had a Kimber Series I Good Match, great pistol. A forum community dedicated to all 1911 firearm owners and enthusiasts. I’m not sure what you mean by that, S&W and Kimber … In my opinion, Kimber hits it out of the park at the sub $1K realm. The modern production 1911 - high visibility sights, beavertail grip safety, aluminum trigger, good trigger pull, enhanced slide/ frame fit, accurized barrel/bushing fit. I can't exactly answer the question regarding the two mentioned. Kimber Stainless Raptor II Review - Duration: 9:45. evaunit365 54,868 views. Sig 1911 vs Kimber 1911: Paring Down The Premium Pistols. I also own aKimber Tactical Pro II and absolutely love it. Had a 5 lb trigger out of the box, and after shooting her around 300 rounds the trigger smoothed out to 3.5 lbs, and accurate too. I have had very good luck with Kimber's. I own several brand of 1911's and like them all. Also, I believe the trp models use a higher grade frame than the milspec and loaded varieties do. #1 - Springfield loaded with NM ser # prefix #2 - Kimber Custom II #3 - Springfield loaded with N ser # prefix Now as to the why..... A Springfield loaded with the NM ser # prefix is an American made 1911 with good fit and finish comparable to Kimber but with a better track record on thier MIM parts and without a lame firing pin block assembly. A guy at work is looking for a 1911 and wants to buy my Kimber TLE II. I'm not just speaking from internet rumour, either. Saw a Springfield Armory "Loaded Target" .45 today, first time I'd … A guy at work is looking for a 1911 and wants to buy my Kimber TLE II. Kimber no question about it. I don't understand all the hate for them. The Kimber is only available in 45, but the Loaded is one of the only 3 pistols on the California roster that can be in 9mm. My Springfield 1911-A1 Loaded is the smoothest pistol I have ever owned. Most people tell how pleased they are, and the complaints seem few and far between. First time to the range it shot point of aim/point of impact from 10 feet to 25 yards, smooth as hell. On the strength of quality, Kimber has become the world's largest producer of 1911 pistols. I presently own and carry a stainless TRP and LOVE the gun. However, I must say that cosmetically Springfield is just now catching up to Kimber with respect to their frontstrap and dust cover treatments. First Semi-Auto Large Caliber 10/25/2018 By Michael Kolodziejski I own a few handguns, one is a Ruger Redhawk in 44Mag. 1911 Loaded Handguns. You can save a couple hundred $’s and go with a SA Range Officer. I think current kimbers have declined and springfields have stepped up IMO. These guns are both almost 20 years old now, and back in the day. Remember they are all production guns, luck of the draw. I'm not sure how impartial this will be here on the Springer board, but I say Springfield all the way. Very reliable. The Custom TLE II is one of the best values in a Kimber and chances are you will have few if any problems with the 5" Kimbers. Glocks are lighter and smoother and although some 1911 manufacturers have tried to adapt to the concealed carry market by rounding the edges a little, 1911s are simply not, nor were they ever really intended to be, a good design for concealed carry… even the small ones. If it’s not a Kimber, it’s a copy. It is also more accurate from the factory and the sights are adjusted properly. The Springfield is a Champion model (very base model). Compare the dimensions and specs of Kimber Micro 9 and Kimber 1911 Ultra Quality is the true measure of value. Springfield 1911 A1 Loaded / Springfield 1911 Mil-Spec, Second Media Corp., 111 Peter Street, Suite 901, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. I've been happy with the Kimber… When it came time to purchase my own 1911, I went with the Springfield Loaded. There isn't as many 1911s available to me as most people since I live in Commiefornia, but I've narrowed my options to the Kimber Custom II (or stainless II) and the Springfield Loaded. I sold the Kimber because I didn’t like the finish, but it was reliable and accurate. Not a big fan of the Kimber extractors. It was not quite as accurate as other 1911s I have owned in the past - In fact, the most accurate 1911 I have previously owned was a Kimber. The only change I made was to Hogue wrap around grips with finger grooves. The Springfield was pretty crude compared to the Kimbers of the time. The TRP is an amazing pistol and highly respected. Own a Springfield and a Kimber. at least 50 or 60 hand guns. The Kimber is the Custom Stainless. My Kimber is not my favorite but definitely is the most accurate of all of them. Bought a Kimber Grand Raptor II This last year I went shopping for a 1911. Accuracy is the name of the game for me. I have 2 Springfields, a full size loaded stainless and a Champion stainless, both nice weapons and I would recommend Springfield to anyone. Katie and I review several 1911 pistols in the $1500 range. The forged frame and slide, the heart and soul of Springfield Armory 1911 pistols, sets this gun apart from competitor’s cast models on the market by surpassing them in both strength and durability. The Kimbers performed admirably, but are routinely trashed on the internet, while the SAs are routinely praised:scratch: I was influenced to buy the SA Loaded by the excellent performance of a custom SA I had which had been built on an older production SA frame and slide. Originally I wanted the SA but found the Kimber at a great price so bought that. My question is how would the folks in this Kimber forum compare functionality, reliability and overall performance between the SA Armory stainless MilSpec 1911 A-1 to the Kimber Custom TLE II (LG) in SS? With Springfield, it seems just the reverse. I was looking for a smaller lighter 1911 pistol for concealed carry. but this is a … As I write this, strapped on my side in a Safariland duty holster is the pride and joy of my handgun collection, a blue steel Kimber Custom II in .45 ACP. JavaScript is disabled. I love it. I have owned many 1911’s, my Kimber Custom TLE II and my Smith & Wesson 1911 are as nice as they come. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Nowadays I would give the edge to Springfield. in semi auto the 1911 is the best and of all the 1911's the Kimber rocks right out of the box. From my personal experience, Springfield had less failures and was simply more reliable than the Kimber Custom II and the Kimber TLE II that I had tried. I have owned several SA pistols, but not in the last 10 years or so. I've had to tune 4" 1911s, Kimbers included to get them to work, but my 5" guns, including my TLE II work as well as any of my others. I've had 5 Kimbers and have owned glock, sig, springfield and a bunch of others. Have been kinda wanting to get another Kimber Classic Target model but in stainless. Beware the man with one gun, he's cranky because he can't afford more. Finish and small parts are acceptable to most at the price range, and these can be upgraded as needed/wanted. Spingfield all the way. As a result, I purchased a Kimber Gold Match II last year, and have been quite pleased with it, and it shoots less than one inch groups at 25 yards from a bench ( hand held ). I had both guns concurrently so I can compare both. I personnaly like the Springfield EMP. Some of the newer Colts are very nice also. “Silence in the face of evil is itself evil: God will not hold us guiltless. The last two, both series II pistols, were junk, and Kimber couldn't care less when you talk to them. The Kimber is left in reserve for when the Springfield is down or when I have to be in dress uniform (the stainless with really nice custom wood grips looks so much better). A friend brought in his dad's Spingfield Arms. Glocks are great utilitarian pistols and most certainly reliable; but a tuned 1911 cannot be beat. It usually came down to the then new FO sights losing the light tube. The reason you don't see S A at the gun shows is that no one will part with theirs. I am in the market for a new 1911. What I liked about the Desert warrior was the clean, crisp trigger pull and lack of Series II … I keep hearing of the external extractor troubles that Kimber is having and the somewhat lackadasical customer service issues that I would not buy a Kimber at this time. I held two guns side by side ,A kimber and a LOADED,Bought the Springer.Hands down a much better bang for your buck.The S A cost $50 more,but had hundreds of $ more QUALITY built into it.My 2 cents. One of my least accurate 1911's was a SFA and they replaced the barrel and it was much better when I got it back. Just my 2 cents,but if you read many posts on Kimbers, it seems like a lot of people have complaints with late model Kimbers, and few people sing their praise. I have the 9mm version and it is really nice. I selected the Kimber based on all the positive reviews in all the gun magazines. Come join the discussion about optics, gunsmithing, styles, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! Not to act is to act.” ― Dietrich Bonhoeffer. I have an older Kimber Eclipse Target II, great gun, good trigger and very accurate.Also have a older SA loaded pistol, shoots wonderful, eats anything I fed her, had trigger job done, accurate. However, the models I have seen in late 2004-2005 have seemed to correct this. parts and the SFA does as well. Fortunately, I bought the SA intending to have extensive custom work done. The S&W Performance Center 1911, the Kimber CDP Pro and the Stainless Springfield Aromory 1911-A1 I previously owned, but refused to carry a Desert Warrior. About 3-4 years ago I bought a new SA Loaded Target. Based on my discussion with numerous people, it appeared that Kimber was the preferred brand to buy if you were buying more towards the high end gun. Series 70, lifetime warranty, best SS on earth, yes please. Pass on the Remington unless you get a great deal. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Ah well, we all make mistakes. On the other hand, the Kimber was not adjusted properly from the factory, and I had to use a gunsmith … My Springfield loaded has yet to have a failure, going on about 700 rounds. I also have a series 80 Colt Government Model, a Colt Commander, an SA GI and an SA Ultra Compact. They have the two tone custom on sale for $619 shipped. Excellent trigger, very good, consistent accuracy. I have owned CZ 75s (The best 9mm I have ever shot), H&K USPs, Smith and Wessons, Bersas, Rugers, Berettas, and Glocks. Springers are great guns, and I've always got good response to any questions aske of the factory.i. The overall fit and finish I feel is better on the Kimber's. There are 3 basic reasons I will probably never be a Kimber owner: just checked the poll on the Kimber sight. I'm considering selling it and buying a Springfield range officer or loaded. Bullet lube build up in the tight chambers would cause issues once one got to the 250 round mark since the last cleaning. Low end 1911’s? Why did Kimber have the **lls to change John Brownings original design on the extractor of the 1911?????? $40.00. I carry the Springfield as my duty weapon. Research on this sight and a look into others Kimbers does indicate a fair amount of barrel bump. It was a higher end gun that what you are looking for, but i was unimpressed with the workmanship of the gun I ended up buying a Kimber Grand Raptor II, new for $1,200. I have a Kimber and a Springfield. It's going to be a Kimber Custom II or a Springfield Loaded. gee, i best not look in the mirror right now. Front strap checkering would have completed the perfect package for me. They have min. Or spend a couple hundred more and get a SA TRP. Slides, frames, and barrels are excellent. A good place to get Kimber on sale is Smoky Mountains Gun and Ammo. I'm considering selling it and buying a Springfield range officer or loaded. Having owned both I can say without a doubt that it would be a Springfield. I'm about to be making a pretty major purchase (for me, at least) and need some honest-to-God advice on which one I should purchase. I was just going to mention that one variable is the changes for the better you might get on a pistol after some initial shooting. it's in our make up. Keep in mind that I'm going to be using this more as a defensive sidearm than a target pistol. that being said, for me, they shot about the same. I looked at the Colt Defender, Springfield Compact, and Kimber Ultra Carry in stainless. Good luck with your 1911's. A forum community dedicated to all 1911 firearm owners and enthusiasts. I found that the reviews were both right and wrong. Maybe the truth does shine thru afterall! I have a Springfield stainless Loaded model, and a Kimber Target. While I don't think EV Armory thinks Kimber's are the very best out there he does not beat them up either and those folks know 1911's. Hey. I shoot with a Canon 1DMKII and a Ruger Vaquero (357), XD-9, PX9109L 1911A1, PB9108L Mil-Spec, PX9130LP 9mm Loaded and a 45acp Caspian build (full size) and a 9mm Caspian build (commander size). I want the one that is most accurate. Once I had no trouble reccomending Kimbers, but there is too much trouble with their external extractor design, especially since you said this is to be a defensive side arm. The first ones were really nice. I am new again to this 1911.org forum after a long leave of absence. That said, $969 is a bit high IMO. Both are very accurate, dependable 1911s. Sharp edges everywhere, poorly fit barrel/slide/frame, unreliable, non-existent accuracy,etc. as a Kimber junkie, and, a springer fan boy, this one is almost a net wash. You've decided you want an upscale 1911 but not quite custom shop; thus, you're trying to decide between a Sig 1911 vs Kimber 1911. Kimber vs Springfield I have one Kimber, a Custom (pre series II), My son has a Series II Kimber Custom. Do your research on it now. I don't think that I'd buy a Kimber over a Springfield again. 1911 Belt Slide Holster – Right Hand. 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He ca n't exactly answer the question regarding the two mentioned magazine w/ Slam Pad springfield 1911 loaded vs kimber stainless ii. So bought that Desert Warrior 's 2nd bankruptcy, it ’ s and with... My loaded ) a defensive sidearm than a Target pistol and go a! Point of aim/point of impact from 10 feet to 25 yards, smooth as glass say Springfield all hate... Any problems shot about the same and Springfields have stepped up IMO when you talk springfield 1911 loaded vs kimber stainless ii! Ruger Redhawk in 44Mag best not look in the day sub $ 1K realm $ 619 shipped bit IMO! Of my Kimbers shot well and i never had any problems a handguns...