RE: Is Kimber the best 1911?
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RE: Is Kimber the best 1911? - 3/5/2008 4:47:06 PM
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wydopn231
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Kimbers are very nice guns.Ive had springfeilds that shoot just as good for less.I personaly carry para ordance p12.45.Just preferance.My pars shoots as good or better than any gun Ive shot and i have 12 rounds at the ready in a vey easy to carry piece.For me if its 1911 style I like it
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RE: Is Kimber the best 1911? - 3/5/2008 4:52:38 PM
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egor
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Better check out an STI too.
STIGUNS.com
Even nicer than a kimber, more money too, and holds more rounds!
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RE: Is Kimber the best 1911? - 3/6/2008 7:17:46 AM
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pulpsmack
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I am late chiming in here, but as a big 1911 fan, I would never buy a Kimber. Half of it is personal preference (don't like their rollmarks, etc) and the othe half is setup.
Kimbers are not built the way they used to be, and there seem to be a good deal more complaints about them (see Hilton Yam's article on the 0-8 forums). My biggest problem with Kimbers is the addition of the POS Swartz safety system they add to the weapon.
If you want the best production class 1911, you are better off with a Springfield Armory or a Colt (in that order).
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RE: Is Kimber the best 1911? - 3/6/2008 7:54:44 AM
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AwfHand
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Treat it like you treat your bike.
Buy a platform for mods. Get the Springfield (I'd maybe begin with one that had adjustable sights) and then start adding good quality aftermarket pieces.
Bbl bushing, match bbl, larger beavertail safety, trigger, action/slide true, hammer...
What a great way to learn about what each mod will do for you.
If some parts need 'smithing, deal with it then. These things are SO well supported, and have SO many how-to books out there, that there's no reason you couldn't do some of the work yourself, save some $ and have some fun.
Enjoy!!
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RE: Is Kimber the best 1911? - 3/8/2008 5:31:17 AM
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coyotedustr
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I have a kimber and it is a great gun. I also have a stock 80 series and it is a great gun. Any commercially made 1911 is better than I am. I am not saying you cannot tell the difference from one to the other, just that you really cann't go wrong with any of the high quality commercial 1911's out there. That being said I shoot my kimber alot more than I shoot my colt.
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RE: Is Kimber the best 1911? - 3/8/2008 5:49:29 AM
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Bigpops
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Just purhased a Kimber Grand Raptor II 45ACP after tons of research...and hours of banging my head against the wall.
Why Kimber? For one it has a overall solid reputation. Two, it just looks good! (and it felt great in my hands)
What really impressed me was how tight it felt. Very well made.
I pick it up in 5 days. I will keep you posted if you wish.
BP
PS
The forums really helped me make my choice...it also added to the above mentioned banging of the head!!!
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RE: Is Kimber the best 1911? - 3/8/2008 7:22:40 AM
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wydopn231
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while Ive read some bad stuff on here regarding para's I own 3 all are awsome.As for kibers they are super guns also.A buddy just picked up Sa micro compact shoots pretty good.its tight and in my opion could use new recoil spring to reduce the kick some.Id stay away from any with the olde Gi style hammers.always heard about the hammer bite and never had it till cpl days ago Damn that left a mark.and it does bite too.
Any good quality 1911 is good choice and depending on features you need o r want and rather your into treating guns like a harley buy it enjoy and modify it.Hey buy one then tell your wife its not as good as those ling sobs said and go by another.
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RE: Is Kimber the best 1911? - 3/21/2008 11:21:02 AM
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ditch_dgr
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I have a Kimber Ultra Carry II Stainless, I really like the gun, it is nice and tight and is pretty accurate to shoot. I did a lot of looking before I bought it and determined that it met my needs in the price range I could afford. If I decide to buy another 1911 stly pistol it will be a Kimber.
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RE: Is Kimber the best 1911? - 3/21/2008 6:48:21 PM
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dadofsix
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I'm a Colt man, through and through. My next, the New Agent (3" barrel with a trench sighting system), is on order. Colt makes a great American-made product for a very good price.
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RE: Is Kimber the best 1911? - 4/6/2008 6:36:44 PM
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Rootboy
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Try this little test. With an EMPTY chamber and NO magazine in the Kimber, with the hammer down, flip the safety up.........Yea, it moves just a little iddy bit upwards and "catches". Then all of a sudden ...no can insert mag and rack, no can chamber, no can bang....MAJOR defect imo.
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RE: Is Kimber the best 1911? - 4/6/2008 8:59:50 PM
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AL1911
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I posted a reply to Rootboy in another thread so I wont do it here again. the ? is kimber the best 1911 not if you are going to compare them to as some have mentioned Wilson, Les Bear ,or Ed Brown or the like these are hand fitted masterpieces and it shows in the price as for kimbers imho I own two and like them alot they show good accuracy and good reliability right out of the box kimbers have all the features and choices for you to find the right gun for your needs and as others have mentioned check out the springfields another great gun for about the same money or little less.....AL
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RE: Is Kimber the best 1911? - 4/7/2008 5:34:03 AM
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carlo
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There is no best $ talks. You can spend $3000.00+ for a custom 45. Me I like basic 45's 1911 or 1911A1 style 45's with out added safety's Colt or Springfield are my first choice Kimber with out the addded safety like the Warror Model is also a good chioce All cost around from $550.00 for the springfield 1911A1 to around $800.00 for a 1911A1 Colt and $1200.00 for a Kimber Warror .
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RE: Best 1911 - 4/13/2008 7:44:07 AM
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brewdog
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Sonar,
My son just purchased the Springfield TRP in Black. Wow!! It will put groups on the paper that a silver dollar with cover all day long. I bought the Kimber CDP Ultra ll in December for concealed carry and love the weight with the Aluminum Anodized frame.
I've been eyeing up the TRP in Stainless like you showed in the photo for range shooting and IDA shooting. Looking at the picture you posted is tempting me.
I can't say Kimber is better than Springfield. I've had both. Certainly Wilson is step above Springfield and Kimber but it's takes two grand to put one in your pocket. For production pistols, Kimber or Springfield are excellent weapons at almost half the price. A visit 1911 tuner and 700 bucks will make either one shoot sub 1" groups at 25 yards from a bench rest.
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RE: Best 1911 - 4/13/2008 11:57:27 PM
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Tophog
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As you can see, everyone has their own preference. Colt made the first, and that is the most copied weapon in the world. Why? Functionality, adaptability, etc.
That's why there are so many opinions. Colt, Brown, Wilson, Kimber, Springfield Armory, . . . ! Your question will never be answered completely.
Consider bikes. I run a Pan/Shovel with original '63 factory matched cases. It's been rebuilt, when I put the Shovel top on, but the cases have never been cracked or welded. That makes at, in my opinion, (plus it's my bike), the best Harley around. Are Evo's faster? Yes. Are they more dependable? Yes. Are they easier to get parts for? Yes. Does that make them better? Depends who you talk to!
I have an original Colt 1911, (not an a1), 4 digit serial #. In my opinion, it's the best. It's worth more than any other .45 auto that I am aware of; not because of how it shoots, but because of the historic value. I've been offered outrageous bucks for it, but my grandson will inherit it. I've also owned a Combat Commander; a Llama mdl. 1911, and now an AMT Hardballer. As .45's, they all work. The original military specs called for an effective range of "50 Ft.". At that range, any .45 will work, as long as it shoots.
So, back to your query, good luck. Kimber is a well known name, along with the others. Basically, spend within your budget, because you can always upgrade.
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RE: Is Kimber the best 1911? - 4/16/2008 10:11:13 AM
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Rider57
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I have a SA 1911A1 built by Rock Island Arsenal. It's a National Match and very accurate.
I used them through out my Army career while with the Army Markmanship Unit.
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RE: Is Kimber the best 1911? - 4/17/2008 10:01:36 AM
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392heminut
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I've been 'smithing 1911 pistols for over 20 years, and carried a 1911 on duty and off most of that time. I've built both open and limited class guns (singlestack and hi-cap) for USPSA competition, both for myself and others. IMO, the Kimber is at the top of the list for quality production 1911's and can't be beat for a buy it and carry it production gun. As someone else said here, if you're going to have custom work done on it then go with a less expensive model such as a Springfield Armory. When Kimber first came out with their 1911 a gunshop owner asked me what I thought of it. I told him "Colt needs to send their quality control people to the Kimber factory for an education!" I still feel that way.
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RE: Is Kimber the best 1911? - 4/18/2008 5:18:33 PM
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madmike
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kimber is ok,stay away from the tactical extractor models they had issues. springfield is a great gun without emptying your bank account.
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RE: Is Kimber the best 1911? - 4/18/2008 10:27:02 PM
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ScottyPotty
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Ive always have been partial to colts my self.
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RE: Is Kimber the best 1911? - 4/25/2008 8:31:53 PM
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jeepster09
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My favorite is Para Ordnance 14.45 LDA !!
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RE: Is Kimber the best 1911? - 5/2/2008 9:59:48 PM
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btefft
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Never had anything but my Springfield 1911. When I take it to the range, it makes me look like a real marksman. Is Kimber better, I have no clue, but I don't think I'd trade in my Springfield to get one.
Hack
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RE: Is Kimber the best 1911? - 5/11/2008 7:06:02 PM
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dadofsix
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Is Kimber the best 1911? IMHO not just no, but hell no!
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RE: Is Kimber the best 1911? - 5/23/2008 9:32:05 PM
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hdpearson13
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I got a kimber eclipse target 2 Its a great pistol just as nice as some of the 2500-3000 dollar guns out there out of the box except for the trigger pull is a tad heavy(easy fix). I want to try a kahr p9 or pp9 just for a smaller concealed and cheaper ammo to shoot. I am sure I aint an expert but have definetly my fair share of different pistols through these hands
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RE: Is Kimber the best 1911? - 5/27/2008 2:47:27 PM
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Lex_Talionis
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I have always wanted a 1911 model .45 and I wound up buying the Tarrus PT1911 with tactical rails. the PT1911 comes from the factory with some "custom" features and it comes off as a quality gun. I have shot a box of rounds out of it and it shoots very well. I keep it by my bed with a tactical light on it for home defense. The one and only issue for this gun is that I can't find a holster to fit this gun with rails. There are holsters for many .45's with rails, but not this gun. So it stays by my bed. I have smaller guns to carry around anyhow.
But if you want a quality gun and don't need a $,$$$ competition gun, get the PT1911. (But don't get the rails if you want to wear it around). And for the price, you are getting a deal.
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RE: Is Kimber the best 1911? - 6/1/2008 7:13:52 PM
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rmartuszewski
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STI makes the best 1911s, as almost all IPSC shooters use them.
http://www.stiguns.com/
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RE: Is Kimber the best 1911? - 6/2/2008 1:16:21 AM
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robswglide
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Reminds me of when my friend bought his Kimber, years ago..... telling me how good it was and that... We went shooting, well I thought my Glock 21 shot just as good..... Of coarse ,alot has to do with the shooter, but the friend is a pretty good shot..
Now are you comparing a stock Springfield to a kimber, or what... there are different levels of each brand 1911..just depends on what you want the gun for to what you buy..
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RE: Is Kimber the best 1911? - 6/19/2008 9:42:05 PM
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carlo
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Depends on the internal safety \\;\\\\\\;Some Colts and Kimbers have. I stay away from these models. KimberII and Colt 80''''s \\; But thats just me im old school.
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RE: Is Kimber the best 1911? - 6/21/2008 10:08:09 AM
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btefft
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I have a Springfield Armory 1911. Do not know about Kimber. But, when I bought it many. many years ago, I was torn between a Colt and a Springfield, the gun shop owner laid them side by side. I did not fire either one, first, anyway, the Springfield "felt" and looked better to me. It cost just a few dollars less than the Colt, but I got the Springfield - not because of price, both guns were within my budget. I have not been sorry with the Springfield. I would could have just as easily bought the Colt, but the gun shop owner told me the he thought the Springfield was the better of the two. I do not even know if there was a Kimber way back then. Maybe it is different now.
If I had it to do over again, I would go to the range and shoot a Colt, Kimber, Springfield and Taurus. But I am not going back. The Springfield 1911 I have has done a good job for me. I did add a set of Rosewood grips. May it look handsome, too.
Hack
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Patriot Guard Rider, CMA Member
Retired Science Teacher (taught for 30 yrs).
They call me "Hack" because of the sidecar, not the amputated leg.
Proud Former Paratrooper - 2/505, 3rd Brigade, 82d Airborne Division
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RE: Is Kimber the best 1911? - 6/22/2008 3:02:23 AM
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wholio
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Talking best gun is almost like talking politics, you can really get people going. I am a licensed armorer for three of the major gun companies out there now. As far as the 1911 go ( in my opinion ) The Wilson cqb and the Les Baer are very good in the custom built line. There are a fair number of builders around that make custom 1911s. The Sig is a nice one as are a number of others. I''ve had a Kimber and several Para''s Also the H&\\;K usp in the cocked and locked variant. I''ve bulit a couple Colts for myself also.
I''ve seen a drop in rockwell hardness in \\;one of the models I''ve seen mentioned in this thread. I feel it''s due to it''s recent surge in sales. It looks like to meet orders the quality \\; ie: \\;rockwell hardness, of some of the small parts suppliers has reduced quality somewhat.
With the correct jig and stones the sear trigger contact can be made very good with \\;time and cocentration. Along with a correctly adjusted sear spring a \\;crisp 3 to \\;4 pound press can be obtained. Judging a quality gun should be made on overall fit.
Again just my opinion, the Wilson and the \\;Baer that \\;I am shooting now have the best overall fit. \\;Keeping in mind that all the guns listed in the tread are not all in the same price range. \\;There is a difference in a \\;$700.00 gun and a $2,700.00 gun. Having said that, the $700 gun will sell in that range for ever, but the $2,700 one will sell for less once it''s been driven.
Keep shootin and keep your guns. \\;
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RE: Is Kimber the best 1911? - 6/22/2008 8:10:39 PM
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Mardav
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Nothing stirs up the crap more than the brand X is the \\;''best'' whatever caliber. \\; That said, I collect 1911''s and have for some time. \\; My personal preference is Wilson Combat (I have a 30th anniversary on order) and if you are going to try to carry a 1911 concealed, I like their ''Professional Model'', I carry it frequently. \\; If you want to spend less, I also like the Springfields esp. the TRP model. \\; Most of the brands recommended here are top rated. \\; Kimber has been around a long time and lot''s of people like them althought I am not partial to them. \\; My advice is to visit some of the gun forums (try http://forum.m1911.org/forumdisplay.php?forumid=35) and see what the different owners think. \\; Check out the brand specific forums for example and look at the complaints and raves. \\; A pistol is like a bike, you gotta find what you like!
Good Luck
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RE: Is Kimber the best 1911? - 7/1/2008 2:16:57 PM
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Live2Ride
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I have a Kimber Custom TLE II and a Springfield Lightweight Champion Operator. \\; They''re both as accurate as I can shoot, and they both feel great. \\; However, the Kimber will have a round hang up on the feed ramp from time to time. \\; It does it too often for me to have a lot of confidence in. \\; I''ll be gettin'' that fixed hopefully sometime soon. \\; I have yet to have a problem with the Springfield. \\; If my life was on the line, the Springfield is what I would grab first. \\; I do like the sights on the Kimber better, though. \\; They''re easier to see during the day. \\; The sights on both guns are easy to see in the dark. \\; Once I get the Kimber fixed up, it''ll be every bit as reliable as the Springfield. \\; I love both of the guns.
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