I been looking at Springfield 1911 loaded and thropy match models.

Well a couple people said; "if your spending that much you should should get a Kimber 1911 they are the best"

Others swear by Colt

My Taurus PT1911 is a realy nice shooter too :D

So now i am confused. [8D]

Edit: on the Mil-Spec Springer, how hard to change out the trigger and hammer to match stuff? Does it require a gunsmith?

ORIGINAL: KeithB

I been looking at Springfield 1911 loaded and thropy match models.

Well a couple people said; "if your spending that much you should should get a Kimber 1911 they are the best"

Others swear by Colt

My Taurus PT1911 is a realy nice shooter too :D

So now i am confused. [8D]

Edit: on the Mil-Spec Springer, how hard to change out the trigger and hammer to match stuff? Does it require a gunsmith?



They make nice pistols. I own one. if you are looking at competition you might want to look at Wilson.

If you have the money an RRA 1911 is very nice. You might also look at the SA TRP 1911. Great pistol too.

Forgot to say if you don't know what your doing in regards to the parts you mentioned, I would have a gunsmith do it. However, its not that hard to do with the right tools and a good 1911 book.

In my opinion the Kimber is about the nicest factory mass produced 1911 out there. Colt is also nice as is many of the others including the Springfield.

If you really must have the very best, you would do well to look at Wilson and some of the other custom and semi-custom models. A lot more pricey, but with some nice special features.

Bill

As it has been stated already....Kimber isan excellent (IMO the best)production 1911 pistol. I have two of them and would not take anything for them. I am a huge Kimber fan and always will be.If was going to go out and tryto look for or buy a pistolthat was "better" than aKimberI would have to go with a Wilson Combat model.

No offense, but I think that the word'best' might be difficult to pin down. Each of us that have a 1911 might think that we have the best one on the market. I believe that Kimber uses some custom features that others use but they use them as standard practices in their guns. If you want a topnotch 1911, you canexpect to spend a few thousand dollars to get it. Thequestion is, areyou willing to spend that much? Personally, Iwouldn't mind looking at one, but I don't want to spend that much money. :):D

About the trigger and hammer thing. I feel that I could perform the task, but if you don't feel comfortable in doing it, there are manuals out there that will take you step by step through the process. Personally, Ifeel good when I can do my own work, but I also take my time and don't get in a hurry.Wouldn't it be fun to be in a gun store that had nothing butexamples of all the 1911's made? :DORIGINAL: KeithB

I been looking at Springfield 1911 loaded and thropy match models.

Well a couple people said; "if your spending that much you should should get a Kimber 1911 they are the best"

Others swear by Colt

My Taurus PT1911 is a realy nice shooter too :D

So now i am confused. [8D]

Edit: on the Mil-Spec Springer, how hard to change out the trigger and hammer to match stuff? Does it require a gunsmith?

ORIGINAL: SPRINGER

Wouldn't it be fun to be in a gun store that had nothing butexamples of all the 1911's made? :D


That would be awesome :D

so many great guns and so little time to shoot them all. [&:]

Maybe i will wait till i have over 1000 rounds through my Taurus PT1911 and see if i still want something different [8D] It has almost 300 so far and going to the range tommorow :)

Best...is a relative term. best for what? best for target? most reliable? best for self defense?
a Kimber is certainly a well made gun and is one of my favorites. But there are other manufacturers that are as good. also you can consider, best value? Each type of 1911 style weapon has it's niche.

just my 2 cents.

My 1st 1911 was a Springfield Mil-Spec, a really good shooter. I bought a used Kimber Compact that I stumbled across at a gun shop. It is much smoother & accurate than the Springfield. Much more refined.

I shot a S&W version of the 1911 that came out of their custom shop. Fired 10 shots at 7 yard target, offhand. One ragged hole. Impressed was I.

Take a look at www.1911forum.com

Kimbers are great pistols, but considering how many custom 'smiths are building pistols, they are from from the best.

One word of advice, a 1911 can be a wonderful reliable tool, but it can also be a danger if not manufactured correctly or if messed with by anyone but a good 'smith. I had a Loaded Springfield that was a great gun. After installing a "Drop-in" trigger, hammer and springs my once great handgun turned into an unreliable danger of a gun. The hammer would follow the slide any chance it had. I put the factory stuff back in, but after punching a hole through my leather couch, entertainment stand, wall and bath tub I decided to sell it to a gunsmith and went back to revolvers.

Well there are many mfgs that make the 1911, Even Sig has got their hands into them. But I think to define your question you need to be asking what is the best based on what your budget is. How much can you afford will start your search for the best in that price range. Then like the others have said. What is it going to be used for, do you plan on shooting 10,000 rounds though it or just about 50 rounds a yr. Thats what is going to dictate the rest of your decision.

Kimbers, Para's, Springfields, are all good

Wilsons, Les Baer, STI's and all the other customs are great too but cost alot more.

I have the best of both worlds, Kimber Pro Carry and Colt Officer Lightweight. Like them both. Bought a Springfield Loaded once, it was a piece of junk. Slide jammed up on the very first round fired. Fortunatley I was right next door to one of the premier 1911 gunsmiths in the country who happend to be a Springfield distributer. They took my Springfield apart and did some grinding to the slide and put it back together. Worked fine after that but I never trusted it again. Just my experience with a Springfield loaded 1911.

I had a Kimber Pro Carry and found it to be a nice, tight handgun that rarely, if ever, jammed. However, it's accuracywas not significantlybetter than some other .45 1911 style pistols - including Springfields - that I've shot.Springfield makes a nice handgun!

I've never owned a Kimber but have shot one several times. If you're going to spend that kind of money I would get the Kimber.

I accurize 45 autos, I have done colts, para ord, argentine m1927, norincos among others. If I were to buy one more 45 it would be a kimber...they are quite good out of the box.

I shoot the Taurus also its a good gun to shoot daily,havent had a problem with mine.If I was going competition shooting I would get a wilson or custom made gun

ORIGINAL: steelhorse 1971

I shoot the Taurus also its a good gun to shoot daily,havent had a problem with mine.If I was going competition shooting I would get a wilson or custom made gun


350 some rounds on my Taurus PT1911, flawless with LSAWC, FMJ, or JHPs factory or reloads; it doesn't care what i feed it :D

I don't know that there is a "best" 1911. If you want to do some research there are several on-line 1911 forums. The sig forum is a real good site, the people on there are very knowledgeable and love talking about guns. If you are dead set on a 1911 and are looking at Kimber you might want to take a look Colt, Springfield, Wilson, S&W and Les Baer. My personal favorite is the Les Baer Monolith. It is pricey but in my opinion is the best built 1911 available. For every day carry I would go with Colt , Springfield or S&W. If there is a range near you that lets you rent guns maybe you should go shoot some different 1911s and see what you like best. Good luck, you can't go wrong with the .45, and the 1911 is a fantastic platform, very versatile. Oh, and if you get a chance, try the Sig Sauer P220, it isn't a 1911, but it is one hell of a .45. Cheers

My Springfied 1911...on a bedside table when a scumbag breaks into my house......
or a Kimber on the table......?
Hmmmmmm. I bet my Springfield kills him almost as good.....and cheaper.

It all depends on what you want from a weapon, but my Springfield Armory
Compact shoots straight, doesn't jam......cost me $475.

Chuck

Dollar for dollar for what you get the Taurus PT1911 is maybe the best. The more i shoot it the more i like it.

I think so.

I have had several Kimber 1911's and they are great. I now have a S&W 1911 and like it better, plus I think S&W has a better warranty.

Tausus is life time warranty i think

I have a kimber 1911eclipse target 2, this thing for being a prodution gun is one word "AWESOME" best 1911 style pistol I have ever owned, have had S&W, Glock. It is unbelievable...

here is a pict of my "Kimber"

local://upfiles/45508/A3605762D98C422AAD1FEEB9A361BDC8.jpg

If you shoot alot get a steel frame( I had one crack, a tactical custom II) Kimber has great customer service. the previously mentioned TCII was sent to Kimber and I had a new one in about a week. My wife has a Tactical Ultra II that shoots like a dream, but I am waiting for the frame to crack on that one. To me the best bang for your buck is the TLE II. Also Kimbers are tight from the factory, and will take a while to break in.

It's difficult to say which would be the "best" 1911 out there. Lots of great guns.
But Kimber is surely really well made.
I'm partial to steel frames, and I own a Custom Shop Raptor.
Springfields are also very well made. Never found one which wasn't less than good, and I owned five (all traded in with deep regret for some other gun one time or another, because local law forbids owning more than three handguns classified as non-sporting guns).
Colt... it's a difficult subject. It's not that they don't build very good guns, it's just that quality is very inconsistent. You may find a really great 1911, then right beside it a real POS, with all the tolerances off and the timing jumbled up.
So, unless you know exactly what to check for, avoid Colt 1911 after series 70, the last to have real good maufacture.

1911 Colt series 70 Gold Cup

Its the best under 1500.00 45 ACP that money can buy

If U have more $$$$$, try Les Bauer

I have Colt, Kimber, Baer, Ithaca, all in 1911's. 7 in all and shoot them all. The Baer is an 1 1/2 gun and shoots very well. I have 3 Kimbers and like them also. As for the best, I think any good 1911 is the best. The Ithaca is WWII, Two colts a series 70, and WWI. I carried one in service also. Just like a Harley, I can't stay away from them.

No one has mentioned the Springfield TRP. I have one and I must say, its smooth with a great 4lb trigger pull, shoots strait and is a dream to hold in the hand. I know others have mentiond the springfield military model, and trust me, the TRP is in a league of its own compared to the military model.

Chris

http://www.gunshopfinder.com/springfield/PC9107L.jpg

Once you get that 1911 bug it sure bites hard..

So is the TRP a step up from the Thropy Match? I looked on SA page, said something about being a the FBI contract model.

ORIGINAL: sonar_chris

No one has mentioned the Springfield TRP. I have one and I must say, its smooth with a great 4lb trigger pull, shoots strait and is a dream to hold in the hand. I know others have mentiond the springfield military model, and trust me, the TRP is in a league of its own compared to the military model.

Chris

http://www.gunshopfinder.com/springfield/PC9107L.jpg

ORIGINAL: KeithB

So is the TRP a step up from the Thropy Match? I looked on SA page, said something about being a the FBI contract model.

ORIGINAL: sonar_chris

No one has mentioned the Springfield TRP. I have one and I must say, its smooth with a great 4lb trigger pull, shoots strait and is a dream to hold in the hand. I know others have mentiond the springfield military model, and trust me, the TRP is in a league of its own compared to the military model.

Chris

http://www.gunshopfinder.com/springfield/PC9107L.jpg



I would say that the TRP is a pretty good step up from the Trophy Match model. Alot of the pices are hand fitted, and match grade. IMHO it is a superb pistol that had a smoother action than the Kimbers I shot.

Chris

what does it cost, the TM is like $1200 i think. The black stainles Loaded i am eying is $998

TRP cost me 1200 with taxes and all.

Chris

Any well made 1911 is a great choice. You can spend $700 for a Colt or $3500 for a Wilson Combat. If you stay with a good line from a good manufacturer, they are all great pistols. Each has fit/finish and features that add to the cost. You have to figure out what features are worth the money to you. Good luck.

I love the Kimbers, they're quality guns. Which is the best? Which girl is the prettiest? One of my shooting buddies justpurchased a Fusion Firearms 6" longslide. Very nice quality and feels great. When he told me the price it hurt my feelings. Definately check them out.

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

Better check out an STI too.
STIGUNS.com

Even nicer than a kimber, more money too, and holds more rounds!

I am late chiming in here, but as a big 1911fan, 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).

Treat it like you treat your bike.

Buy a platform for mods. Get the Springfield (I'd maybebegin 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 someof the work yourself, save some $ and have some fun.

Enjoy!!

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.

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!!!

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.

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.

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.

<><Peace

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.

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, LesBear ,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

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 .

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 carryand love the weight with theAluminum 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 postedis tempting me.

I can't say Kimber isbetter 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. Avisit1911 tuner and 700 bucks will make either one shoot sub 1" groups at 25 yards from a bench rest.

local://upfiles/14162/C060B628B92F4283B5A66BC6D111F7FE.jpg

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.

Considerbikes. Irun a Pan/Shovel with original '63 factory matched cases. It's been rebuilt, when I put the Shovel top on,but the cases havenever been cracked or welded. That makes at, in my opinion, (plus it's my bike), the bestHarley 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 myopinion, it's the best. It's worth more than any other .45 auto that Iam aware of; not because of how it shoots, but because of the historic value. I've been offered outrageous bucks for it, but my grandsonwillinherit it.I've also owneda Combat Commander; aLlama 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.

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.

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.

kimber is ok,stay away from the tactical extractor models they had issues. springfield is a great gun without emptying your bank account.

Ive always have been partial to colts my self.

My favorite is Para Ordnance 14.45 LDA !!

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

Is Kimber the best 1911? IMHO not just no, but hell no!:D

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

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.

STI makes the best 1911s, as almost all IPSC shooters use them.

http://www.stiguns.com/

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..

Depends on the internal safety&nbsp\\;\\\\\\;Some Colts and Kimbers have. I stay away from these models. KimberII and Colt 80's&nbsp\\; But thats just me im old school.

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

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&amp\\;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&nbsp\\;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&nbsp\\; ie:&nbsp\\;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&nbsp\\;time and cocentration. Along with a correctly adjusted sear spring a&nbsp\\;crisp 3 to&nbsp\\;4 pound press can be obtained. Judging a quality gun should be made on overall fit.
Again just my opinion, the Wilson and the&nbsp\\;Baer that&nbsp\\;I am shooting now have the best overall fit.&nbsp\\;Keeping in mind that all the guns listed in the tread are not all in the same price range.&nbsp\\;There is a difference in a&nbsp\\;$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. &nbsp\\;

Nothing stirs up the crap more than the brand X is the&nbsp\\;'best' whatever caliber.&nbsp\\; That said, I collect 1911's and have for some time.&nbsp\\; 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.&nbsp\\; If you want to spend less, I also like the Springfields esp. the TRP model.&nbsp\\; Most of the brands recommended here are top rated.&nbsp\\; Kimber has been around a long time and lot's of people like them althought I am not partial to them.&nbsp\\; 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.&nbsp\\; Check out the brand specific forums for example and look at the complaints and raves.&nbsp\\; A pistol is like a bike, you gotta find what you like!
Good Luck

I have a Kimber Custom TLE II and a Springfield Lightweight Champion Operator.&nbsp\\; They're both as accurate as I can shoot, and they both feel great.&nbsp\\; However, the Kimber will have a round hang up on the feed ramp from time to time.&nbsp\\; It does it too often for me to have a lot of confidence in.&nbsp\\; I'll be gettin' that fixed hopefully sometime soon.&nbsp\\; I have yet to have a problem with the Springfield.&nbsp\\; If my life was on the line, the Springfield is what I would grab first.&nbsp\\; I do like the sights on the Kimber better, though.&nbsp\\; They're easier to see during the day.&nbsp\\; The sights on both guns are easy to see in the dark.&nbsp\\; Once I get the Kimber fixed up, it'll be every bit as reliable as the Springfield.&nbsp\\; I love both of the guns.

I now have three Kimbers. My lastest is the SIS Custom RL, I haven't had a chance to shoot it but it has a lot of concealment features. I like that they won't be offering the gun after this year so I had to pick one up. I not saying that Kimbers are better than other 1911's but I like both of my full size Kimbers better than the Para-Ordnance P-14 I also own. The P-14 is nice do to the high capacity mags but I'd rather just re-load.