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Springfield's are built like the Colt Model 70's in that they have no firing pin block device. The PT1911's do use the Series 80 firing pin block, but the Kimbers use a Swartz safety mechanism which colt experimented with in the 1930s and then dropped from their production guns.

Some guns do not like some holsters, the Taurus guns with a rail are a good example. Same goes with grips some manufacturers place the grip screws in a slightly different location than the mil-spec guns which means that many larger grips will not work on those guns, although most regular grips will still fit. When looking at grips you must also take into account some added features that may be present on the gun such as an ambi-safety or bobbed grip.

The Annoyed Man wrote:

MojoTexas wrote:I had looked at the Taurus 1911s before buying my Kimber back in February. From what I've heard, they're a great value for the money, but they're not exactly 100% compatible with other 1911 pistols. In other words, your mileage may vary trying to find holsters that fit perfectly, or trying to use aftermarket parts like grips and stuff. I don't know how true this is...but it's what I've heard. I would think that if you're just looking for an inexpensive range gun, a Taurus 1911 would be a great buy, especially if you're okay with keeping it stock.

I know what you mean about the first time shooting a 1911. My buddy has a Springfield TRP and shooting his TRP was what hooked me.

My son has a Taurus 1911. I don't know about "100%," but the old stainless slide-stop lever from my Kimber Stainless UC II has been doing duty in my son's Taurus 1911 for the past 2 years now; so that part at least appears to be compatible with other 1911s. The primary trouble my son has had with his Taurus is finding a holster to fit it. His is the PT1911AR with the accessory rail, and the Taurus rail is larger and more obtrusive than the rails on similar Kimbers or Springfields. So unless you can get someone to make you a custom holster, it doesn't look like anyone makes a standard model of holster to fit that gun.

IIRC Crossbread makes a holster for the PT1911 w/ rail.

SlickTX wrote: Quality
Price
Service

Pick any two, but forget the third.

Not always true, you can get all three with the Rock Island Armory guns (I do own one of those as well) and I can attest to that from personal experience. I love my little RIA, but the mid-sized Kimber is my daily carry because of it's lighter weight (Aluminum alloy frame). I can say that out of all my guns the Rock Island is the only one to have proven it will continue to run when it shouldn't, and that gun has a round count that would make some ammo dealers very happy. To be honest I have considered taking it to a smith for new internals due to the high round count, however they are still in great shape and everything works properly so it stays the way it is save for the springs.