Getting the Itch (again)

[stash]

Yesterday I had the opportunity to handle (not shoot) a full size about 12 year old Kimber 1911 and I was impressed. The thing was really tight but real smooth and slim (I shoot Glocks). The owner said he shoots it quite a bit and he has never had a problem with it and has never had to change any springs or anything. Well, I gotta have one now.

I am going to do some research but I thought I would check here first for any recommendations in the 600-1000 dollar or so range for an all steel full size basic 1911.

Stan

[OldCannon]

I am going to do some research but I thought I would check here first for any recommendations in the 600-1000 dollar or so range for an all steel full size basic 1911.
Stan

Kimber isn't high on my list of 1911's I would recommend. I just don't think their quality exceeds others. Look at STI, Ruger, RIA, or SIG. Each offers different lines and features inside the price range you're looking at.

[MoJo]

STI Spartan, Springfield Milspec, Most of the offerings from Armscor (RIA, High Standard etc.) Taurus PT1911 That's a good starting list. Of course there are the S&W 1911s, Remington, Ruger and a legion of others. I would avoid the New Kimbers there are just too many problems reported with them for a $1,000+ gun.

[The Annoyed Man]

On the flip side, my Kimber which I recently (regrettably) sold was a flawless gun, and neither have the Kimbers owned by my son and his SA given them a single hiccup or bobble. Mine was purchased in 2008, my son's in 2010, and his SA's in 2011. For all the complaints I hear about Kimbers, my own experience has been nothing but positive. If you don't believe me, ask pbratton who purchased mine what he thinks of it.

[mossytxn]

Springfield Range Officer.

We can close the post now....

[The Annoyed Man]

Springfield Range Officer.

We can close the post now....

....and Springfield does indeed make nice 1911s. I own a "Loaded" model, and I like it very much as a utilitarian 5" "fighting gun." But I'm going to disagree here and say that Springfields are not any more perfect than any other 1911 brand in a given price range, Kimbers included.

We hear on these pages ocasionally from disappointed Kimber owners (substitute name brand here in place of Kimber, including famously reliable brands like Glock), but we rarely ever hear from the thousands of satisfied owners of Kimbers (or, again, substitute name brand/platform here) because it is human nature to not say anything unless it is to complain.

Our member "randomoutburst" (where has she been lately?) purchased an STI 1911 in commander length for herself a couple of years ago. She was in a public restroom and set the pistol down on top of something, from which it fell, striking the floor. When it hit the floor, broken parts flew off of it (I don't remember the parts). So much for the mighty STI's reputation, but I never saw any of the same kind of responses against STI in that thread as I have heard against Kimber in similar threads. I used to own a Sig GSR Stainless Carry 1911 in commander length—without a doubt the most unreliable gun I've ever owned bar none, but people sing their praises, and you don't ever hear much negative feedback about them. Mine was so bad that I swallowed a $120 loss and turned it back in to the store I bought it from, and used the credit toward the purchase of my flawless Kimber. Name a brand of higher end production 1911 makers, and you will find a community on the web dedicated to smearing that maker's name.

That's why I don't pay much attention to the criticisms anymore, nor to the claims of vast superiority of one brand over another in the roughly $800 to $1,500 price range.

[74novaman]

In the $600 range, a basic Springfield or Rock Island Tactical would be a nice "starter" 1911. Then you can always customize either of those later on if that itch hasn't been fully scratched.

[OldCannon]

I would absolutely, positively advise you to stay away from the Taurus PT1911. The "hammer lock screw" safety feature has locked up on me and others while firing, and it renders your pistol completely inoperable until you get the little allen wrench and "unlock" it again. It is a horrible, and potentially life-endangering, "safety" feature. Taurus will void your warranty if you replace the hammer, and they offer no conversion kit to remove the feature.

[mossytxn]

Springfield Range Officer.

We can close the post now....

....and Springfield does indeed make nice 1911s. I own a "Loaded" model, and I like it very much as a utilitarian 5" "fighting gun." But I'm going to disagree here and say that Springfields are not any more perfect than any other 1911 brand in a given price range, Kimbers included.

No question...all the makers have the ups and downs. Kimber haters seem to be more vocal. I have the aforementioned RO, as well as an Ultra CDP from Kimber.

I'll expand upon my previous post a bit. For the price range given ($750 or so) the OP can get a hand fitted gun from Springfield in the Range Officer, get Springfield's awesome warranty, and still have money left for 750 or so rounds of practice ammo.

That same money will get him into some of the base model Kimbers or STIs. On the low end of the range several more options open up. But who else makes a $750 full size all steel 1911 that gets fitted like the Range Officer. That has to be one of the best bargains out there right now.

I say all this but will freely admit I am not a Springer fanboy. I do not like the XD line. Flame away on that one!

[karder]

There are a bunch of good 1911's you can get in the $600-$1000 range. Consider Colt as well. Colt is not as good a "bargain" as some of the other guns listed in this thread, but I have always had a great fondness for the brand, probably because my father always had a Colt revolver in his pocket. Most any 1911 will run right, just use quality magazines and maintain the gun as per manufactures specifications and you should be good to go. I have personally shot tens of thousands of rounds with Colt, Kimber, Para Ordinance, and a few hundred with Sig 1911's and all have been reliable and good quality firearms. Good luck with your search.

[PBratton]

Wow, stirred up the 1911 hornets nest again, eh?

Well, I agree with TAM's statement regarding the Kimbers, I've owned three, all ultras, and have had not a single issue with them. They are my EDC.

I also own a loaded Springfield, which is my favorite target pistol.

And one of the first Taurus PT1911's to roll off the line, it has been flawless. When I received this one, I took it straight to the range and put 500 rounds through it, took it back the following week and shot another 500 rounds through it. Didn't clean or disassemble the gun until after the 1000th round. Pretty well proved to be a keeper in my book.

What ever you end up getting, you'll love it. And, rest assured, you'll own more than just one before it's all done.

[fickman]

I have a full size Kimber 1911 and love it. It's a simple Custom II with no bells and whistles except for some rubber grips.

The (few) complaints we do see around here about Kimbers tend to be the 3" barrels. . . and most of those are during the break in period.

You can also spend some unproductive time drooling over Wilson Combat 1911s.

[A-R]

STI Spartan ~ $600-$650 new and now available in three barrel lengths - 5, 4.25, and 3.5 inches

[rentz]

Springfield Range Officer.

We can close the post now....

This would be my choice as well. Love mine

[OldCannon]

STI Spartan ~ $600-$650 new and now available in three barrel lengths - 5, 4.25, and 3.5 inches

Um, they're really more in the 700-800 range.