Posted: 11/4/2004 9:02:11 AM EDT
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OK, I've got it narrowed down to the: Kimber Stainless Pro Carry II (alloy frame)  Kimber Stainless Pro Carry HD II (steel frame)  Springfield Champion  |
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Worth what it costs you, no more: I recently bought an aluminum-framed SA, and have been pleased w/ it. The kimber AL frames have a bad reputation, due to not using ramped barrels, for frame wear with steel-follower magazines. The slide stop in the aforementioned SA is a bit loose, and I haven't attended to the issue yet, but it runs great, feeds everything, and is scary accurate. Sa's have 2-piece barrels; not sure about Kimbers, and I have no proof that it really matters. On compact 1911's, I like the idea of ramped barrels. I'd choose the SA, especially if the price was favorable. I have 2 of them now, and have been pleased. But bad as I hate to say it, they're not Colts.  |
i didn't even know Springfield made an aluminum-framed 1911! do they make a 4" aluminum frame?
any more info. on this? |
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I like the ultra cdp ll, but after about 150 rds of practicing my fingers start to hurt they really checkered the the grip, its my main carry have Just a thought, try and find a dealer that has demos, "yes some do", I might have considered the SPRINGY if I had a chance to see it b4 the kimber though, few $ less, "They may be small but they still pack 45 ACP. |
 still can't make up my mind. 
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| HMMMMMM, Such a Dilemma, < had to look it up for spelling, "never know if my 11th grade english teacher is on board", oh Hell, Buy all 3 that way you know you made a decision. I've done that and Yes I've lost $$$$$ when it was time to kick one out. Seriously though, decide on what you want it for//Self Defense-carry-something a bit more concealable, / range shooting, or strictly home defense- full size, And I hate to keep refering people to other sites, but..........check out 1911.com, all sites have some members really geared to certain ?'s, the Bottom Line is-what do you feel comfortable with. IN the end only you can decide............................ |
right now i carry a springfield XD subcompact in 9mm. i would like to go with something slimmer and a bigger round, so I would like to eventually carry the 1911 once i got used to it. so that is why i'm stikcing with the 4" and am leaning toward the alloy frame. i would also eventually make it my home defense gun |
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someone else suggested the SW1911Sc www.firearms.smith-wesson.com/store/index.php3?cat=293581&item=865224&sw_activeTab=1 thoughts? |
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I have a Pro CDP as a daily carry gun. The weight savings from the aluminum frame is nice for that purpose. I have found that the metal followers on the Kimber mags can gouge up the inside of the frame, though. If it's going to be a range or competition gun, go with the steel. If it's for carry, go with the aluminum frame, but definitely buy Wilson Combat mags for it. |
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Kimber Pro Carry II HD in all stainless would be my choice. Tocoma, Washington PD couldnt get one of the factory supplied guns to fail during testing for their new duty pistol so they went out and purchased one from a local dealer. They couldnt get that one to fail either. That says enough about the Pro Carry II for me. Its on my shopping list actually. -Nugz |
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The deal w/ Kimbers and their aluminum frames is that they use standard (i.e. non-ramped barrels). So the magazine follower (on a usgi-type mag) sometimes rubs the front of the feed ramp, which, being part of the frame, is aluminum. This eventually leads to scrathces and gouges in the frame. SA's have ramped barrels, i.e. the feed ramp is part of the barrel, not the frame. I know it isn't 'proper' but I really like this setup. Mine feeds everything. Of the 2 SA's I have recently got, there is 1 problem w/ each.......1 has a slightly undersized slidestop. before I carry it, this will be remidied w/ a new WC bulletproof model. The other one, I *think* the FP stop is allowing the extractor to rotate a little, and causing the last round in the magazine to slip down out of the extractor groove a bit, causing it to FTE...though oddly, the empty (battered as it sometimes is) usually drops when I drop the empty mag. Neither of the above problems are consistent, except the undersized slide-stop problem, which manifests itself in the form of a locked slide mid-magazine, especially with +p's in the lightweight gun. Matter of fact, as they're breaking in, the guns are starting to jam less, though that doesn't really make sense in this case. But I'm no expert. As soon as I get the $ scraped up, the lightweight is getting the full tool-steel-replacement parts treatment, and the other one is getting a new FP stop, and a trigger job. |
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I voted for the Pro Carry w/aluminum frame because I figured you were looking for a carry gun (or at least 'carryable'), due to the 4" options you put up. If you stick with Wilson mags your frame will be fine (should be using Wilsons in any 1911 anyways). You will have a little less weight on your hip on those long days. All that said, I just think a first 1911 should be full size, it's a sentimental thing. As for carrying full size, although I'm young, I've got a bad hip with a huge pin in it on my strong side. But with a Sparks VM2 and good belt holding my full sized Kimber it works out fine for comfort, and coceals well in all but the hottest of months. |
Part of me agrees with this, and part of me thinks that you shouldn't be content with a 1911 until it runs 100% with usgi surplus magazines. |
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As far as my preference goes, I would not have an ambi safety on a 1911 carried daily cocked and locked, to many chances to get knocked off. A steel 1911 can be a heavy peice, I believe you would appreciate aluminum. I know some of you guys are tough and carry Desert Eagles in a pocket holster but I'm not that big. I have an aluminum 1911 that shoots great and has had about 30k through it so I wouldnt worry about durability (especially on a carry gun, you know, carry alot shoot a little). I would go with numero uno. That is of course if you have your mind set on one of these 3 and only in this length. |
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| Which one feels best for you? That said, I `ve handled the S&W 1911 Sc. Nice gun! The weight isn`t bad and it comes with Novak (or Novak type) sights. I would definitely give it a look if I were you. If money is a limiting factor, look at Springfield`s Mil Spec Ultra Compact. You can find it for about half to 2/3 of the Kimber. YMMV. HTH |
That's a good point. Part of me agrees with your statement as well. But when you have a deep love for the 1911 for aesthetics, plinking, history and potentially defending your life with, you tend to get the most proven reliable parts and accessories for them. Of course, not missing your point, the gun itself should be priority in terms of proven reliability. |
The USGI's I've bought, all 6 of them, were of variable quality. 1 or 2 never did work right. No USGI's for me, only Wilson. |
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I should have added a caveat, RE: usgi magazines... I should have said 'good' magazines. I know there are crappy usgi mags out there. I bought several old ones the other day, and I'm eager to see if they are good or not. And FWIW, I use wilson mags, too. But I like the fact that i don't HAVE to. if I'm going to carry a 1911 (i don't right now) or have it at my bedside at night (I do) it will (and does) have a wilson mag in it. |