Posted: 2/12/2004 7:24:15 PM EDT
I like the way the STI Ranger looks as a carry gun. However, it looks like the frame is shorter than the Officer's length. I don't want to be limited to non-standard mags.{I consider Officer's length to be one of two standard length.} I also like the Wilson CQB, though I would get mine in Compact if I got one. The full size frame would work well with the other mags I have, but the Wilson Combat officer's mags would have to go...  The Kimber Compact CDP II is has the upper hand, as it rides with me daily. However, I would like to change out the slide stop as I believe it may be a MIM part -- or maybe I'm wrong -- the firing pin safety doesn't bother me, as I'm not a 1911 purist. The gun is excellent but I might like a few minor tweaks.  The STI is about $1150 with night sights and the Wilson probably has a street value of $1300-$1500 IIRC. The Kimber was about $850 lightly used but I would be putting some work gunsmith hours on it if I keep it. So of the three which offers the most upside? Is the Kimber going to approach the STI or Wilson if I send it off to a 1911 'smith to have some work done like a reliablity job, etc??? Or is there something else out there I should consider. I like the Kobra Carry, but $2300 is a bit steep with a $1600 STI Custom on the way and a $1500 300 Whisper Suppressed upper in the works.... Thanks......Ed |
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If I were spending Shivan's $, I'd pick the CQB. I really like a friend's full size CQB. Probably the smoothest 1911 I've handled. The kicker is I could't shoot it much (if any) better than my lightly modified 1991A1 (steel arched MS housing and trigger job), and I doubt it is any more reliable. My old Colt (10 years and counting) just shoots and shoots. I added a steel MS housing to my Kimber compact and had to replace the extractor. Now it also shoots well, and I've had no problems since the factory extractor was junked. |
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Here is my thought process so far... If I sell the Kimber I can likely get about $800, maybe $750 or so after shipping. Then I need to track down the replacement, all of which are in the neighborhood of $1400-$2000. So, I will need to come up with bewteen $600 and $1200 to get a replacement. My immediate thought is that I can keep the Kimber, get a reliability job done on it, change out the slide stop, ambi safety, and beavertail, and get it all refinished black. Upon cursory review that is about $500-$600 and I would be keeping a gun that is already broken in etc..... Am I missing something?? If I were to keep the Kimber, who would do the best work and who could I count on to make the gun a super RELIABLE carry piece...it funcitons 100% now, but I'd like it to be given a deidcated "once-over" to insure that it's the best it can be.... I'd also like it BLACK... So, given all those thoughts do I still move the Kimber and replace it?? |
