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AR15.COM
12/11/2010 10:40:34 AM EDT
Thinking about purchasing my first 1911...looking at the Kimber Crimson Trace.  Anyone willing to share their experience with this pistol?
12/11/2010 10:45:59 AM EDT
[#1]
Though they can be removed, I don't like the swartz safety on Kimbers. I want to like CTGs on a 1911, but they fail me (a left-handed shooter) completely with respect to both form and function.
12/11/2010 10:50:59 AM EDT
[#2]
What is the Swartz safety?
12/11/2010 11:08:58 AM EDT
[#3]
Around the 1990s ALL mid-high grade production class 1911s came equipped with needless "CYA" safeties that JMB never designed nor intended for use on the 1911. The best one was Springfield Armory's ILS system, It is the best because it is completely removable and replacing it with a stock mainspring housing puts the weapon in spec with the GI design. Colt's "Series 80" design is next. Adopted in the early 1980s, it had proprietary parts distinct from the GI and Series 70 configured 1911s, and though it can be disabled, the gun cannot be utterly restored to GI spec due to mods in the slide and frame, but it works and is soundly-designed. The Swartz safety was a design that was created in the youth of the 1911. When it became en vogue to put these stupid safeties on 1911s one either had to invent their own CYA safety (Colt, SA) or they incorporated another's design (Kimber, S&W, Para). The problem with the swartz is akin to the problem with the S&W "lawyer locks"... they are reliable enough when considered in the totality of things but by design, there is a potential they don't engage, making the weapon useless at the wrong time possible. So, like the series 80, there are proprietary parts and holes machined in the weapon that remain once you disable the safety, but unlike the Series 80, the design is not as reliable.
12/11/2010 11:14:26 AM EDT
[#4]
Thanks, appreciate you taking the time to explain.
12/11/2010 1:16:32 PM EDT
[#5]
I'm not a fan of laser grips, so I say spend your money on more gun, not more grip.  What is the price of the CT Kimber?
12/11/2010 2:54:58 PM EDT
[#6]
Quoted:
I'm not a fan of laser grips, so I say spend your money on more gun, not more grip.  What is the price of the CT Kimber?


Good advice in my opinion. Buy more gun with the difference in price of $200 + or - its a decision you wont regret.
12/12/2010 5:01:31 AM EDT
[#7]
I have the full size model. It has been flawless. I love it. The only real advantage to the laser is when you wake up from a dead sleep and it helps you get a point of reference. I would install night sights on it. I did on mine.