Posted: 2/19/2007 12:38:24 PM EDT
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Howdy everyone. My first post in 1911's. I've relocated back to Colorado, come to find out had I moved back last year I could have renewed my concealed carry without having to go thru the classes again, but what the hell, I'm rusty anyway. I'd like to hear from fellow Arfcomers who have or currently own a Kimber AND a Wilson Combat. I had the pleasure of firing a Kimber for the first time a few months ago, needless to say I immediately fell in love. I also sent my older Series 80 Colt Commanding Officer's model (4.25" stainless) to Wilson Combat for a reliability job and trigger work. I'm VERY pleased with what they have done. I still have a love affair going on with my Sig 229 in .40 and a newer Sig 220 carry, but a super slick 1911 is hard to beat. I'll soon have a newly issued concealed carry permit, and thought I'd reward myself with a new .45 and was leaning heavily on the CDP Kimber, but now I'm beginning to wonder what I'd be missing out on with the Wilson. Ideally I'd buy both, but I've got other priorities.....the new 1098 Ducati has been calling me. Can anyone who has first hand experience with both offer their opinions? Thanks |
| Between the CDP and a similar Wilson, the Wilson is going to be the nicer of the two in my opinion. And it should be, because it will cost a fair amount more (maybe double or more!). Chances are the Kimber will work just fine. However, comparing the two, the Kimber will be a series 80, all the Wilson's are series 70's. The Kimber will have a lot of MIM parts (doesnt the Kimber have a plastic main spring housing?), the Wilson will have all machined bar stock steel parts. The finish on the Kimber is sub-par, I have seen a CDP that was just a couple years old that looked like it was 20 years old. No finish at all on any of the high points of the frame (the only part of the gun that has finish applied to it). I have seen many barrels on Kimbers that are terribly prone to rust on the exterior, even when you are mindful of it. I have seen no such problems on the Wilsons. The Kimber will be noticably lighter with its aluminum frame when compared to the steel frames of the Wilsons. Just some thoughts. If you can swing the Wilson, I would get it. If not, the Kimber will be a nice, lightweight gun! |
Kimber doesn't use a series 80 safety. Series 80 is tied into the trigger, and it adversely affects the pull. Kimber's does not. That being said, they're both useless IMHO, but the Kimber safety can be easily bypassed by replacing the firing pin with a series 70 pin, and it won't effect your trigger. |
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yup, the Kimber uses the "Schwartz" safety which is tied to the grip safety. Cons of Kimber: Plastic MSH the black finish is shit- wears after 50 rounds and a few draws. The SS..is well, SS though MIM parts- most have no problem with them, but all agree MIM is not ideal I have a Kimber that I love although I did change a few things. The Wilson should be the better gun, although you will pay for the higher quality. It's up to you, do you want a good gun for a reasonable price, or an excellent gun for a price that you would expect an excellent gun to cost? |
| I do have a Wilson. I don't have a Kimber. I don't think I will ever bother buying one either. I will buy more Wilsons. You might as well compare a Z-28 to a Ferrari. Kimbers have their fans who enjoy them and there is nothing wrong with that in the least, but the best kimber ever made isn't in the same league as a Wilson Combat pistol. |
 So true.
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+1 but from what i have held/heard, the WC is nothing to compare to a kimber...but is the price worth it? i cant aswer that until i get both! |
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It' unanimous. Somtimes you don't always get what you pay for, but in this instance it appears you do. I was very impressed with Wilson's Customer Service and communication when they reworked my Colt. I'll wait a few extra weeks and go ahead and go with the WC. Thanks to all.  Larry |
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Let me sum up my thoughts in a quick comparison. I have owned a few Kimbers over the years and sold off all except for an older Series I Custom Classic. I have been thinking of having the front strap checkered and adding an ambi-satety, nite-sights and different (more durable) finish to the Kimber. In the meantime, however, I bought a Wilson Combat Protector in all stainless. That Wilson is such a great 1911 I'm now thinking of selling off the Kimber instead of having the modifcations done. The Wilson is that good a gun. |
Some of us Older   Arm Chairmmandos remember being issued Remington Rands, Major.  Kimbers are Nice but they just AIN'T Wilsons. 
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| I have put 23K rounds through a Kimber and 12K rounds through a WC. Both are very good guns at their price point, and I wouldn’t hesitate to purchase either again. However, my WC Protector is a much better gun than my Kimber, as it should be considering the price difference. |