Posted: 1/5/2010 10:41:04 AM EDT
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So I have a Kimber Custom II that I have owned for a while that I love to shoot. It is a great range/home defense gun for the price. The problem I have is with carrying it day to day. It prints pretty badly in my suits because of the 5" barrel and on top of that I am going to wear a hole in my pants where the muzzle rubs (IWB carry). So, I am going for a smaller 1911. I don't want a 3" barrel because of the reliability issues and because it won't work with my conversion kit which would greatly increase the cost of range time. So, I am interested in the following guns and would like input:
Kimber Pro Carry TLE II Kimber Crimson Pro Carry II Kimber Tactical Pro II Kimber Eclipse Pro II Kimber Pro Raptor II SA Loaded Champion Lightweight (OD Green/Black version) EDIT: I would like to add the STI Guardian and STI Ranger II to the mix.Of the two I like the Ranger better because it has a full size frame but I would want different sights. If you have another recommendation let me know. I want something with a 4" barrel, night sights (would have to be added to the crimson pro), and under $1,000. Also, I will be selling my current Kimber to a friend when I upgrade. I was thinking$550 or $600. Does that seem fair? Thanks for the help. |
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So I have a Kimber Custom II that I have owned for a while that I love to shoot. It is a great range/home defense gun for the price. The problem I have is with carrying it day to day. It prints pretty badly in my suits because of the 5" barrel and on top of that I am going to wear a hole in my pants where the muzzle rubs (IWB carry). So, I am going for a smaller 1911. I don't want a 3" barrel because of the reliability issues and because it won't work with my conversion kit which would greatly increase the cost of range time. So, I am interested in the following guns and would like input: Kimber Pro Carry TLE II Kimber Crimson Pro Carry II Kimber Tactical Pro II Kimber Eclipse Pro II Kimber Pro Raptor II SA Loaded Champion Lightweight (OD Green/Black version) If you have another recommendation let me know. I want something with a 4" barrel, night sights (would have to be added to the crimson pro), and under $1,000. Also, I will be selling my current Kimber to a friend when I upgrade. I was thinking$550 or $600. Does that seem fair? Thanks for the help. I would keep your Custom II if i were you and just get an additional carry gun. Hey if you wear suits all day you can afford it. You will regret selling it. But to your question, all of these are good. I would not get a SA loaded though just because I hav heard that particular series has more problems than the other SA models. Of the Kimbers you listed I would do The pro Raptor as my first choice, but above all of these I would recommend the Kimber Pro CDP. The CDP series is better designed for carry with rounded off edges and a lightweight aluminum alloy frame. If you want all black the Pro Carry II with the laser grips is pretty sweet. I personally find th Eclipse ugly. That is just MO. Any of these will make a fine carry gun though. Again,,,,,,Don't sell your Custom II, you will miss it |
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So I have a Kimber Custom II that I have owned for a while that I love to shoot. It is a great range/home defense gun for the price. The problem I have is with carrying it day to day. It prints pretty badly in my suits because of the 5" barrel and on top of that I am going to wear a hole in my pants where the muzzle rubs (IWB carry). So, I am going for a smaller 1911. I don't want a 3" barrel because of the reliability issues and because it won't work with my conversion kit which would greatly increase the cost of range time. So, I am interested in the following guns and would like input: Kimber Pro Carry TLE II Kimber Crimson Pro Carry II Kimber Tactical Pro II Kimber Eclipse Pro II Kimber Pro Raptor II SA Loaded Champion Lightweight (OD Green/Black version) If you have another recommendation let me know. I want something with a 4" barrel, night sights (would have to be added to the crimson pro), and under $1,000. Also, I will be selling my current Kimber to a friend when I upgrade. I was thinking$550 or $600. Does that seem fair? Thanks for the help. I would keep your Custom II if i were you and just get an additional carry gun. Hey if you wear suits all day you can afford it. You will regret selling it. But to your question, all of these are good. I would not get a SA loaded though just because I hav heard that particular series has more problems than the other SA models. Of the Kimbers you listed I would do The pro Raptor as my first choice, but above all of these I would recommend the Kimber Pro CDP. The CDP series is better designed for carry with rounded off edges and a lightweight aluminum alloy frame. If you want all black the Pro Carry II with the laser grips is pretty sweet. I personally find th Eclipse ugly. That is just MO. Any of these will make a fine carry gun though. Again,,,,,,Don't sell your Custom II, you will miss it The Raptor is becoming my top choice. Do you have any personal experience with it? I am a bit skeptical of the SA but the $825 price tag keeps it in the running. One of my biggest problems with a couple of the guns is the lack of checkering on the front strap. The reason I am going to sell the Custom II is because I tend to have a one track mind. If I buy a new gun I will never shoot the old one again unless it serves a different purpose which it would not in this case. I am not like most people that like to collect a bunch of guns. I have the guns that I shoot and when I get bored I find something new. Keeping the Custom II just means I have money sitting on the shelf instead of in the bank and I like money in the bank a whole lot more. In fact I am thinking about dumping my browing rimfire pistol and rifle that never get shot. |
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So I have a Kimber Custom II that I have owned for a while that I love to shoot. It is a great range/home defense gun for the price. The problem I have is with carrying it day to day. It prints pretty badly in my suits because of the 5" barrel and on top of that I am going to wear a hole in my pants where the muzzle rubs (IWB carry). So, I am going for a smaller 1911. I don't want a 3" barrel because of the reliability issues and because it won't work with my conversion kit which would greatly increase the cost of range time. So, I am interested in the following guns and would like input: Kimber Pro Carry TLE II Kimber Crimson Pro Carry II Kimber Tactical Pro II Kimber Eclipse Pro II Kimber Pro Raptor II SA Loaded Champion Lightweight (OD Green/Black version) If you have another recommendation let me know. I want something with a 4" barrel, night sights (would have to be added to the crimson pro), and under $1,000. Also, I will be selling my current Kimber to a friend when I upgrade. I was thinking$550 or $600. Does that seem fair? Thanks for the help. I would keep your Custom II if i were you and just get an additional carry gun. Hey if you wear suits all day you can afford it. You will regret selling it. But to your question, all of these are good. I would not get a SA loaded though just because I hav heard that particular series has more problems than the other SA models. Of the Kimbers you listed I would do The pro Raptor as my first choice, but above all of these I would recommend the Kimber Pro CDP. The CDP series is better designed for carry with rounded off edges and a lightweight aluminum alloy frame. If you want all black the Pro Carry II with the laser grips is pretty sweet. I personally find th Eclipse ugly. That is just MO. Any of these will make a fine carry gun though. Again,,,,,,Don't sell your Custom II, you will miss it I disagree the SA Loaded is a good pistol it may have its share of problems but no more than any other model or brand. |
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So I have a Kimber Custom II that I have owned for a while that I love to shoot. It is a great range/home defense gun for the price. The problem I have is with carrying it day to day. It prints pretty badly in my suits because of the 5" barrel and on top of that I am going to wear a hole in my pants where the muzzle rubs (IWB carry). So, I am going for a smaller 1911. I don't want a 3" barrel because of the reliability issues and because it won't work with my conversion kit which would greatly increase the cost of range time. So, I am interested in the following guns and would like input: Kimber Pro Carry TLE II Kimber Crimson Pro Carry II Kimber Tactical Pro II Kimber Eclipse Pro II Kimber Pro Raptor II SA Loaded Champion Lightweight (OD Green/Black version) If you have another recommendation let me know. I want something with a 4" barrel, night sights (would have to be added to the crimson pro), and under $1,000. Also, I will be selling my current Kimber to a friend when I upgrade. I was thinking$550 or $600. Does that seem fair? Thanks for the help. I would keep your Custom II if i were you and just get an additional carry gun. Hey if you wear suits all day you can afford it. You will regret selling it. But to your question, all of these are good. I would not get a SA loaded though just because I hav heard that particular series has more problems than the other SA models. Of the Kimbers you listed I would do The pro Raptor as my first choice, but above all of these I would recommend the Kimber Pro CDP. The CDP series is better designed for carry with rounded off edges and a lightweight aluminum alloy frame. If you want all black the Pro Carry II with the laser grips is pretty sweet. I personally find th Eclipse ugly. That is just MO. Any of these will make a fine carry gun though. Again,,,,,,Don't sell your Custom II, you will miss it The Raptor is becoming my top choice. Do you have any personal experience with it? I am a bit skeptical of the SA but the $825 price tag keeps it in the running. One of my biggest problems with a couple of the guns is the lack of checkering on the front strap. The reason I am going to sell the Custom II is because I tend to have a one track mind. If I buy a new gun I will never shoot the old one again unless it serves a different purpose which it would not in this case. I am not like most people that like to collect a bunch of guns. I have the guns that I shoot and when I get bored I find something new. Keeping the Custom II just means I have money sitting on the shelf instead of in the bank and I like money in the bank a whole lot more. In fact I am thinking about dumping my browing rimfire pistol and rifle that never get shot. The Raptor is a good pistol I just got a Grand Raptor II and it is a very nice pistol. You cannot go wrong with the Raptor. |
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I have not fired the Raptor, but I am pretty confident in saying that it will shoot the same as your Custom II. I chose the Raptor from your list for the looks.
Look at the CDP line on Kimber's Website. Since they are designed for carry they DO have checkering on the front strap as well as on the bottom of the trigger guard. For a strictly CCW purpose I don't think there is any other 1911 on the market that is better for the job........well in the $1000-1500 price range. It is nice looking, light, carry friendly (rounded edges), checkered, ambi-safety, the whole 9. I do not have experience with the SA loaded, just know what i have heard, and i have heard a lot of negative about the loaded line. The Operator and TRP SA are top notch however. If you like Kimber and are mainly looking for a CCW the Pro CDP is deffinitely your best bet. Although that Raptor is super nice as well. I am not partial to blued guns although I do have one, because they show finish wear quickly. The CDP has a stainless slide, and KIMPRO frame finish, so it will be more durable to finish wear from running it in and out of a holster a lot. But again......they are all fine choices. |
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So I have a Kimber Custom II that I have owned for a while that I love to shoot. It is a great range/home defense gun for the price. The problem I have is with carrying it day to day. It prints pretty badly in my suits because of the 5" barrel and on top of that I am going to wear a hole in my pants where the muzzle rubs (IWB carry). So, I am going for a smaller 1911. I don't want a 3" barrel because of the reliability issues and because it won't work with my conversion kit which would greatly increase the cost of range time. So, I am interested in the following guns and would like input: Kimber Pro Carry TLE II Kimber Crimson Pro Carry II Kimber Tactical Pro II Kimber Eclipse Pro II Kimber Pro Raptor II SA Loaded Champion Lightweight (OD Green/Black version) If you have another recommendation let me know. I want something with a 4" barrel, night sights (would have to be added to the crimson pro), and under $1,000. Also, I will be selling my current Kimber to a friend when I upgrade. I was thinking$550 or $600. Does that seem fair? Thanks for the help. I would keep your Custom II if i were you and just get an additional carry gun. Hey if you wear suits all day you can afford it. You will regret selling it. But to your question, all of these are good. I would not get a SA loaded though just because I hav heard that particular series has more problems than the other SA models. Of the Kimbers you listed I would do The pro Raptor as my first choice, but above all of these I would recommend the Kimber Pro CDP. The CDP series is better designed for carry with rounded off edges and a lightweight aluminum alloy frame. If you want all black the Pro Carry II with the laser grips is pretty sweet. I personally find th Eclipse ugly. That is just MO. Any of these will make a fine carry gun though. Again,,,,,,Don't sell your Custom II, you will miss it I disagree the SA Loaded is a good pistol it may have its share of problems but no more than any other model or brand. Goes to show you....don't always beleive what you hear. I hav just read a lot of trashing on the Loaded pistols. But like you said, any brand will have it's share. Kimber gets bashed a lot too, but I LOVE mine. |
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Most people have an issue with the grip printing and not the muzzle. Have you considered a different/better holster? Even a Milt Sparks would be a lot cheaper than a new gun.
I will admit I go with a Commander for carry though because the muzzle hits the seat before my butt on a gov't version. |
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I like my Kimbers to they are good pistols. Everyone has pistols they do not like and will trash one brand or another. I do not like Taurus or Para-Ordance. LOL......that's too funny. i actually have a Taurus PT1911. It was my first 1911 in fact. i bought it hesitantly thinking that Taurus was junk, but the salesman swore up and down about this thing...and for the price $600, I decided to take a chance. That thing shoots GREAT. Sure the checkering isn't all that great on the front strap, and the factory finish was junk. But man does that thing perform great. Right out of the box I shot 2" groups at 25 yards standing up. I had my slide polished and hot blued so now it looks as good as it shoots. As much as I LOVE my Taurus. i probably wouldn't buy a 2nd just because it's Taurus and will always have that "name stigma" if you will. But for the price they are actually really good guns. This is way off topic though so i will end by saying, just buy what you like and trust, and don't take anyone else's opinion TOO seriously, unless it is just a vast majority of people saying it sucks.....Lik Hi-Point or Jennings/Bryco or something like that. Good luck with your new 1911 decision |
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I like my Kimbers to they are good pistols. Everyone has pistols they do not like and will trash one brand or another. I do not like Taurus or Para-Ordance. LOL......that's too funny. i actually have a Taurus PT1911. It was my first 1911 in fact. i bought it hesitantly thinking that Taurus was junk, but the salesman swore up and down about this thing...and for the price $600, I decided to take a chance. That thing shoots GREAT. Sure the checkering isn't all that great on the front strap, and the factory finish was junk. But man does that thing perform great. Right out of the box I shot 2" groups at 25 yards standing up. I had my slide polished and hot blued so now it looks as good as it shoots. As much as I LOVE my Taurus. i probably wouldn't buy a 2nd just because it's Taurus and will always have that "name stigma" if you will. But for the price they are actually really good guns. This is way off topic though so i will end by saying, just buy what you like and trust, and don't take anyone else's opinion TOO seriously, unless it is just a vast majority of people saying it sucks.....Lik Hi-Point or Jennings/Bryco or something like that. Good luck with your new 1911 decision See if I want to spend 600 I want it to be a nice pistol I do not want to have to reblue or have subpar finish. My first Kimber was a SS Target II I have had no issues with it but I have upgraded parts on it and tweaked it. But nothing from factory was subpar.... When I say I do not like Taurus nothing against you just my preference and I just have not liked the ones I put my hands on they were not to my spec. |
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I like my Kimbers to they are good pistols. Everyone has pistols they do not like and will trash one brand or another. I do not like Taurus or Para-Ordance. LOL......that's too funny. i actually have a Taurus PT1911. It was my first 1911 in fact. i bought it hesitantly thinking that Taurus was junk, but the salesman swore up and down about this thing...and for the price $600, I decided to take a chance. That thing shoots GREAT. Sure the checkering isn't all that great on the front strap, and the factory finish was junk. But man does that thing perform great. Right out of the box I shot 2" groups at 25 yards standing up. I had my slide polished and hot blued so now it looks as good as it shoots. As much as I LOVE my Taurus. i probably wouldn't buy a 2nd just because it's Taurus and will always have that "name stigma" if you will. But for the price they are actually really good guns. This is way off topic though so i will end by saying, just buy what you like and trust, and don't take anyone else's opinion TOO seriously, unless it is just a vast majority of people saying it sucks.....Lik Hi-Point or Jennings/Bryco or something like that. Good luck with your new 1911 decision See if I want to spend 600 I want it to be a nice pistol I do not want to have to reblue or have subpar finish. My first Kimber was a SS Target II I have had no issues with it but I have upgraded parts on it and tweaked it. But nothing from factory was subpar.... When I say I do not like Taurus nothing against you just my preference and I just have not liked the ones I put my hands on they were not to my spec. No offense take at all. I completely understand your view point. Had I bought a Kimber or a SA for my first 1911 I would go my whole life never owning a Taurus. Just saying that they are pretty decent guns. But having to Reblue was an expense I would have rather not taken for a brand new gun. I only ended up getting mine because it had a lot of features and some guy was talking it up as if it were a Wilson or something. Overall i am not disappointed, but like i said, I won't be going out and dropping $600 more on another one. I am not sticking up for Taurus, just saying I like mine. |
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Most people have an issue with the grip printing and not the muzzle. Have you considered a different/better holster? Even a Milt Sparks would be a lot cheaper than a new gun. I will admit I go with a Commander for carry though because the muzzle hits the seat before my butt on a gov't version. The reason the muzzle is the issue is because of the suit. Tailored pants fit to well to hide such a long barrel. I wear a tuckable holster so you don't see anything under my shirt and coat in reference to the grip. none of this is an issue with jeans or casual shorts |
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Instead of the pro, get the compact. same 4" slide as the Pro, but on the officer/Ultra frame. I considered that but you give up capacity and I don't have a problem concealing the bigger frame. I am 6'3" and I usually have a jacket on. Yeah I would stick with the 8 pack of bullets. A .45 will stop someone pretty quick, but what if there are 8 guys and you only have 6 bullets? The more the merrier when it comes to ammo. I usually pack a couple extra mags with me too. I carry my full size Kimber a lot in jeans and a T-Shirt. It prints a little, but you really can't tell if it's a gun or my cell phone. So I really don't care. plus I live in TX. A lot of people are packin here so most people don't care anyway. |
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Pro Carry II SA Loaded Champion I'd pick from those two. For the author of this Thread.......if artsohc, and edgecrusher will both vouch for the SA Loaded, then I would trust their opinions. Have been given and read good advice from these guys. I own one made back in 2000 I just finished rebuilding it and upgrading/tweaking it. The thing ran like a champ even before I did any rebuilding or tweaking. I just wanted to make it better. The Kimber is nice also got two of those a SS Target II, Grand Raptor II and my personal fav my SA TRP. |
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Pro Carry II SA Loaded Champion I'd pick from those two. For the author of this Thread.......if artsohc, and edgecrusher will both vouch for the SA Loaded, then I would trust their opinions. Have been given and read good advice from these guys. I own one made back in 2000 I just finished rebuilding it and upgrading/tweaking it. The thing ran like a champ even before I did any rebuilding or tweaking. I just wanted to make it better. The Kimber is nice also got two of those a SS Target II, Grand Raptor II and my personal fav my SA TRP. The TRP is my next one. I almost bought it today over the Warrior, but my mind was already made up. The TRP was only $200 more, but the only one they had in stock had some marring and finish scratched off on the front serrations. So I went with my gut and got the Warrior. i am happy with that choice. |
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Pro Carry II SA Loaded Champion I'd pick from those two. For the author of this Thread.......if artsohc, and edgecrusher will both vouch for the SA Loaded, then I would trust their opinions. Have been given and read good advice from these guys. Thanks for the kind words belloitt. OP: I typed my original post quick cause I was going into a meeting so I'd like to ellaborate. I owned a Pro Carry II for a short time, was a wonderful firearm, very tightly put together. I'd say the only complaints I had where the lack of front strap checkering, some of the MIM/plastic parts (which I replaced with Wilson parts) and the fact that it wasn't a full sized pistol. I just have a soft spot for the 5" gov't. I'd buy one of these again for carry and simply replace the MSH, slide stop, and cheap grips to start out. I have never owned a SA Loaded Champoin but many on this forum vouch for them and I just get a warm and fuzzy feeling from SA's lifetime warranty. Get either, be happy. And remember that with CC the holster is important, so don't skimp on it. |
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Pro Carry II SA Loaded Champion I'd pick from those two. For the author of this Thread.......if artsohc, and edgecrusher will both vouch for the SA Loaded, then I would trust their opinions. Have been given and read good advice from these guys. Thanks for the kind words belloitt. OP: I typed my original post quick cause I was going into a meeting so I'd like to ellaborate. I owned a Pro Carry II for a short time, was a wonderful firearm, very tightly put together. I'd say the only complaints I had where the lack of front strap checkering, some of the MIM/plastic parts (which I replaced with Wilson parts) and the fact that it wasn't a full sized pistol. I just have a soft spot for the 5" gov't. I'd buy one of these again for carry and simply replace the MSH, slide stop, and cheap grips to start out. I have never owned a SA Loaded Champoin but many on this forum vouch for them and I just get a warm and fuzzy feeling from SA's lifetime warranty. Get either, be happy. And remember that with CC the holster is important, so don't skimp on it. MTAC was the decision there after a lot of talk with people here and friends of mine who have them. |