Posted: 1/29/2010 5:35:43 AM EDT
|
Lately I have been thinking about trading my RIA GI towards something a bit nicer. After doing some research, I think the Kimber Custom 2 is what I would like to get.
Is that a good choice? I could get a new one for $750 out the door, hoping to get at least $300 for my RIA. Talk me into or out of the Kimber Custom 2. I know their are better options for just a little bit more money, but $750 really is about the limit to what I want to spend. It will be used as a range toy/nightstand pistol. What the hell is a Swartz safety? Anybody have any Custom 2 pictures for me to  over?
ETA: American made is a plus |
|
The swartz safety is an additional safety that the original series 70 type 1911's didn't have.
It's basically a firing pin block to prevent discharge if the pistol is dropped. It gets deactivated when you squeeze the grip safety. Some people don't like it since there's additional parts in the gun and an additional point of possible failure to fire if things inside the gun aren't timed and adjusted properly. Personally, I own a Kimber Tactical Custom II and I'm quite happy with it's performance. |
I have a Stainless Target II which is a Custom with target adjustable sights. Here it is.
Although I my Kimber is a good pistol never had a problem other then mag issues not related to the pistol I would recommend for that money to get an SA Loaded. You can also for that price find a used Colt or used higher end SA pistol. Do not get me wrong Kimber makes a good pistol other then the occasional one that is bunk from the factory which happens with any mfg because they are made by humans and are a mechanical item. The SA does carry a better (Lifetime) warranty then the Kimber 1 year. I have done a lot of work to my Kimber to make it better then it was and it is slated to get a trigger replacement because I do not like the fit of mine. I would say if you can find a smokin deal on a Kimber Custom II go for it but if you have the option between a nice Loaded or a Custom II go for the Loaded. Edit: If you do get the Kimber change the main spring housing they come from the factory with a plastic one. Both my Kimber I changed them out along with the FLGR 1 piece which I do not like. |
| I love my Custome II. You could probably do better than $750 but I would look at the Custome II TLE. In every situation but bright light the sights leave a little to be desired. Even lights in a shooting stall can be a pain. The TLE is the same except for the night sights. |
|
Quoted:
The swartz safety is an additional safety that the original series 70 type 1911's didn't have. It's basically a firing pin block to prevent discharge if the pistol is dropped. It gets deactivated when you squeeze the grip safety. Some people don't like it since there's additional parts in the gun and an additional point of possible failure to fire if things inside the gun aren't timed and adjusted properly. Personally, I own a Kimber Tactical Custom II and I'm quite happy with it's performance. Thanks. If you don't mind me asking, what is the difference between the regular custom ll and the tactical? |
|
Quoted:
I have a Stainless Target II which is a Custom with target adjustable sights. Here it is. http://i811.photobucket.com/albums/zz31/EdgecrusherXES/IMG_0572.jpg Although I my Kimber is a good pistol never had a problem other then mag issues not related to the pistol I would recommend for that money to get an SA Loaded. You can also for that price find a used Colt or used higher end SA pistol. Do not get me wrong Kimber makes a good pistol other then the occasional one that is bunk from the factory which happens with any mfg because they are made by humans and are a mechanical item. The SA does carry a better (Lifetime) warranty then the Kimber 1 year. I have done a lot of work to my Kimber to make it better then it was and it is slated to get a trigger replacement because I do not like the fit of mine. I would say if you can find a smokin deal on a Kimber Custom II go for it but if you have the option between a nice Loaded or a Custom II go for the Loaded. Edit: If you do get the Kimber change the main spring housing they come from the factory with a plastic one. Both my Kimber I changed them out along with the FLGR 1 piece which I do not like. So the loaded is the nicer gun? Its funny how many mixed opinions I have heard on Springfield. I have heard that they are unreliable and other people say they are GTG. I'm pretty sure I have only heard complaints about the lower end models though. What would be a fair price on the loaded? Besides the warranty, what are the advantages to the loaded? |
|
Quoted:
Quoted:
I have a Stainless Target II which is a Custom with target adjustable sights. Here it is. http://i811.photobucket.com/albums/zz31/EdgecrusherXES/IMG_0572.jpg Although I my Kimber is a good pistol never had a problem other then mag issues not related to the pistol I would recommend for that money to get an SA Loaded. You can also for that price find a used Colt or used higher end SA pistol. Do not get me wrong Kimber makes a good pistol other then the occasional one that is bunk from the factory which happens with any mfg because they are made by humans and are a mechanical item. The SA does carry a better (Lifetime) warranty then the Kimber 1 year. I have done a lot of work to my Kimber to make it better then it was and it is slated to get a trigger replacement because I do not like the fit of mine. I would say if you can find a smokin deal on a Kimber Custom II go for it but if you have the option between a nice Loaded or a Custom II go for the Loaded. Edit: If you do get the Kimber change the main spring housing they come from the factory with a plastic one. Both my Kimber I changed them out along with the FLGR 1 piece which I do not like. So the loaded is the nicer gun? Its funny how many mixed opinions I have heard on Springfield. I have heard that they are unreliable and other people say they are GTG. I'm pretty sure I have only heard complaints about the lower end models though. What would be a fair price on the loaded? Besides the warranty, what are the advantages to the loaded? At that price point nicer becomes relative to preference. Both manufacturers have problems from time to time and both are reputable and should take care of you. Tactical usually implies a light rail. Probably referencing a TLE/RL. you could always go THIS direction for that price. |
|
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
I have a Stainless Target II which is a Custom with target adjustable sights. Here it is. http://i811.photobucket.com/albums/zz31/EdgecrusherXES/IMG_0572.jpg Although I my Kimber is a good pistol never had a problem other then mag issues not related to the pistol I would recommend for that money to get an SA Loaded. You can also for that price find a used Colt or used higher end SA pistol. Do not get me wrong Kimber makes a good pistol other then the occasional one that is bunk from the factory which happens with any mfg because they are made by humans and are a mechanical item. The SA does carry a better (Lifetime) warranty then the Kimber 1 year. I have done a lot of work to my Kimber to make it better then it was and it is slated to get a trigger replacement because I do not like the fit of mine. I would say if you can find a smokin deal on a Kimber Custom II go for it but if you have the option between a nice Loaded or a Custom II go for the Loaded. Edit: If you do get the Kimber change the main spring housing they come from the factory with a plastic one. Both my Kimber I changed them out along with the FLGR 1 piece which I do not like. So the loaded is the nicer gun? Its funny how many mixed opinions I have heard on Springfield. I have heard that they are unreliable and other people say they are GTG. I'm pretty sure I have only heard complaints about the lower end models though. What would be a fair price on the loaded? Besides the warranty, what are the advantages to the loaded? At that price point nicer becomes relative to preference. Both manufacturers have problems from time to time and both are reputable and should take care of you. Tactical usually implies a light rail. Probably referencing a TLE/RL. you could always go THIS direction for that price. I looked at the Spartans a while ago when I bought the RIA, I'm just not too crazy about em. I think its mainly the roll mark, and I want something name brand that rednecks (no offense, I am too) around here will recognize for resale purposes if I customize it and need to get my money back. I also forgot to mention in the OP that American made is going to be a factor. I feel weird owning a phillipino 1911  The RIA has been a pretty decent gun though, and I like that I don't have to treat it like an art piece. If I had more cash I would keep it around as a truck gun, but it has to go for the upgrade.
|
|
Quoted:
Quoted:
I have a Stainless Target II which is a Custom with target adjustable sights. Here it is. http://i811.photobucket.com/albums/zz31/EdgecrusherXES/IMG_0572.jpg Although I my Kimber is a good pistol never had a problem other then mag issues not related to the pistol I would recommend for that money to get an SA Loaded. You can also for that price find a used Colt or used higher end SA pistol. Do not get me wrong Kimber makes a good pistol other then the occasional one that is bunk from the factory which happens with any mfg because they are made by humans and are a mechanical item. The SA does carry a better (Lifetime) warranty then the Kimber 1 year. I have done a lot of work to my Kimber to make it better then it was and it is slated to get a trigger replacement because I do not like the fit of mine. I would say if you can find a smokin deal on a Kimber Custom II go for it but if you have the option between a nice Loaded or a Custom II go for the Loaded. Edit: If you do get the Kimber change the main spring housing they come from the factory with a plastic one. Both my Kimber I changed them out along with the FLGR 1 piece which I do not like. So the loaded is the nicer gun? Its funny how many mixed opinions I have heard on Springfield. I have heard that they are unreliable and other people say they are GTG. I'm pretty sure I have only heard complaints about the lower end models though. SA Kimber both you get mixed opinions What would be a fair price on the loaded? Besides the warranty, what are the advantages to the loaded? 700 to 1000 depending on the model you find.... SA used no swartz safety (firing pin safety), no plastic MSH on them from the factory and the warranty makes it kind of worth it to go SA over Kimber The Loaded vs the Custom II is a nicer gun. But with either every now and then you get one that looks like it was put together by a monkey. I personally own 2 Kimbers (Stainless Target II and a Grand Raptor II) and 2 SA (Loaded I rebuilt and a TRP Armory Kote) The Loaded I own was built back in 2000 and was ran through but I have replaced almost everything on it short of the sear, hammer, grip safety, slide stop, and barrel. Grip safety, slide stop and barrel are slated to be replaced just funds to not allow since I bought that Grand Raptor. I am not putting down Kimber in any way but if faced with a pistol of equal value and options one being SA one Kimber I would take the SA. |
|
Another Custom II vs. Loaded thread...
My opinion, the Loaded has night sights and a lifetime warranty behind it. That's great. It's not made in America (if that matters to you), and the fitting of the frame and slide can often leave a lot to desire, and they don't often tune the extractor correctly, but you need to learn how to tune the extractor anyways and the fit might not bother you. The Kimber feels better in the hand, everything seems tight and locked up, the barrel/bushing fitment is superior to the SA, as is the rest of the fitting. It is made in america, but it doesn't have a lifetime warranty, doesn't have night sights, and the Custom II has some questionable part choices such as the plastic MSH that you will most likely replace. Also, the finish wears off pretty easily. If you are going to spend the $130 to replace the sights and MSH already, along with possibly a few other parts, I'd stretch your budget and look for a used Springfield MC Operator. |
|
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
I have a Stainless Target II which is a Custom with target adjustable sights. Here it is. http://i811.photobucket.com/albums/zz31/EdgecrusherXES/IMG_0572.jpg Although I my Kimber is a good pistol never had a problem other then mag issues not related to the pistol I would recommend for that money to get an SA Loaded. You can also for that price find a used Colt or used higher end SA pistol. Do not get me wrong Kimber makes a good pistol other then the occasional one that is bunk from the factory which happens with any mfg because they are made by humans and are a mechanical item. The SA does carry a better (Lifetime) warranty then the Kimber 1 year. I have done a lot of work to my Kimber to make it better then it was and it is slated to get a trigger replacement because I do not like the fit of mine. I would say if you can find a smokin deal on a Kimber Custom II go for it but if you have the option between a nice Loaded or a Custom II go for the Loaded. Edit: If you do get the Kimber change the main spring housing they come from the factory with a plastic one. Both my Kimber I changed them out along with the FLGR 1 piece which I do not like. So the loaded is the nicer gun? Its funny how many mixed opinions I have heard on Springfield. I have heard that they are unreliable and other people say they are GTG. I'm pretty sure I have only heard complaints about the lower end models though. SA Kimber both you get mixed opinions What would be a fair price on the loaded? Besides the warranty, what are the advantages to the loaded? 700 to 1000 depending on the model you find.... SA used no swartz safety (firing pin safety), no plastic MSH on them from the factory and the warranty makes it kind of worth it to go SA over Kimber The Loaded vs the Custom II is a nicer gun. But with either every now and then you get one that looks like it was put together by a monkey. I personally own 2 Kimbers (Stainless Target II and a Grand Raptor II) and 2 SA (Loaded I rebuilt and a TRP Armory Kote) The Loaded I own was built back in 2000 and was ran through but I have replaced almost everything on it short of the sear, hammer, grip safety, slide stop, and barrel. Grip safety, slide stop and barrel are slated to be replaced just funds to not allow since I bought that Grand Raptor. I am not putting down Kimber in any way but if faced with a pistol of equal value and options one being SA one Kimber I would take the SA. One year is a pretty shitty warranty. I'll have to see what the price on a loaded would be and compare the two. Otherwise, is it possible to get a Dan Wesson on the cheap? Pointman? The TRP seems to be a pretty bad ass little pistol. What do those go for? I'm pretty hung up on the American made thing, at least for what will be my only 1911 for a couple years. Is it stupid to let that be a factor? |
|
Quoted:
Another Custom II vs. Loaded thread... My opinion, the Loaded has night sights and a lifetime warranty behind it. That's great. It's not made in America (if that matters to you), and the fitting of the frame and slide can often leave a lot to desire, and they don't often tune the extractor correctly, but you need to learn how to tune the extractor anyways and the fit might not bother you. The Kimber feels better in the hand, everything seems tight and locked up, the barrel/bushing fitment is superior to the SA, as is the rest of the fitting. It is made in america, but it doesn't have a lifetime warranty, doesn't have night sights, and the Custom II has some questionable part choices such as the plastic MSH that you will most likely replace. Also, the finish wears off pretty easily. If you are going to spend the $130 to replace the sights and MSH already, along with possibly a few other parts, I'd stretch your budget and look for a used Springfield MC Operator. My bad. The good news is this will be the last Custom ll Vs. Loaded thread you will see from me 
Slide frame, fit and finish will all be important because at $700+, shouldn't that be expected? Even my RIA is tight, no slide wobble at all. The finish on the other hand..... |
|
TRP will run you 1300 on the low end to 1500 high end new.
Used you might find from 900 low to 1100 high. You cannot go wrong with the TRP it gets a lot more attention and is made in America. Slide to frame fit is nice but should not be your first concern. The barrel and bushing fit will have more effect on accuracy then anything else. I have seen Loadeds come from the factory that are nearly on par with TRP and then some that are Taurus Para quality. Either then Kimber or SA you will do fine with. If you can save the money I would say save for a TRP if not then look for a used Operator. |
|
Quoted:
TRP will run you 1300 on the low end to 1500 high end new. Used you might find from 900 low to 1100 high. You cannot go wrong with the TRP it gets a lot more attention and is made in America. Slide to frame fit is nice but should not be your first concern. The barrel and bushing fit will have more effect on accuracy then anything else. I have seen Loadeds come from the factory that are nearly on par with TRP and then some that are Taurus Para quality. Either then Kimber or SA you will do fine with. If you can save the money I would say save for a TRP if not then look for a used Operator. Well thanks man, I appreciate the help from everybody. TRP sounds a little out of my price range, but they do look like nice pistols. |
|
Quoted:
Quoted:
What the hell is a Swartz safety? http://www.mouseguns.com/kimrev/swartz.jpg Anybody have any Custom 2 pictures for me to
over?
ETA: American made is a plus Swartz has been remove.
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-4/989537/CustomII002.jpg The Swartz is not with you 
|
|
Quoted:
Quoted:
The Swartz is not with you Yes, I am Swartzless. 
LOL I am half and half. My Grand Raptor still has it in it. Everything works so well in it I just do not want to mess with it. But I am sure I will get an itch to do something more to it and take it out. |
|
Quoted:
Thanks. If you don't mind me asking, what is the difference between the regular custom ll and the tactical? I'm at work and can't do a side by side comparison at the moment, but here's mine tactical_custom_II |
|
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
The Swartz is not with you Yes, I am Swartzless.
Thanks for the picture, I really like the looks of those Kimbers. How big of an issue is this Spaceballs safety? Are there known problems? Do I need a machinists tool set to remove it? I personally have never had an issue with the Swartz safety but it is just more parts to cause issue or have breakage. |
|
Quoted:
Quoted:
Thanks. If you don't mind me asking, what is the difference between the regular custom ll and the tactical? I'm at work and can't do a side by side comparison at the moment, but here's mine tactical_custom_II The tactical is sweet. What do those run? |
|
Quoted: How big of an issue is this Spaceballs safety? Are there known problems? Do I need a machinists tool set to remove it? The most common problem I've seen is damage to the tip of the lift bar. This damage is often caused inadvertently due to careless dis-assembly/assembly of a Kimber II pistol. One must avoid depression of the grip safety during removal or installation of the slide onto or off of the frame. However should this damage occur the Kimber goes "Click" instead of Bang. The Swartz can be easily bypassed by use of an Original 1911 design firing pin which defeats the firing pin block or by removing the firing pin block parts sitting under the rear sight. |
|
Quoted:
A good way to gauge price is to go to gunbroker and search. Kimbers are all essentially the same just different options. Until you get to your high end. I'll have to do that. It doesn't get said enough around here but truly thanks for all the advice guys. I would probably be tapcofucking my carbine and preaching about CTD if it weren't for you. 
|
|
Quoted:
Quoted:
A good way to gauge price is to go to gunbroker and search. Kimbers are all essentially the same just different options. Until you get to your high end. I'll have to do that. It doesn't get said enough around here but truly thanks for all the advice guys. I would probably be tapcofucking my carbine and preaching about CTD if it weren't for you.
Awww come on Tapco is like Taurus and I quote from the website "Destined to become the standard that all 1911 pistols are compared against"  
|
|
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
A good way to gauge price is to go to gunbroker and search. Kimbers are all essentially the same just different options. Until you get to your high end. I'll have to do that. It doesn't get said enough around here but truly thanks for all the advice guys. I would probably be tapcofucking my carbine and preaching about CTD if it weren't for you.
Awww come on Tapco is like Taurus and I quote from the website "Destined to become the standard that all 1911 pistols are compared favorably against" There ya go Taurus, fixed it for ya |