Posted: 2/16/2010 2:46:21 PM EDT
|
Hello all. I have been reading through the 1911 forum for a while now and have learned alot. Im getting ready to "pull the trigger" and buy my first 1911 style handgun. Up until this point I have purchased HK and Sig models in 9mm and .45 and couldnt be happier. I am looking to buy a 1911 primarly for home defense. I usually carry my P220 or P226. However I can not rule out carrying the 1911. Does anybody have personal experience handling both the Kimber and Wilson Combat guns? I am looking to spend up to $1200. I really like the Kimber Tactical Entry 2, Kimber Eclipse Custom 2, and Kimber Warrior. They have some Wilson Combats in the next case over but I cant see why they cost so much more than the kimbers. any insight? Thanks.
|
|
Quoted:
do the wilson combats perform better than the kimbers to warrant that type of price? The WC im looking at costs about $2800. Thats more than my Springfield M1A.....its hard to spend that much on a hand gun I will have to let someone else chime in on that. I have owned 4 1911's in my time, but I am a Glock fan boy. I have however got to play with a Wilson before and the pistols are amazing. If you want something that is the top of the line, and can be passed on for generations pick one up. If you just want to shoot something at the range get the Kimber. Also I just picked up my Dan Wesson today, and nothing feels better in my hand than that pistol. Higher end 1911's are things of beauty. |
|
Now put a lot of thought into the concept of time keeping. You are tooling around with that fancy looking Timex knock off. Gets the job done. Keeps excellent time, "Takes a lickin, Keeps on Tickin'" you know.
Now, put a Rolex out in the mix. Swiss made, solid, one piece body. Sapphire, scratch resistant crystal, Submariner design. Jewel movement, and perhaps precious metal coated. The original, all knockoff progenitor. Kool man! Kool. Now, to answer your question..... |
|
I have 3 1911's. My duty gun is a Kimber Custom II. Carried it for 2 years before taking the plunge and filling it with wonderful Wilson parts and custom work. I would say that Kimber's are probably one of the best out of the box 1911's you can purchase. I was very happy with it. But after the Wilson work, the weapon came to life. I guess you could say the difference would be kind of like that of a Lexus and a Bentley. Sure, the Lexus is super nice with lots of great features, but the Bentley...now that's true luxury! Buy the Kimber...upgrade it to a Wilson later once you figure out what you want the weapon to do for you.
Happy Shooting |
|
Quoted:
Hello all. I have been reading through the 1911 forum for a while now and have learned alot. Im getting ready to "pull the trigger" and buy my first 1911 style handgun. Up until this point I have purchased HK and Sig models in 9mm and .45 and couldnt be happier. I am looking to buy a 1911 primarly for home defense. I usually carry my P220 or P226. However I can not rule out carrying the 1911. Does anybody have personal experience handling both the Kimber and Wilson Combat guns? I am looking to spend up to $1200. I really like the Kimber Tactical Entry 2, Kimber Eclipse Custom 2, and Kimber Warrior. They have some Wilson Combats in the next case over but I cant see why they cost so much more than the kimbers. any insight? Thanks. you will not be able to buy a Wilson for $1200. Are they worth the additional cost? IMO, absolutely. You'd spend the premium to make a Kimber like a Wilson if you bought the parts and had them expertly fitted. But in the end, the Kimber would only be worth half as much at resale. I've owned a couple Kimbers and still own a Wilson Combat CQB I bought used several years ago. Sold the Kimbers and have never regretted it. You might take a look at Les Baer's Thunder Ranch Special. I'm getting ready to pick up a new one myself. I think they're a hell of alot of pistol for the money (and they run a bit less than a Wilson). |
| any insight on why a lot of special operators prefer the 1911 45's vs say the Sig P220 or HK USP45s? Do the 1911's have better reliability and accuracy? My sig P220 has never let me down, and I shoot great with it. I really want a 1911 because I am a huge history buff and really like their style. However I do not usually buy used firearms, and have a tendency to buy the best...even if that means waiting another few weeks to save up. I dont need this gun right now because I carry my Sig P220 and use a Remington 870 marine for home defense. My local gun shop has a nice selection of Kimbers and SA 1911's, but only a few WC's. and no Les Baer's..... |
|
Quoted:
Quoted:
Hello all. I have been reading through the 1911 forum for a while now and have learned alot. Im getting ready to "pull the trigger" and buy my first 1911 style handgun. Up until this point I have purchased HK and Sig models in 9mm and .45 and couldnt be happier. I am looking to buy a 1911 primarly for home defense. I usually carry my P220 or P226. However I can not rule out carrying the 1911. Does anybody have personal experience handling both the Kimber and Wilson Combat guns? I am looking to spend up to $1200. I really like the Kimber Tactical Entry 2, Kimber Eclipse Custom 2, and Kimber Warrior. They have some Wilson Combats in the next case over but I cant see why they cost so much more than the kimbers. any insight? Thanks. you will not be able to buy a Wilson for $1200. Are they worth the additional cost? IMO, absolutely. You'd spend the premium to make a Kimber like a Wilson if you bought the parts and had them expertly fitted. But in the end, the Kimber would only be worth half as much at resale. I've owned a couple Kimbers and still own a Wilson Combat CQB I bought used several years ago. Sold the Kimbers and have never regretted it. You might take a look at Les Baer's Thunder Ranch Special. I'm getting ready to pick up a new one myself. I think they're a hell of alot of pistol for the money (and they run a bit less than a Wilson). Well put, Kimber doesn't necessarily make a bad gun, Wilson is just a higher level of quality. You will not find a NIB Wilson for $1200, think about double that... You will notice the difference in price though. Now, I don't have hands on experience with either gun (so take my opinion with a large grain of salt), but I did some thorough researching before I bought my first 1911. I ended up with a Springfield Loaded and am looking at going to "the next level" for my next 1911. Right now I am looking at a Les Baer or Nighthawk. |
|
If you have $1200 cash then I would suggest to get a Springer Loaded PX9151 for less than $800 and then use the rest of the money on ammo. Great gun as I have one.
But if you are set on either a Kimber or the Wilson then I personally would go Wilson. If the shop has layaway put the Wilson on layaway and pay the rest off if you possibly can. That is an option if you can. Saleen Inc has a saying when it comes to their Saleen Mustangs "Power in the hands of a few". That's what the Wilson Combat is. I would love to have a Wilson and I always tells myself one day. I vote Wilson Combat. Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
|
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Hello all. I have been reading through the 1911 forum for a while now and have learned alot. Im getting ready to "pull the trigger" and buy my first 1911 style handgun. Up until this point I have purchased HK and Sig models in 9mm and .45 and couldnt be happier. I am looking to buy a 1911 primarly for home defense. I usually carry my P220 or P226. However I can not rule out carrying the 1911. Does anybody have personal experience handling both the Kimber and Wilson Combat guns? I am looking to spend up to $1200. I really like the Kimber Tactical Entry 2, Kimber Eclipse Custom 2, and Kimber Warrior. They have some Wilson Combats in the next case over but I cant see why they cost so much more than the kimbers. any insight? Thanks. you will not be able to buy a Wilson for $1200. Are they worth the additional cost? IMO, absolutely. You'd spend the premium to make a Kimber like a Wilson if you bought the parts and had them expertly fitted. But in the end, the Kimber would only be worth half as much at resale. I've owned a couple Kimbers and still own a Wilson Combat CQB I bought used several years ago. Sold the Kimbers and have never regretted it. You might take a look at Les Baer's Thunder Ranch Special. I'm getting ready to pick up a new one myself. I think they're a hell of alot of pistol for the money (and they run a bit less than a Wilson). Well put, Kimber doesn't necessarily make a bad gun, Wilson is just a higher level of quality. You will not find a NIB Wilson for $1200, think about double that... You will notice the difference in price though. Now, I don't have hands on experience with either gun (so take my opinion with a large grain of salt), but I did some thorough researching before I bought my first 1911. I ended up with a Springfield Loaded and am looking at going to "the next level" for my next 1911. Right now I am looking at a Les Baer or Nighthawk. Right on. For $500 more you can get that brand new TRS. For me Kimber was a step up to the higher level. And no regrets. |
|
My first 1911 wasI a Kimber Tactical Ultra. Despite all I had read, I still wanted one after I shot it. I don't have a regret about buying it. It's been trouble free, and shoots everything I've thrown at it including hand loads.
My 2nd 1911 was a Wilson CQB. The difference is night and day. The Kimber is a nice pistol, but the Wilson screams quality. It functions absolutely flawlessly, it's tight, and the fit on all the parts is perfect. It's more accurate than I am by far too. I paid a helluva lot more for the Wilson, and I feel like I got my money's worth. Some people don't see spending that kind of money. YMMV. The Thunder Ranch is a bit cheaper, so you may want to try it out. I'm hoping my next 1911 will be a Miller Custom gun. Something like this: 
I think this is one that was built for one of the members here. His work is absolutely incredible. |
|
are you sure you really want a 1911, have you rented or borrowed one to get familiar with it ?
Before you throw down $1200, visit gunbroker, check out the 1911 options available to you. For a little more, say $1500, you'll find gently used Les Baers, for $1700-$1800 some nighthawk GRPs and Talons. DV Small arms puts together an excellent semi custom for around $1500 and Doublestar railed 1911's appear to be less than $1200 at Buds. If you like Sigs, have you looked at their 1911's ? They've improved this past few years and are competitively priced If you want to stick with Kimber, pick out the features you want, frontstrap checkering, nightsight, series 1 or series IIs etc Don't be swayed by the tacticool names and colors, bear in mind that their lowliest "custom" is as well made, fitted and accurate as any of their more expensive pistols, save the "Supermatch" . |
|
1911s are great and custom/semicustom versions are better. With that said, I would not carry one. I do go with the 1911 platform every morning but I cannot imagine having that much in a pistol that I don't consider a "work of art". I can't imagine being happy having any work of art beaten, scuffed, and maybe abused in a police locker like a carry gun could/will. I would look at a Colt, SA, S&W, STI, or DW for carry and range duty. If I had a Wilson, it would only be a range/competition gun. If you see it as "just a high end tool", you might not think that way.
|
|
I agree with a lot of what these guys are saying but I have to put my .02 in.
First off which model Kimber are you looking at vs which model Wilson? For 1200 you can get into a nice Kimber but for that amount of cash you can get into a nicer production guns. I myself have two Kimbers a Stainless Target II and a Grand Raptor II and the Grand Raptor II has been one of the best Kimbers I have ever owned and can out shoot my TRP consistently. That said my TRP is one bad ass pistol I used it last weekend in a defensive handgun class and it was smoking guys with their high end pistols (I think this could have also been me having tons more training). My advice to you OP is do not limit yourself to a midrange-high end production gun vs a custom gun. Open up what you are looking for as in options then limit to different models. Find out what options you want on your pistol like front strap checkering, rail, night sights (adjustable or fixed), ambi safety, finish, etc, etc. Once you have done that look at the models you are left with and decide which one you want. Honestly you are making it more difficult on yourself looking for one two different brands that are completely different. |
|
Quoted:
if you buy a used Wilson are they still covered under their warranty I could be wrong but wilson is lifetime and kimber is 1 year Thinking about buying a 3 year old Wilson just wondering if its still covered I had one made in 02 and, I bought it used in 07 and they fixed a minor problem and went through it for me in 08. They didnt charge me for their problem and only charged me parts for the tune up and ambi safety. They also did some stuff, on their own at no charge. |
|
I think (that's dangerous, smoke comes from within ears making smoke rings above 1911smith's ball cap) what's being asked here is a Kimber ok ? (1911smth is no fan of Kimber) Will it run with a Wilson ? I don't see why it wouldn't. Rock Island will run with a Wilson. What has more time to detail and quality of parts ? That's a no brainer. If your checkbook says buy a Wilson then buy a Wilson. If your checkbook says buy a Kimber, then your good to go.
|
|
I own 2 Wilson's (Classic 5" & Sentinel 3" both in 45acp) and 1 Kimber (3" Ultra Covert II). My Wilson's are more accurate, feed ammo more reliably and have a better trigger. Yes they are more expensive but just like everything else in life you get what you pay for. I love all three guns.
When I conceal carry I carry my Kimber over the Sentinal due to the lighter weight of the Kimber and the longer hand guard. (My pinky half hangs off of the sentinel) If had had everything to do all over again, and could only own one 1911 I would get the Bill Wilson carry. At night I have Mr. Wilson (Wilson classic 5") by my bedside to protect the family, the Kimber is in the safe for what it's worth. |
|
At $2500 + for a Wilson, you're in a whole new ballgame. Me, I'd rather just buy a base 1911 in the size I want then send it off to a custom smith and have every single part chosen by me, every single options decided by me. I did that with my Colt. The gun is amazing. |
I'm thinking the Wilson Combat Rep might take exception to that. He's said more than a couple of times you can have your burger, your way. That said, I like the way your thinking with regard to your Colt, ..... but you can't make a statement like that without ..... PICTURES TO BACK IT UP ! POST THE PICTURES OR IT AIN"T SO. 
|
|
Quoted:
My first 1911 wasI a Kimber Tactical Ultra. Despite all I had read, I still wanted one after I shot it. I don't have a regret about buying it. It's been trouble free, and shoots everything I've thrown at it including hand loads. My 2nd 1911 was a Wilson CQB. The difference is night and day. The Kimber is a nice pistol, but the Wilson screams quality. It functions absolutely flawlessly, it's tight, and the fit on all the parts is perfect. It's more accurate than I am by far too. I paid a helluva lot more for the Wilson, and I feel like I got my money's worth. Some people don't see spending that kind of money. YMMV. The Thunder Ranch is a bit cheaper, so you may want to try it out. I'm hoping my next 1911 will be a Miller Custom gun. Something like this: http://www.millercustom.com/S1031254.JPG I think this is one that was built for one of the members here. His work is absolutely incredible.  The stuff wet dreams are made of!
|
|
I have owned a lot of 1911's both factory and custom. My fav Kimber was the Desert Warrior which was a nice peice and shot decently. I have a soft spot for Wilsons. I have had a bunch of them and my two favorites are the Tactical Elite and the Stealth Defense System guns (basically a chopped Tac Elite). That said, the SDS is the EDC for both my wife and I.
The CQB is a very good base model of Wilson and can be had for a decent price. Another one I picked up for a steal was a Protector (which is CQB with a full length guide rod). Bought it barely used from a Police Lt. in Waxahachie TX for $1300 in 99% condition! Even had an old Sentinal (smallest Wilson made) in .45 acp that was fun to carry and shoot. Picked it up for $1400 in very good condition at a gun show. So what is the difference? It comes down to assembled from parts (Kimber) vs. fitted by hand (Wilson). A Kimber is a fine pistol that is assembled by workers from quality parts. All Wilsons are built by hand by a team of trained gun smiths who each sign off on the gun and then post firing a minimum of 60 test rounds and having passed the accuracy, reliability, and QA tests is signed off on by a sr. gunsmith. You get all of the signed QA sheets, target, etc. with the gun. Is it worth buying a 1911 made the way you want it? Is it worth having a team of smiths assure it is "good to go"? Only YOU can answer that. To me it is. I have Wilson pistols, rifles, and even one of their top drawer tac shotguns. When I started shooting 1911's you needed to have custom work done if you wanted other then boxstock milspec. Now there are lots of 'factory custom' 1911's on the market and a lot of them are damn good (although some are turds). Some of them have "silly safety doodads" added to them (IMO) and I would avoid them like the plague (again just IMO). If cocked and locked bothers you on a 1911 then buy a Glock/Sig and have at it. They go bang just as well and you are better off with one in the pipe however you feel comfortable (IMO) making it happen. Other then that, buy one and shoot the snot out of it! |