I am a 1911 fan. I like the .45ACP caliber and its knock down power. I love Kimber's. The only drawback that I ever saw with either was the mag capacity. 7+1 on full size, 6+1 on compacts (my CCW of choice is my Kimber Ultra Carry).

When the ban was in place, all the .40S&W guys could get on me was 2-3 rounds extra per mag (which, in a shootout is a HELL OF A LOT).

I read all the hype about will the AWB sunset be the death knell of the 1911's and didn't put too much thought into the concept (like I said, I love my Kimber's). I have always appreciated the .40S&W. I know that the 145-180 gr .40cal rounds are getting real close to leveling the playing field with the .45ACP.

Now that the ban has expired and the .40S&W can do 12+1, I am now realizing that I am at an almost 2 to 1 disadvantage (almost 3 to 1 if you compare .45ACP to 9mm).

Now that I think about it more, I am seriously considering letting the .45ACP thing go and retooling with the .40S&W.

Crazy????

Also, I like the slide and grip safety of the Kimbers. What good 'tactical/military' style .40S&W would you guys recommend? I want two, one full size and one compact for CCW. Same manufactuer is preferred. Something with a light rail if possible. It would be great if they could use the same mags, but not a biggie as I can't do that now with my .45s.

I tried an H&K Pro but didn't like how much I had to adjust my hand to manipulate the slide safety. I literally had to yaw and push up/forward in order to get my thumb far enough back and up to work it.

shoot a .40 first. The recoil is different. i shoot .45 really well and .40 ok. I carry a glock. If you want something try a SA XD. Fits in the hand great, both use same mags, only problem is there is no frame safety only grip. Available in 3",4", and 5" all with rails. They are thick though.

Hell just get .40 1911. I think kimber makes them
Or just stay with a .45 and a proven man-stopper

Quoted: Hell just get .40 1911. I think kimber makes them

I think they only make one (maybe two) chambered in .40S&W. It is a stainless Pro Carry. I want something 'tactical' (black or OD) with a light rail.

That 12+1 thing is really getting to me.

I think you are over analyzing the issue.  Mag capacity alone does not give an "advantage" - your ability to place shots where they need to go does.

The 1911 has remined popular even with LE and military organizations - they were not affected by the ban.  It was popular before the ban, and will continue to be popular, because it is a great design.

As for me, I like my 10 rounds of 10mm in a Glock 29.  I just bough the thing and can't wait to shoot it.  It will be one hell of a leap, as my last carry gun was a .380!

The .40 Short & Weak* WILL get you more magazine capacity, true.  It's really easy to shoot, as well.  All in all, it's a good compromise between the 9 millie and the .45acp.

Consider, if you will, a caliber that's already been mentioned above.  The 10mm will get you your added magazine capacity without sacrificing horsepower.  Hell, you get MORE of BOTH.

Here's a fun little Glock exercise (using Silvertips, and take it for what it's worth):

model_cartridge_mag capacity+1_total muzzle energy (in ft.lbs.)
17......9mm......17+1................6894
21......45acp....13+1................5754
20......10mm.....15+1...............10384

Dude!



(*don't flame me, I still LOVE the .40 and my Glock 35)

Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Hell just get .40 1911. I think kimber makes them The 1911 wasnt designed to run on .40S&W. If you need more than 8 in the mag and 1 in the chamber, you're in a world of hurt a handgun probably isnt going to be the best solution for. You'll get what ever .40S&W whiz ban pistol you think is "the heat"...and after a year, you'll be back to the 1911 in .45 by God ACP.

+1   from one who has gone that route.  Save yourself the money (and the anguish over the guns you sold and wish you hadn't)

Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Hell just get .40 1911. I think kimber makes them The 1911 wasnt designed to run on .40S&W. If you need more than 8 in the mag and 1 in the chamber, you're in a world of hurt a handgun probably isnt going to be the best solution for. You'll get what ever .40S&W whiz ban pistol you think is "the heat"...and after a year, you'll be back to the 1911 in .45 by God ACP.

Bring me back to reality Lumpy, bring me back. Tell me I will regret giving up my Kimber Ultra Carry-TLE/RL combo.

Quoted: You already know the answer, or you wouldnt be wondering what to do in the first place

Yep.  Nobody calls the Suicide Hotline if they really want to jump.

The solution to this problem is very simple.  Just keep the 1911 and go buy another pistol.

get a USP for 12 + 1 .45ACP

Carry a spare mag.

If you cant hit the target with eight rounds take up stamp collecting!!!!

An SA XD .40 is cheap enough that you can pick up a used one in great condition and keep you kimber :D

get this Kimber.


www.kimberamerica.com/ten.php