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1911 Question - Kimber or Springfield??? #7512776 05/15/19 04:55 PM
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Klinker Offline OP
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Purchasing my first 1911. Have it narrowed down to two - Kimber Stainless TLE II - OR - Springfiled Stainless TRP. Thoughts, ideas, suggestions from those who know the 1911. FYI, my budget is $1000 (TLE) TO $1300 (TRP).

Re: 1911 Question - Kimber or Springfield??? [Re: Klinker] #7512779 05/15/19 05:00 PM
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Kimber has had issues in the past. Most probably are correct d at this point. I carry a micro 9 most days and it has ate anything I have put in it so far. I’ve had Springfield’s also and no complaints there either. Some other options you could consider as well in that general price but I won’t complicate it. Both are good weapons and would probably be happy with either.

Re: 1911 Question - Kimber or Springfield??? [Re: Klinker] #7512784 05/15/19 05:04 PM
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Kimber has a long list of QC problems, and I know people that have experienced them.

I've got a Springfield Operator (one notch below your TRP) and it has ran like a champ.

I vote Springfield.


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Re: 1911 Question - Kimber or Springfield??? [Re: Klinker] #7512787 05/15/19 05:08 PM
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Kimber was great quality back in the day, then had a long-ish run of QC problems, and now I've heard they're back on the straight and narrow. My buddy has an older Eclipse Target II that's freaking sweet - never had a single jam and stupidly accurate, smooth, etc.

That being said, Springfield makes a really nice gun as well, and you'd be hard-pressed to beat the quality for the price.

I think they're both good options. I run a Colt that I absolutely love, so I don't have a strong opinion. If you forced me to trust my life to one of them, it'd be the Springfield 8 days a week.

Re: 1911 Question - Kimber or Springfield??? [Re: Klinker] #7512790 05/15/19 05:10 PM
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I know you're narrowing to 2 options, but the Ruger SR1911 is a fantastic option at a really nice price (around $750). Personally, if I was going past the $800/$900-ish mark, I'd start looking at a used Dan Wesson or similar for not much more than you're talking about with the Springfield. My Colt was only $775.

Re: 1911 Question - Kimber or Springfield??? [Re: Klinker] #7512824 05/15/19 06:02 PM
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I have an older Kimber, not an issue. The newer ones are less reliable

Of your choices Springfield by far

But I hear Ruger for the money is great

Re: 1911 Question - Kimber or Springfield??? [Re: Klinker] #7512834 05/15/19 06:20 PM
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pick one, both good

I have both

probably 20,000+ rounds on Kimber
and several thousands on Springfield

whatever you do, change the magazines to Wilson Combat and keep the spring fresh for reliability

Re: 1911 Question - Kimber or Springfield??? [Re: Klinker] #7512837 05/15/19 06:25 PM
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Of the two Springfield.

Re: 1911 Question - Kimber or Springfield??? [Re: Klinker] #7512842 05/15/19 06:30 PM
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You couldn't give me a Kimber, period


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Re: 1911 Question - Kimber or Springfield??? [Re: Klinker] #7512883 05/15/19 07:15 PM
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I have the old bargain basement plain Jane Springfield 1911-A1 GI, at least I think that's what it's called.

It eats ball, hollow points, cast etc like a kid with a bowl of chocolate frosted sugar bombs watching Saturday cartons.

I have not owned a Kimber.
A guy at work bought a Kimber many years ago.
He was having issues with it.
They told him to put at least 500 rounds through it and then call them back.

I asked when the 500 rounds they were sending him were supposed to show up.
He just gave me the "look". LOL

I heard the 500 round story being floated around, but he was the first hands on person I heard it from.

I did see a NIB Kimber that had horrendous metal finishing issues.
That was years ago as well.

Re: 1911 Question - Kimber or Springfield??? [Re: dredd] #7512887 05/15/19 07:17 PM
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Originally Posted by dredd
I have the old bargain basement plain Jane Springfield 1911-A1 GI, at least I think that's what it's called.

It eats ball, hollow points, cast etc like a kid with a bowl of chocolate frosted sugar bombs watching Saturday cartons.

I have not owned a Kimber.
A guy at work bought a Kimber many years ago.
He was having issues with it.
They told him to put at least 500 rounds through it and then call them back.

I asked when the 500 rounds they were sending him were supposed to show up.
He just gave me the "look". LOL

I heard the 500 round story being floated around, but he was the first hands on person I heard it from.

I did see a NIB Kimber that had horrendous metal finishing issues.
That was years ago as well.


Seems like some lapping compound, while watching TV would be cheaper.


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Re: 1911 Question - Kimber or Springfield??? [Re: Klinker] #7512889 05/15/19 07:22 PM
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I know a couple of very good shooters that shoot Kimbers and they work great. I also really like Springfields and have personally shot thousands of rounds through them. So i tend to lean springfield because of personal experience, but feel both will serve you fine.

Re: 1911 Question - Kimber or Springfield??? [Re: Klinker] #7512900 05/15/19 07:37 PM
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With all these Kimber complaints, How do they stay in business??????????????????????????

Take what you read here with a grain of salt, most have never held a Kimber much less owned one. Everyone's an expert. I've owned a Micro .380 and Desert Warrior .45ACP. Never had a problem when broken in according to Kimbers Owners Manual. Buy Kimber with Confidence.

Go to Coltforum.com They have a manufacturers section for ALL 1911's. You can read ALL the good and bad on EVERY make and Model.

I also Love the Springfield's

I like a railed gun for mounting a laser or light.

the TRP is getting close to Dan Wesson money, take a close look at one, close as you can get to custom without paying $4,000. Yes I'm Bias, I own this Specialist and LOVE it....yes, it SHOOTS

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Last edited by Buzzsaw; 05/15/19 07:37 PM.

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Re: 1911 Question - Kimber or Springfield??? [Re: Klinker] #7512901 05/15/19 07:42 PM
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Either 1911 is very nice. I have owned Kimbers and Sigs. I no longer have the Sig.
Most issues are created by fan boys trying to explain away why they are better than you, or why they can’t shoot.

Some examples are:

Plastic mainspring housing, cast internals,

Not made in the U.S. etc.

Re: 1911 Question - Kimber or Springfield??? [Re: Buzzsaw] #7512948 05/15/19 08:39 PM
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Buzz you keep your guns cleaner than anybody I know is probably why

Re: 1911 Question - Kimber or Springfield??? [Re: Klinker] #7512963 05/15/19 08:53 PM
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probably too clean, FP-10 oozes out of all of them banana


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Re: 1911 Question - Kimber or Springfield??? [Re: Brother in-law] #7512976 05/15/19 09:03 PM
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Originally Posted by Brother in-law
Buzz you keep your guns cleaner than anybody I know is probably why


Gotta shoot em to get em dirty. peep


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Re: 1911 Question - Kimber or Springfield??? [Re: Klinker] #7512978 05/15/19 09:06 PM
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I own many brands and sizes of 1911s. This is one of my favorites. Should be able to find one in BiTone like I own in your price range which is stainless on top.


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Re: 1911 Question - Kimber or Springfield??? [Re: Klinker] #7513026 05/15/19 09:53 PM
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Springfield has the dumb [censored] safety lock in the mainspring housing. Don't know about Kimbers.

Get a Colt.


Shoot. Eat. Repeat.
Re: 1911 Question - Kimber or Springfield??? [Re: Klinker] #7513602 05/16/19 06:05 PM
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Dan Wesson

Re: 1911 Question - Kimber or Springfield??? [Re: Klinker] #7513613 05/16/19 06:23 PM
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Although I like the TRP, if I had to spend my money it would be a Dan Wesson as well.

Re: 1911 Question - Kimber or Springfield??? [Re: David Maas] #7513716 05/16/19 09:45 PM
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Originally Posted by David Maas
You couldn't give me a Kimber, period




I agree!!


GO TRUMP!
Re: 1911 Question - Kimber or Springfield??? [Re: Klinker] #7513727 05/16/19 10:02 PM
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Dan Wesson Valor.

Re: 1911 Question - Kimber or Springfield??? [Re: Klinker] #7513900 05/17/19 02:20 AM
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Thank you to everyone who took time to give me their advice and opinions!

Unfortunately these two new Springfiled TRP 1911s will now have to be returned - I had purchased them for David Mass and Bigfoot, but they said will not even take a free $1400 Kimber. That is dedication!

After your many suggestions, and before even reading the post from AP2714, I researched Dan Wesson and decided to go with a DW Valor. It is ordered and on the way! Thanks to everyone for opening up my thinking!

Re: 1911 Question - Kimber or Springfield??? [Re: Klinker] #7514005 05/17/19 11:25 AM
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Originally Posted by Klinker
Unfortunately these two new Springfiled TRP 1911s will now have to be returned - I had purchased them for David Mass and Bigfoot, but they said will not even take a free $1400 Kimber. That is dedication!


I value my life a little more than that. You made a wise decision with the Dan Wesson, every one I have held or shot was a superb specimen.


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