first 1911

[clickclockpow]

Hello Fam,

Im looking to purchase my first 1911 in my LGS i have narrowed it down to 2,


Sig Target 1911 Going for 912.49

Springfield 1911 Loaded 876.39

Kimber raptor 2 $1,250.00

They all feel amazing, havnt shot any but the Kimber felt the best in my hand then the sig and the spring field, The only thing i didn't like on the Springfield was the Sights.

Im looking to see that is the best built, best features and better buy for the amount of money, The quality of the gun.


I will appreciate all help, Thank you in advanced.

[Snoopy47]

Do you want the adjustable sights on the Springer or Sig, or the serrated front strap on the Kimber?

Other than that they are all in the same ball park.

[clickclockpow]

Do you want the adjustable sights on the Springer or Sig, or the serrated front strap on the Kimber?

Other than that they are all in the same ball park.

What would you say are the pros and cons to the adjustable vs the serrated?

[calibased]

first 1911

...

[sandmanx408]

i dont mean to thrad jack, but i heard you can send a sprigfield in to the custom shop and they will do work on it for you...is that true and how much of a difference does it make after its all done. while i dont expect it to be as great as a true custom firearm, does it make it come close to say a TRP maybe

again close is the word not the same

[SkyHawk]

Of the three you listed, I'd go for the Springfield.

[Snoopy47]

What would you say are the pros and cons to the adjustable vs the serrated?

Oh, I guess the SIG has the front strap checkering. All things being equal then that's how'd I'd go for a first time purchase.

However, I have put on skate board tape of a Colt I have, and it works just as well and saves on cost for what is usually about a $250 option.

From a utility stand point and target shooting you'd want the adjustable sights if you are into precision shooting at the range.

The only 1911 I would purchase now without front strap checkering would be a collector piece.

So I might lean toward the Kimber if you aren't anticipating precision shooting long distance at the range (needing adjustable sights)

But then again, to me, the Kimber looks more about style that it does actual grip with how it's serrated. I can't speak to it because I've never held one.

I don't know if the back strap (the main spring housing) on the Kimber is plastic though. If it is, that would be a big turn off for me.

I'm not going to give you a straight forward biased way to go. I've solved that problem by having six 1911's myself.

If I were given a choice between the three for myself I would take the Kimber, but that's because the Sig design turns me off, and I already have a Springfield TRP.

I've been shooting long enough to know that a good feeling pistol in the hand doesn't mean it will give you the needed BITE to minimize it twisting upon recoil. It doesn't have to "hurt", but a nice smooth feeling pistol can be deceptively hard to shoot well.

The Kimber gives me that impression from its styling, but that is easily fixed by a set of VZ grips and skate board tape.

Options on any 1911 I consider nowadays are:
Quality sights
front strap checkering
extended manual safety
Beaver Tail grip safety
Grips with enough bite (I lean toward VZ grips).

[samsigsauer]

If you are going to spend $1250 for the Kimber then why not spend a little more for a Springfield TRP?

[5ZS]

Of only those 3, go with the Raptor (ignoring the price difference).
I am not a Kimber fan (more liking Springfield's value), but the Raptor just has more features and the Raptor serration adds a bit of uniqueness. Feel good huh? I like the Raptor serrations.
Raptor is in a different price tier though, it's going against more the Trophy Match/TRP.

i dont mean to thrad jack, but i heard you can send a sprigfield in to the custom shop and they will do work on it for you...is that true and how much of a difference does it make after its all done. while i dont expect it to be as great as a true custom firearm, does it make it come close to say a TRP maybe

They are a true custom shop, pretty much what ever you want. They have their price list on their web site. They will work on any 1911 that is in good working condition and will even take a Kimber to work on.

[Snoopy47]

This tread is quickly going to go out of control.

I think the challenge for forum members is keeping focused on the three choices the OP listed.

While the Springfield "could" be sent into the custom shop I think that's a highly unlikely scenario to actually happen. Even if it did, then I'm going to wager that the OP would have bought other 1911's by then. Otherwise he'd have to wait a very long time to get it back.

Pick one, enjoy shooting it, shoot it a lot, and you will find from your experience which direction you want to go as you refine your shooting style or preference.

I couldn't make up my mind, so I have six of them.

[Snoopy47]

If you are going to spend $1250 for the Kimber then why not spend a little more for a Springfield TRP?

I would agree, but the checkering on the TRP is on the other end of the scale in aggressiveness.

They are very different pistols.

I'm also going to guess he's not going to find a TRP. Kimbers are all over the place for the mere fact that they manufacture more 1911's than Colt and Springfield combined.

[FCinCA]

I have a Springfields and Kimbers and they are both good weapons. IMO, Springfield has the best customer service. I like Kimber's LPI on the front straps as they are less aggressive than the Springfield's. What causes the Kimber to feel better in your hand?

[cabikefreak]

We have a Kimber Eclipse Custom II and a Springfield TRP. Between those particular two we like our TRP more. Of the 3 choices you pose I think it would be hard to justify the additional dollars for the Kimber over the Springfield Loaded. You will also have less to think about when doing upgrades to the Springfield than the Kimber because Kimber does a few things slightly differently. I am not addressing the Sig simply because I believe 1911s should be built by USA manufacturers but that is just my bias. At the end of the day pick the one you like and shoot the best and then put the sights you like on that particular model. Those are all quality guns and you will like whatever you pick. But watch out because 1911s are very addictive!

[SoberClurichaun]

Also note that the Sig will have an external extractor. More of an aesthetic thing, since the internal extractor is reliable as well.

[OUTLAWZ]

+1 Springfield Armory Loaded

A trip to the custom shop can fix any of your 1911 concerns. Good luck with your quest.

Leon