This or That - 1911

[safety-1st]

So I am a little interested in buying a 1911 as a little celebration gift on a new job offer. I have my eyes on the following two. Id like to keep it around 1200 and below. What are your thoughts?

This: Kimber Stainless TLE/RL II $1129


That: Springfield 1911-A1 .45 Loaded Operator MC NS $1099


Thanks!

[johnny_boy02]

The only Kimber I have ever had that seems worth a damn was the TLR/RL II. But I also really like the MC Operator. For me it's the Springfield.

[Euphoria526]

Springer hands down.

[dc2allday]

Don't like the TRP?

[Chapped Hide]

MC OP FTW!

[monsterFD]

mc op

[Felix 808]

The only Kimber I have ever had that seems worth a damn was the TLR/RL II. But I also really like the MC Operator. For me it's the Springfield.

I say go with the Springer. Company is one of the best for customer service if there is ever a problem, unlike Kimber's inconstant CS.
I've had a similar experience. I Once had 3 Kimbers, only kept 1. I have 10 1911's with 1 more on order. I only buy Wilsons & Springers now days due to the quality & CS if there is ever any trouble. I also have an MC operator & it's a great pistol.

$.02

[_TomT_]

Both...

[Mossy Man]

Do you like rust?

[m850168]

I have a TLE/RL II, not the stainless version, and I have had issues with surface rust before I discovered eezox. Extractor tension was way off from the factory. Great now that those have been addressed.

I believe the stainless TLE/RL II does NOT have a stainless barrel, so the rust possibility is there.

I'd recommend the Springer for that reason, and because it's a little cheaper. The Springer is also a series 70 design but has the ILS mainspring setup, if you care.

[SDM44]

I like the fit & feel of a Kimber TLE over a Springfield Loaded model 1911. However, I don't like how the barrel oxides very easily on the Kimbers, and I don't care for (but never had a problem with) the Schwartz safety on the Kimber.

For maybe $100-$200 more, you can get a Springfield TRP and that's a huge difference in fit & feel and quality over both the Kimber TLE and Springfield Loaded models.

[AFTII]

Last month, Springfield had a poll. MC Operator (new version with front checkering and VZ grips) vs. the new LB (Long beach or "Loaded Black" as Springfield referred to it) with Magwell and VZ grips.

The MC won the poll by a pretty good margin (58% vs. 42%). Between the MC and Kimber, no contest MC. But, I'm prejudiced. I have one in jail.

[BoJackUSMC]

Operator because hard to operate without carrying operator...

[balmo]

Springer, the lines around the end of Kimber's dust cover looks weird to me.

[Euphoria526]

Operator because hard to operate without carrying operator...

This.
/end thread