This or That - 1911

[GoatLovin]

I have a TLE/RL II I bought in 2008 and a TRP I bought a few months ago. Love both, no issues with either. Obviously I trust the Kimber more due to length of ownership. Your choice seems to come down to the finish. Stainless or not?

[jeffrice6]

TRP

[Sam]

Springfield

[safety-1st]

Thanks for the replies! So the kimbers are prone to rust? The TRP is a little pricey. I found them without the rail for 1450 cheapest. The TRP full rail I see them for around 1700. That is a bit out of my interest for a 1911. I like the mc operators price for 1099 very attractive with the ongoing Springfield promotions of two mags and bag for every purchase.

Is the TRP really that much better than the mc operator and really worth the extra 400-600?

Thanks

[GoatLovin]

Thanks for the replies! So the kimbers are prone to rust? The TRP is a little pricey. I found them without the rail for 1450 cheapest. The TRP full rail I see them for around 1700. That is a bit out of my interest for a 1911. I like the mc operators price for 1099 very attractive with the ongoing Springfield promotions of two mags and bag for every purchase.

Is the TRP really that much better than the mc operator and really worth the extra 400-600?

Thanks

You see the rust issue brought up a lot on the net. I'm not saying it isn't an issue, but I don't have it. Seven years of ownership, no rust on my Kimber.

I have no experience with the MC pistol, my TRP full rail feels pretty damn good in my hands. Can't wait to sample a Professional in a few years when I can afford one.

[asphaltcowboychip]

I don't know if you need a 1911 with a rail, but this is a great deal in the market place. Granted I don't know the seller.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=1123250&highlight=trp

[lastinline]

Owning both Kimber and Springfield 1911 pistols (1911 variants), I would be inclined to go with the Springfield. My best Kimbers are a pair of consecutively numbered SIS pistols, but the quality of those seems to be above the usual Kimber effort. While the Springers are nice, they have always been the tops in reliability.

[safety-1st]

^thanks! That is a great deal, but I live in Southern California.

[Cody]

Springfield hands down.

[RR.44]

Springfield over Kimber any day of the week.

[Robert1234]

Got one of each.

Kimber since 2001, maybe 20K rounds through it, just a base model Custom II. Never had an issue. Well fit, accurate and relatively tight. Never had a rust issue, and the MIM parts have yet to explode and injure me grievously during a gunfight.

Springfield Loaded Target 9mm since December 2014. Always been reliable, but always been loose too. Accuracy isn't bad.

Springfield was more money (even in today's dollars), looks nicer and has adjustable rear sight. Internals were junk. Kimber still sports the original internal parts and has a very nice trigger.

Don't regret either purchase? No, they both shoot nice (though my tinkering half got hold of the Springfield and went to town). Both get a lot of use.

If I had to do it all over, I'd try to pay less for the Springfield, and look for a Kimber with an adjustable rear sight.

Not the guns you were asking about, but same manufacturers you're choosing from.

That said, if you're jumping to the $1,800.00 range, I'd look for a semi-custom like Les Baer. Got one of them and it's head and shoulders above any factory gun.

That said, most $1,000.00 guns shoot well enough for 99% of us, but who doesn't like nice guns, right?

[Ej6fade]

...

[whipkiller]

Thanks for the replies! So the kimbers are prone to rust? I like the mc operators price for 1099 very attractive with the ongoing Springfield promotions of two mags and bag for every purchase.

Is the TRP really that much better than the mc operator and really worth the extra 400-600?

Thanks

Rust seems to be hit or miss. Lots of guys have them for years with no issues, and many of them will tell you it's an internet myth, until you hear from multiple people who have rusty Kimbers. So yes, some are prone to rust, but it doesn't seem to be across the board.

I just sent in my Gear Up info today for my free mags and swag from the 9mm Loaded that came home yesterday, that is a nice little bonus to a great gun.

I say Springfield no question, but I might be a little biased.

[idntwn2]

Between the two, Springer by a wide margin.

[Bushwack44]

I went through the same scenario (but for a 9mm 1911) a few months ago. Went with the SA for two reasons: Received enough feedback from Kimber owners regarding quality of finish (after a year or more of ownership) and some customer service issues.

While some people didn't like the Springfield, they couldn't give me any specifics as to why. They would rather change the subject on better off getting a Kimber (or other make).

I've had my SA Loaded 1911 for a few months. Only liked it at first as it felt gritty when compared to my Sig 1911 (in .45). But after a couple hundred rounds, I thoroughly enjoy it. Slide racks smoothly and just feels good to shoot.

If there is a negative, it seems a little more difficult to re-assemble then the Sig or Colt 1911s I have (in .45). But no regrets with my purchase.