1911 in 9mm - SA or Kimber?

[surfinguru]

I'm in the market for a 9mm 1911 and was looking for any input from those that have chosen to deviate from the traditional 1911 in 45acp. I'm currently looking at either of these models: Springfield Armory PX9130LP, or the Kimber Stainless Target II. (MSRP for both are right about the same at or around $1100.)

I know they're both a bit of a challenging to come by, so I fully expect to have to order one. As of today, they are both still on the "roster" but who knows if they'll renew for next year, so I want to get one of these bad boys ordered ASAP. I'm leaning towards the SA, but the Kimber is a nice looking gun too!

So, what do you guys say?

[Black Majik]

I own the Kimber and shot both side by side.

They're both great, but I found some minor differences. Let's examine:

Kimber:
- 40 cal breechface
- Swartz safety
- better trigger
- better fit
- Smooth matte stainless

Springfield:
- 9mm breechface
- No firing pin block
- ILS in MSH can be swapped out
- worse trigger
- Polished slide flats with matte rounds

Knowing the +/- of both, I chose Kimber because of the better fit in finish (in my opinion). The 40 cal breechface bothered me initially, but with more tension on the extractor it has proven reliable. The Swartz safety has never been an issue. The Kimber's frame also fits me better. One quirk I notice with the Loaded model is the grip safety prevents me from gripping the gun higher. Thus, with a thumbs forward, thumb on safety grip the bore sank into my hand better than the Springfield.

The SA 9mm Loaded is no slouch however. My opinion is the SA Loaded, if worked over, can be more reliable than the Kimber due to the correct size breechface and the lack of a firin pin safety.

They're both accurate, both very, very soft shooting, and both just loads of fun. Honestly, you really can't go wrong.

Of course, this is just my opinion and YMMV.

[phil conrad]

I have owned both. I still own the Springfield. It just fits me better. There was no issue with the Kimber. I just shoot better with the Springfield. Either one will be a good choice.

[Jonathan Doe]

I have a Springfield 1911A1 in 45 Auto. I bought a Colt Series 70 9mm slide assembly and put one together myself. Total cost? A lot less than what you pay for a new ones, and it shoots well.

[Malmon]

I, too, was looking to get one and was able to purchase one at Buds last week. I bought a springfield 1911 in 9mm with adjustable target sights and started the DROS today. I don't think I have ever seen a kimber 1911 in 9mm being in stock anywhere.

[chiselchst]

I'm in the market for a 9mm 1911...

I have "heard", from a competitive shooter that the 1911 platform is *troublesome* chambered in 9mm, as the cartridge COAL is shorter.

Might wanna research that. Many other 9mm's have demonstrated such fantastic reliability...

Can anyone expound further on this?

[DaveFJ80]

I just happened to shoot a 9mm SA 1911 this afternoon at the range. I was bored and wanted to try a few different things (the other being "Jack Bauer handguns" from different seasons). The SA shot really well, very little to no recoil felt, compared to other 9mm and compared to the .45 SA 1911 counterpart. Heavier than my Glock and the USP Compact I was shooting with today, but that's expected and it helped with the recoil. However, I really can't compare it to other 9mm 1911's since I haven't shot any others. Although I am tempted on trying to get the RIA 9mm Tactical 1911 that recently came out, since it's less than half the price of the SA... but not sure if it's on the roster yet.

They didn't have a Kimber in 9mm, only in .45 and it was a Custom II. I didn't bother shooting that, although I wish I did after shooting the .45 SA.

[bn91205]

The problems associated with 9mm singlestack 1911's are the magazines. Tripp Research and Metalform "Springfield" mags have solved those problems.

So as to not to steer from the original thread; I like the SA. They're built on high-quality steel forgings and their small parts are all the same from GI to the top-end models. In any case, whichever is available first, you will be happy with either one of them!

I have "heard", from a competitive shooter that the 1911 platform is *troublesome* chambered in 9mm, as the cartridge COAL is shorter.

Might wanna research that. Many other 9mm's have demonstrated such fantastic reliability...

Can anyone expound further on this?

[goathead]

kimber

[JanG]

ria 9mm is not on the roster, at least for now. somebody here has converted an ria 38super to 9mm.

[surfinguru]

Thanks for all the input so far guys. Leaning towards the SA as my local shop carries them (and can order one for me) and they have the better warranty. Now, about those lead times....

[Yute]

Wow thanks for posting this - its crazy but I was JUST also thinking about getting a 9mm 1911 - there is a lot of appeal to them. I too am leaning towards SA at this time!
This nice lady has a good review on hers:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78BJjTKI9Ho

[JTROKS]

I really dig the Springfield Loaded 9mm Target. All you need is to have the front strap stippled or checkered and it won't be that hard to refinish if the person doing it is careful not to stray out and make unnecessary lines or scratches. I would probably get the barrel sleeved bull barrel style and you'll need the appropriate captured recoil guide rod system. Then it's super dig it baby!

The only part I can advice Springfield is to have the front sight upgraded to a target version.

[windsheer]

I have 3 of the metal form mags but when Wilson came out with their 10 round 9mm mag it was the best thing that ever happend to the 9mm 1911 for me. My Kimber 9mm 1911 is now extremly reliable where as before it was a target /range gun that would jam regularly. The metalform mags all need tweaking to work right and the target gang spent lots of cash on these things as they are exspensive. Most have their own explanation of how and where they bent the feed lips to get them to work .
Thank you Wilson Combat is all I can say.

[windsheer]

I really dig the Springfield Loaded 9mm Target. All you need is to have the front strap stippled or checkered and it won't be that hard to refinish if the person doing it is careful not to stray out and make unnecessary lines or scratches. I would probably get the barrel sleeved bull barrel style and you'll need the appropriate captured recoil guide rod system. Then it's super dig it baby!

The only part I can advice Springfield is to have the front sight upgraded to a target version.

Who does a barrel sleeve , never seen that. Most 9mm 199 owners use them for idpa ect. ect. and bull barrels are not allowed , too heavy.