1911: Kimber v. Springfield

[Moto4Fun]

A point to note: people know about a company's customer service/warranty because they have to use them. The number of SAs in the field and/or the number of warranty failures can lead to their stellar service review, however a gun that never requires repair wouldn't lend much knowledge of its customer service.

That being said I don't know how Kimber's service record is nor do I know how well their customer service department operates. I do know that their catalogue is very nice, and their guns look real appealing.

[Cuda440]

Both are comparable quality pistols.

Both use MIM parts, which really isn't a big deal. MIM parts are 96% as strong as a forged part, they can handle abuse well. When a MIM part is made correctly, it will be perfectly reliable. However MIM is brittle, and it won't slowly stress crack, so if it's going to break due to a manufacturing defect it will happen early in the guns life while under warranty.

When Kimber first started using MIM, there were a few "bugs" to work out, but it's a proven technology now, adopted by many major manufaturers. The nickname MIMber and rumors of bad quality are still running strong,though.

The Kimbers IMO have a better fit and finish, a nicer trigger, better accuracy, and more bells and whistles out of the box when compared to the same price SA.

As posted the Kimbers use a schwartz safety. This system is extremely simple, the grip safety releases the trigger safety and at the same time it clears the firing pin safety. I've seen experts speculate on possible problems, but I've yet to hear of anyone actually having the hammer drop without firing the round.

SA has a lifetime warranty, which is great. But, I also see a thread about a broken springfield every week. They always end well, but why do they break so much in the first place?

Kimber has a 1 year warranty, not so good. However, there have been mutiple threads that kimber fixed a gun that was out of warranty, even if it wasn't the original owner.

Kimber suffered some bad quality control after the move to Younkers, but they have worked on it and really improved in the last couple of years.

Handle them both, shoot them both, buy what you like. There's no "deal breakers" on either.

[xibunkrlilkidsx]

springfield. their warranty is the best.

trying to find it but htere was a story of a guy who bought a new springfield as was driving home on his motorcycle, long story short pistol fell out and he sent it into springfield and they fixed it for very cheap. the damamge should of rendered it useless.

[fullspeed1]

I don't understand everyone's assumption of improper timing of the schwartz safety system on the Kimber, And how the "Experts" say it will cause a click instead of a bang. I barely have to apply any pressure to the GS of my Custom II and the safety is completely deactivated. With that in mind, The entire safety system is rather a simple design that has no influence on trigger pull either.

[jimbos44]

Not to open a new can of worms, but the SW1911 is a very nice weapon. made in U.S.A.

[rogervzv]

Not to open a new can of worms, but the SW1911 is a very nice weapon. made in U.S.A.

Great point. I have not yet seen one in a local gunshop. Legal here in the People's Republic?

[Paradiddle]

What is wrong with your Colt? Nothing beats the prancing pony!

[rogervzv]

My Gold Cup Series 70 is so accurate it is scary. It makes even a so-so shooter like me look good. To answer your question, nothing is wrong with it. Was thinking of getting another 1911 because I want one. Not because I need one. Kind of a knock-around 45 if you follow my non-logic. (My wife does not follow it, worse luck.)

[guns_and_labs]

Great point. I have not yet seen one in a local gunshop. Legal here in the People's Republic?

Absolutely, in both .45acp and .38Super. I had a .38Super version that I still regret selling in a weak moment.

[beauregard]

I have an SA Loaded in my collection and the trigger is crap. I don't know if Kimber's are any better, but they can't be worse.

[redcliff]

I have an SA Loaded in my collection and the trigger is crap. I don't know if Kimber's are any better, but they can't be worse.

Take it to a competent pistol-smith and have it corrected, or contact Springfield Armory, it may be out of spec in which case they'll fix it for free.

Personally I plan on having trigger jobs done on any 1911 I buy, although a few have not needed one.

[TJ3000]

Both Company's are good as you can see your getting alot of different opinions. Both companies have pushed out well known combat pistols.

Kimber with there MEU(SOC)

Springfield Armory with there Springfield Professional (FBI Issued 1911)

I personally chose to go the Springfield Armory because of there lifetime Warranty and there long history with 1911's!

I plan on getting 2 more 1911's a SA Pro. and a Kimber Warrior.
Only to see ultimately which one I like best.

Both are Great 1911 producers... But to me the best 1911 will always be MY 1911 because MY 1911 is accessorized to suit me!

[animossity]

SA hands down.

[Allentu]

Some things to consider...Both kimber and wilson get their frames from the same supplier so it "should" mean quality. on the other hand...its rare to find a SA with issues and the fact that they come with LIFETIME warranty for original buyer is the best imo

[BHPFan]

Some things to consider...Both kimber and wilson get their frames from the same supplier so it "should" mean quality.

If that's the case, I will definitely pay more and get the Wilson instead.

on the other hand...its rare to find a SA with issues and the fact that they come with LIFETIME warranty for original buyer is the best imo

I disagree with the first sentence: I owned 2 Springer 1911s and they all came with some issue out of the box. However, I strongly agree with your last sentence: Springer's Customer Service is the best and they fixed the said issues that I had with my pistols, but their warranty doesn't stop for the original buyer, it also applies to the next owner.