Kimber Warrior vs. SA Operator !?

[InFlamez]

Hey all,

I'm looking to purchase my first 1911 and it's a trade off between the Kimber Warrior and Springfield's MC Operator. Any suggestions?
Given the fact that they both have similar features, I guess it just comes down to cosmetics, reputation, reliability, and accuracy. Prices really aren't that far apart either. I've shot my buddy's Warrior, but haven't shot the Operator. Anyone have any experience in comparing these two models?
Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated in helping me make the choice.

thanks

[donger]

Neither one of the mentioned pistols are custom 1911s.

That said I would lean towards the MC Operator.

[InFlamez]

Okay, 1911s with custom features or add-ons!
Not Mil Spec original design configuration.
I don't want a stocker, so I'm willing to pay more for a 1911 with some features that I'd end up adding anyways.

Anyone else?

[redcliff]

I guess I'm old enough to remember when the Series 70 Government model was a standard pistol, and things like beavertail grip safetys, match fitted barrels, high visibility sights and flared magazine wells certainly made one's pistol "Custom".

I own quite a few 1911's from full on custom race guns to ultra compact carry guns and personally think Kimber makes the finest factory 1911's avaible.

[Biff...]

Go for the SA TRP w/rail. IMHO better quality, feels better. Plus its the original 1911. I just bought mine and have no regrets.

[InFlamez]

I heard that Springfield 1911s are manufactured and/or assembled in Brazil or something like that!? I know the XDs are made in "Chekoslavakia?".

[Biff...]

I heard that Springfield 1911s are manufactured and/or assembled in Brazil or something like that!? I know the XDs are made in "Chekoslavakia?".

You are correct morst SA are. I don't know this for a fact, but I believe the operators are manufacturered in the U.S.

[The_Fonz]

all springfield frames and slides are forged in brazil, even the top dollar custom guns. Upper echelon guns and customs, including TRPs, are assembled and fitted in USA.

Get the springfield, as others have said: its the original design 1911, best value, and the best customer service in the business.

[Ironchef]

I know the XDs are made in "Chekoslavakia?".

Croatia.

[BTF/PTM]

The one drawback to the Operator is that it is H-E-A-V-Y. That sucker has some serious bulk to it compared to all other 1911's I've used. That said, though, I'd get the Operater before I got the Kimber.

[B.C.]

I heard that Springfield 1911s are manufactured and/or assembled in Brazil or something like that!? I know the XDs are made in "Chekoslavakia?".

Just look for a Springfield with a serial number that starts with NM, those are assembled and fitted in the USA. The N serial numbers are made in Brazil. I own a N series Loaded 1911 BTW.

[8200rpm]

The slides and frames are forgings made by Imbel. They are considered high quality forgings.

I've read on the misinformationet that the base models, GI, Mil-Specs and possibly some Loaded, are assembled in Brazil. The U.S. factory sometimes assembles Mil-Specs and Loaded when production capacity permits. The higher end TRP and Operator models are assembled in teh Umerika.

Hilton Yam collaborated with the SA Custom Shop to produce a limited run of guns catered to his preferences...



The Warrior "II" uses the Schwartz-type firing pin block which is shunned in some circles. Hilton Yam's primary demographic is the LE community where pistols are openly carried, primary duty weapons. Your needs may be different.

http://www.10-8performance.com/id8.html

Here's Hilton Yam and Larry Vickers observations on the Kimber Warrior...

http://www.10-8forums.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=0&Board=custom1911&Number=56857&page=1&fpart=all

I realize that I'm doing a lot of cross posting. But rather than giving you my unqualified opinions, I figured reading the opinions, observations, and preferences of actual professionals may be of better use.

[ohsmily]

Another vote for Springfield.

[elsolo]

When I decided that I wanted a nice single stack 1911, but couldn't really afford to have a custom gun built by one of the more reputable smiths, I had the same exact question.
I asked two of the pistolsmiths which I should get (for IPSC and steel) as a possible basis for future custom work and they both said just get the SA loaded. Maybe it was just a business response so they'll get to do all the fixing on a lemon gun
I bought one anyhow, I ran a few thousand rounds through it without any memorable problems; and I haven't shot it in years. I am glad that I didn't spend more of my firearms budget on a cutom singlestack that I never really shoot. The $600 SA had the features I wanted, and it runs fine.

[apbrian112]

my vote is for the SA as well... i had the opportunity to fire about 8-10 different 1911's back to back ranging from SA GI's/kimber custom II all the way on up to SA TRP operators and between the kimber or the SA, the SA just felt better and i shot it better as well, it was HEAVY but this didn't bother me.
that being said, i actually shot a Smith and Wesson 1911 (forgot which model) and was very very impressed. had all the features that i would want in a 1911 and i actually shot it the best. if i can't find a full-railed operator, i would purchase a S&W 1911 as my second choice. and the price on S&W's 1911's is fantastic.
my suggestion would be to find some way to shoot them back to back (whichever model's you're interested in) and then decide. both the features of the warrior and mc operator are similar, but they might feel different to you when you shoot them.