Kimber Raptor vs SA Loaded

[WWDHD?]

Hello all 1911 experts out there. Seeking your opinion on the Kimber Raptor Gov size pistol in blue finish. I've always liked the looks of them with the unique machine work but the price always seemed a bit high for me. Yesterday I saw one at my LGS for about $1200 new. Thats less than what I've seen some used go for here in the guns for sale section.
My question is: Is this pistol really a nice well built pistol or just a pretty face? I currently have a SA Loaded SS that runs so perfect, it's almost boring to shoot its so accurate. Internally and parts/fitment wise how do they compare? The Kimber is part of the "Custom Shop" line which from what I've read means pretty much nothing. Or does it? Gun Test magazine gave the Raptor a great review with an "A" grade recently.
If the Raptor is truly a step up from my SA I might pick this one up but if it's about the same quality for a production-line built gun I'll probably skip it and save up for something thats really a step up like a Baer or a Wesson.

[ronlglock]

I have 2 Raptors in the ultra and mid size but have not taken either out to the range. As you point out they look very cool, but the "serrations" are barely enough for me to get a grip on the gun. It's really hard to rack the slide because my fingers keep "slipping off" and I need to grip extra hard. OTOH, my ultra and full-size CDP, SA MC Operator and TRP are so much easier to handle. YMMV (your mileage may vary).

I have my sights set on a SA Professional.

[CK_32]

So you own a SS loaded that's such a good shooter it's boring.. So you want another tax driver?


Also don't believe much of the reviews you read in mags. Especially on Kimber being they are the highest paying gun company for advertising in magazines.

Id say I'd you want another gun the Kimbers not a bad gun. But I don't get how buying another great gun is going to be less boring than your almost exact copy your bored with. Maybe look at another non 1911 platform?

[DT556]

Get another Springfield.

[glockman19]

I have all 3 Kimber Raptor II's, 3",4"&5". Ultra, Pro and full size.
IMHO they are the nicest pistols Kimber makes.
They are hand fitted, nice and tight. Accuracy is dead on.
Get the Raptor and don't give it another thought.

[cal3gunner]

I have heard and seen a lot more bad than good about Kimbers.
I like the look if the Raptor but will never buy a Kimber.
Since you already have a 1911, I would spend the money on a dillon reloader and load a ton of 45 ammo for your SA.

If you just have to have another gun, there is a lot of custom made 1911s out there that I would rather have than a Kimber.

[trigger945]

Opinions will greatly vary on this. But here's mine fwiw.

I own a Stainless Raptor and it is by far my favorite shooter. I have owned 10+ 1911's and now down to 3 but the Raptor has always stayed. The finish is great. The fit is awesome. Shoots really well, too.

[OakTreeGunClub]

Both guns are excellent for the money. If you're looking for a straight-up work horse, we'd lean you towards a loaded Springfield. We got 6 rental 1911s and we've carried a wide variety of rental 1911s in the past and in the rare event that something goes wrong or breaks, Springfield has a much better warranty and turnaround time. Kimbers are excellent guns, but the Raptor is more of a classy shooting-man's 1911 that you'd be hesitant to put through serious use.

We got several Springfield MC Operators in stock right now, I'd also look into this as a possible option. We also have a Kimber Warrior II in stock, which is definitely worth a look. Good luck, let us know if we can help!

[INFAMOUS762X39]

For 1200$... I would look into a Colt Series 70 MKIV. Blued or SS.

It's a sweet throwback, I recently got one in Blue. Saving up to SSE another one in Stainless Steel.

[WWDHD?]

So you own a SS loaded that's such a good shooter it's boring.. So you want another tax driver?


Also don't believe much of the reviews you read in mags. Especially on Kimber being they are the highest paying gun company for advertising in magazines.

Id say I'd you want another gun the Kimbers not a bad gun. But I don't get how buying another great gun is going to be less boring than your almost exact copy your bored with. Maybe look at another non 1911 platform?

Maybe "boring" was not quite the right phrase. I'm admittedly a very average shooter and my SA makes me look good by being very accurate with little effort on my part. Only one jam in the first 50 rounds and then perfect since then with a variety of ammo used.
Got lots of non-1911's. Just started messing with 'em in the last couple of years and identifying the levels of quality and attention to detail on these guns is fascinating.

[ljgrasso]

Both guns are excellent for the money. If you're looking for a straight-up work horse, we'd lean you towards a loaded Springfield. We got 6 rental 1911s and we've carried a wide variety of rental 1911s in the past and in the rare event that something goes wrong or breaks, Springfield has a much better warranty and turnaround time. Kimbers are excellent guns, but the Raptor is more of a classy shooting-man's 1911 that you'd be hesitant to put through serious use.

We got several Springfield MC Operators in stock right now, I'd also look into this as a possible option. We also have a Kimber Warrior II in stock, which is definitely worth a look. Good luck, let us know if we can help!

Agree with the MC Operator suggestion...great value.

[E92335i]

MC Operator!!!

[stormvet]

It's a very nice med-level 1911, if you like the look go for it. I own both Kimber and S.A. there is very little difference in them. They both perform at the same level, accuracy and reliability are on a par. I will say the Kimbers are a cleaner build far less tool marks on the inner frame and slide.

[gef]

I have the Raptor II blue 5", great pistol and I also have the Springfield Loaded SS and while it's great pistol its not a Raptor.

[bulletblood]

The raptor is a sweet gun. I'd get that.