Hard use 1911

[Gutz]

What about rust from Kimber carbon steel barrels?


-Freq

I was about to ask that too. Not to mention Kimber's inability to perform as well as a SA 1911.

[Brandon04GT]

The only real thing the TLE has over the SA Loaded parkerized is the front strap checkering which isn't that big of a deal to most and could always be added later. Plus the 30LPI of the TLE's isn't super effective IMO. The finish on the TLE is probably better compared to parkerizing but isn't that great in itself either.

Both have night sights but with the SA you are getting Novak style sights and not the proprietary cut ones that Kimber uses.

I also wouldn't get too caught up on "match grade" barrels. There isn't an industry standard to what match grade barrels have to adhere to and one company's match grade barrel may not be very different to another company's standard barrel. Not to mention that all these 1911's are already capable of shooting tighter groups than we are capable of.

[Xanatos]

Used SA MC Operator.

/thread?

[cindynles]

I've been running a parkerized Loaded in USPSA for the last 2 years (a bit over 8,000 rounds) and it has held up really well overall. My one gripe with it is the finish. I have worn the finish completely off is a few spots (back strap and under the trigger guard).

[parbo1]

I would recommend a Colt XSE. Das in Solana Beach had one for right about a grand.

[yankee-pete]

SA loaded.

[gds23]

Surprised no one has brought up the Sig 1911?

[CrippledPidgeon]

I worked at a gun shop for three years until the beginning of 2012. During that period, I got to handle hundreds of 1911s from all different price ranges. I've also owned both a Springfield Loaded (parkerized with night sights) and a Kimber TLE II. I carried the Springfield and the Kimber, both IWB and open.

What about rust from Kimber carbon steel barrels?

I was about to ask that too. Not to mention Kimber's inability to perform as well as a SA 1911.

I don't know about the OP, but I never let my carry guns go for more than a week or two without getting cleaned. Not because I was paranoid, but because I'd do a thorough cleaning every time I shot them. As a result, I never saw rust in any of my guns.

I also never had any problems with either pistol. I went through multi-day classes without cleaning them, and the only problems I had with them were related to the first set of mags that I bought for them. So in that sense, I got very lucky with both my pistols.

That being said, given a choice at the time, I'd choose the Kimber over the SA because the slides and frames fit better, the timing was generally better, and the triggers generally felt more smooth and consistent. Of course, you always have lemons, but it seemed like Kimbers were more consistently good than the SAs.

The only real thing the TLE has over the SA Loaded parkerized is the front strap checkering which isn't that big of a deal to most and could always be added later. Plus the 30LPI of the TLE's isn't super effective IMO. The finish on the TLE is probably better compared to parkerizing but isn't that great in itself either.

30 LPI isn't the most effective checkering, but it's still better than no checkering at all. While I brought up the TRP, it's priced higher than a TLE.

Both have night sights but with the SA you are getting Novak style sights and not the proprietary cut ones that Kimber uses.

This is true, but not a huge issue, because most manufacturers make Kimber cut sights as well. That being said, Kimber's sights are installed using IIRC, a hydraulic press, so getting them out can be difficult (though not impossible).

[stormvet]

In the $1000 price range, I tend to prefer Kimber over Springfield. The Kimber black finish is tougher than parkerization, and at the TLE level, you get 30 lpi checkering and night sights. To get a similar Springfield, you need to buy a TRP, which is at a higher price point. I also like the Kimber single-piece FLGR, which won't work lose like an SAI two-piece.

I agree, the two piece S.A. GR is junk and that's wear mine went right in the garbage. Kimber's one piece is a much better design.
There is far too much fanboy chest pounding with owners of these two 1911s, both have their negatives and positives. Neither is a clear winner over the other.

[cindynles]

I agree, the two piece S.A. GR is junk and that's wear mine went right in the garbage. Kimber's one piece is a much better design.
There is far too much fanboy chest pounding with owners of these two 1911s, both have their negatives and positives. Neither is a clear winner over the other.

I agree with that. Between the two though (if they were priced the same) I would give a slight edge to Springfield because of the lifetime warranty and the series 70 design (Kimber's have a Swartz firing pin safety that is somewhat fragile).

[stormvet]

I agree with that. Between the two though (if they were priced the same) I would give a slight edge to Springfield because of the lifetime warranty and the series 70 design (Kimber's have a Swartz firing pin safety that is somewhat fragile).

Not all Kimbers have a Swartz FPS, my Desert Warrior is a series 70 design. I also have not found the Swartz system to be fragile, I actually prefer it over the Colt 80 FPS. I do own 1911s with both types of FPS. But given the choice I would rather not have one, even though I have never had a problem with either one.

[DuneShoot]

I'd take a look at the Colt XSE but ya can't go wrong with most pistols suggested here.

[jonzer77]

If you want a parkerized gun then I would suggest the Springfield. If you want more of a polished blue look, I would go with a Colt XSE. They are both going to be reliable and more accurate then most shooters.

[1911Luvr]

SA is the best value in that range. Forged frame and slide, lifetime warranty, and very well built.

[dpop24]

Can't argue the SA lifetime warranty. That alone should sell you on one in the SA line. However, I also must mention that the under-rated Sig Nitron is in your budget and I find the frame to slide fit on mine to be very nice and tight. I have a Loaded in 9mm and the slide is sloppy in comparison.

I originally got that Sig Nitron in a trade and intended it to be a beater gun so I could keep the round count on my TRP low, but I recently decided that guns are meant to be shot, so the Sig is getting sold and the TRP is going to be put to hard use!