1911 Question & references

[pterrell]

I own a Sig Nitron and after breaking it in and learning how to use it (still learning) it's my favorite gun to shoot. It's very high quality in my experience. The only thing i found out after the fact is that due to it having a proprietary side and not being a true 1911 clone, your holster options are a bit more limited. That being said, their SigTac holster works perfect for my purposes and there are plenty of leather and kydex options out there.

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[Rastoff]

Yes, pterrell has it right. The Sig 1911s have a different profile to the slide and therefore, won't fit in a standard 1911 holster. So, if you get one, be sure to get a holster that is designed for a Sig.

There are some features that are non-issues and some that are important. Personally, I wouldn't own a 1911 without a beaver tail grip safety. This feature helps me to get a high grip without getting bit by the slide. I also need an ambidextrous safety because I'm a lefty.

Another thing to consider is the sights. It might seem like a simple thing to change out sights, but it's not. They don't all have the same cut. Kimber, for example, has a proprietary cut so, if you wanted different sights, you'd have to buy some with the Kimber cut. If you get a S&W with an adjustable rear sight it cannot be replaced because it also has a proprietary cut. Guns with the Novak cut are much easier to swap out sights on because it's more common. So, think about sights when buying initially.

Parts are easy to replace, but many require a gun smith. Things like the slide stop, main spring housing, guide rod and grips can be changed by anyone. Things like the grip safety or thumb safety require fitting and can be screwed up if you don't know what you're doing.

[Bushwack44]

A bit confused - what makes a Sig 1911 NOT a 1911 clone (regarding functionality) in comparison to the Kimber? Also, with so many clones available in the market, does it affect general long tern value?

[Sentenza]

I believe they are referring to the slide profile as most Sig 1911's have a flat top. However there are some Sig 1911 models with traditional slide profiles.

[JLM Ranger]

You need to check out the Sringfields 1911. They have several models and are quality.

[UnWired]

Kimbers do have an issue with their finish. I posted some pics a few days ago about my finish coming off my custom. I think OP wants a stainless Kimber though.
I may simply ship my Kimber back for warranty work, as it's only about 8 months old now. However, if they put the same crap finish on it, it'll be pointless to send back. I may simply Cerakote mine, or find a stainless slide and hand match it.

As far as the plastic main spring housing on Kimber.. ummm, Glocks are all made out of plastic and very few people complain. In fact, lots prefer the plastic.

Just think of it as it has a little piece of Glock sammiched in there for quality.

[Bastard]

the plastic main spring housing is not an issue; realistically it may even be better for some as plastic does not rust, sweat & oils from your hand can harm the plastic finish at all...

that said, I have managed to break on of the plastic mainspring housings however it was at my desk instead of my bench while I was trying to put the gun back together ultimately launching the thing across the room... some say that alcohol may have been involved

[Czsp-01-9mm]

I've been researching which 1911 I want for a year now and I finally picked the one I want just gotta decide if I want a rail, night sights, or target

[Bushwack44]

Question...Kimber says the width of their 1911 pistols are 1.28". Sig pistol width is 1.4". Is the width being measured at the frame (including grips) or the barrel?

[Bastard]

since I just happened to have my safe open - 1.4 is the width of ambi-safety levers 1.28ish is the width of grips or slide + standard left side safety lever on both Kimbers & Springfields... sorry I sold my Sig

[Lead Waster]

It's funny that people disparage plastic and MIM parts.

Plastic will last a long time and reduces the weight of the gun. The mainspring housing is a great place to save some weight. Most plastic will survive a drop as well, so even if you drop the gun onto it's butt, it will probably not crack. If you think about it, plastic is about 50 times more high tech than steel. What's not to like?

MIM - provides more precision in small parts manufacture as well as the bonus of being cheaper to manufacture. Win win! Strength? I have no idea, but stresses in a gun are pretty straight forward and they don't use MIM barrels. If some small part like the safety lever or whatever is MIM, so what?

Do you even understand MIM? What exactly is wrong with it? Are guns, cars, aircraft and other things made with MIM (and which MIM process?) falling apart all over the place?

Seriously though, the 1911 design has been around since (before!) 1911. Everything is worked out. All those gun companies aren't even innovating much or doing anything other than assemble a bunch of parts that have been produced for A HUNDRED + years. How can you screw that up?

Features ... well, there are differences in features, but if you don't even know which ones you want based on your own experience then what's the point of fretting over them?

My suggestion, as always in these threads is ... buy a reasonably priced "bang for the buck" 1911 (RIA Tactical, Springfield Armory Loaded, SIG something or other, etc, etc) and figure out what you like about it or hate about it. Then sell it and get one that has everything you want.

Seriously, 1911s are 1911s, in terms of design and function. It's the niceties and "features" you pay more for (ie front strap checkering, etc) and most of those make no real functional impact.

[Meety Peety]

Then what it comes down to (for me) is aesthetics, value and resale value (although rarely do I sell anything).

IMO (and I'm just some guy on the internet), the Sig would be the better choice out of the 3. They produce some fine firearms. So far, the general consensus on the Sig 1911s is mostly good. Yes, there will be horror stories for every gun. The big game changer in my opinion is the warranty. Kimber basically doesn't stand behind their product. Whether you need to use it or not, a company that isn't confident in their own product is worrisome to me. Secondly, original retail price aside, the Sig will hold it's value better than a Kimber. Whether anyone likes it or not, there is a LOT of hate for Kimber 1911s. Way more than there really should be for any manufacturer still in business. Agree or disagree, it doesn't matter - if 50% of your potential buyers refuse to buy a Kimber, you are going to have a hard time selling it - and nothing else is relevant in the matter. Again just my 2 pennies, as some dude on the intarwebz.

[LovingTheYear1911]

Get a Les Baer and call it good. But on a side not, who cares. Kimber, sig, etc. They all work just fine and will work just fine. Pick one you can afford and like to look at and can shoot comfortably. Thats all. By the way nothing wrong with a kimber.

[DArBad]

Question...Kimber says the width of their 1911 pistols are 1.28". Sig pistol width is 1.4". Is the width being measured at the frame (including grips) or the barrel?

I think its measured at the extreme edges of the slides, with the gun in battery. The grips are never measured because of the variety in thickness.

[Rastoff]

If Sig is saying that the width is 1.4" then that is the width of a gun with an ambi safety and it includes the safety on both sides.