Kimber or Colt?

[Prophet]

If I was looking in to purchasing a Colt 1911 XSE or Kimber eclipse, which would you recommend? I would really like to have a 1911 but don't have much trigger time with the production full size models. All my alleged guns are hard working tool, so they will get used and beat up. My price range would be about 1200, and these are the two I would be set on.

All comments and suggestions are appreciated. Thank you for you time.
-Prophet

[trigger945]

The Eclipse is a fine 1911, one of the best looking out there, and performs really well. I have one in 10mm.

I also had a Colt XSE. It was okay for me. Traded it away.

Brand loyalty - you will get a lot of Colt votes

Overall fit and finish - Kimber

Trigger - Kimber gets a nod; the trigger break is better/smoother

Warranty - at least based on paper, Colt offers lifetime while Kimber offers only 1 year

My pick (doesn't really matter but here it is): Kimber Eclipse

Good luck!

[Colt 1911]

The Colt is the only real 1911. The Kimber is a wannabe.

[Call_me_Tom]

Both aren't what they used to be but Kimber QC is really in the dumbs while Colt is working on bringing their QC up.

It's a wash on those two brands but if I had to choose it'd be a Colt.

For the same money I'd look at Springfield. They make a modern pre 80 series 1911, have good QC & awesome CS.

[MauserMike]

if i had to only pick the two Colt no doubt. all i hear is bad stuff about kimber. and i always did hear bad stuff about kimber before i heard bad stuff about kimber.

plastic in a 1911 are you joking me?

bolth companies are overpriced and your paying for the name.

[GoatLovin]

I'd go with the Kimber.

I love reading about how Kimber QC is in the "dumps." Apparently my samples didn't get the memo.

[static808]

lots of kimber hate out there. a lot comes from people who dont/havent owned one. bad pess travels faster than good press, for sure.

my kimber outshoots all of my other pistols (springfields, rock islands, sigs), except for my CZ's. as another memeber pointed out, its fit and finish is quite good as well. the eclipse is a beaut, i'd say go with the kimber.

[CalTeacher]

I've never had a kimber that didn't run. I compete with a kimber in single stack and the gun just flat out runs.

[NYT]

i honestly cannot believe people when they claim their colt is a better overall 1911 than their kimber. in no way shape or form is it better imo. fit and finish of the kimber is light years better than colt dollar for dollar.

i have a colt 1911A1 circa 1998, a colt 1911a1 circa 1930 (from my grandfather) and two kimbers circa 2004...a desert warrior and warrior. if faced with a life or death situation and given these options, i would go for the kimber every single time.

[Seaweed02]

Can't say for Colt

Can't say for Colt, because I have never owned one. But I have had a Kimber Eclipse Custom II since 2009 and it is just awesome. I guess the QC guy didn't call in sick the month mine was made. When I read some of the negative statements about Kimbers I just can't match them up with the fine weapon in my gun safe. The Eclipse Custom II is so tight of a frame to slide fit that it seems hand fitted to me. It is very very accurate and I love the Meprolight night sights that come stock on the gun. And somebody else mentioned the trigger. It is just a dream with a very perfect reset. Just my opinion but there is nothing wrong with Kimber.

[Cool Custard]

Colt

[Hilldweller]

I have both a full size Colt and a Kimber pro carry II. The colt is an older 70 series and weighs a ton, and no beavertail. The trigger pulls are vastly different with the Kimber being crisp, light and clean. I love the Kimber and haven't had a single issue with it over 3-4 years now. Lots of rounds through it.
My nod goes to the Kimber all the way.

[SDM44]

Kimber

[IVC]

I have both and both are great.

The Kimber hate is usually about Swartz safety and MIM parts. The Colt praise is usually about the company that existed a hundred years ago. Things change. Manufacturing processes change. Company ownership changes. Quality changes. These days even Wilson Combat uses MIM parts...

[sholling]

Neither! Kimbers are pretty but their warranty and customer service are sub-par. Get yourself a Springfield Armory Loaded or TRP.