Kimber bobtail vs S&W bobtail.

[SLO1911Fan]

I've decided to pick up another commander size 1911 to go on my carry permit. I was going to put my Kimber Pro Carry II on it, but I would rather have something that was bobtailed.

The two I'm kicking back and forth are the S&W 4.25" Bobtail in black with a Scandium frame, and the Kimber Super Carry Pro HD with a steel frame.

I know some people hate kimbers, but I really like mine. It's been completely reliable since the break in period, and I love the look and feel of the super carry line. The downside of the Kimber is the price, I can get the S&W for significantly less than the Super Carry.

The S&W is priced well, the finish is nice, and it feels good in my hand. My only concern is the scandium frame vs. a steel one. Does anyone have any personal experience with how the scandium will hold up?

[FUBAR]

I like steel frames on my 1911 so I pick the Kimber Super Carry Pro HD.

[Old4eyes]

Smith & Wesson has put a lot of research into the usage of Scandium. They've had it for years in revolvers and some of the 1911 line. If it were a problem they'd have pulled back rather than taking incurring the cost of frame replacement since the guns are warranted for life - to the original owner. I've got S&W in govt. size in steel and scandium. I haven't got enough rounds through them to give you a "good for 20k rounds" statement, but other than the faster muzzle flip on the Scandium, they shoot identically. Hopefully you've got a steel 1911 to shoot for extended range time, the Scandium in commander size will be light (which is why it's good choice for carry) but it might wear you down some. As a point of reference standard pressure ammo in my Scandium feels like +P in the steel frame.

I'd also recommend magazines with plastic followers in an alloy frame to limit/avoid any damage to the frame's ramp should the follower dive forward.

[skosh69]

Well, since both the Kimber and S&W are "round butts" I say neither for a "bob tail" 1911....

I vote Dan Wesson Cbob

Just messing with ya OP, I'd get the Kimber SCP H/D.

[stormvet]

I don't think the S&W alloy frame will be a problem, I have the Kimber CDP PRO also an alloy frame and it has been a great gun. Around. 6000 rounds fired and very little wear on the frame, I'm sure the Smith would hold up just as well.
But if it will be a high volume range gun, go with the steel. I also have a SC PRO HD, only have had it a short time. But after adjusting the extractor tension it has been a very accurate and reliable 1911 with the 700 rounds I've put though it. Very well balanced and good looking also.

[greybeard]

Carry gun Kimber 35 oz., S&W 30 oz, probably go with the light gun, unless you are going to shot lots and lots of rounds thru it.

[sholling]

For a carry - S&W by a mile. The S&W is a better designed pistol with a lifetime warranty vs Kimber's 1 year warranty. By better designed I mean that S&W's Swartz firing pin safety is nearly bullet proof vs Kimber's way too delicate (IMO) Swartz system. I also prefer the S&W's external extractor and its far lighter weight. I see no reason to try to EDC a 35oz pistol. I've never heard of any problems with scandium framed Smiths, but if you do eventually manage to break the frame S&W will take care of the pistol for the life of the original purchaser.

I'm assuming you do plan to EDC, if you were looking at a high volume range toy then I'd suggest a full sized steel framed S&W or SA just because they're more pleasant to shoot.

[stormvet]

Kimber Super Carry Pro HD is a series I gun, no firing pin safety.

[71MUSTY]

I'd take the Smith every time. Just cuz they have never failed me. But that's just me.

[sholling]

Kimber Super Carry Pro HD is a series I gun, no firing pin safety.

Thanks, good to know. I'd still take the Smith though.

[stormvet]

Thanks, good to know. I'd still take the Smith though.

Your welcome, and yes I know you would still take the S&W.

[Dinosaur Jr]

Get the Kimber.

[BEE]

10mm CBOB

[SLO1911Fan]

10mm CBOB

I like how you think. Do you know where I can get one for $1100-1200?

Opinions seem to be split 50/50. As long as the Scandium holds up the prices makes the smith attractive, but the kimber is damn sexy...

Well, you guys have given me the info I needed, so thank you. Now I just have to figure out which one...

[ptgarcia]

I'd get the Kimber. It has a steel frame, no fire pin block safety and an internal extractor. I would rather deal with the 5 oz weight difference than give up those features.