Quite honestly, I too owned a 5" Kimber Raptor II; and while I can't say
anything bad or ugly 'bout its performance on the range; it left something
too be desired. At the time, I researched my options- looking to the left
(Para's); then to the right (Springfield's and S&W's); just as we received
a brand NIB 5" Les Baer Thunder Ranch Special. One glance, [or occassion
to fondle] and I was hooked; as I knew this is the 1911 for me. Guess what?
It did not disappoint~! This weapon is marvelous, turning in some of MY best
groups ever with an auto-loader.
A few weeks later, seeking confirmation that I had bought the best 1911
available; I looked again at the very basic, stainless 5" 1911; having noticed
what a sweet trigger the showcase gun had. Guess what? I ended up buying
one of those NIB, to compliment my Baer. With the Smith costing only a small
fraction of the price, I thought there is NO WAY this thing is going to shoot
as good as my Baer. Boy, was I fooled~! Runn'in them side by side, the S&W
1911 turned in as remarkable a performance, as did the Baer. Now, I own
two 1911's that I feel really comfortable with while on the range; cuz I now
know, that I can hang in there with the rest of the 1911 guru's~!