Kimber Custom II vs. Ruger SR1911

[KAS1981]

Still thinking of a new 1911. I'm flip-flopping. First I thought I wanted a new Colt Series 80, but then again that configuration is just slightly too plain-Jane.

Now I'm looking at the two pistols named in the thread title. I've had the Ruger in my hands for just a minute at a gun store, but I hardly got a chance to look at it, so I don't remember much about it. My dad has the Kimber, so I can get a good look at, and even fire that model.

So far here's my take on them:

Ruger pros:

-Essentially the exact configuration of a 1911 that I'm looking for. "Series 70" slide, beavertail grip safety, "commander" hammer, right hand (albeit slightly extended) safety, Novak sights, and a lack of front slide serrations. Kinda like the saying goes.....everything I want, nothing I don't.

Well, except for......

Ruger cons:

-I don't care for stainless 1911's. I suppose I could always have it Cerakoted down the road.

Kimber pros:

-Black finish looks nicer, IMO.
-Forged frame.

Kimber cons:

-No 3-dot sights. I like 3-dot sights. Three of my four auto pistols have them, and that's what I prefer. Easy fix though?
-Plastic MSH. I know, not a huge deal, but plastic on a 1911 makes me feel icky. Another easy fix, or no?
-Swartz safety.......don't know much about it. Just a grip safety-operated firing pin block, as opposed to trigger-operated?

That's where I'm at right now. The Kimber I could go pick up for $725 tomorrow, the Ruger.....who knows, since I haven't seen one for sale in person (the one I handled was a rental). Which I suppose could be another "con" for the Ruger--availability.

I tend to go around and around over researching this stuff. :banghead:

Any and all opinions welcome.

 

[NWcityguy2]

I wouldn't get too carried away with forged vs cast for a frame. Lots of high quality 1911's are made on Caspian frames, which are cast by Pine Tree casting, which is owned by Ruger.

If you can get the Ruger, is getting it Cerakoted any more of a hassle than changing out both the sights and MSH on a Kimber?

 

[Ken Rainey]

I own several Kimbers, pre series II .45s and series II 9mms....If I didn't have the pre series IIs .45s and I were shopping today, I'd go for the Ruger....and for a best bang for the buck deal look at RIA's ... I've got an officer's size model that replaced a Kimber Ultra Eclipse...and I wouldn't mind trying their full size gov't style model...yep.

 

[jwash3rd]

I've had a Custom II for over a year now with no problems. I put Nitesiters on mine and they work well, we'll see how they hold up long term. I did have to change the recoil spring around 12-1500 rounds. I love the accuracy of this gun but I think it's the 1911 platform more than the brand.

 

[1911crazy]

gunblast.com has a review on the SR1911 and the author says in it's price range there is no competition

 

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

I'd buy the Ruger simply because Ruger is a better company to deal with should something go wrong.

 

[F-111 John]

Ruger cons:

-I don't care for stainless 1911's. I suppose I could always have it Cerakoted down the road.

Some people painted their Delorans for the same reason. IMHO, it is Ruger being able to offer stainless at that price point that makes the SR1911 so darn attractive.

 

[MachIVshooter]

-No 3-dot sights. I like 3-dot sights. Three of my four auto pistols have them, and that's what I prefer. Easy fix though?

Yes, it's easy. Spend as little or as much as you desire on sights.

-Plastic MSH. I know, not a huge deal, but plastic on a 1911 makes me feel icky. Another easy fix, or no?

$20-$60 for a MSH of your choice, swapped in minutes. I changed the one on my Kimber; Not because it was plastic, but because I have big hands and don't find a flat MSH agreeable.

-Swartz safety.......don't know much about it. Just a grip safety-operated firing pin block, as opposed to trigger-operated?

If it's a hang-up to you, then it just is. Personally, I don't really care if they have it or not. And that goes for all guns. I did remove it on my Witness Limited, but only because I was trying to make the trigger pull as light and short as possible, the the FPB interfered with minimizing overtravel.

 

[Master Blaster]

I own two Kimbers a Custom Classic target and a TLEII. Both have thousands of rounds through them, everything from LSWC to Gold dots. No problems, exceptional reliability and accuracy. My two Kimbers are two of the best Guns I own by a good bit. BTW my 1997 Colt Gold Cup has a plastic mainspring housing as well. It makes no difference except the plastic housings don't grow rust in the checkering/ serrations like steel ones on my older colts and springfields do. Ruger makes good guns as well but Kimber has been making 1911's for longer than ruger.