new to 1911s, questions

[357wheelgunner]

So I am gonna get a Kimber TLE II 1911, and I have a few questions. Right now my carry guns are a S&W model 65 3", and a model 66 3.25". They are both stainless steel...

1. How do I need to treat the blued steel 1911 differently from my stainless smiths?
2. Any reliability issues with Kimbers, or 1911s in general?
3. How much is a RELIABLE 1911 worth? How much should I pay?

 

[stans]

1. Keep it well oiled or waxed to prevent rust.

2. Kimber uses a lot of MIM small parts, these parts sometimes are fine, sometimes too soft and wear excessively, sometimes too hard and break.

3. For a carry gun a reliable 1911 is worth your life. How much is your life worth?

Generally speaking, reliability declines with barrels and slides shorter than 4 inches. If I were picking a 1911 for CCW, it would have a barrel and slide of 4 to 4 1/4 inches and a shortened grip (Colt Officers' ACP size frame).

 

[10-Ring]

As long as you keep it properly cleaned & lubed, you shouldn't have to treat it any differently than your stainless guns. My Custom II has been 100% reliable so far. Just follow the break-in instructions on your TLE & you'll be fine. Sorry, I'm not really up to speed on Kimber pricing. Hopefully there are others here that can help you.