Springer or Kimber ??

Status
Not open for further replies.
W

Worli

Member
Joined
Jan 9, 2003
Messages
29
OK,

I'm down to 2 guns now.

The SA Custom Loaded A-1 Full size stainless

OR

The Kimber Stainless II.

I really like the way both look and feel. Both are towards the lower end of their respective family.

I have heard that Kimbers are great and that SA is a very good gun. I believe both will outshoot ME !!

I am not looking for carry, just something to have a good time with, but reliability is very important and jamming and improper feeding would be a problem for me.

I understand the following:

Kimber takes a fair # of rounds to "break in" I understand they may be a bit sensitive for the first 500-1000 rounds. It comes with a 1 year warranty (not a huge issue) and the service rep that responded to my questions seemed a bit arrogant but was prompt in reply. I also understand they have some of the tightest tolerances of any production gun on the market.

The SA is a bit "looser" (or so it seems) but again an accurate shooter and comes with a lifetime warranty. It also runs about $125 less than the Kimber and seems to have a fair number of features.


I understand cleaning is critical on both to good operation (no brainer) and both are obviously good looking guns.

Looking for some feedback at this point...........Thanks.
 
Oh, man...two of my all-time favorite production 1911's (excluding custom or semi-custom, like Ed Brown 1911's, etc.).

I have a Kimber Team Match II (Description, Pic) and a Springfield Armory Custom Loaded Full-Size 1911-A1 Black Stainless (Description , Pic)

On my pistols, the Kimber has slightly tighter tolerances, including the barrel/bushing fit, over the Springer, but the Springer I have had absolutely NO creep in the trigger out of the box whereas the Kimber had just the tiniest bit of creep before it got a trigger action job. Neither really likes SWC ammo, but FN's and RN's/Ball are no problem. The Springer ($800) was $275 less than my Kimber TMII ($1075), but that may not be a completely direct apples-to-apples match up (the Springer Trophy Match is probably a better comparison to the Kimber Team Match II). My Kimber had a 3.5lb trigger pull, my Springer had a 4.75lb trigger pull (they both have a 3lb trigger pull now). Kimber is 8+1 rnds, Springer is 7+1 rnds. I like the Springer "memory" grip safety better. The Kimber has front-strap serrations. Both have ambi-safeties and mag wells, which were a must for me. Kimber has an external extractor, Springer has an internal extractor...both have operated just fine for me. Both have adjustable sights (the Springer has adjustable night sights...a neat bonus).

I love them both and both make me look like some kind of expert marksman at the range with results well beyond my actual abilities. I call them my "cheater" pistols...they make everything easy.

You can't go wrong with either, and will probably end up buying both and loving both.

Enjoy!
 
Last edited:
Springer all the way.

Been down Kimber router, done w/ them for good. Quality wise you are just as likely to have a problem gun w/ Kimber as you are w/ Sprinfield. And Springfield's lifetime warranty. On top of that fact they are pleasant to deal with.

Besides it seems like you have already faced some of the unpleasant "sales-hole" mentality that many of the Kimber employees have. Drives me nuts. I guess it's just their "there is no better" attitude they have sometimes.

Either way though I'd still take a Kimber or Springer over a Baer or Wilson. Heh, in fact at the price I'd take two or three Kimbers or Springfields over a Baer or a Wilson. The only 1911 that interests me over Springfield or Kimber is Rock River.
 
I'd take the Springfield over the Kimber too. :D Read or heard far too
many horror stories about series II Kimber's; however I've been told by
my Kimber expert and friend (THR team member, The Silent One) that
the series I Kimber's are the way to go. I value his opinion greatly
as he is a man that speaks the truth. ;) :D

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
 
I'd definitely take the Kimber. Friend of mine had a Springfield Loaded, and while it was eventually a good gun for him, it had to go back to Springfield twice for various problems. I have a Kimber Classic Stainless II and it has been flawless as well as incredibly accurate.
 
I'll take the "cobbled together" Springfield. No Mimbers.

Or horror upon horror, you should get a SIG. It's made form "components"
 
Last edited:
Don't own a Kimber but I do have a Springfield loaded, the Champion model. I've had no problems with it. I like it a lot and would not hesitate to buy another loaded.
 
A Kimber Series II is exactly one firing pin away from NOT having that weird safety....



Just a thought.


Larry
 
I have a Kimber Stainless Target II and my buddy ChuckB has a Springer Loaded. I have shot them both and like them both very much. ChuckB's Springer is the reason I switched over to 1911's for competition and carry from SIG's and S&W revo's. That being said, when I decided to buy, I bought the Kimber. Reason: I thought my chances of getting an accurate gun with a good trigger were a bit better with Kimber than with Springer. (Before buying, I shot 3 other Springers and several Kimbers and dry-fired about 6 more of each.) 1250 rds. and six weeks later I am very satisfied with my choice.
Steve
 
I would look for a lightly used series 1 Kimber. Nothing wrong with Springfields, every one I have had has shot well. But, I still have all but one of the Kimbers I have bought over the years. In my opinion they are just a little better done.

Mike
 
I've got a Kimber Gold Match II, and a Series I custom. Both guns are much more accurate than I can hold. The Gold Match did take about 400-500 rounds of hardball before it settled in. (a few FT Feeds). Both will handle my 200 gr LSWC's without flinching and I've got a nice set of targets hanging behind my reloading bench that I'm proudly showing off! :)

I also had a SA Mil-spec and it was a great pistol. I ended up putting new sights, trigger, safety, etc on it. Never failed to go bang when I pulled the trigger. I'd love to try one of the higher end springers to see how they shoot. I imagine I'd be as happy as I am with my Kimbers.

Have a good one,
Dave
 
I've owned both and honestly both worked far better than alot of the threads I had read would have had me believe. I would go w/ the one you prefer or the one you can get the better deal on ;)
 
Series II and MIM issues aside, the Kimber is likely be tighter and more accurate out of the box, however I dont know if the slightly tighter fit, and slight increase in accruacy would be worth $125.

The Springers I've handled are excellant pistols, very impressive even though they're cobbled together using brazilian frames and small parts from who knows where.

Gunsnrovers: Mimber?
lol.gif
Thats a new one for me.
 
It's nice to have a choice nowadays. I'm amazed at how SA has improved on its older 1911 platforms (I have one from 1989 .. can we say rattle rattle), and for the money, Kimber makes a solid product backed by awesome customer support.

From the perspective of your pocketbook, it's a much better question to ask than "should I get a Baer or an Ed Brown or a Wilson Combat?" :D
 
I just had this debate and made my decsion on Monday...

I was in the same boat comparing the Kimber and the Springer. When I asked these questions on the forums it was fast and furious discussion on who’s better. I was looking at the TLEII and the Springer Loaded. I opted for the Kimber even thought it was more expensive. I felt better in my hand, and looked like the parts on it were more substantial and higher quality. Both of those observations are purely personal. Go with what you like best I am sure you’ll be happy. I just put 150 rounds through my TLE II with no problems. But since you are asking, go with the Kimber.

Here it is:
100_0638.jpg
[/IMG]
 
I have both a Kimber and a SA, and I wouldn't hesitate to get another of either. I do tend to favor the Kimber though. Somehow it just feels smoother and better in my hand. Probably just my imagination.

Jubei
 
I think that at the high end (Springer Pro), or the low end (MilSpec) the springer is a better deal. In the middle, pick 'em. But a Series I kimber would be preferred. Don't rule out a NRM colt, if you see a good deal.
 
My experience with the 1911's of both brands leads me to say Kimber.

Qualifier: I didn't own the models you're asking about, but I'd go Kimber before Springfield the price difference wasn't too outlandish.
 
Had a kimber Pro Carry HD II

would not extract even after 800rds of breaking in

sold it and got a Dan Wesson PT-CBOB.

I think DW has to be the highest quality for the money you can get.

the fit, finish, tightness, reliability, and astetics far exceed kimber. Also no "extra" safeties and seemingly no MIM parts

And now they have merged with CZ hopefull the word will get out.

at least check them out http://www.danwessonfirearms.com/

Geoff
 
I've owned and shot both, had experience with customer service with both. IMO, the Kimbers beat the SA's on all counts......including customer service. They are worth the extra money.
Series II safeties haven't been a problem for over 2 years now, it simply isn't an issue anymore than the Colt Series 80 safety is.......they both work as they are supposed to.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

Martowski
  • Locked
Springfield, S&W, & Kimber Warranty Questions
Replies
9
Views
818
Martowski
Martowski
G
  • Locked
Kimber vs springer
2 3
Replies
71
Views
2K
MCMXI
MCMXI
W
  • Locked
price of a Kimber TLEII?
Replies
3
Views
463
wild billz
W
H
  • Locked
Kimber Gold Match II or Springer PX9152L ?
Replies
10
Views
897
halvey
H
N
  • Locked
Kimber - are they still to be avoided?
2
Replies
39
Views
3K
target1911
T
Back
Top