The dreaded 1911 VS debate

[Railrunner85]

Hey guys, I just traded around and got a nib Kimber eclipse custom II. My buddy fell in love with it and said he would buy me any 1911 in that price range. I really like the colt combat elite. I M just wondering what you guys thought about both. I looked around and didn't see a thread about this particular subject, sorry if I missed it.

 

[Mike Faires]

I love my Colt 1911's, that said my Kimbers will shoot rings around all of them. So if you are after nostalgia and name recognition get the Colt. If you are going to shoot the snot out of it and require accuracy get the Kimber. My Kimber full size will put 8 rounds point of aim at 50 feet that you can cover with a fast ball. BTW I am 64 years old and been wearing glasses since 18.

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

First I'd ask: If he's willing to buy you one in the price range, why not buy his own?

Second I'd ask: Do you want outa the Kimber.

In the end, assuming both were performing as designed out of the box and, both were in front of me at the same time, I'd grab the Colt but even issues like waiting, registration or anything else that may apply would keep me in the Kimber if the transition wasn't smooth, above board and immediate.

 

[Hammerdown77]

I have a Combat Elite and it was a great gun right out of the box. It is an especially accurate pistol. The Combat Elite comes with a National Match barrel. At least mine did. I have not had a single malfunction with mine using a variety of magazines, with factory ammo and handloads.

That said, I passed on the first one I looked at because the thumb safety fit was not great (it was either the thumb safety or the plunger, either way, it was loose and sloppy feeling).

That Kimber uses a firing pin safety deactivated by the grip safety. The Colt uses a Series 80 style firing pin safety that is deactivated by pulling the trigger. I don't like the Kimber system because sometimes I don't get the grip safety depressed far enough to deactivate the firing pin safety.

I think you get better value for the money from the Colts or Springfields than Kimber, but that's my opinion. I have not been willing to pay what they want for the new Series II Kimbers. Now the older ones, that's different.

 

[tuj]

I think you get better value for the money from the Colts or Springfields than Kimber

+1.

 

[Manson]

I'm surprised that no one has asked this question as yet. Before you keep it, or for that matter, before you sell it to your friend, how does it run. I'd put at least a hundred rounds through it. You may decide the gun fits your hand and suits you well. It may be very accurate and reliable. You may not wish to part with it.

Or it may be an unreliable firearm that you can't hit with. First gather information. Then make an informed choice.

 

[Stealth01]

Have to agree with Manson... I wouldn't trade or sell this Kimber for anything... that's a 10 shot group!

 

[Railrunner85]

Thanks for the input guys. The thing is I couldn't in good conscious sell a gun that didn't shoot well to a friend without telling them. I was just really wondering if the Colt Combat Elite was on par with the Kimber. I prefer durability over anything, but I also like the way the Colt looks. Dgmw, the kimber is one of the most beautiful guns I have ever laid eyes on. If the Colt is as nice as the Kimber I will gladly part with the Kimber, Just to see a friend smile. Thanks again.

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

For what it's worth, I think the Kimber is the better looking of the two. As far as durability goes, I doubt there'll be a significant difference. Were you to ever sell it down the road I should think the Colt gun would bring the greater return.

 

[bigfatdave]

that's a 10 shot group!

three blatant misses off to the left?
not that great, really

 

[777TRUTH]

that's a 10 shot group!

three blatant misses off to the left?
not that great, really

At 3 feet away no less.

j/k nice shootin and nice gun.

 

[jim243]

Trade a WHAT?? This a joke, right??

Jim

 

[wickedsprint]

I have a Combat Elite and it was a great gun right out of the box. It is an especially accurate pistol. The Combat Elite comes with a National Match barrel. At least mine did. I have not had a single malfunction with mine using a variety of magazines, with factory ammo and handloads.

That said, I passed on the first one I looked at because the thumb safety fit was not great (it was either the thumb safety or the plunger, either way, it was loose and sloppy feeling).

That Kimber uses a firing pin safety deactivated by the grip safety. The Colt uses a Series 80 style firing pin safety that is deactivated by pulling the trigger. I don't like the Kimber system because sometimes I don't get the grip safety depressed far enough to deactivate the firing pin safety.

I think you get better value for the money from the Colts or Springfields than Kimber, but that's my opinion. I have not been willing to pay what they want for the new Series II Kimbers. Now the older ones, that's different.

Thankfully a few new production Kimbers are still series 1.

 

[mavracer]

I just sold a custom CDP and bought a lightweight XSE. I'd trade so fast it'd make your head swim.