Kimber or Springfield 1911?

[nogaroheli]

I know this is probably a dead horse, but I gotta ask. I shot BlackFord76's Desert Warrior recently and now I'm doing my research on a new 1911, cause his was awesome! Everyone I know with a Kimber loves it and I've been looking at getting one from them. I'm looking at the Kimber Warrior/Desert Warrior or Eclipse Custom.

However, I love my Springfields and their customer service has been outstanding for me so far. Once I saw the Combat Blackened Stainless 1911 they have my new 1911 lust grew just a little bit- it's so sexy.

So, anyone have an opinion based on personal experience? Anybody have a nice used one?

[Graves]

Both great guns but having spent quite a bit of time with both I'll take SA over Kimber every time. The DW is one of Kimber's finest offerings IMO as it's still in pre series II form so you really can't go wrong there.

[jmg8550]

I have a SA 1911 operator that is a fantastic firearm. I'll put it up against a Kimber of the same price range anyday. Very very accurate from the factory.

[MrPrena]

I only own 2 1911s.
One is SA TRP Operator, and other one is Kimber Desert Warrior.
2 different full size 1911. One has a bull barrel, and other has a bushing.
Both are great firearm.

[Elhuero]

whichever is less expensive

[BPTactical]

In all honesty Kimbers can be a crap shoot. I have seen some great pistols from the factory but I have also had to work over a few that would not run new out of the box.
I have never seen a Springfield that wouldnt run new out of the box.
The issues with Kimbers were just stupid, simple things that never should have left the factory. ( Quality Control?) The biggest offender has been barrels that overhung the ramp when when at the beginning of the loading cycle (Slide to the rear and fully out of battery). I have seen this on 4 brand new pistols. The pistols would not even run 1 magazine of ammo without jamming up.
For stupid issues like that you should not see them on a $1K pistol.
Now dont get me wrong-Almost every 1911 pattern pistol is going to have the occasional hiccup when new. Most can be attributed to the wearing in process and or crappy factory mags.
But on the Kimbers I have worked on they were hard mechanical issues that came from the factory.

[earplug]

Springfield supports many types of shooting sports if that matters to you.

[BPTactical]

Springfield supports many types of shooting sports if that matters to you.

Not to mention from the folks I have spoken with, Kimbers customer service is not all that outstanding.
Springfields is excellent, if you even need it.

[bobbyfairbanks]

For God Sake Don't get a Kimber!

[PanamaDave]

I wanted a Kimber Eclipse initially but ended up with a SA Black Stainless Tactical for my first 1911 (PX9154LP) before I became a dealer. I've been very happy with my "poor mans Eclipse" and saved ~$325 back then between the two.