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Post by TA on Jun 21, 2003 12:06:28 GMT -5
Mitch,
If you are able to, get them (same size models) side by side for comparison. I did that and there is a difference in feel. They are shaped slightly different. I liked the way the Kimbers felt in my hand, but you may like the SA's better. Also, to me, the quality seemed better (fit & finish) on the Kimbers during the side by side comparison. I think I am in the same mode as you. I'm leaning towards a Kimber, but they are more pricey.
Just my opinion...
TA
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Post by skinnygun on Jun 21, 2003 12:19:00 GMT -5
I was looking to buy a Colt by caught a sale on Kjmber Pro (polly) 4' 14+1 rounds.Weighs 33oz w/mag empty .Even with the 14 round mag the grip is great for those with small hands short fingers.Eats all .45s and even with stock sights now my best shooter.As DBL says lots of choices out there. ;D
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Post by Mitch HanK Sauer on Jun 21, 2003 17:53:48 GMT -5
TA,
I have gripped them both, and yest the Kimber is tad better in quality seemingly. It's hard to sneeze at the pricing of that SA Loaded though.
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Post by Mitch HanK Sauer on Jul 5, 2003 20:15:32 GMT -5
Ok guys... I was standing ground on getting a brand new Kimber Custom II TLE or Kimber Royal, but..... my brother came across a consignement sale for a SA Loaded for $549.00, and a SA Stainless Team Match for $739.00 at one of our favorite local gun shops. I am very tempted to go for the SA Loaded at $539.00 if it is in good shape. Here's my question for Dubb and all the others who want to chime in... What you think, good deal? If you were to get the SA Loaded, what would you change,? The mags to Wilson's or Chip McCormick's or are the SA Loaded mags decent enough to consider NOT replacing? Also one primary reason I wanted a Kimber 1911, is because Kimber has their own .22 conversion kit for the 1911 if I should choose to have that option for fun. I like the idea that Kimber made their own and felt good knowing that it would work on their pistols. So my second question, knowing that SA apparently does not make their own .22 conversion kit, can anyone confirm of a .22 conversion kit that worked well with the SA Loaded, for that matter should the Kimber .22 conversion kit theoretically work on virtually any 1911- theoretically right? I have yet to inspect the Springfiled, but l will get to the shop as soon as I can and if it looks in great shape I think I am gonna go for it. What a cool position to be in...  MHS |
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Post by DoubleAction on Jul 5, 2003 23:25:46 GMT -5
Mitch;While I'm not really familiar with all of the Springfields,I have held a few and checked some out.I know more than a few range guys who are really fond of them,as well as many professional gunsmiths,and shooting enthusiasts.The two that you show interest in are very good choices,depending on what their primary use will be.I would guess that you would want a bulleye target grade or a combat style that can easily be carried.I'm not familiar with the "Team Match",but I've seen the Trophy Match.If the Team Match offers the same custom shop attention found on the Trophy Match,you would be saving a greater amount of money overall.The Adjustable rear target sight is one feature,as is the extented wide mouth mag well.I look at a conventional carry piece to have a barrel length of around 3 1/2" to 4 1/2 ",with 4" being perfect.The 5" is best suited for range use in my opinion,especially with the adjustable rear site.One seems to be for work,while the other for play;business or pleasure.I spend more time with the 5" full length pistols at the range,especially the target pistols,but I never neglect to put the shorter carry pistols through their own trials of speed and accuracy.More is put into the manufacturing of the Custom Shop target grade pistols because people purchase those to be shot and shot alot,at competetive levels.The Springfied loaded is a good choice also,and will provide you with everything and more in a 1911 than you will want or need in a pistol for that price.Whatever you choose,you will be making a good choice, if those pistols are in new condition.
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Post by Mitch HanK Sauer on Jul 6, 2003 0:21:59 GMT -5
I have to ask my brother if it is really a Team Match or if he meant a Trophy Match which might be likely so. I was thinking that the Trophy Match would be worth more with the savings, but I am not big on Stainless as my heart was set on something blued. We'll see, though, if it looks the better deal and is a Trophy Match - might be hard to pass up considering those go for around $1200.00 I'll know when I see both of them which I'll go for if I do go for it. The last 2-3 weeks been patiently saving for a Kimber. (it' frustrating - I could have bought it last month, but I had to pay off a traffic ticket that I got last month so that kinda put my 1911 acquisition on delay.  !) Actually I wanted my .45 caliber to be my primary Home-D gun. I do not carry so I am not so interested in the lengths shorter than 5inch, but I would consider a 4inch Commander size one day (LOL! - that makes 3 in the 1911 collection in the future, LOL!). So it might be tough, while I would rather be good in defensive style of shooting, a match grade type 1911 I wouldn't mind either if the value and price was hard to pass up. Decisions, decisions, descisions....  Can't wait though, it's getting close that one of my empty shelves in my cabinet will have a new occupant! As always thanks for your insight Dubb! MHS |
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Post by DoubleAction on Jul 6, 2003 1:11:52 GMT -5
Mitch;Here's the news on the commander lengths.The original length of the Colt Commander is 4 1/2",the Colt Officer's ACP is 3 1/2".Wilson Combat CQB Compact is 4",in between a Commander and Officer.I don't know but I think that Kimber makes a 4" also,not sure about Springfield.Since I got the Wilsons I've been breaking in one of the Wilson Sharkskin Holsters with the 4" Compact,and it is very comfortable.The holster has an inner layer of skin that rides between the torso and the pistol to prevent the gun from getting next to the shirt.The all steel compact is hardly noticeable;and the 5" accepts the same style of holster rig that hugs high and tight for concealability.I mostly wear modified duty style drop holsters with my full length 1911s to the range,their very comfortable.
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Post by XavierBreath on Jul 6, 2003 9:49:42 GMT -5
$539 is a very good price for the loaded assuming it's in good shape. My experience with the Springer mags has been very good. I carry a Wilson magazine for troubleshooting, but have not needed to use it that way at all. I have not had any of my Springers go kaput on me. The real test may be durability, but they feed great out of the box. I'm pretty sure Cienier (sp) makes a series 70 .22 kit that will work on a Springfield. Stainless seems objectionable in a 1911 at first, but has it's advantages. The galling problems are history with quality pistols. The advantages are the ability to dehorn and match new parts with no refinishing. That is a BIG advantage. Stainless will also wear better and thus hold value over the long haul. It will rust though, so don't go diving with it. (Get a Glock for that  ) If you get the Loaded, you will be getting a deal. The Trophy Match is also a great deal. It looks as if the difference is the adjustable sights, and a magwell on the Trophy. Smith and Alexander sells the best magwell out there for $74. You can get Bomar traget sights for under $80. Both are easily swapped out. That's an extra $150 to have the choice of either if you get the Loaded. I see the Loaded as the better deal. Get it and have a blast! |
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Post by Mitch HanK Sauer on Jul 6, 2003 11:39:29 GMT -5
X,
I'm leaning towards the Loaded because it's kinda what I was looking for the last few months, but if the Trophy Match is a good deal... we'll see.
Good to know the SA seems to have a good mag and I'll check out the Ciener for the conversion kit.
Thanks for your insight., I'll let you all know which way I go. ;D
MHS
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Post by DoubleAction on Jul 6, 2003 14:33:51 GMT -5
Mitch;Wilson Combat has been offering their .22 conversion side for awhile,it features their low profile snag free site,and fits with the Colt Government,Enhanced Government,Springfield 1911A1,Military 1911/1911A1,Auto Ordince 1911A1,Springfield Champion 1911A1,Champon Mil-Spec,Colt Gold Cup,and many more.They charge $259.95 for theirs,it also features a serrated improved ramp front sight,cocking serrations,and the serrated slide stop. www.wilsoncombat.com Ceiner conversion fits can be found at www.deltaforce.com |
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Post by Mitch HanK Sauer on Jul 7, 2003 19:15:46 GMT -5
Well I took a look at the Loaded and Trophy. The Loaded was in excellent shape from what i can tell, but decided to sleep on it, the price was $549.00 The Trophy was out of my range, it was priced at $799.00, and actuallyt he Loaded seemed ot be in better condition. We'll see, gonna sleep on it. MHS |
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Post by DocGlock on Jul 7, 2003 20:49:22 GMT -5
Ya gotta go with that Wilson Tactical Elite or the CQB. Ouchy on the price though. That Kimber Custom Tactical II is d a m nice too
Doc
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Post by Mitch HanK Sauer on Jul 12, 2003 19:22:03 GMT -5
Dubbleackshun, I was about to IM you this to keep you updated, but thought I would post it and see what everyone else thought, lol! I went to Turner's today to compare some 1911s. In particular Kimber Custom IIs and SA Loaded. On the SA Loaded ( 2 of them) I found the action of the slide to be decent. It made me wonder if those guys clean it as well it can be though? As for the trigger pull, on one of them I found it to be a bit "rougher" than the other. But I have to admit if you had not told me to pay attention to it, I may have never noticed, and this may have eventually worked itself out with use? The drop on the mags was decent from what I can tell. As for the Kimber, I was looking for "tightness" while working the slide, I have to admit I did not seem to notice it outright, but honestly I think the SA actioned better, so much so that I think I over actioned it one time at first because I had just tried the Kimber , and I think I over exerted with the SA expecting it to be about the same. As for trigger pull on the Kimber, I found the Kimber smoother on the two models I tried. Looking very closely at the trigger itself, I saw specifically on the SA some wear marks begining to show, as for the Kimber it showed none. Also, the drop of the mag for the Kimber seemed smoother. With both the KImber and SA Loaded I had asked to dry fire with snap caps, the guy at the counter was very pleased I "asked" first. And for the first time I was comfortable handling the 1911, I guess handling my brother's and Dad's I have become familiarized with it enough so I didn't look like I was bumbling it. I checked out the Wilson KZ while I was there too, man does it look beautiful. I just wish it were all steel for that price. The CQB is just too out of range for me. I wanted to action the slide, but they had it strapped down where I could not. I had wanted to action the slide, because upon some reviews I have read, one went out and claimed out of the box, his Wilson KZ felt like his slide and frame were melded smooth as glass on the action - I wanted to see if that had any semblance of truth - ;D. So I am confused as hell now on what I want. My head says the SA Loaded is all you need. But.. The shallow side of me says for a few more dollars you can get a Kimber. I know you mentioned how you found them to be "tight", is that something that is good or bad? Don't the guns eventually work themselves out? As for the SA Loaded, while I would like to believe that imported parts should be given a chance, there is always that grey area one thinks in the back of his mind of those that does not meet tolerances, BUT my thinking witht the loaded is I can always upgrade the barrel to a match level barrel, right? In the end I always come down to the same conclusion. It seems to me between the Kimber Custom II Series and the Springfield Loaded, the major part difference is the barrels, Kimbers is a match barrell and SA Loaded is a standard factory barrel, thus the price difference right there between the two. I know one can argue other factors, but had I to pick one differnece that stands out, that's it. Also in conclusion, I know either way I could learn, live, and be happy with whatver I choose I think at this point because I have looked into it enough where there is no grey area for me in what I purchase. Oh well totally I'm up in there at this time again. MHS |
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Post by DoubleAction on Jul 12, 2003 19:49:05 GMT -5
Mitch;If your planning on purchasing a new 1911 with the intentions of installing a match grade barrel,look toward Barsto.Not only do they have the best barrels for the 1911,they also have the best barrel man in the business for fitting it.I have their link on the GunmenII 5 Star Link Page.
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Post by TA on Jul 13, 2003 8:49:36 GMT -5
Mitch, I feel your pain! I was definitely leaning towards the Kimber and I also did the side by side a few times and kept coming up with different conclusions  . Then I saw the black SS 1911-1A. It is very similiar to the Eclipse Target II, but almost $300 less and SA has a lifetime warranty. I went for it and should have it next week. I am sure it will be a good gun, if not I will make it a good gun or I will dump it and get something else. There really are so many different ways to go and at different price ranges, a new 1911 is a difficult decision. I think Kimber and SA both make good guns. Which is better? They haven't figured that question out on the 1911 forum either. The best of luck to you, TA |
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