Kimber vs Springfield 1911

Looking at some 4 inch 1911s and I think I've narrowed it down to these two makers. I'm leaning toward springfield cause of the warranty but kimbers are really nice too. This gun will be a ccw hence the four inch barrel.
I'm open to all opinions and advice.

 

My 2cents on a ccw weapon. Get which ever one is cheaper. Both guns are quality guns, so reliability isn't a concern here. My ccw weapons have wear and tear on them. Sweat, dust, sand, and holster wear. Kimbers are nice, but I'd probably get a tear in my eye if I spent that type of money and 2-3 years later the finish on it was blemished. That said, get either the cheaper one due to the wear and tear the gun will encounter or get the one that has the more durable finish- to combat the wear and tear.

 

If it was me I would choose the Springfield hands down

Do some research on the net and you will find a lot of problems with Kimbers in the last few years, even entire police dept`s having to send them back

Good luck in your decision

 

Springfield easy, Kimber has dropped off recently

 

How do you guys feel about steel vs alloy frames for a ccw?

 

I would think the steel frame would be heavy for CCW. The right holster though with good weight distribution, you might not notice it too much.

Another reason why you might want to go with the cheaper gun as front sight said is because if you ever need the gun for self defense, kiss the gun goodbye. LEO will most likely confiscate it for evidence and you might never get it back.

 

^I never thought of that till now. So youre saying it might be a better idea to carry a polymer gun like ruger sr9c?

 

For CCW, I think you should get whatever weapon you're most comfortable shooting. With that said, I think I would cry if I lost a gun that pretty and that I put that much money into.

 

have you had a chance to shoot both and see if one works better for you?

 

I prefer the Kimbers. I have fired both and think that the kimber felt better. I have heard of someone that put 100,000 rounds through his Kimber and only replaced the firing pin and barrel afterwards. It is completely up to you to decide which you like better. I think you have narrowed your selection to the two 1911s makes I would have chosen. You would be fine with either.

I would also choose an alloy frame for a ccw because they are lighter than steel. Some of the aluminum parts used in guns now can be made to be 98% as strong as forged steel so durability shouldn't be an issue.

 

Dang! I'd sure like to know what kind of a recoil spring he was using. I replace mine on my 5" 1911 every 2,000 rounds or so. 100,000 is simply amazing.

 

I carry an SA 1911 in a blackhawk holster, open. It hugs my body better than my Glock.

When I got my SA, I looked at Kimber first, and still chose the SA.

 

ive got a buddy who used his in defense...got it back the very next day....granted i wouldnt carry a family heirloom but a plain high end gun i wouldnt care either way...

 

Get the cheaper one bc if you ever have to use it, it will be taken as evidence and who knows when or if you will ever get it back

 

Thanks for all the responses. I've shot the kimber ultra carry but haven't had a chance to shoot a Springfield yet.

 

FWIW I like my Kimber. Its a 5" so I only carried it when it was my only pistol, but now I prefer either my airweight or G23. Between the 2 of them I have less than $700 invested, not counting leather. I wouldnt be too heartbroke if one of them was taken, however I would cry myself to sleep for months if I lost my Kimber. For carry I would pick something else. For a safe queen, and occasional shooter, I love my Kimber.

 

oh snap the forum has got the aids!

 

G36, it's like a 3in 1911, only difference is it'll be reliable

 

Interesting perspective. I'd cry if I had to kill some punk to save my own life. Wouldn't be so worried about what became of the hardware at that point. But that's just me, I guess.

 

the springfield, i believe is steel frame, ..the kimbers are mostly aluminium frame (though some models are steel frame).. a tupper gun could very well be better suited to you than a 1911-style gun, ...you won't know until you handle them all,... one thing to keep in mind whatever you decide, is train yourself to the required method of dpeloyment.. i.e. for a 1911, you'd carry "cocked-n-locked", and if you had to draw and fire, you'd better "remember" to flick off the thumb safety...