1911: Smith & Wesson vs. Kimber vs. Springfield

[Guest Boomhower]

Let's say a guy wants to start stepping into the lower end of the 1911's. What are some opinions/experience with any of the above listed manufacturer's? I'm sure there are a few other lower end 1911's out there, so feel free to post up about those as well. I know we have a lot of 1911 topics out there, and I've read most of them, but I'm really trying to keep inside these manufacturer's since they are the most readily available to me at my location.

[Guest Verbal Kint]

I think any opinion you receive will pretty much be a biased one. It's like any other gun... there will be "camps" of followers as well as those opposed to it.

I bought my Kimber, after hearing nothing but good results from my brother --who owns an identical Kimber to the one I purchased (except for a different extractor -- a whole different issue/thread in itself). I haven't shot anywhere near enough rounds through mine to feel qualified to speak of my own personal experience... but I would definitely recommend you try one out. I have several friends and family members who own Kimbers and have had zero issues with them. That said, you can hop on any message forum catering to guns and probably find no less than 3-5 active threads stating how horrible they are. I just made sure I did my homework and was aware of what problems were being listed, and then took the rest with a grain of salt.

However, out of the three choices you listed... the safest best would probably be the Springfield 1911. Can be as pricey, if not more, than a similar Kimber handgun... depending on how plain or "loaded" you go with the models... but they're very good guns, and have a much higher audience opinion.

Rock Island Armory (RIA) also makes reliable, cheaper, 1911s that you might want to take a look at. Joe/HeroGear actually sells them, I believe, as well as several other 1911s.

If you're in the market for a 1911, I'd speak with Joe and tell him what you're looking for and how much you're looking to spend. He'd definitely be able to hook you up with anything you need, and not steer you wrong.

http://www.1911forum.com is a good place to lurk around, also, as they have subforums catering to each specific brand. You can browse through each of them and see what problems people are having, or reviews of their guns. There's often threads over there along the same lines as this one... comparing different platforms and models.

[TGO David]

Have owned and had zero problems out of both Kimbers and a Smith & Wesson 1911. Have not owned a Springfield but have heard good things from those who do.

[Im Neero]

I absolutely love my SW1911. It's seen I'd estimate over 5000 rounds and had exactly 3 malfunctions that weren't due to me learning how to reload (and not always getting it perfect.) It isn't picky at all about factory ammo and is a real tack-driver (or at least it probably would be if I could shoot straight.) I have had experience with Smith&Wesson customer service as well and it is unbelieveable.

[Guest Mugster]

I have 2 springfields and a relatively new taurus pt1911. I'm still getting to know the taurus, but its a real steal at 550 OTD. It is the most accurate .45 i've ever shot that was stock.

I'll second the notion of an RIA tatical model .45. I may buy one yet, but I need another pistol like I need a hole in the head.

I don't think you can really go wrong. Although I would advise you to buy what you need and not worry about "getting a starter" as i'm not sure there is such a thing in 1911's. They are just good investments in your shooting future

[Guest DrBoomBoom]

I've got an older Charles Daly 1911A1, with the fixed sights. I bought it used. At first it would jam a bit, so I did some onlilne research and found the M1911.org forum. According to their website, the symptoms indicated a need to tune the extractor. They had good clear instructions. After doing that, it's eaten about a thousand rounds without a problem. It's a good gun, not, IMO, because it's a Charles Daly, but because of Mr. Browning's design.

I think it was made by Armscor, like the Rock Islands. It shoots straight and groups well. I've carried it some and feel very comfortable with it. Maybe sometime in the future I'll get a "high end" 1911, but I really don't know what a more expensive gun would do that mine doesn't.

[Guest Disney]

Owning both a Springfield GI 45 and Kimber, I can say the Kimber kicks sand all in the GI's face.

My friend also has a Loaded and the Kimber pees on it's shoes.

[DaveTN]

I have owned many 1911’s, my Kimber Custom TLE II and my Smith & Wesson 1911 are as nice as they come. I sold the Kimber because I didn’t like the finish, but it was reliable and accurate.

Low end 1911’s? I’m not sure what you mean by that, S&W and Kimber doesn’t really have anything in that category. Springfield does, but I haven’t owned any of them. My Smith & Wesson Stainless Target was $910 OTD and I would be more than happy to put it up against any 1911 at any price.

Paying $3K for a gun with someone’s name on it won’t make you a marksman.

[BimmerFreak]

Paying $3K for a gun with someone’s name on it won’t make you a marksman.

Quote of the year

[willis68]

I have owned many 1911’s, my Kimber Custom TLE II and my Smith & Wesson 1911 are as nice as they come. I sold the Kimber because I didn’t like the finish, but it was reliable and accurate.

Low end 1911’s? I’m not sure what you mean by that, S&W and Kimber doesn’t really have anything in that category. Springfield does, but I haven’t owned any of them. My Smith & Wesson Stainless Target was $910 OTD and I would be more than happy to put it up against any 1911 at any price.

Paying $3K for a gun with someone’s name on it won’t make you a marksman.

You got that right, that must be some Smith and Wesson! Definately money paid for a Handgun is no substitute for Marksmanship, But by the same token if you are a pretty good shot, having a higher grade 1911 sure doesent hurt!! I like the looks of this one, the first S&W 1911 Government model Ive seen without front cocking serrations! it is a nice looking 1911, if they still come with real Novak sights. Wolff springs, and Wilson Combat Mags, this is one heck of a deal, I would buy this before a Kimber or Springfield

[KahrMan]

I own only 1 1911 so I don't have a lot of experience with them. I got a Kimber Custom Target II for 799 and have been very pleased with it. i have had no malfunctions and it is very accurate. I have even taken mine deer hunting and killed a nice fat doe with it.

[willis68]

Maybe sometime in the future I'll get a "high end" 1911, but I really don't know what a more expensive gun would do that mine doesn't.

I said the same exact thing before I shot an Ed Brown

[molonlabetn]

All 3 of the makes mentioned have excellent models to choose from. I've only owned a Springfield, never a Kimber or S&W... but I've handled and fired a few of each, and heard good and bad reviews regarding each.

The Springfield and S&W guns seem to me to be better for the money (a nice way of saying Kimber is overpriced)... But once you start spending 1K+ on any of these 3 makes, you'll get a good pistol. But, like I said, if I had to choose one, it would be a SA or S&W. SA has cheaper models at the bottom end of their lineup, but in the $500 range, I'd actually prefer to have a Rock Island than anything.

[willis68]

Arent Rock Island pistols made in the Phillipines? John Browning is rolling in his grave if that is true.......

[Guest DrBoomBoom]

I believe they're made there by Armscor. Hey, Mr. Browning's guns helped free the Phillipines.

[deerslayer]

I'm no 1911 fanatic, BUT a friend has the Rock Island and loves it, says it's a tackdriver, reliable, etc., especially for under $400. The only problem I see with it (and perhaps other lower end 1911s) is a lack of sight upgrade options. His RA came with itty bitty sights, and upgrading the front looks to be impossible.

[Branket]

I love my Kimber, but I don't have any experience with the others so I'm biased. If we are ever at an East TGO meet at the same time again you can shoot it if you'd like.

[Guest Boomhower]

I love my Kimber, but I don't have any experience with the others so I'm biased. If we are ever at an East TGO meet at the same time again you can shoot it if you'd like.

You coming this weekend??

[Guest Boomhower]

Low end 1911’s? I’m not sure what you mean by that, S&W and Kimber doesn’t really have anything in that category.

Well, I guess there are cheaper options out there, I was just kinda basing the low end off of $1k and high end off of $3k=>. I really haven't done any research on 1911's, only what I hear you guys talking about here. And I need to buy another gun to look at, oh, and shoot every once in a while, but I guess we all need a few of them . If I spend $1k on a gun, I will be getting an SA EMP, not a full sized 1911 (but I want one of those as well). So I've got plenty of time to do more research. This is just a subject I've had bouncing around in my head for a few days, so I thought I'd get it out there.

[Branket]

You coming this weekend??

Nope, lol. I always have something going on during these things, that and I have no money for ammo. I will definitely be at the next one in oak ridge though.

[Rightwinger]

You can buy my Kimber Desert Warrior and start right off with a "low end" 1911.

[Guest BigJ45]

Kimber, Springfield, S&W, Colt and most other guns these days are built to be looked at or carried not shot on a regular basis. I think the best deal in 1911's is the STI Trojan every one that I have been around has shot wonderful and stood up well to several years of 20 to 30,000 rounds per year. And if you look around they are available for under $900.

[Guest Verbal Kint]

[Rightwinger]

You can buy my Kimber Desert Warrior and start right off with a "low end" 1911.

If you call a $1,300.00 dollar pistol low end that is.....

That thing shoots fantastic. I also loved my old officers model SA 3 inch and hated to sell it but guns are like cars and we all trade them around wanting to drive something else for a while. You always come back to what felt best.

[dcloudy777]

Take a look at the SIG 1911 lineup as well... killer value for money. We run the "base model" Revolution XO at $805!

DanO