finesse_r,

I have the Lew Horton version of the S&W 1911 Pro Series Compact (the only differences from the standard model are cosmetic). The S&W has a full-length guide rod with a single flat-coil spring. IMO it has less felt recoil than my SW1911PD with a 4.25" barrel, possibly because the barrel of the compact is so thick/heavy. The springs do seem to wear out at around 300-500 rounds. Mine is scary accurate, as in it hits exactly where I want it to and pretty much puts everything in the same hole at 7 yards, shooting off-hand.
That being said, mine is currently back at the factory for the second time for extraction problems. I suspect that the chamber is too tight as some of the spent casings are sticking in the chamber. If that issue gets resolved I will be very happy with the pistol.

May I offer one other thing for your consideration; S&W has a lifetime warranty on their products while Kimber only offers a one-year warranty.

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