Quest For an Affordable First 1911

[Beauetienne]

I was thinking of getting a new RIA. I had budgeted up to around $800, but would have liked to find something for less. I found a model I liked.
Then I saw a good reviews on both the Remington R1 and the R1 Enhanced and their prices weren't far away from the RIA I was interested in.
Always in the back of my mind I was hoping to find a nice, used Ruger SR1911.
Then I saw a Springer Mi-Spec that I pretty much decided on getting until I stopped by a pawn shop and saw a nice Springer Loaded that was within my budget. Went back three days later and it was gone.
Pretty much made up my mind and was on my way to Academy to get a new Ruger when I stopped at another pawn shop and found this Kimber Custom 2 . I dickered and bought it for two hundred less than the new Ruger would have cost.
This took place over seven days.
It's the first 1911 for this 60 year old. I guess it was time.

 

[Laketime]

Hopefully your Kimber has the internal extractor. Watch re assembley of the slide onto the frame , keep hands away from grip safety during this step ( firing pin saftey protrudes when depressed ) Other than that you made a fine choice.

 

[federali]

Welcome to the Model 1911 Fraternity.

They are great guns and my personal taste runs to traditional-looking guns. My personal preference is for conventional grips. If you plan to use this gun for carry or self defense, finger grooves or radical grips sometimes prevent you from obtaining a proper grip in the holster or to allow the gun to seat itself in your hand by shooting.

Enjoy shooting it. The .45 ACP is extremely popular with hand loaders. Like you, I only own one Model 1911, an S&W 5".

 

[Laketime]

I just noticed your pictures and you don't Have an external extractor which is good.Also if I am reading your serial number right K17xxxx then your guns was made in the later half of 2003, before massive production demands forced Kimber to take shortcut in Quality control.

 

[TrouDeLoup]

I got my ATI government model clone for $380 or so new.

It's great. At least for my needs, I'm not knocking down doors, but I used it to qualify for a license to carry.

American Tactical Imports

I'd prefer an RIA.

 

[arjay]

Had one with an external extractor.A very reliable and accurate gun.Gave it to my son when I started collecting colts again

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

I started out looking for only one 1911 too....

 

[LoboGunLeather]

I only have 30 pistols that qualify as 1911-models. Starting with a 1914 Commercial Colt and working forward through nearly every variant by the end of WW2 (no, I haven't got a Singer, not yet).

So what do I carry every day? Kimber Custom CDP .45, full-size specimen on the alloy frame with 'carry melt' treatment and night sights. Completely reliable with all ammo and mags I have tested. Shoots reliably to point of aim at 50 feet. Has every feature that improves on JMB's original design, and not much else to get in the way.

Kimber's production pistols are difficult to beat at their market price point. Every one I have owned or used has been first-rate in quality. The one pistol I had problems with was dealt with by Kimber and returned to my front door in about 5 business days.

I think you done pretty good.

 

[GKC]

My experience with Kimber was not good. Of the 27 1911s I've owned, three were Kimbers...and all three were problems. Kimber's customer service was totally lacking. The only other 1911 that I've owned that was a problem was a Taurus.

In my experience, the best production guns (i.e., not semi-custom or full custom) are S&W, Ruger, and Springfield. Colt is the icon, but their service is slow and can be poor.

 

[joeintexas]

Welcome to the 1911 gang. My guess is you will be as hooked as the rest of us 1911 fans are. I have owned many over the years, currently have 3, S&W, Ruger and RIA. The best I owned was a Colt Gold Cup which I foolishly swapped off many years ago. Talk about smooth as butter. Congrats on your new Kimber.

 

[Protected One]

My recently purchased ATI "TITAN" was my first 1911 as well. I wanted something to shoot at the range only, so I was looking for an entry level gun. Found it for $369.

Since swapping out the recoil spring assembly for the stouter Kimber Ultra Carry ll version it has shot flawlessly. 450 rounds and counting.

 

[Targets Guy]

I paid $400 for this M1911A1-CS brand new in 2015. Have prices gone up that much in three years?

screenshot

 

[CAJUNLAWYER]

What pawn shops are you going to??? I've just about given up on them in our area.

 

[Beauetienne]

What pawn shops are you going to??? I've just about given up on them in our area.

I found and bought this one at Able Pawn, in Lafayette. Cash America Pawn in Lafayette had the Springfield Loaded and an RIA. Happy hunting.