I want to get one and one only 1911 compact

[Mg2wall]

I am not a 1911 fan but would like to own one. I have many revolvers and other guns but would like to get a 1911. I saw a nice used kimber compact stainless II for 650.00 out the door. The gun is in excellent condition.
Question if I am only getting one would this be a good one. I also like the look of the colt commander but that's just because I like how it looks

 

[H Richard]

This is a question only you can really answer. There are hundreds of different make 1911's out there. The Kimber may be a good deal, but until you look over a lot more you won't know if you like it better or worse than any other. 1911 compact/commander size/officer model size can cost from around (new) $400 to several thousand for custom versions. I would stick with a known brand and there is nothing more known in 1911's than Colt.

 

[Telecaster]

You "want" to only get one 1911. But be prepared to "want" to buy more, in different sizes, after you get your first one.

 

[CH4]

My favorite officer's model is the DW ECO IN 45. I've owned several officer/compact models from different manufactures, and for me the ECO is tops!

 

[federali]

Kimber

I think the Kimbers have an excellent reputation and if its the gun you want, then go for it. In my opinion, .45 ACPs should have barrels four inches or more because their projectiles are not easy to accelerate in a short barrel.

 

[Mg2wall]

I had a couple 1911 at one time but they were full size and cheaper models. Did not like the full size. Saw this kimber compact and really like the look but as I was trying to research it there are sooo many kimber compacts. Just want to know what people think of it. Most of my knowledge is in older revolvers.

 

[BAM-BAM]

Only one................. I'd go for a Colt either a classic Government model or Commander ( or Combat Commander).

For my .45 needs I moved away from single action 1911s in the mid-80s..... to Sigs P Series 220/245 and Smith 44xx's........ currently just a 4566.

That said I do currently have one 1911 pattern gun a Sig C3 CCO Officers model frame and Commander Slide..... found it used at a great price and I've always thought the CCO was the perfect Concealed Carry size 1911.

 

[old&slow]

Only One 1911 ?? That can't be right.

I have a couple Kimber's and quite happy with them. I didn't really care for the Kimber's that had the external extractors.
But Ruger and Springfield and others also make good 1911's

When I worked part time at the LGS I use to tell folks ,, 'if you want to collect it or look at it, buy a Colt. If you actually want to shoot it and use it, Buy anything else.

 

[D Brown]

No Swartz, Not Ever!

I am not a 1911 fan but would like to own one. I have many revolvers and other guns but would like to get a 1911. I saw a nice used kimber compact stainless II for 650.00 out the door. The gun is in excellent condition.
Question if I am only getting one would this be a good one. I also like the look of the colt commander but that's just because I like how it looks

Are you planning on using this gun for fun, or are you going to carry it for defense? If the latter I personally would not be caught dead carrying ANY Kimber with a II after the model designation. Why? It could very well get you killed. The Swartz Safety System is seriously flawed and DOES NOT belong on ANY GUN carried for defensive purposes. The last thing you want is to experience a sickening "click" from a blocked firing pin when you were expecting your gun to fire in a defensive situation. I have sent several "II" models back to Kimber in an attempt to get them to operate consistently; Kimber was never able to get them to operate 100%. Thus, I now own exactly one model with a "II" designation, a Stainless TLE II that I have deactivated the Swartz Safety System on. It is used strictly as a range gun.

If you want a short barrel 1911 I can highly recommend the following:
Kimber Super Carry Ultra

Kimber Super Carry Ultra+

Both of these guns have conventional safety systems. No surprises. Pure 1911. More expensive than what you're currently looking at, but safer by far.

 

[rog8732]

Not to pick too hard at "nits" Mg, but there is a slight difference in your two references to a smaller-than-normal 1911 style pistol.

In general, (not absolute ) terms,"Commander" size is commonly with a 4.25 inch barrel, like the first Commander by Colt's introduced in 1950; while "Compact" is used by many manufacturers to designate a 3, 3 1/2, or 4 inch barrel.
The shorter the barrel the more compact the gun is of course, although sometimes sacrificing function the shorter it gets.
Most especially in the less than .45 a c p calibers, such as 9mm, .40, and .38 super.

I think the Kimber you note is considered "Compact" with a 4 inch barrel ? I also think it is about a $1200 msrp, so your $650 otd seems attractive. Nothing wrong with used--not abused !

I believe about all the 90-plus makers of a 1911 style pistol have a "Commanderr" size in their line-up, and many also have a "Compact".
So if you pass on the Kimber, you could have plenty of other choices.

In revolvers, of which you have many, I expect most of us consider only two brands as the "best of". Not so with 1911 style pistols. Just too too many for an A #1 above ALL others.

 

[gman51]

I have a KImber Ultra Carry II that fits my hand like it was made for me. It goes bang every time it is supposed to and is as accurate as Wilson Combat I had.
Here is a test to help you decide between a Colt or Kimber. Take each gun in your hand and shake the guns. The Colt will rattle like a sloppy loose machine but the Kimber will be tight like a well machined tool. An LGS had me try this with new guns. Colt 1911s don't impress me at all.

But bottom line is what trips your trigger is right for you.

 

[PALADIN85020]

I have had this stainless Kimber (4" barrel and shorter frame) for many years, and It's my favorite carry 1911. Totally reliable, and accurate, too. The only modifications are some sharp corner rounding, a shorter adjustable trigger, custom stocks, Wilson mags, skate board tape on the front of the grip, and tritium night sights.

John

 

[Mg2wall]

Thanks for all the info. It's helping me decide. This would not be a carry gun. Just have some extra money, and really liked how this one looked and felt in my hand. I thought that at that price if I get it and shot it for awhile if I didn't like it I could get most of my money back out of it.

 

[eahicks]

Go fire a Wilson Combat. Then you'll want more.... and more...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Jessie]

Brand new Colt Combat Commanders can be had for little more than you'd pay for that Kimber.
But, if you like the way that fits your hand, the price is good.

 

[oneounceload]

I'd take a Colt over Kimber everyday - and I own both. MY Kimber has been trouble free - but doesn't have 1000s of rounds downrange. I will give Kimber one thing - they make gorgeous looking guns. A friend used to be FDNY and lived about 3 blocks from Kimber in Yonkers. Their philosophy was make it shine and get it out the door. Here's hoping you don't need great CS from them down the road. This friend because of where he lived and who he worked for could have gotten Kimbers basically for cost - he chose Glocks instead...........Makes me go HMMMMMMMMMMMMMM.

 

[Lee's Landing Billy]

Try to find a Colt CCO to look at before making a decision. NOT the Wiley **** one!!!!!

 

[mrchuck]

My "shorty" 45 auto has a 3.1" barrel and is made in the Philippines by ATI.
It is known as the "Fatboy" because it has a double stack magazine holding 12 rounds. I also have an extra magazine for it.
It functions flawlessly and is accurate.
One must wear a belt holster as it is heavy.
It is accurate for self defense. 25 rounds available this way.

 

[walter o]

Going to jump right in the middle of this .I have COLTS<S&W<REMINGTON,,

< SPRINGFIELD ARMORY <ATI<RUGER<AND ROCK ISLAND <STI< PARA brand 1911 ,i think that for a 1st one try the Rockisland in expensive (not a cheep)fire arm with a lifetime policy ,they are a bit heavy but that soaks up the felt recoil.SHOOT it and see if you lik the platform then later you decide if you need to up grade. You wont have to mortgage the home to buy one,spend the extra you saved on ammunition and shoot the snot out of it.

 

[1coolcat]

Bahahaha,...only own one 1911..good luck with that...oh..that was a good one..where do you guys come up with that stuff..I love this forum