Kimber 1911 ??

[.38SuperMan]

I own 6 Kimbers and they've been 100% reliable out of the box. The fit and finish is hands down better than my colt and finish is better than my Springfields. Accuracy is excellent even from my 9 & 45 Ultras. No issues at all from any 1911 I've owned.

Two things I've noticed about reliability, one run the guns wet and keep them clean. I've seen several people take a new gun out without cleaning and lubing it and get jam after jam and then complain it's unreliable until they clean and lube it. Second limp wristing which is common with 45's will cause reliability issues.

The only jams I've had were after a couple thousand rounds in my custom pistols when I needed to replace springs.

The OP asked about the new LW in 45. This is my NightStar with custom grips and magwell and is 9mm. No issues and a load of fun to shoot.

 

[.38SuperMan]

I'm going to add two more things to my list that'll kill reliability. One is damaged or poor quality magazines and two is poor ammo especially reloads. 1911's and I guess any auto can be sensitive to bullet seating depth.

One more of my favorite Kimbers, a TLE Pro 45. Superb pistol!

 

[geen]

I have owned a number of Kimbers I have found their customer service to be just fine. I had to send a couple of guns back but they always made them right. I would go with a steel frame 5 inch gun if it is for the range no need to go LW.

this next point is key.

the best bang for your buck in the Kimber lineup is The TLE. Comes with good night sights and front strap checkering. Any of the guns from Kimber are going to be pretty much the same gun. There is not a real custom shop and with the more expensive models all you get is cosmetic upgrades that they charge too much for.

The TLE is one gun up from the basic custom II models and I have had a couple both were great one was a tack driver that I never had an issue with. I sold it when I bought a Les Baer. The Baer is very nice but I wish I had kept the TLE.

 

[BB57]

/…

/…the best bang for your buck in the Kimber lineup is The TLE. Comes with good night sights and front strap checkering. Any of the guns from Kimber are going to be pretty much the same gun. There is not a real custom shop and with the more expensive models all you get is cosmetic upgrades that they charge too much for.

The TLE is one gun up from the basic custom II models and I have had a couple both were great one was a tack driver that I never had an issue with. I sold it when I bought a Les Baer. The Baer is very nice but I wish I had kept the TLE.

I mostly agree. The CDP package pistols are another reasonable option. They have the basically useless carry melt option, but the night sights, checkered from strap, and the very nice trigger are all nice to have.

If you compare a stainless Pro CDP with a Pro TLE, the difference in price is $225. But you can't get a stainless Pro TLE. Personally, the stainless slide is worth having for daily IWB concealed carry in a hot humid climate.

Plus, I've noted the higher end Kimbers sit on the shelf longer with the result that they often get discounted more than the base model and TLE pistols to move them out the door. So real world, the price difference is on the order of $100-$125.