Maybe not the firing pin safety. I had this same impression of my TLE II. I could tell it was a good shooting pistol but I did not like the feel of the gun in my hand. I was pretty sure I knew why. The first thing I did was replace the grip safety, which solved the problem, for me.
S&W or Kimber ?
- Thread starter S&W357
- Start date
Maybe not the firing pin safety. I had this same impression of my TLE II. I could tell it was a good shooting pistol but I did not like the feel of the gun in my hand. I was pretty sure I knew why. The first thing I did was replace the grip safety, which solved the problem, for me.
lhump1961
US Veteran
Why is the external extractor a deal breaker for you? Tradition, cosmetics, function? I have Smiths and love 'em so am just honestly curious why you would exclude them based on the extractor. I'm not trying to be funny as there are others who share your opinion.
I find very little bad press on the Smith but not too hard to find complaints on the Kimber...I haven't owned a Kimber, just sayin'.
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roughneck6
Member
I owned three Kimbers, Stainless Custom II, Pro Carry, and TLE. All three were great when they worked. All three plagued with FTF, stove pipes, and FTE. I drank the kook aide about break in period etc. the customer service was not the best. I ended up every time trading or selling all three. The two best 1911's I have owned are the Springfield Armory and S&W. Of course, if you want a 45 that will eat anything, dead accurate, and last forever, try to find a 4506-1.
Dann Fassnacht
Member
One of my favorites of all of the 1911-style pistols was the (stainless steel frame/blued slide) .45acp Colt Combat Commander that I owned many years ago. I wish I still had that one.
Dann, I have a couple friends who like to excoriate me for being harsh about steel-frame "Commanders." I just think it a travesty that some people confuse those heavy, clunky things with a real Commander. 
Colt should have picked another name - maybe Commodore? Like the naval officer of that rank, they should be few and far between, as far as I am concerned. 
Just kidding. If you like them that is great. I'll admit in my group of friends I am in the minority that thinks them "unattractive." One of them went to the trouble to build up a compensated Combat Commander that could be worn in a standard 1911 holster. I'll admit it was a nice shooting gun, but I was not sure what it accomplished that an ordinary full-size 1911 wouldn't do as well.
Colt should have picked another name - maybe Commodore? Like the naval officer of that rank, they should be few and far between, as far as I am concerned. Just kidding. If you like them that is great. I'll admit in my group of friends I am in the minority that thinks them "unattractive." One of them went to the trouble to build up a compensated Combat Commander that could be worn in a standard 1911 holster. I'll admit it was a nice shooting gun, but I was not sure what it accomplished that an ordinary full-size 1911 wouldn't do as well.
66snub
Member
I've worked on/fired a few Kimbers over the years, and I can tell you that, for the premium they command, I'm not impressed. Although I don't have any experience with the Smiths, I've handled a few and they just seem to have a nicer build quality to them. I mean, come on Kimber, a plastic mainspring housing? Really?
As was indicated on the picture it is a S&W Mod. 1911 E. That is the model number. It is the "base" model with other variations available (shorter barrels, adjustable sights, round butts, etc.)
They are currently in the distribution pipeline so if you're looking for one now is the time to buy if you can find one during the new buying frenzy....
They are currently in the distribution pipeline so if you're looking for one now is the time to buy if you can find one during the new buying frenzy....
Wow i would never think that a weapon manufacture would ever say that!
The hood of the barrel on my TLEII started rusting too, so it must be normal.
Just kidding, of course. Never have had a gun develop any rust in all my years of shooting, until then. Whatever steel they use for their barrels must be prone to that. Not very impressive...
vigil617
US Veteran
Dann, I have a couple friends who like to excoriate me for being harsh about steel-frame "Commanders." I just think it a travesty that some people confuse those heavy, clunky things with a real Commander.
Just kidding [...] QUOTE]
M29since14, maybe Colt should've called it a "Rear Admiral lower half" instead?
Something about the name of that rank has always tickled the you-know-what out of me. Must be latent 8th-grader still inside this 56-year-old brain. He does enjoy making an appearance now and then.
Just kidding, too; no disrespect intended to the Commander.
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