Posted: 4/16/2008 2:38:30 PM EDT
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Guys, Last month, I finally set my mind to a Kimber Tactical Pro. With all of the Kimber slams, I am beginning to think otherwise. I've been looking at SA and ParaOrdanance 1911's. If I lean against the Kimber, I've narrowed my search to the following: - Springfield Armory Loaded Champ - ParaOrdanance LTC Stainless Anythoughts to either of these 1911's? Am I on the right track, to stay clear of Kimber? My tax check is in and I'd like to make a decision by soon so I take the plunge! Thanks guys! Re, ~WC~ |
| I own a Kimber Custom II and have no complaints. Every company has their lemons. My advice is to buy what you want. Just check out in person whatever you buy. I've read and seen some bad things with both Springfield and Kimber. Kimber only offers a 1 year warranty compaired to Springfield's lifetime. I hear that as long as you don't tinker with the Kimber they are pretty good at fixing outside of a year. Springfield has wonderful customer service. I've recently had some problems with a SS Loaded model and they are in the process of making everything right. I personally have never been interested in Para so I have nothing to offer there. So get what will make you happy after all it is going to be your gun. |
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imo, if its an older kimber (before the external extractors), then its probably a good bet to go w/ if its a newer one...well, it will probably be ok, but i've noticed a lot more of the newer ones having bad QC and requiring more work to get em running 100% i'd take the SA Loaded Champ--they are great commander-sized 1911s for the money; my old one ran great, and was a sure shooter |
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While Kimber has it's problems they're still a company that stands behind their products. Here's a portion of an Email I recently received from a friend of mine. "Shipped my CDP off to Kimber finally. Took your advice and complained about the extractor. Also, it was jamming intermittently last time at the range (OCT 07). The slide stop would move out of the frame laterally about 1 mm. Then the slide would get caught on the way back into battery. Been carrying my old faithful Colt Gov't. (from the S.G. Bass Twin City Airport Gun Shop). Since it's still jacket weather here, I can wear it in my belt holster. Steve at Kimber called yesterday, says that the frame was cracked. I couldn't see it, but they mustv magnafluxed it or something. So they'd have to replace the frame. Also, he says the extractor is "the external type and out of spec". So he says they are going to send me a NEW GUN!!! "We stand 100% behind our product", he says. WOW!! I was very surprised to say the least. I was expecting a "we couldn't find anything wrong" type of answer. He says the bad news is: we are back ordered on the CDP Pro for at least 5 weeks. So I say's "can I get a 5" model instead?" (which is what I've been wanting anyway). So the new Custom CDP II is supposed to be on it's way tomorrow! " |
Boy, that isn't the kinda response I've gotten from them. 1911 didn't shoot anywhere near point of aim (WAY high, WAY right). Fixed sights, so would require new front blade and pretty extreme front sight drift. They didn't see the problem since they were "combat sights" suggested if I wanted to be able to adjust POI I should buy a target model... had competent gun smith fix it at my cost and sold pistol at a loss. 84M in .308. 4 MOA rifle! sent it to factory, they sent it back with a 2-inch, 3 shot group at 50 YARDS WITH GOLD MEDAL MATCH! and deemed it "in spec". Had it accurized and re-bedded by a competent gunsmith, and with handloads it is sub-moa, so I decided to keep it. Kimber will never get another penny from me. YMMV, - AG |
| I have owned four Kimbers and currently have three. One I bought used. On the rare occasion when they need "intervention" by Kimber, I call the Custom Shop, explain the situation courteously, return the pistol to them, and get it back very quickly and 100% fixed. Some people have posted complaints their pistols have come back dirty. That's done intentionally to demonstrate they were test fired before being returned. And Kimber will ALWAYS repair their pistols on a warranty basis, with no timeframe and without regard to whether you bought yours new or used. The only limitation is the pistol can't have been altered by someone else. |
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I've had very good luck with my Kimbers and nothing but heartache with Para... no matter how much I wanted to like my Para guns. (I have none now and I would be surprised to find I ever will again given that Rock Island takes better care of its customers than Para does) IMO. I suppose it's like everything else. Good and bad depending on who you talk to. |
Not just from the internet. Para's, for the most part, are junk. They use soft parts and soft frames/slides. Glad you have a good one. SA's are much higher quality 1911's. |