Posted: 1/27/2008 9:11:35 AM EDT
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So I'm torn between getting a Kimber Ultra Carry II vs. a Subcompact Glock. I think the Glock may weigh less but it's a bit thicker. The kimber is a bit more expensive. I own larger versions of both and can't say enough about the quality of each. For those of you that carry often, can you give me any advice on what physical attributes I might look toward between these two CCW's. Thanks for your help. -JB |
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several things 1st off, and this is just a general concept imo, 1911s are made and designed to run optimumly as full sizes; the smaller they get, the more finky they can become (usually in the reliability department), BUT you can get a very reliable super compact 1911, esp if its a very well made custom one (kimbers can be hit or miss sometimes)--YMMV wear wise, 1911s, esp smaller 1911s require more care and parts replacement (if it gets used) in the long run--just an example, most subcompact 1911s' recoil springs have to changed every 1k rnds (i think thats the correct est) glocks, well, they will keep on running for quite a while w/ the least chance of problems also, which glock subcompact are you looking at? the G26/27/33 or G36? overall, the recoil and handling on the subcompact glocks, imo, are better and more comfortable than the really small 1911s--YMMV concealability wise, the 1911s, esp w/ slim grips will be thinner in profile; h/w, the G36 is almost just as thin, and while the G26/27/33s are a tad fatter, they carry twice the capacity.... in the end, for me, reliability and long term wear are my priorities; next, concealability and handling and cost (including of spare parts, accesorries, etc), which would lead me to choose a subcompact Glock (any model) over a kimber ultra carry |
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the ultra carry is a VERY good weapon. i know several that own them and they are all top notch in fit, finish, and reliability. i HAD a g30 until is spontaneuosly dissamebled itself. no more glocks will ever be in my arsenal. my current primary carry rig is a SA ultra compact. mine has benn 100% since the day i bought it. not a pricey as the kimber but as reliable. |
I am really starting to like the Walther PPS, its sized like a thin Glock 26/27. They are 9mm now and will come out in 40 soon. |
Not only that but, as hard as this is to believe, the Glock finish is more durable than any other gun, stainless, blued, parkerized, painted or hard chromed, that I've ever owned. I cannot rust my Glocks, even carrying in a shoulder holster, high up under my armpit, in 115 degree temperature. I've rusted all of the above, but not a Glock. I can take a Glock out of the shoulder holster, dripping with sweat, shake it off, wipe it dry and put it away. The other guns I've carried would be showing rust by the end of the day. Even the stainless steel ones, and I know that's hard to swallow, but it's true. The G26 is a great carry piece. If you think it's too big, carry a G29/30 for a week or two, after that the G26 seems downright tiny. |
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I carry an Ultra Carry II. A manual safety is a must for me, so a small 1911 was the way to go. Never a hiccup, or problem. I have no qualms with trusting this gun with my life and have no fear that it will not go bang and the BG go thud when/if I pull the trigger. |
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I don't own a Glock but I do own a Sub-Compact XD in 9mm and a Kimber Ultra Carry II SS in .45. Out of the two, I would carry the Ulktra Carry 2 as its thinner and has a full grip hold unlike my Sub-Compact. My Kimber has been 100% reliable with any ammo HP/Ball and even with the Kimber magazine that everyone rants about. It was a surprise the first time I shot it and saw the target, talk about accurate! I can shoot as well as my full size .SA Milspec .45. Now my XD SC is also 100% reliable and if it was the same thickness as my Kimber it would be a hard choice as I have 3 more rounds of 9mm in the XD and a light rail if I felt like using one. BTW: I have a PA permit. |
| I own both a Kimber Series I Stainless Ultra Carry and a G26. I find myself carrying the 1911 far more than the Glock. The big difference for me is the width of the guns. The slimmer Kimber is just more comfortable to carry and easier to conceal. I mostly carry IWB and I really really wanted to like the G26 but the 1911 just works better for me. I do find the Glock better for pocket carry though (in a pocket holster). |
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I have a Wilson Combat 4" Compact. It is a CCW with no equal. Since the quality is there, the only leg that anti-1911ers rest their argument on is kicked out. I have been carrying this package for years and I couldn't be happier with the platform. The 4" compact is truly concealable with a minimal signature to it, and this is coming from an LA resident, which means T-shirt weather 10 months out of the year. It is also is a very comfortable carry. The barrel doesn't catch the seat when sitting and it is comfortable in the bucket seat of a vehicle. It is a heavier choice than most. Some see this as a liability. I see it as a prefferable trade. I rather tote a few ounces extra weight and have a weapon that manages .45 recoil well and is pleasurable to shoot. The CCW is THE weapon one should shoot the most and the most often, and this "carried always shot little" philosophy is the credo of morons, IMO. The bottom line is that 1911s are the far superior platform for CCW, IMO. If every 1911 was built like a Wilson then the inquiry would be addressed. This is not the case and your "one or the other" scenario has some problems as far as I see it. 1. Platform. The ideal 1911 CCW IMO is the 4" Compact platform, or the 4.25" Commander platform (based on body type, climate, and personal preferance). 5" is adequate based on the above. Going lower than 4" however, becomes problematic. The first issue is what you get with a shorter pistol, and the answer to that is virtually nothing (compared to a 4" with compact frame). They have the same frame, and the shorter slide doesn't make it conceal better. What you give up however is significant. Recoil on a 3" 1911 is jarring compared to a 4"+ 1911. You lose a fair deal of control/followup by comparison for no appreciable difference in concealment. Also, as the slide gets shorter, the margin for error narrows and the weapons built by the lesser companies have a tendency to make your life miserable, which brings us to... 2. Kimber is at best, an average production company. That's all well and good if you want to roll the dice on a 5" Warrior. If you want to look at their compact or subcompacts then you had better be sure you want to take a chance on Kimber. I began my CCW journey with a <4" compact from a "mediocre at best" production company. It was a nightmare that required multiple trips to the Warranty station. I finally lost all faith in the company and a significant amount of credibility with respect to subcompacts. The cost of the pistol, modifications, wasted ammo breaking in/re-testing, and UPS trips to the manufacturer put me a few hundred away from getting the Wilson Compact in the first place. I am a rather conseravative guy when it comes to CCW. My advice is not to compromise on size or quality. If you insist on doing so, I would compromise on one (either <4" OR mediocre company). After listening to the masses rant and rave about their experiences I have come to the following conclusion: For certain individuals, the 1911 is a far superior platform for specific applications, but it requires a good deal of contemplation and wisdom to maximize the potential of the platform. The Glock is a great platform that requires no effort. They are built uniformly and their setup is rather adequate for the all-around needs of most. They may not be as good as a 1911 optimized for the shooter's intended purpose, but there is no fuss over the weapon either. Thus, Gaston Glock is the patron saint of KISS philosophers, non-gun guys, and idiots who are better off NOT tinkering with a weapon. JMB on the other hand is the patron saint of gun guys, and people who are willing to put in extra effort to get something extra out of the platform (even if the gain is less significant than the effort invested). |
sorry just never like those guns to begin with