Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Handguns Kimber Tactical II HD or Springfield Armory Loaded

Hi,

Need your opinions - I have a chance to buy either one of these pistols and I wanted to ask if the Kimber was worth the extra 325.00 over the Springfield? The Springfield comes with 2 mags, holster and magazine carrier and the Kimber comes with only one mag. Which one would you pick?

I'm personally partial to the Kimbers , though in fairness I should disclose I've got a new one going back today.

Their custom shop guns have very tight tolerances and this one needs a little polishing (IMO).

So far their CS has been fantastic though -- "sure, we'll get this fixed right away" , they even emailed me a pre-paid UPS second day air label, so there is that.

Thanks! That is good to know! Good customer service is a must!

Springfield

I'd pick the Springfield and use the $325 for upgrades - starting with a trigger tune if needed and night sights.

Why are you limited to those two specific pistols?

Its never easy to make an informed decision on such limited info. So basically it seems like you are asking if the Kimber is worth the extra cash. That is a decision that is different for everyone. If it were me, I would probably choose the Springfield and upgrade it to my liking as was mentioned already. Additionally, use the extra cash for leather and ammo.

But if this is your second or third 1911, then you might want something a little more feature loaded.

CEJ,

No experience with the Kimbers. I have a Springfield loaded 'Target' {has the Bomar rear vs. the other 'loaded' that has the Novak rear}. Happy with it, with handloads it likes (several-not real picky) it will do 1 1/2 inches off of a bench at 25 yards, when I do my part.

Cons; It needed a trigger job as the factory pull was 5 1/2 pounds. The mainspring housing has a lock... so I exchanged it for one without. The Target sights on the Bomar version are a little sharp for carry so I replaced it with a Kensight one with rounded corners (and white dots... my eye's need more than black on black these days). Oh yeah I also replaced the front with a tritium target ring.

If I were to do it over I would either get the Springfield loaded with the Novak rear or else get a Dan Wesson in the same configuration.

Jerry

Thanks guys! Some very good information here. I've decided to go with the springfield after using them both this morning at my local range. Jerry, thanks for the tips! This one has the Novacks on it..

Personally I'd take the Springfield.

I'd take the Kimber, but I've never been a Springfield 1911 fan.

The Springfield.

I own several Sprinfield and several Kimber 1911's and like both brands. But I don't think you can beat the Springfield for the Money!

I'd go Springfield. I also own both.

You guys are making me want to try a 9mm Springer compact LW. Picked up a used 9mm Kimber Pro-Carry II and other than needing a quick extractor tuned it runs well. Super accurate.

…good choice CEJ…..the Kimber version of Colts' old Swartz firing pin safety is definitely an invention Beelzebub…….
I'd end with "JMO", but in this case it's objectively true!! :-)

gmoats - i just picked it up last Saturday from my transfer dealer (thank you gunbroker!)and I'm very pleased with the fit and finish! Between the weather and work I haven't had the chance to get to the range yet to see how it shoots, but I will as soon as I can.

Post pics!

I maybe too late to this party...

I had a SA 'Loaded' and it was a total joke. The guide rod was finished like a threaded bolt. The role marks on the slide were all cocked off. The frame's SN was electric pen engraved on slide's race way for the hammer w/o any attempt to smooth it out. The slide was too long for the frame so that the tail of the slide hung out over the slide by 1/8".

I think Kimber makes a good gun but overrated.

I know these were not one of the choices but I'd go with S&W Series 'E' or Ruger SR1911. I have two Series E and I'll never look back.