[Mapanggulo]

Ok...question for ya fellow gunnuts...

I'm doing some reserch for a future pistol purchase. So far I'm only looking at a Kimber in 45 ACP. It's basically going to be a range gun and on the off chance...home defense. Since I'm in a state that doesn't have CCW, it won't be for that...unless I move in the future.

Here's the two Kimbers I'm looking at:

Kimber Custom TLE/RL II (TLE II pictured)

https://www.gilbertsguns.com/./productimages/000922.medium.jpg

http://www.kimberamerica.com/custom.php

Kimber Warrior
http://www.impactguns.com/store/media/kim_warrior.jpg
http://www.kimberamerica.com/pr.php#warrior


When I started thinking about getting a 45ACP, I actually thought of getting one custom built from a ex-Marine Force Recon Armour that was selling 45's made to the same specifications as the MEU(SOC) Pistol. Don't have the information contact information since it's all packed up or I'd pull it out. But I believe he was making them for about $850. I want to keep the price at around $1000 or under, which both guns above are.

I've fired my buddies Kimber Custom TLE II...and it's a sweet shooting gun, I'm sure the Warrior would be just as sweet shooting. It matchs the MEU (SOC) pistol alot closer though. The Warriors grips would have to be changed to black grips though.

Other suggestions welcome (only 45ACP though please), as long as it's not a Glock.

[Rabbi]

I like several 1911s. I've never owned a Kimber but know guys who do and to a man, they love them.

I have customized two, a Norinco and a Rock Island Armory, both cost $350.00 but the Nork now has about $800 in it and the RIA, about $700.

Out of the box Springfield "Loaded" models are comparable to Kimbers for about $200 less in cost. They, like the Kimbers often need nothing to make them run well. I have one six years old in the Loaded Lightweight and have used it in competition, for plinking, CCW and it is currently one of my house defense pistols.

Good luck as the playing field is HUGE.

Rabbi

[Renegade]

Kimber produces a rock solid 1911. And they have some of the tightest if not the tightest 1911 on the market. I have a Springfield Fully Loaded 1911A1 that has served me well. It serves as my carry gun, range plinker and has a home defense roll as well. I bought my SA three years ago for $650 out the door.

Later,

Dave

[texasalien]

Since you have just started looking, I'll throw in a plug for the Sig 220. Its accurate, rugged and reliable. I also have a Para 1445 Limited, which has been very reliable, and with its 14-round mags and target sights its a range monster.

[7.62mmFMJ]

I would say that a 1911 with a gadget rail ain't no 1911. ;)

If you want a gadget rail, get combat tupperware - easier to maintain and not so prissy.

[Mapanggulo]

I would say that a 1911 with a gadget rail ain't no 1911. ;)

If you want a gadget rail, get combat tupperware - easier to maintain and not so prissy.
Sorry...if I need tupperware...I can always raid my mothers kitchen. Give me metal only !!!! :D

[Popeye]

Para-Ordinance now makes a true 1911. Its a pretty good one. GREAT trigger!

[Mapanggulo]

Since you have just started looking, I'll throw in a plug for the Sig 220. Its accurate, rugged and reliable. I also have a Para 1445 Limited, which has been very reliable, and with its 14-round mags and target sights its a range monster.
I've shot Sigs before, actually like them too. I was looking at a Sig 229 back when I got my Beretta M-9 SE, but went with the Beretta, only because I didn't have the money for either at the time, but I looked dejected enough for the wife to whip out her checkbook and by the Beretta for me.
Funny thing...I can shoot a 229 and 226 way better than I can shoot my Beretta. I've already got a baby Sig (Trailside).

[Mapanggulo]

Oh...just thought of something else that drew me to the Kimbers. I like the idea of being able to get a conversion kit for them to shoot either .22LR or .17HMR, since I have my Trailside already...I'd probably go with the .17HMR.

[Ala Dan]

Sticking with the Kimber 1911 platform, I will throw in a vote for the new 5"
barrel Raptor II. Its a departure from the normal Kimber's; and is a handsome devil indeed!

[john]

if ya got the bucks kimber if ya on a budget springer.

[akula]

Your stated choices are good, I would add a Springfield Armory MC Operator to the list, maybe even the Sig GSR.

[gordon gauge]

Here's one that doesn't get mentioned much, but is a fine pistol - the CZ 97B. Can be operated double action first shot, or cocked and locked, holds 10 rounds in the magazine, and is quite accurate with a screw in barrel bushing. It is all steel, so it's a heavy gun (and big) that you would not enjoy carrying, but thats not your purpose anyway. You can find them for sale new under $500. GG

http://world.guns.ru/handguns/hg97-e.htm

[loknload]

I have a Springfield Loaded which I'm really pleased with! :up: As for the money spent I believe it was worth it! :tippy:

[Popeye]

Here's one that doesn't get mentioned much, but is a fine pistol - the CZ 97B.
The CZ-97B is a great gun. Its just that you can't operate it properly if you have hands. You must have mitts. The grip is quite large.

[gordon gauge]

True. The price for a 10 round double stack magazine I guess, and a valid point. If you have regular to small hands the 97 may not be a good fit for you.

[Zircon]

Go with the Kimber, don't look back. Great pistols! My Pro CDP-II has never missed a single bobble. Feeds, fires and extracts everything I've thrown at it (including my own reloads.) I trust it with my life.

[john]

Go with the Kimber, don't look back. Great pistols! My Pro CDP-II has never missed a single bobble. Feeds, fires and extracts everything I've thrown at it (including my own reloads.) I trust it with my life.
yep:D :D :D :D :up: :up: :up:

[Richard]

I own a few 45acps and the one I recently looked at was a S&W 1911. I haven't shot one but I was impressed. Regards, Richard :D

[CoastieN70]

As a part time seller of guns (I work in a gun shop when the spirit moves me) and being a fan of the 1911 pistol I can get any available (read on the market place) gun I want at dealer cost (which is why I work at a gun shop:) ).

I own two Kimbers. Why? Because they are the best "bang" for the buck if you are looking for an already tricked out pistol. Springfield Loaded Models come close but fall a little short (this is not to say that the Springfields are not fine weapons, I've owned a couple).

Of the two choices you presented I say you have some tough choosing...
Both are outstanding choices but I feel that the Warrior gives you just a little more "Bang" for the buck. I don't own one...yet.... ;)

BTW: I own a TLE and a CDP Pro. I carry the CDP Pro daily.

[Stephen Zalewski]

This is for CoastieN70 & Zircon,
I'm looking for a carry weapon, I like the .40, have a couple of the H&K USP Compacts, but they seem heavy for carring, Is the CDP Pro relatively lighter? H&K is about 24 oz.
Thanks in advance.
Steve

[CoastieN70]

Stephen,

The only other semi-auto I own (other than 1911's that is) is a HK USPc 357Sig. I carried that gun (the HK) concealed for about 7 years. I switched to the CDP about a year ago after I bought the TLE and shot it so well. I was a 1911 guy before the HK and carried the HK cocked and locked like a 1911. Anyway, after shooting the Kimber TLE so well I ask myself why I was carrying the HK, that I shot well but not as good as the Kimber. I got a CDP Pro, shot it better than the HK and started carrying it.

As for weight, the CDP Pro and the HK USPc are within an ounce of each other empty and I guess you could say the same for loaded weight also. Both have 4 inch barrels but the Kimber is narrower.

So bottom line, your USPc .40 is an excellent choice for concealed carry. If your USPc is a LEM version you will have to get used to a new manual of arms if you switch to a 1911.

BTW...Most of the medium sizes pistols Glock 23, Sig 229, USPc, Kimber Pro, etc are close in dimension and weight so changing from your USPc to another make just gets you a different gun.

[BigBlue]

Mapanggulo,

You should forget the range gun, buy a carry piece right after you move to an enlightened state that has a Concealed Carry law. I couldn't even consider living in a state without being able to carry. That was one of the main reasons I had for leaving The Peoples Republic of New Jersey. :D

Don

[Mapanggulo]

Mapanggulo,

You should forget the range gun, buy a carry piece right after you move to an enlightened state that has a Concealed Carry law. I couldn't even consider living in a state without being able to carry. That was one of the main reasons I had for leaving The Peoples Republic of New Jersey. :D

Don
Don,
Trust me eventually I'll leave this state or they will get pass a CCL. It's actually been pushed hard twice, but the Liberal Govenoress of ours veto'd it. Mabye with a new Governor there will be a new chance for it.
As far as being able to move right now...I'm a single parent, so that would be hard and more expensive...since I have grandma and grandpa here to help out :D
Alot of the other gun laws in this state aren't that bad...just no CCL yet.:(

Map

[Zircon]

This is for CoastieN70 & Zircon,
I'm looking for a carry weapon, I like the .40, have a couple of the H&K USP Compacts, but they seem heavy for carring, Is the CDP Pro relatively lighter? H&K is about 24 oz.
Thanks in advance.
Steve

Steve,

Actually, I believe the CDP Pro weighs in at about 28 oz. Much lighter than a 5" barreled, steel-framed 1911, but heavier than your USP Compact. I really don't notice the weight when I carry. I carry IWB, and what I look for is a slim slide. You can't beat the 1911 for having slim width slides.

[gordon gauge]

Have a Kimber Ultra CDP II. The little gun is tight in all the right spots, and with well over 500 rounds thru it, has yet to have any kind of malfunction.

But the recoil is substantial with full house loads. My support hand will slip down unless I employ a very firm push/pull grip. Am looking for some Glaser safety slugs or equivalent to experiment with.

The gun is very well made and attractive with the matte stainless slide and appendages, an almost flat black frame, and rosewood grips. I love the looks.

But spend the practice time with the ammo you will carry in it as this is one gun that does not suffer a fool, or novice, gladly. GG

[Mapanggulo]

I'm going to the range tomorrow to see what rentals are there...hopefully a few of those recommend are...so I can get a feel for a good .45 to shoot. If they have a kimber I probably won't be able to help myself and will rent one...even though I've shot one version of them. Hopefully one of the two ranges here will have a gun that's been suggested and I'll get a chance to shoot it.

[Rabbi]

Yo, Map .................... don't forget to check out the Glocks in .45 , yeah I know, a lot of people hate 'em but shoot for you and not for what others recommend. Some Glocks are amazing.

Rabbi

[Zircon]

Have a Kimber Ultra CDP II. The little gun is tight in all the right spots, and with well over 500 rounds thru it, has yet to have any kind of malfunction.

But the recoil is substantial with full house loads. My support hand will slip down unless I employ a very firm push/pull grip.

You know, GG, I really seriously looked at the Ultra rather than the Pro when I bought mine. But I realized that I've got really big mits and I would forever be looking for more grip frame with the Ultra.

This is my primary carry pistol. I would have gotten the full length Custom CDP except for I was looking to shave just a little weight. I'm also tall, so I've got lots of room to tuck the extra barrel length. What I appreciate most about the 1911 design is that slim width slide. I mostly pack IWB, and the slide width is really the only dimension that really matters for me.

[Mapanggulo]

Rabbi,

I'll admit, I didn't like the glocks when I looked at them before I got my first gun. Didn't like the feel of them at all. But that was 1996, and all things change. I prefer metal over polymer, don't mind the heavyness at all. My first gun is a tank...I can pistol whip someone with it if I wish...in fact that's probably a safe bet since I can't shoot worth a damn with it. That being said...I looked at the S&W Sigma's last year when I was in living in a CCL state, they got tupperware on them...they didn't feel bad at all. I probably need to bite my bias against Glocks and shoot one...since I've never done that...might even like them, who knows. I know a few good friends that swear by them, and one or two that swear at them. I swear at my Beretta M-9 all the time because I can't hit the broad side of the barn with it. Hmm...that brings up a good question unrelated to .45's...I'm off to post it.

Map

[Zircon]

. I probably need to bite my bias against Glocks and shoot one...since I've never done that...might even like them, who knows.

Try it, I'll bet you like it. Glocks are very easy to shoot well. The sproingy trigger takes some getting used to, but they are accurate and mild recoiling, and for me, they point well.

[Marinesg1012]

That trigger sucks but the glocks are good to go, I was looking at thier subcompact to carry.

Will have to see if I can find one and try it before I buy

[Rabbi]

As I write this, my Glock G-36 is in a belt scabbard at my side. I resurrected it as my carry piece for a couple of reasons. It hits where I aim it, it is very light and rides comfortably.

I hated the appearance of them and didn't have much use for polymer until Rotty and I were shooting one day and he offered up his carry gun for me to try. It is a service size .40 caliber and I shot it quite well. Within a week I found my G-36 (barely used) in .45 acp and was hooked on the spot. The grip frame is huge for a single stack six-shooter but it adjusts to your hand quickly. For a three inch barrel pistol, it is amazingly accurate. I actually shot a pie plate sized group at COM at a distance of fifty yards!!!!!

In fact, I just ordered more magazines for it early this morning from www.cheaperthandirt.com , currently the only place with them in stock.

At least give the Glocks a try if you can.

Rabbi

[matthewdanger]

That trigger sucks but the glocks are good to go, I was looking at thier subcompact to carry.

Will have to see if I can find one and try it before I buy

You are CORRECT Marines! The nice thing is that the Glock trigger is easy to learn and extremely customizable. I run the NY-1 trigger spring with the 3.5 connector. It works extremely well for me. Its a fast set-up.

[Old John]

Hi Y'all,
Im old & been carrying a 1991A1 Colt Commander for the last few years.
It always pops when I need it. I also have a Kimber Pro-carry HD.
Excellent carry gun. Sweet to shoot.
I have a Springfield Classic 1911, in the safe.
All three are .45's.
Can't beat 'em
Whichever you choose, make it a part of you.
Treat it right.
Have fun.

[rotty]

The glock dbl stack is too big for my diminuative hands, its a 1911 for me so far. I think you can get a great gun for less than a kimber, I work as a RSO on an action pistol shoots regularly and have seen "brand new" Kimber have parts just fall off during use...now have a $1200 paperweight. If your gonna spend big bucks and feel the need check out ed browns customs....guaranteed better.

[Popeye]

The S&W Sigma is a Glock with a horrible trigger.

[Incitatus1]

Mapanggulo my old friend,

If you want to learn gunsmithing get a 1911, S&W, Taurus, Sig or whatever else you may find.

If you just want an always ready, indestructible, true combat pistol, GLOCK 21 full size .45 ACP is what you want.

Don't listen to the guys calling it "tupperware".

Ask any 1911 owner to unload and drop his pistol from the second floor on the driveway. You won't find many of them ready to to do it. Then ask Glock owners to do the same thing. I bet most of them will be happy to give you a demonstration. In real combat situations guns must endure such serious punishment and keep on working - because your life depends on them. That's what makes a pistol a combat pistol.

Conclusion:
If you want a good looking, gunsmithing knowledge required pistol, get a 1911 - and you get a gun designed in...1911.

If you want a modern COMBAT pistol, get a Glock.

Let them call it tupperware or butt ugly. We know better.

[Mapanggulo]

I probably need to get my hands on a Glock...last time I did...I didnt like them...willing to give them another try though.