[John Y.]

Hi there,

I'm a proud owner of a stainless steel SW1911. It is my my first 1911. I'm a bit of a Smith & Wesson fan, owning three of their products.

It is an excellent pistol. I've put close to 1000 rounds through it and no malfunctions. I've been shooting at 7 and 15 yards. It is an incredibly accurate pistol. My best group at 15 yards is 2". In fact, I'm more accurate with my 1911 than with my .22lr semi-auto.

The fit and finish of my pistol is outstanding. I feel that I got a really good deal on my pistol. Aside from the pistol, the quality of Smith & Wesson's customer service is well known. I feel that they have been a responsible manufacturer and took the bulls by the horn when they recalled the early SW1911 due to concerns of the firing pin.

My pistol was one of the recalled few. It had already been corrected when I purchased it from the store.

The appeal of the SW1911 is the fact that there is a high degree of customization done to the pistol out of the box. I guess it depends on whether this is important to you or not. My skills as a shooter are developing but the degree of customization of the gun will allow me to grow into it. Others who have fired the gun have felt that it is an excellent pistol. One fellow who frequently likes to shoot my gun can put bullets into the same hole at 15 yards.

There is a certain coolness factor with the SW1911. Some criticized the large SW1911 billboard printed on the slide. I actually like the logo. I think the newer SW1911 have dropped the billboard.

Kimbers are fine pistols as well. I've fired them on several occassions and they seem to be quality guns. Kimber guns certainly have their following.

Either way, you can't go wrong with either of these pistols but my vote would be for the SW1911.

Good luck!

John