Tuned used Colt or Kimber? - The Firearms Forum

BountyHunter · 11-06-2006, 09:13 PM

Opinions wanted here on whether the Colt 1911 modified by Wilson’s, Clark, Baer, etc. is comparable to the Kimber off-the-shelf models.

Not a race gun…carry gun.

Price range includes the purchase of something like a $400-$500 used Colt and $800 or better tuning by a ‘smith compared to a similar priced Kimber bought off-the-rack with no tuning.

This is a free-for-all, any comparison of tuning a Colt compared to the price of a similar Kimber.

I know, if it works don't fix it.

southernshooter · 11-06-2006, 09:19 PM

They both have very good reputations.
My question to you would be which will fit your hands better

BountyHunter · 11-06-2006, 09:24 PM

Hand fit is not an issue.

Do you mean an arched housing instead of a flat one?

K frame works good, so does a double stacked Glock.

Country101 · 11-07-2006, 08:40 AM

All right, I've shot my Kimber Gold Combat against a Wilson tuned Gold Cup and a Wilson tuned Springfield. They all functioned about the same. The Gold Cup actually had a stove pipe or two until my uncle added some oil. Mine never had a problem. Shot just as accurate. So, in my opinion, the Kimber is just as good. Wilson Combat would be EXCELLENT to work with and I will own thier CQB at some point because of thier reputation and service, so take your pick.

Shooter45 · 11-07-2006, 05:55 PM

I have a Kimber Custom Target that I'll shoot against almost anything. I also own alot of full custom 1911's by Les Baer,Wilson Combat, Hallock,Armand Swenson,Ace Systems,Wilson's Gun Shop and several more.

My Kimber is an exception.

As fine a weapon as the Kimber's are, they won't shoot with a full custom 1911. Just remember, you get what you pay for. Alot of hand fitting goes into a custom 1911 and all the CNC machining in the world can't duplicate that.

Country 101, did you do the shooting with the Gold Cup and the Wilson tuned Springfield Armory?? You may have been out shooting the shooter if not.

JMHO

Country101 · 11-08-2006, 07:59 AM

Trust me, I can't outshoot the old goat. At my BEST, we can shoot the same. I have shot them before and I shoot them the same as I do my Kimber. If I recall, Wilson garuntees either .5" or 1' on their guns at 25 yards. Kimber I know does 1" on my model. To get those groups you are going to have to have a rest, so without a rest, there's not going to be much differance. Wilson's guns are tighter for sure; that's why the Gold Cup started stove-piping. Needed a little more lube on the rails.

Kimber Man · 11-08-2006, 01:32 PM

Well, I had a Wilson Combat and I have Kimbers........Wilson Combat is one of the finest Guns around, But don't get a nick on it .price will drop fast. I also have a fine turned Springfield Armory 1911 which I love and it shoots as well as my Kimber USA Team Match. I guess it's what you put into a gun and how well and long you been shooting plays a part. people ask me what kind of gun are you shooting and I tell them..........practice , practice and more practice.
when you need a upgraded gun .....you will know. price doesn't always mean better.

sorry but that's my two cents from an old timer

11-06-2006, 09:13 PM	#1
BountyHunter Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 22	Tuned used Colt or Kimber? Opinions wanted here on whether the Colt 1911 modified by Wilson’s, Clark, Baer, etc. is comparable to the Kimber off-the-shelf models. Not a race gun…carry gun. Price range includes the purchase of something like a $400-$500 used Colt and $800 or better tuning by a ‘smith compared to a similar priced Kimber bought off-the-rack with no tuning. This is a free-for-all, any comparison of tuning a Colt compared to the price of a similar Kimber. I know, if it works don't fix it. __________________ There is no second place winner. --> Last edited by BountyHunter; 11-06-2006 at 09:21 PM..

11-06-2006, 09:19 PM	#2
southernshooter Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Deep South Mississippi Posts: 5,943	Re: Tuned used Colt or Kimber? They both have very good reputations. My question to you would be which will fit your hands better __________________ Only you can see this

11-06-2006, 09:24 PM	#3
BountyHunter Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 22	Re: Tuned used Colt or Kimber? Hand fit is not an issue. Do you mean an arched housing instead of a flat one? K frame works good, so does a double stacked Glock. __________________ There is no second place winner. Last edited by BountyHunter; 11-06-2006 at 09:35 PM..

11-07-2006, 08:40 AM	#4
Country101 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Dardanelle, AR Contributor Posts: 2,028	Re: Tuned used Colt or Kimber? All right, I've shot my Kimber Gold Combat against a Wilson tuned Gold Cup and a Wilson tuned Springfield. They all functioned about the same. The Gold Cup actually had a stove pipe or two until my uncle added some oil. Mine never had a problem. Shot just as accurate. So, in my opinion, the Kimber is just as good. Wilson Combat would be EXCELLENT to work with and I will own thier CQB at some point because of thier reputation and service, so take your pick. __________________ Gainfully employed= shooting somebody elses bullets and getting paid for it Country101

11-07-2006, 05:55 PM	#5
Shooter45 Administrator Join Date: Feb 2001 Contributor Posts: 8,751	Re: Tuned used Colt or Kimber? I have a Kimber Custom Target that I'll shoot against almost anything. I also own alot of full custom 1911's by Les Baer,Wilson Combat, Hallock,Armand Swenson,Ace Systems,Wilson's Gun Shop and several more. My Kimber is an exception. As fine a weapon as the Kimber's are, they won't shoot with a full custom 1911. Just remember, you get what you pay for. Alot of hand fitting goes into a custom 1911 and all the CNC machining in the world can't duplicate that. Country 101, did you do the shooting with the Gold Cup and the Wilson tuned Springfield Armory?? You may have been out shooting the shooter if not. JMHO

11-08-2006, 07:59 AM	#6
Country101 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Dardanelle, AR Contributor Posts: 2,028	Re: Tuned used Colt or Kimber? Trust me, I can't outshoot the old goat. At my BEST, we can shoot the same. I have shot them before and I shoot them the same as I do my Kimber. If I recall, Wilson garuntees either .5" or 1' on their guns at 25 yards. Kimber I know does 1" on my model. To get those groups you are going to have to have a rest, so without a rest, there's not going to be much differance. Wilson's guns are tighter for sure; that's why the Gold Cup started stove-piping. Needed a little more lube on the rails. __________________ Gainfully employed= shooting somebody elses bullets and getting paid for it Country101

11-08-2006, 01:32 PM	#7
Kimber Man Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Florida Posts: 811	Re: Tuned used Colt or Kimber? Well, I had a Wilson Combat and I have Kimbers........Wilson Combat is one of the finest Guns around, But don't get a nick on it .price will drop fast. I also have a fine turned Springfield Armory 1911 which I love and it shoots as well as my Kimber USA Team Match. I guess it's what you put into a gun and how well and long you been shooting plays a part. people ask me what kind of gun are you shooting and I tell them..........practice , practice and more practice. when you need a upgraded gun .....you will know. price doesn't always mean better. sorry but that's my two cents from an old timer