Opinions sought, Kimber vs Springfield - The Firearms Forum

smlranger · 01-04-2012, 09:47 AM

I've narrowed my choice for a full size 1911 in 9mm to two pistols; either a Springfield loaded or the Kimber Custom II target. My local favorite GS sells both (may have to wait for some time to get the Springfield if that is my final choice) and I want to support my local guy.

So, looking for learned opinions on the Kimber vs. Springfield in terms of overall quality, durability, customer service, function out of the box, especially from those who have experience with both brands.

I do have one Kimber, an Eclipse Custom II 45. It is a nice pistol but did have to go back to Kimber early on due to short primer strikes. They fixed it and returned it in 3 weeks. I was not impressed with the difficulty I had speaking to their customer service. However, if a gun runs like it should, calling the manufacturer should be a rare thing.

I realize I am considering pistols that were designed to fire 45 and were 'modified' for the shorter 9mm round. Everything I've read about any of the 1911's chambered for 9 seems to indicate potential for being finicky with some ammo.

Insulation Tim · 01-04-2012, 11:36 AM

I have both but the Kimber gets fired 80% of the time. I don't know why exactly, but I shoot more accurately with it.

MichiganShootist · 01-04-2012, 11:42 AM

I have owned both of the pistols you are considering. I traded the Kimber away and have long been sorry I did. It was a fine pistol.

I believe that the Springer is probably a better value and their life of the gun customer service guarntee is impossible to beat.

Last year I burned through nearly 8K rounds in the Springer in IDPA & USPSA matches with zero problems. I shot Winchester white box, S & B, Remington FMJs and reloads. I personally think 99.999% if the reputation the 9 mm 1911 has for FTF etc are the problem of the magazines. I tried at least 5 brands which just weren't reliable (including Wilsons)... then I found Tripp Research 10 round mags. They are EXCELLENT. A little pricey but EXCELLENT.

reynolds357 · 01-04-2012, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smlranger

I've narrowed my choice for a full size 1911 in 9mm to two pistols; either a Springfield loaded or the Kimber Custom II target. My local favorite GS sells both (may have to wait for some time to get the Springfield if that is my final choice) and I want to support my local guy.

So, looking for learned opinions on the Kimber vs. Springfield in terms of overall quality, durability, customer service, function out of the box, especially from those who have experience with both brands.

I do have one Kimber, an Eclipse Custom II 45. It is a nice pistol but did have to go back to Kimber early on due to short primer strikes. They fixed it and returned it in 3 weeks. I was not impressed with the difficulty I had speaking to their customer service. However, if a gun runs like it should, calling the manufacturer should be a rare thing.

I realize I am considering pistols that were designed to fire 45 and were 'modified' for the shorter 9mm round. Everything I've read about any of the 1911's chambered for 9 seems to indicate potential for being finicky with some ammo.

Whichever one you like the looks of better, go with it. Cant go wrong with either. I think both charge a little premium for their name, but other than that they are good weapons.

smlranger · 01-04-2012, 02:51 PM

Thanks for the feedback, especially from those of you who have/had these pistols.

I can get either pistol from my local guy for about $900 (Kimber might be a few $$ more).

Did you have any problems getting hollow point ammo to run in either of these?

reynolds357 · 01-04-2012, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smlranger

Thanks for the feedback, especially from those of you who have/had these pistols.

I can get either pistol from my local guy for about $900 (Kimber might be a few $$ more).

Did you have any problems getting hollow point ammo to run in either of these?

I own one and have shot the other. Assuming everything is right on them you wont have a problem getting hollow points to shoot. I had to do lot of minor work on my Kimber to get it to function reliably. My friend had to do a lot of minor work on his Springfield to get it to run reliably. They are tit for tat in my opinion. My Kimber still will jam on occasion. My judgment is clouded by my Wilson Built Colt so take it for what its worth.

dbennett48 · 01-04-2012, 05:02 PM

I shoot JHP in my Kimber Custom II without any problems. In fact, I shoot most anything without problems in the Kimber.

smlranger · 01-09-2012, 08:55 PM

OK, found the Kimber at a gun store in the area and got a pretty good deal on it. Photos and a range report soon to follow.

Gun Geezer · 01-10-2012, 09:57 AM

I only know what I've read on this forum about Kimber's. There seem to be alot of Kimber owners who have also had to send them to the factory for tweaks or adjustments. S/A's not so much. I wouldn't trade my EMP for any Kimber.

NGIB · 01-10-2012, 10:06 AM

The most significant difference between current Kimbers and Springers is that Kimbers use a Swartz type firing pin block safety and Springer does not. Some folks really detest the extra linkage in these FPBs and that makes the Springer a better choice for them. I have a few of both and it's a moot point to me...

lester7009 · 01-20-2012, 08:32 AM

One thing to remember about Springfield you have a life time warranty weather new or used Kimber you are on your own after there period of warranty.

01-04-2012, 09:47 AM	#1
smlranger V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Smith Mountain Lake in VA Posts: 113	Opinions sought, Kimber vs Springfield I've narrowed my choice for a full size 1911 in 9mm to two pistols; either a Springfield loaded or the Kimber Custom II target. My local favorite GS sells both (may have to wait for some time to get the Springfield if that is my final choice) and I want to support my local guy. So, looking for learned opinions on the Kimber vs. Springfield in terms of overall quality, durability, customer service, function out of the box, especially from those who have experience with both brands. I do have one Kimber, an Eclipse Custom II 45. It is a nice pistol but did have to go back to Kimber early on due to short primer strikes. They fixed it and returned it in 3 weeks. I was not impressed with the difficulty I had speaking to their customer service. However, if a gun runs like it should, calling the manufacturer should be a rare thing. I realize I am considering pistols that were designed to fire 45 and were 'modified' for the shorter 9mm round. Everything I've read about any of the 1911's chambered for 9 seems to indicate potential for being finicky with some ammo. --> Last edited by smlranger; 01-04-2012 at 10:51 AM..

01-04-2012, 11:36 AM	#2
Insulation Tim Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Ohio Contributor Posts: 2,315	Re: Opinions sought, Kimber vs Springfield I have both but the Kimber gets fired 80% of the time. I don't know why exactly, but I shoot more accurately with it. __________________ Tim *"Remember the Ark was built by amateurs....Professionals built the Titanic"*

01-04-2012, 11:42 AM	#3
MichiganShootist Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: North Central Michigan Posts: 21	Re: Opinions sought, Kimber vs Springfield I have owned both of the pistols you are considering. I traded the Kimber away and have long been sorry I did. It was a fine pistol. I believe that the Springer is probably a better value and their life of the gun customer service guarntee is impossible to beat. Last year I burned through nearly 8K rounds in the Springer in IDPA & USPSA matches with zero problems. I shot Winchester white box, S & B, Remington FMJs and reloads. I personally think 99.999% if the reputation the 9 mm 1911 has for FTF etc are the problem of the magazines. I tried at least 5 brands which just weren't reliable (including Wilsons)... then I found Tripp Research 10 round mags. They are EXCELLENT. A little pricey but EXCELLENT. __________________ Life NRA Member and CPL Instructor IDPA 5 Gun Expert -- USPSA 4 Division B Shooter

01-04-2012, 02:51 PM	#5
smlranger V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Smith Mountain Lake in VA Posts: 113	Re: Opinions sought, Kimber vs Springfield Thanks for the feedback, especially from those of you who have/had these pistols. I can get either pistol from my local guy for about $900 (Kimber might be a few $$ more). Did you have any problems getting hollow point ammo to run in either of these?

01-04-2012, 05:02 PM	#7
dbennett48 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Ukiah, California Posts: 73	Re: Opinions sought, Kimber vs Springfield I shoot JHP in my Kimber Custom II without any problems. In fact, I shoot most anything without problems in the Kimber. __________________ The most important rule in a gunfight is: Always win – cheat if necessary. Two Glock 9mm's, Ruger LC9, Kimber Custom II .45ACP, Ruger 10/22, 12 ga. pump shotgun, and Rem .243 WIN. I reload all of my guns, except the shotgun.

01-09-2012, 08:55 PM	#8
smlranger V.I.P. Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Smith Mountain Lake in VA Posts: 113	Re: Opinions sought, Kimber vs Springfield OK, found the Kimber at a gun store in the area and got a pretty good deal on it. Photos and a range report soon to follow.

01-10-2012, 09:57 AM	#9
Gun Geezer Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Central Florida Posts: 1,715	Re: Opinions sought, Kimber vs Springfield I only know what I've read on this forum about Kimber's. There seem to be alot of Kimber owners who have also had to send them to the factory for tweaks or adjustments. S/A's not so much. I wouldn't trade my EMP for any Kimber.

01-10-2012, 10:06 AM	#10
NGIB V.I.P. Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Hinesville, GA/Sumter SC Contributor Posts: 152	Re: Opinions sought, Kimber vs Springfield The most significant difference between current Kimbers and Springers is that Kimbers use a Swartz type firing pin block safety and Springer does not. Some folks really detest the extra linkage in these FPBs and that makes the Springer a better choice for them. I have a few of both and it's a moot point to me... __________________ Proud to be a veteran and still serving (USAF Retired, Army Civilian) I'm old, experienced, grumpy, and jaded - still vertical though...

01-20-2012, 08:32 AM	#11
lester7009 Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 1	Re: Opinions sought, Kimber vs Springfield One thing to remember about Springfield you have a life time warranty weather new or used Kimber you are on your own after there period of warranty.