I had an Eclipse Custom II and I thought it was a great pistol. The only problem I had was grip screws loosening up after 100-200 rounds.

When I was shopping for my first auto-loader, it was down to either a Kimber high cap, or the Taurus PT92. It looks as though I made the right choice.

Originally Posted by MAN WITH A GUN

Get one of the PROFESSIONALS with the serial number beginning with "CRG" since that is the new FBI gun and it is a honey.

I would love to have a Professional. I would also like $2800 so I could acquire a SA Professional. I believe their Operator is the same gun essentially but a civilian version. Correct me if I'm wrong, I could be talking out of @ss.

If I had $2800 I could then go look at Wilson Combat, Les Baer, Ed Brown, Nighthawk, etc.

But I digress. I've read some articles on the SA Pro and it is definitely a sweet ride from what I read.

I'm going to be picking up a 1911 hopefully soon, and as somewhat new to 1911's I've been reading a lot about the makers. Initially I thought the Kimber would be the way to go from their reputation but as I began visiting forums, it seems their reputation isn't as high as I thought it was or as it used to be.

I also read a review in Combat Handguns on a Kimber Gold Combat II ($1800). The best group was a 1.5" from 15 yds. Other loads were as high as 3.0"

Flip the page and read about a Wilson CQB Elite ($2500) and it has a group of 1.5" at 25 yards, not 15yds.

I think I would fork out the dough and get the Wilson or a Springfield Operator or Professional. I think I'm going to stay away from a Kimber if I buy new. It seems like it is somewhat hit or miss.


Geez, that is a long 1st post. Anyway, hello guys/gals. I look forward to learning more from the masters. I'm interested to hear more about your opinions on 1911s.

i have always felt that kimbers were somewhat overrated.i would rather have a Springfield any day, and have always thought so.

jp4lsu . First welcome aboard. There's a lot of great info here. I have found that the m1911.org site is also a great place to read about "Old Slabsides".
Here's the site. http://forum.m1911.org/

Thanks drummin.
I'll check it out.
Looking forward to learning more before I buy. I have a feeling once I get my first 1911, it will open pandora's box in terms of my acquiring firearms. I've only had a couple throughout my life as home defense. Used shotguns and .22's in teen years just for fun, target shooting and the occassional armadillo.

Anyway, I love firearms, just never have had time or money to invest in them. Well, now I do and am looking forward to it.

Back to Kimbers. Kimbers are not cheap but I thought they had a reputation of being a top notch manufacturer, but they were cheaper than the Wilson's, etc. So I thought it would be a good gun for the price, but now I'm rethinking that all together. I've read more bad things in some forums about Kimber than I've seen about Springers, etc. I'm sure there are unhappy Taurus, Ruger, S&W owners, which I cant expect because they are sub $1000 guns and it happens, but to pay $1500 for a Kimber and see some bad reviews in forums is hard for me to swallow. It appears the quality isn't there to warrant the price.

I have a Kimber UltraCarryII and haven't had one single problem with the pistol.

What a great pic of your Kimber. You should post it in the Gallery.