A non Busse Question (though I do want Busse Grips :D) Need a little advice.

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pbubsy

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I know this isn't related to Busse's, but I know many of you fellas and trust your opinions. I'm in a bit of a jam in terms of making a decision. Laying it all out, I'm turning 21 this month and part of that is getting my first 1911. I've admired them for a long time and have an opportunity to trade for one that's pretty much new from a close friend. We can much adjust our trade to fit any of the options he's laid out (got a VW dune buggy engine he really wants that I salvaged and fixed up as a hobby/project). Here's my choices, I've shot all of them and can't decide for myself. They're all very nice and I'm inexperienced in this type of thing!

I suck with exact models so I'll do my best:

A Kimber 1911 that's got a nice satin type finish with some nice rosewood grips that's worth around $800-$900

A Factory Springfield Armory 1911 that's factory loaded with a nice trigger/scope etc. around $800

A Colt 1911 that's completely factory original, don't know anything more but figure it's not too far off from the S.A.

What do you guys think? They're all in great shape and are very well taken care of. I've fired them all and like them all. For some reason I have a hairs favor for the Kimber, but not enough to really make it an easy decision. I'm mainly caught between the S.A. and the Kimber. I know each has their loyal following....I'd especially be interested in hearing from someone who uses both unless everyone starts screaming Colt and I give that one a harder look. I really only intend to have one or 2 (maybe 3) handguns in my lifetime and want to do it right the first time around :thumbup:

Thanks for any advice!
 
Go for the Kimber. For the money you can't beat a kimber pistol. You can spend more and get something better, but you'll likely end up spending or trading much more. Are they all full-sized? I'm thinking you're talking about the custom CDP pistol which is tailored for carry with rounded edges. I've got a Raptor and would love to have their new Superamerica pistol. Depending on what sprinfield model it is I might stay away as their lower lines don't come close to the quality of most kimber models.
 
well, im a big kimber fan. i have a warrior that i love. and springfield armory makes a damn fine pistol. kimber and springfield offer "custom" pistols at competitive prices.

with colt, nearly everything will be aftermarket custom, ie night sights, trigger, backstrap, etc.

however, the colt, i believe is the way to go.

1. very limited civilian sales.
2. all milled parts, no stamping or casting. (same with springfield)
3. easily customized, as are all gov't models, but can always be returned to factory specs for collector value.

some pics would help, there are many models from each company. but all things being equal, the colt will hold its value far better than the other two.
 
Dude, I'm in San D too bro. And like you with your guns, I thought I would only have 1 or 2 girls in a lifetime, and believe me I tried to do it right the first time; needless to say I'm typing alone in the dark right now.

I say forget about those dusty 1911's and buy my SIG 220ST that has less than 500 rounds through it! It's sitting at California Police Equip on consignment right now, but I'll get it outta there if you want it. 45s rule.
 
beefangusbeef said:
Go for the Kimber. For the money you can't beat a kimber pistol. You can spend more and get something better, but you'll likely end up spending or trading much more. Are they all full-sized? I'm thinking you're talking about the custom CDP pistol which is tailored for carry with rounded edges. I've got a Raptor and would love to have their new Superamerica pistol. Depending on what sprinfield model it is I might stay away as their lower lines don't come close to the quality of most kimber models.
Click to expand...

They're all full sized. Compacts are rediculously small in my hands and I really won't be using it for anything other than the range (and a good spot on one of the Reservations).

Funny, the first SA I used and immediately liked was their entry level at around $550. I had no idea of all the options!!
 
MORIMOTOM said:
well, im a big kimber fan. i have a warrior that i love. and springfield armory makes a damn fine pistol. kimber and springfield offer "custom" pistols at competitive prices.

with colt, nearly everything will be aftermarket custom, ie night sights, trigger, backstrap, etc.

however, the colt, i believe is the way to go.

1. very limited civilian sales.
2. all milled parts, no stamping or casting. (same with springfield)
3. easily customized, as are all gov't models, but can always be returned to factory specs for collector value.

some pics would help, there are many models from each company. but all things being equal, the colt will hold its value far better than the other two.
Click to expand...

I like the sound of that....I don't know how deep I want to reach into my pockets when customizing it later on though. I wouldn't know where to start....plus my Busse collecting may suffer :p as it is, I won't be spending any money, but actually gaining a little from the deal :thumbup:. The looks of the colt are like that of the old military 1911's. I like em all!!! I'm kind of a classic type guy when it comes to these things....I always lean to the original tried and true....
 
LittlePrick said:
Dude, I'm in San D too bro. And like you with your guns, I thought I would only have 1 or 2 girls in a lifetime, and believe me I tried to do it right the first time; needless to say I'm typing alone in the dark right now.

I say forget about those dusty 1911's and buy my SIG 220ST that has less than 500 rounds through it! It's sitting at California Police Equip on consignment right now, but I'll get it outta there if you want it. 45s rule.
Click to expand...

To be honest, part of it is the antiquity of the basic design and that it's lasted all these years that attracts me to the 1911. I know there's many more "refined" guns out there, but it's basically a part of history. That has a lot of cool factor with me. I do agree....45's rule. I've never used a Sig, but I hear great things :thumbup: good luck in your sale my friend....thanks for the offer but I'm not in the market to buy right now.
 
:thumbup: Go for the Kimber. I have the Ultra CDP II, and it is SWEET!
 
I'm a Glock owner now, but purchased a used Colt Delta Elite 10mm about 12 years ago. It took about $600 of gunsmithing to get that beast shooting accurately. Wish I still had it. Get a Colt 1911 if you can find one, and have a gunsmith change out the sights, grip saftey, trigger, polish the feed ramp, etc. Or save up for a Wilson Combat. Or buy a Glock and use the money you save to buy Busse knives.:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:
 
I have a Kimber Ultra Elite and find it perfect for me for EDC (though I usually don't because of my job). For shooting just for fun I find my Colt 1911 (well, the 1991A1) to be PERFECT in all ways. It has some slop in its action and it's not a competition machine, but it is nevertheless the pistol I consistently shoot most accurately.

So I guess my vote is for the bone stock Colt. You can mod it later to suit your fancy if you wish. (like adding some slabs from Busse to match your knife!)
 
If you like the historic feel of the 1911 get either the Colt (if it isn't a series 80) or the SA, since they actually function as the gun was designed by John Moses Browning.

I've owned and still own many 1911s of almost every make. I've had Kimbers, Colts, and Springers. I still have Colts and Springers -- no Kimbers. And there is a reason ... If you expect to really get into 1911s expect the same thing to happen to you.
 
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I like the Colt idea. Never a question about the gun’s place in history and that is what 1911s are all about. Short of that I’d get a SIG to shoot the hell out of.
 
I am also partial to Kimbers but I am buying a S&W and a Taurus 1911p here soon too. I shot the S&W and I really liked it, I could get it for a little cheaper than the Kimber with the same features. I am buying the Taurus because its pretty affordable and I want to see in the long run how it compares to the Kimber's, Springfields and soon to com S&W.

From what you said I say go Kimber, but is there anyway for you to shoot any beforehand to get an better idea of what you like?
 
Out of the box tolerances will be best on either the Kimber or the SA. Because of that, those are actually the only two non-custom 1911s I would ever consider buying.
 
i've have had many brands of 1911's in the last 30yrs.my 1911's have all gone to kimbers plus a g21 i had a robar grip reduction done to it.i know you can spend a lot more money for other 1911's kimber has most options already installed on them . for the money kimbers are a great investment and the factory repair center is easy to work with.
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Springfield......
one, they are badass straight out the box
2 this one already has some extras.

3...its Springfield.
 
The first 1911 I ever owned was a Colt Combat Commander. After accumulating eight more semi-autos, including a couple more 1911's including the highly lauded SIG GSR, if I had it to do over again, the first semi-auto I would get - the Colt.:thumbup:
 
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