"Which One" Kimber or Springfield 45 ACP

[chrisansilver]

Kimber Super Carry Ultra 45 1911<<<<<<< or >>>>>>>>>>Springfield EMP MICRO COMPACT XML 45ACP

Time for a new daily carry, my Ruger P95 9mm is going to be retiring soon. Dependable, shoots straight and feels good, BUT heavy, thick and more than I want to pack daily.

I have not been carrying on my person long at all, I have kept'em close for a long time
I have others choice here @ home, but I want a little more caliber or maybe just a new

Saved a little here and there and now I'm ready to buy, man I like both of the 2. They are much the same thats why is a tough choice.
I am a lefty needs to have Ambidextrous thumb safety, both are 7 mag capacity, night sights, size and weight are a wash. The one thing I like is the Springfield comes with 3 mags, paddle holster and 2 mag holder, both cost about the same.

I know its all about personal choice at some point

Any pros and cons that I am missing?

[MoJo]

Springfield - - - 'nuff said

[Oldgringo]

Springfield - - - 'nuff said

My SA LW Compact is my 1st carry choice. My Kimber is for targets...and a possible trade.

[psijac]

You can custom work done to make a springfield shoot like a kimber. But there's nothing you can do to make kimber customer service act as goods as Springfield

[G26ster]

Kimber Super Carry Ultra 45 1911<<<<<<< or >>>>>>>>>>Springfield EMP MICRO COMPACT XML 45ACP

I know I'm nitpicking but, the SA .45 ACP Micro Compact XML is not an EMP. The EMP is available in 9mm and .40. I know it's a small difference as the Micro Compact is basically the same size as the EMP, but the EMP is a new design and uses many parts only made for the EMP.

[RPBrown]

Springfield - - - 'nuff said

My SA LW Compact is my 1st carry choice. My Kimber is for targets...and a possible trade.

Me too

[flechero]

from the other kimber vs. springer thread

You will find people who have had "lemons" in either brand. (and every other brand - note Colt's mixed reputation in 1911 quality lately) I've also seen many threads on the various forums both touting and blasting customer service for either company. It's the internet and you will hear the best and worst of things. I missed the study that showed springfield going "bang" more often than Kimber though- for those concerns, carry a revolver. ...lol

I have owned both, currently only have Kimbers (Ultra CPDII and SS TLE II) but actually thinking about trading the TLE for a springer. I think that they are pretty comparable in like price ranges... it comes down to more of a ford/chevy style debate than an actual quality difference, IMO. The Kimbers usually feel tighter but that doesn't make them better or worse. The flip side- Kimber got a bad rap for MIM parts, but that's about as relavent as the pinned vs. bolted on door hinges in the ford/chevy debate. Some like Kimber and some like Springer- try not to let others influence you too much... because you are the one buying and shooting it.

The bottom line is to find a pistol that has the features you like and is pleasing to your eye and commit to becoming proficient with it. If you experience an issue, fix it or replace it. Anything mechanical can malfunction.

Good luck!

[gigag04]

the warranty on a Kimber was 1 year. Oh they may work with an original owner, but it would be up to the shop.

I am working through this the hard way. My gun will be at the factory for 5-6 weeks, and that's with whatever they are calling "LE priority." I am really displeased with the way they are handling their external extractor feaux pas.

Unfortunately my experience is not unique.

[gigag04]

the warranty on a Kimber was 1 year. Oh they may work with an original owner, but it would be up to the shop.

I am working through this the hard way. My gun will be at the factory for 5-6 weeks, and that's with whatever they are calling "LE priority." I am really displeased with the way they are handling their external extractor feaux pas.

Unfortunately my experience is not unique.

I feel for you sir. It does not affect me at this point, but our local PD decided..(read one person in command decided) that a single action weapon was not safe for an officer to carry. He/She might forget to disengage the safety before discharging their weapon. So no more 1911 on the force. Lots of plastic out there these days though.

We have to carry our issued Glocks, the kimber is my off duty pistol. I wish though...

[74novaman]

Slightly off topic, but one of the "winning" arguments to me on the Glock side of the Glockvs1911 debate is the capacity of a Glock 17 or 19 as opposed to a 1911.

So for someone like gigag who's far more likely to have to use their weapon than most of us preferring a 1911 for duty is interesting.

BTW, at 2 1911s and 0 Glocks, I guess I would have to say that I'm in the 1911 camp. Don't want to get fired like Olbermann!

[rm9792]

1911's can be hicaps. Just got a Para P12-45. 12rds of 45 in a Commander-ish size and smaller than a Glock. As for the OP, I have mostly Springers and Kimbers and can say that either would suffice.

[gigag04]

Capacity is nice. In LE the typical exchange is much less than a full mag, much less load out.

Ive got .223 a plenty should the need arise :)

[chrisansilver]

Thanks for all the replies , I have decided on the Springfield. Got a chance to go look Friday, found the Springer EMP 9mm no 45's in stock in the Compact Springer model . They did have the Kimber 45 in the Super Ultra Carry. I wished they would'nt had the EMP 9mm, really liked it.
Going to keep looking here for a few days. I will let you know my decision