I’m looking at two different 1911’s available used right now locally, a Kimber Custom Shop Combat Carry, and a Colt Mark IV. Both are priced in my price range at $900. Should I be considering one over the other for any particular reason? Should I pass on both in favor of something else?
I’m leaning toward the Colt to be honest, but this will be my first 1911 and I fully confess that I don’t know much about them other than that I want one.
Even though I don’t know you or really care what you buy, I recommend buying a brand new 1911 for one’s first 1911 (with few exceptions).
Although any new popular or desirable firearm may be hard to get right now, look over Springfield-Armory’s product line to narrow it down to what features you’re wanting and get back to here if you still can’t decide. If a 1911 doesn’t work right it can take several months or longer and easily eat up another $900, paid to a, hopefully, good gunsmith.
There’s no way for anyone to determine which used 1911 to buy of those two without a knowledgeable person examining &/or shooting those guns in person.
Also, I personally don’t care for Kimber “series II” or Colt “series 80” firing pin safety systems, not to say those two have them as I can’t tell if they do.
Below, is Springfield-Armory’s 1911 website.
I would get the Colt out of the two.
But for a first 1911 for me I got a Springfield Mil Spec…decent cost and a good learning tool.
I agree with L2’s post and add Springfield’s CS is excellent and they will fix their 1911 pistols if you do have a problem.
Totally agree that Springfield’s CS is second to none. I’ve owned 2 Springfield’s and two Colts. Both of the Springers needed to use their excellent CS. The Colts didn’t need anything and I still have the Colt .38 super which I have used and abused for 8 years now. Springfield did correct the problems and they returned working 100% but I don’t have them anymore.
Good luck in your decision !
I’d pass on the Kimber. Their quality control has really been up and down over the years. I have an okay one from one of their peaks, but have seen quite a few troublesome ones over the years. The Colt will also have it’s own issues but, generally, be within “fixable” specs. A 5" gun is always going to be more reliable than a shorter 1911. $900 is pretty steep for either, in my opinion.
I had always advised starting with something inexpensive, like a Springfield Mil-Spec, until I began building 1911s. They may run alright, they may have some major problems. Spending a little more to go with the Springfield Loaded or higher models will get you into their better production line guns.
Of the two- Colt. All day long.
The Colt would be easier to resell later on if you decide to go a different direction. Since this is your first one there is a good chance you will buy another one after you’ve had a chance shoot it and learn it capabilities.
Colt or Springfield.
What do you feel is a fair price on the Colt?
$900 is pretty steep for either, in my opinion.
From the two you posted Colt. For a first the SA Range Officer is hard to beat.
Colt or SA or Dan & Wesson.
The last 1911 on Planet earth to buy would be any Kimber.
PB
Had a MilSpec Springer some years ago; swapped it on a G43, and missed it. Since, I’ve gotten one of the Turkish GI guns; the darn thing is really beautifully made and finished. The two share the virtually invisible GI sights, but you could do far worse with a starter 1911. The Turk is cheap too, @ $400. It just got a nice write up in the NRA magazines.
A Colt will always be a Colt, and more marketable down the road, and can’t say I’ve been unhappy with any of mine.
Moon
Hard PASS on both of those turds. A 1911 search/purchase should start at a Dan Wesson and possible tip-toe up from there.
In that price range the only 1911s I would consider are Springfield and Colt.
Go with the Colt. I’ve had less problems with my Colt 1911s than with my Glock 19.
Yes, my Colt has been awesome with the light mods I’ve done over the years. The only time it gave me trouble was when I started screwing with the springs and light loads. As soon as I came back to “normal” ammo and springs it ran as it should and continues to this day. But that goes for any pistol, Glocks included.
Colt or Springfield milspec on up as USMC51 stated. You’ll find more folks willing to work on them than other brands. SA has a good reputation on CS. I’ve had Colt CS fix some problem Colts also with no flak from them either and was satisfied with the work.
Don’t let someone talk you outta a S80 Colt. I have three Colt S80s that are dead reliable. If you have S80 trigger work done, ask the labor if they know how to time the linkage. If you get a blank look, continue looking for a smiff.
ttww’, what do you think of replacing the linkage and steel firing pin with a Ti one, as in a Series 70?
Moon