Kimber or S&W 1911

[Droel]

I was set on getting a Kimber Pro Carry or Pro CDP. Then I started reading all the negative reports on Kimbers. Considering that the kimbers are now coming with Internal Extractors but the Swartz safety still seems to be a problem. I am now considering a S&W 1911SC. Please help me decide.

[awall]

I'd get the Pro CDP anyday over a Smith 1911.

[TexasTrigger]

I was in the same boat awhile ago. After looking at the Kimbers and others, I decided on a Raptor II. What do you want the gun for? The CDP models have an aluminium frame which obviously makes it lighter for carry. Aluminum frame carry guns are designed for carry which typically means not a lot of shooting at the range. I would strongly consider a steel frame if you want to shoot a lot. Kimber has a lot of steel framed models for carry to choose from. A lot of opinions on external and internal extractors. I have heard many folks say both are great but I have heard very few if any complain about the internal extractor. Seems like a fair amount of complaints on the external extractor. Kimber seems to be going to or back to the internal extractor, must mean something in the long run. I love my Kimber! Good luck on your choice.
TexasTrigger

[delp76]

Oh ya get the kimber hands down. Kimber has been in the 1911 business for quiet some time, even though they had a hiccup with the external extractor thing. But every kimber I have fired with an internal extracter has been a total shooting pleasure. While S&W make good to great handguns they just got into the 1911 market, so they start with hiccups. Although I love there other handguns, and own a few S&W's.

[SgtRich]

I was set on getting a Kimber Pro Carry or Pro CDP. Then I started reading all the negative reports on Kimbers. Considering that the kimbers are now coming with Internal Extractors but the Swartz safety still seems to be a problem. I am now considering a S&W 1911SC. Please help me decide.

Well, S&W 1911's have firing pin safeties, as well, so don't let that bother you.

I couldn't decide, either, so here's what I did:

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e221/SgtRich/2-1911s.jpg

[Droel]

Thanks for the info. Nice guns SgtRich. I decided today to go with a like new Kimber Pro Elite that I came across. Just like the Pro CDP but Series 1 and KimPro finish (reverse colors of Pro CDP). It made my decision easy.

[Lloyd Smale]

I own two cdps but wouldnt bad mouth a smith there an excellent 1911 to me it would be a toss up.

[torrejon224]

Go with the Smith, their customer service puts the others to shame and they definitely have the dreaded extrenal extractor issue figured out.

[SgtRich]

Thanks for the info. Nice guns SgtRich. I decided today to go with a like new Kimber Pro Elite that I came across. Just like the Pro CDP but Series 1 and KimPro finish (reverse colors of Pro CDP). It made my decision easy.

Good choice! Sounds like a great gun.

And thanks for the compliment on my pistols.