Springfield Operator vs Kimber TLE/RL

[JoeBallers]

I know this is the Kimber forum,so there MIGHT be a small bias. Anyways, I'm looking into buying either a Springfield Operator(the OD green one) or a Kimber TLE/RL. They both are great guns and both have rails.I like the trigger and the finish on the Kimber better, but the Springfield is going to be sold this week at a gunshow so its going to be a bit cheaper than the Kimber. I have owned two Springfields and was pleased with both, so my heart is thus torn.... :confused:

[Devildog]

I personally am partial to Kimbers. I've found them the best "out of the box" pistol I've ever owned (that will probably change if I buy a Baer though).

That being said, I would go with the Springfield. YOu are partial to them and you can get a good deal. I think your decision is an easy one.

Good luck.

Semper fi

[JoeBallers]

Thanks for your reply Devildog, I guess I will just wait for the show, I like the look on the Kimber better, but I'll have to see how much they want for it. :o

[thehead7]

As much as it pains me to say it, I would say go for the Springfield.

The external extractor on the kimbers just doesn't have what it takes. I've thought about machining one out of hardened bar-stock to see if I can make it more reliable, but every time I strap on my TLE/RLII I have this pang of doubt looming over me.

It seems that the external extractor thing can go either way. Some people never seem to have a problem, then there are those who have constant problems and after going through a couple extractors they are good to go...

Anyhow, I really like kimbers a LOT more than springfields, but will probably never get another one (unless they correct their sphinctral cranial inversion and go back to real extractors).

Also, the sights on kimbers treat me a lot better than novak's. The larger tubes and the white inserts really help me to pick up the sights in both day and night...

I can't believe I'm slamming kimber... I'm going to go get very, very drunk now.

-Head

[JoeBallers]

Thanks everyone for the advice! I went to a once-a-year gun-show where Springfield reps show up this last Saturday and I found a brand new Springfield Loaded Operator(not the MC green one,but the one with the full-length rail) for $599+tax.I thought this was a really good deal and since almost everyone recommended buying the Springfield I bought it right away. I love the gun! The only things I'll do to it is change the grips and get a trigger job to lighten it up a bit. I will give a range report as soon as I take it out!Thanks again everyone for the advice! :D