TLE/RL II... SS or not?

[MKuysten]

New to this forum, new to 1911s and new to Kimber...

I can't wait to get my hands on a TLE/RL II. I thought about getting the non-SS version, but while waiting for the non-SS version I started to think... (the gun store did have the SS in stock :D ).

Why would I want the SS version, besides looks which I don't care too much about? The store said maintenance is a bit easier, but no biggy. Price difference is about $150. Is it worth it (I know you can't look into my wallet)?

Any help is appreciated.

[cybricon]

I'm also new to 1911's and this forum. I got my TLE II Stainless about a month ago. I like the way it looks, and it will not corrode or lose it's finish as easily. But some people don't want a shiny gun, either because they don't want it to be seen too easily in the dark (practical reasons) or because of aesthetic preference. But I see that many more experienced shooters than I prefer stainless, so I don't think it's a bad way to go. I personally think that if you like the way it looks, it's worth the extra money because the finish is more durable.

I like blued finishes too (like the Gold Match and Royal have), but the TLE II only comes in black matte or stainless.

[MKuysten]

Well.... that's the thing.. I kinda don't want to spend the extra money, however... I don't want to regret it down the line.

I like to looks of the blued, somehow a SS gun doesn't look right to me. Then again... I'm new.

Big question is will I regret not getting SS? How does the blue handle time? I'm not going to care it concealed so wear or visibility (contradicts concealed) is not a biggy...

Any blued owner with regrets?

[Nikolai]

Greetings,
Gentlemen, may I be the first (or not) to welcome you to the forum, as well as the M1911. As to which TLE RL, unless you WANT stainless, there's no reason to spend the extra cash. I'm a TLE RL owner, and have the black oxide (not blued, very different) model and am happy with it. My specimen has worn quite nicely and has proved to be very durable, I also prefer carbon steel over stainless steel. Like all things, it's a personal preference. Judging from your previous comments, I don't think stainless is for you, atleast, not in this particular case. Stainless is nice for carrying, but in a home defense and/or range gun, it's aesthetics and not much more. You're not losing out on anything with a black oxide TLE RL. Keep in mind also, that the $150 difference is almost 1,000 rounds of ammo, and can be split up for accessories in more ways than I care to list!

Stainless can be hidden just as easily as a matte black pistol, or a day-glo orange pistol. Carrying a fully polished 1911 will only be a problem for the finish itself, as it won't look so pretty at the end of the day. As I've said before, if someone cannot conceal a glow in the dark pistol in the middle of the night, then they're not carrying properly, and/or do not have the right equipment. Let us know how it goes, and once again, welcome.

-Nikolai

[MKuysten]

1,000 rounds of ammo... now we're talking :) Thanks for the info!

[cybricon]

Thanks Nikolai,
I thought (in my ignorance, maybe :D ) that LEO's didn't like shiny guns because they showed up more during a gunfight, when they are not concealed. It does sound like our friend MKuysten should get the black oxide and would have no regrets.

Rick

[Sifu]

Stainless slide action cycles more smoothly than blue, is easier to clean, resists corrosion/the elements better than a blued weapon and stainless is more attractive than blue. It doesn't show as many scratches as a blue. Here in south Florida, stainless or chrome is preferred because your weapon will definitely rust whether it is carried daily or sits in a drawer. If you are not carrying this weapon while on official duty, that's a non-issue.

I've owned a TLE/RL II and it's an accurate, rugged, reliable weapon and it does have a rail for accessories. Can you afford the extra $150 cost? If so, get the SS model. You'll be glad you did.

[Dissident]

Take it from one who initially felt the same way you do....get the stainless and save yourself the trouble. When you go trade the standard for the stainless it will cost you more than the $150 difference.

[Nikolai]

Greetings,
Keep in mind also, that while Sifu and Dissident make their points, that for a home defense and range gun, a black oxide gun doesn't cycle rough, isn't hard to clean, and isn't prone to rusting. Scratching and wear resistance isn't paramount when it comes to range guns. If you live in a humid area OR plan to carry this gun, then stainless is your best bet. If these don't apply to your situation, they don't, and you'll be suited just fine with a black TLE RL, like my previous post said, UNLESS you want the aesthetic qualities stainless steel gives. Whether or not black looks better than "silver," is a personal preference that you can decide, also, if the $150 difference is worth it to you. If you follow the manufacturers suggest cleaning procedure, cleaning won't be a problem. Wiping down a pistol (regardless of finish) with a silicone gun rag and taking proper care of it will likely take care of any type of rusting dangers. Guns are not a science, but like all tools, proper maintenance ensures lasting service. I suggest you take a few minutes, if not more, to write down your needs for this pistol, the qualities you want out of it, and the qualities you don't want/need out of it. After that, the choice will be clear, and you'll have no use for this thread other than to show pictures and a range report.

Good luck. Always remember, the choice is yours, and ultimately, whatever you buy will be yours, both to shoot and to deal with should you have mistakenly bought the wrong pistol, whether it be blued, stainless, or black. Open minds open wallets!

Cybricon-
Not ignorance at all. When one remembers that the only time a gun need be employed, in ANY situation, is when it may need to be put to use. When that happens, it could be hot pink if one so desires. ;)
Concealment is concealment, it's not particular to colors, shades, or level of flash. A gun is either concealed, or it's not.

-Nikolai

[b1bendt]

Well said Nikolai. I too have been debating on which Kimber to purchase as my first 1911. I am partial to the Tactical Custom II and the Stainless TRE/RL. Each has it's place in my gun safe. I currently own 3 stainless Rugers and like the durability of stainless. Not being in law enforcement nor having a concealed carry permit I am mainly looking for a range gun (along with home personal defense what better than a .45 for that).

[John]

Well said Nikolai. I too have been debating on which Kimber to purchase as my first 1911. I am partial to the Tactical Custom II and the Stainless TRE/RL. Each has it's place in my gun safe. I currently own 3 stainless Rugers and like the durability of stainless. Not being in law enforcement nor having a concealed carry permit I am mainly looking for a range gun (along with home personal defense what better than a .45 for that).
Stainless has a couple of significant benefits, as far as I am concerned.

1. Normal wear you see on used blue guns will never happen, i.e. you will never have to pay for a refinishing job. Even if you scratch the thing, it is easy to restore.

2. If the pistol is worn directly on your body, it will not corrode, as easily as a blue gun. How do I know? My .45's slide (which is blue) got pitting while I had it in a funny pack in front of me. My perspiration penetrated the pack's material and corroded the slide.

Rgds

[jsinon]

Personally, I like the look of stainless much more than the darker finishes. And my range baby is a Team Match II. That being said, my carry gun is a Tactical Ultra II. I don't carry much but the finish is holding up just fine. I think one concern you may be overlooking is "kicking" your self if you get a gun you don't really want just because it is in stock. If you are like me(or even close), I'm anal about gun maintenance and it is going to be a range gun, have patience, I know it's tough, and get what you REALLY want and as one poster said $150 will buy alot of practice ammo. Either way welcome to the forum and enjoy your new baby. :D

[pistoleer3]

Personally I have always liked stainless, because of it's corrosion resistance. However,I have never had any problems with rust because of frequent cleanings. I once owned a sig P220 ,wonderful weapon but got rid of it because I thought that because the finish was wearing off, that rust might become a problem, A big mistake because later on I found out that it was blackened stainless. I (prefer) s.s. over a blued or blackened finish, both are good if you keep them cleaned and oiled. Like any other tool take care of it and it will take care of you!