I am looking for a commander size pistol in .45 and am looking at the the Kimber Pro CDP II versus one of the new Colt Commander model O4691.

This will be a carry pistol and would be satisfied with the features found on the standard Colt. The Kimber is obviously a well made pistol with nice features but I am not sure it is worth the premium price over the cost of the Colt.

I am wary of buying a Colt having heard the quality is not as good as it used to be. Does anyone have any experience with a new Colt?

I see also that Springfield is making a Commander in their US GI line, anyone have any experience with those?

Any input from the group would be appreciated.

Thanks.

To some it appears Kimber's quality isn't what it used to be as well. Since it will be a carry gun, you most likely won't want the extra features, and since you're satisfied for what is included on the Colt, then what makes the additional features worthy? No need to spend the extra money for, in your own description, 'extra' parts, IMO. Personally, I don't like how Colt's are coming out of the factory these days. Poorly put together, shady quality in the dozen examples I've had my hands on this past year, and that comes at a PREMIUM price. I held no new Colt's this past year with a sticker less than $975. For that price you could get a much more refined pistol with the same features, or more if preferred. Springfield Armory has always been known for 'bare bones, no nonsense' business 1911s that get the job done at a good cost. They're also backed with, arguably, the best warranty from a mass production 1911 manufacturer.

It's more a reflection on what you personally regard as 'necessity' in your carry gun, and how much you're willing to pay for that. If Kimber, Springfield Armory, Colt, Smith & Wesson, etc,. etc,. suit your needs and your wallet, then it's up to how they respond to your hands and your peace of mind. Isn't that what it's all about?

-Nikolai

__________________
Charles Austin Beard: "You need only reflect that one of the best ways to get yourself a reputation as a dangerous citizen these days is to go around repeating the very phrases which our founding fathers used in the great struggle for independence."

The Kimber CDP Compact is a reliable pistol in my experience. This is slightly smaller than a Commander as it has a 4" (vs. 4.25") bbl and the smaller Officer ACP frame. I recently sold mine for reasons unrelated to reliability.

I have three (3) Commander sized pistols and prefer this size. Full sized magazines and a bit handier barrel length than the Government Model.

1967 Colt's Commander. This has an alloy frame. This pistol was presented to me new and has been around the world with me. Carried but not a lot of rounds thru her. Surprisingly little holster wear. The horrible sights vs. sentimental value have kept me from modifying her although I did have a drop in beavertail grip safety on her for several years.

2004 Para Ordnance LTC. This also has an alloy frame 4-1/4" bbl and is the direct replacement for the Commander. Para ramped barrel and PXT extractor were the primary reasons for this pistol. Light, reliable, and inexpensive. A few dollars in back parts to de-Kimberize her.

2004 Ed Brown Kobra Carry. This is my 4-1/4" bbl primary CHL weapon. All stainless steel, so she's heavier but has no corrosion or rust issues. There's also a bit (OK, a lot) of vanity in this pistol (like a Lincoln Aviator vs. an Explorer!), but she's been dead accurate and 100% reliable since she came out of the bag (no box with these).

Pay your money and take your choices! Para and Colt's have all stainless models now. If anyone ever comes up with a natural anodized alloy frame and stainless slide it could become my lightweight carry pistol.

-- Chuck

Honestly I'm looking at a compact or subcompact Kimber as well, and something I keep hearing about is that reliability problems increase the smaller you go. As well as springs wearing out far faster. Does anyone have any experience with these problems?

Kimber owners manual says to change the recoil spring on the Compact (AKA Commander) every 800 rounds and the 3" bbl Ultra every 1800 rounds. So with Kimber the little pistol has longer spring life.

-- Chuck

Love, you might also look at the S&W 1911sc--scandium framed commander sized pistol and the Para LTC (either steel or alloy frame)commander sized also.
Jeff

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Blessed are the bewildered for they won't notice--Tweak

I have sold my Kimber Pro II SS TLE/RL. The ejection problems were never solved. It now has a home with a SOG friend who likes "the challange" of working on the trouble. I have seen several complaints on the Kimber site on these pages. I don't know if I got a troubled weapon or not. After three trips to the factory and 2000+ rds, it still was not reliable.

My Colt Combat Commander has the reliability I need for my CCW. I also shoot a Gold Cup Trophy and find the same reliability. I would not hesitate to own another Kimber. Just not in the bull barrel stuff...JV.

I have a pro cdp and love it,have over 4400 rds no trbls mechanicaly,just my lead swc. Try to find one with the internal extractor the newer ones have the external extractor and i think thats what the problem is,have fun shooting whatever you get. Another difference btwn the colt and kimber is cdp has the melt treatment where as the colt doesnt! My combat commander has some sharp edges where the cdp is smooth!

I wonder what the deal with the external extractor is, and if there's some way to get one that won't fail... I now have a vested interest in this, as I've gone ahead and am purchasing an Ultra RCP II. Hopefully it'll work out.

Here's a photo of the Kimber Ultra external extractor.


Oh, yeah, that's a Failure to Extract shown in the photo as well. An all too common event with this pistol which took two trips to Kimber and still wasn't fixed until they sent me a replacement extractor.

Failure to Extract locks the pistol solid. Be sure you have magazines with a lip extending beyond the front strap as you have to rip the mag out to cure the stoppage.

Good luck!

-- Chuck