If your life depended on it, which one would you pick?

Kimber Pro CDP II
Kimber Compact CDP II
Kimber Tactical Pro II
Sig Sauer 245
Sig Sauer 220

It will be carried in a VMII and needs to be well hidden. I have/like 45's (Kimber Ultra Carry II and Eclipse ULE II)but occasionally carry 40's (Sig 239, 229 and Kahr PM40). I'm an average size guy in decent shape and want another new toy, but it must be very reliable as I will use it for the majority of my concealed carry use.

Thanks in advance

Can't comment on the Sig, but since you seem interested in the 4" Kimber Pro models you really need to consider the Pro Raptor. For one reason alone, the recently shipped ones have an internal extractor. Plus they have many nice features such as front strap stippling, Meprolite night sights, ambi-safety, etc.

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I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness, nor the arrow for its swiftness, nor the warrior for his glory. I love only that which they defend.
It only takes a second to dial 911; it could take the rest of your life for help to arrive...
Posts are my opinion based on my experience; YMMV.

I went to the range with a friend of mine who owns a Pro CDP. I had my Sig 239 .40 cal. He let me shoot the Pro a few times and before I knew it, my Sig was back in the range bag not to be seen again that day. That Pro shot so smooth and accurate it made my Sig feel like a Saturday Night Special. Don't get me wrong, I really like the Sig but there was no comparison between the two guns.

I should mention that I had a 2005 model Ultra CDP II (3") with an external extractor that Kimber could not make reliably extract. After 6 months, about 6 trips back to Kimber and $600 in test ammo they replaced it with a 2004 model (with internal extractor). That pistol has been wonderful. So much so that I bought another NIB 2002 Ultra CDP Elite (pictured, upper right of post).

Personally, I would avoid any 3" external extractor (and maybe even 4"). Kimber seems to be replacing the slides on external extractor 3" (and maybe 4") 1911s with internal extractors for those owners returning theirs with extractor problems. There seems to be a trend here. Manu are thinking there are going to be less external extractors in the years to come. Maybe the 3" (and perhaps 4") 1911s will move away from them.

It will be interesting to see hat the 2006 catalog shows...

Now there are many people with no problems and you don't tend to hear from them. Still, based on the evidence, it is something to consider IMHO.

Sig Sauer 220

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"The pistol, learn it well, carry it always ..." - Jeff Cooper

Personally, I would choose a handgun with the same operating system that I was familiar with for home and carry. You mentioned handguns that have three different operating systems (some would say two). Depending on your level of experience with each operating system, to me, would be a deciding factor on what to carry. Having said that, and this being a 1911 forum, I would go with a Kimber Pro model.

Thanks for the information. I have an ultra carry II (three inch, 2005 stainless) that has been temperamental. My Eclipse is the same size/year and seems to function perfect every time (350ish rounds so far). The goal here is one gun, constant carry.


Warm Rain: I will give the raptor a look.

BrianNJ: Was there any problems/FTE.

OD: My Sigs seem very reliable, and the Kimbers maybe more of a break in is in order. So now you see my dilemma.

Radar: I am equally familiar with each operating system and want to stick with only one for self defense, the rest will be for the safe and/or occasional recreational use. At least that's my plan.

I prefer the look of the kimbers, but I don't want to bet my life on estetics. The reason I was looking at the 4 inch/Pros was hopefully to compare/increase reliability. Somehow I thought the longer I was in the hobby and the more information I gathered these decisions would be easier. It only has made me want more guns.

baja272:
There were no malfunctions at all. The CDP was 100% reliable in the 300 or so rounds we fired. My buddy was firing some very fast controlled pairs and there were no malfunctions with those either. I was very impressed.

baja272,

It is probably wise to go with that which you are familiar.

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"The pistol, learn it well, carry it always ..." - Jeff Cooper

We all want more guns!!!