Once again, I'm looking for a handgun, but instead of a .357 magnum, I'm really wanting a high dollar full size 1911. Right now, I'm leaning towards a Springfield MC Operator. If you have any opinions of either companies products, I want to hear it!

 

Im not a gun expert of even a hand gun lover, but everytime it seems I read or hear people prefer kimber heavily

 

I have a Kimber. Very well made. I also have a Springfield Armory M1A. Also very well made. Can't compare the 2 45s, but from their products, both make quality weapons.

 

I'd get the Springfield, IME they're the closest thing to a readily available mass produced gun that will work out of the box, and even then you may have to do some minor tweaking to it (adjusting and maybe replacing the extractor). They've got a lifetime warranty as well, if/when it breaks, call them and they'll get you an RMA label to fix it. It may take them a few tries to fix it depending on who you get on the phone, but they will fix it.

Kimber IMO uses some shoddy parts that shouldn't be used in a gun that costs that much, and their customer service blows.

 

What kind of parts do you consider shoddy?

 

x2 couldn't have said it better.

 

Springfield has better service and better parts too, I have accurized my 1911 and the springfields are well made pistols, I would buy a springfield if I had the choice

PM if you got any questions in general I've had bad experience w/ Kimbers I don't wanna start a war

 

Slide stops and safeties mostly. Barrel bushings to a lesser extent.

I should probably define "shoddy." And certain folks on certain forums (cough, cough, 1911forum.com, cough, cough) would probably burn me at the stake for saying this.

MIM parts. Metal Injection Molded. Don't like 'em. No real reason, just my personal belief. There are lots of guns out there that work just fine with them.

 

Both have long standing reputations for rugged reliability. If you plan on shooting it a bunch, Id go for the cheaper springfields. If you want a pretty gun, go for the kimber. You can't go wrong other then paying $1200 for a fun with beautiful wood grips and finish you plan on putting 10k rounds through.

 

Well thanks guys. I think Springfield is the way to go.

 

Instead of paying a bunch of money for a mediocre Springfield, why not spend about another $300.00 and get a competition ready Colt. I have a few of these and they come out of the Colt Custom Shop which is unlike Kimbers non-existent custom shop. The Springer is okay- I'm not knocking it as such but for a little more you could have a near top of the line Colt. The 38 Super is a hoot to shoot or it's available in 45acp. All of mine came with targets enclosed in the box and none have group over 1/2". So the pistols are shot for accuracy BEFORE leaving the shop. Here's what mine looks like:
http://www.coltsmfg.com/products-c5-..._PISTOLS.aspx#
Click on the 4th frame down on the right side.

And yes, Kimbers are grossly over priced crap. As far as customer service- they don't even know what it is. I'd wish they would fire Dennis and maybe they MIGHT get a clue about CS. But a Kimber is full of crap parts and Kimber is not known for standing behind their pistols. Kimber is the only maker I'm aware of that has a 1 year only warranty....if you can get them to fix it at all.

 

Well I've heard that Colt's don't have the precision, tight tolerances and overall finish as Springfield's. I would also rather not have to take one to a shop to be customized. The MC Operator seems to be everything I need, even though it is pretty expensive.

 

Get a full size Kimber and buy Wilson mags for them.

 

What about S&W?

I've heard that they make excellent 1911's.

I would rather have a Springfield BTW because I like the company. Dates much farther back, and produces guns for the Military.(I believe they still do)

 

I have a Springfield Micro compact and can not say enough good things about it. It is by far the most accurate out of the box pistol I have shot. Everyone that has ever shot it can hold a tight group even with the 3" barrel. The Springfields also are a much better value. They come with all of the goodies that you will pay extra for on the Kimber.