Colt or Kimber

[Drake.45]

Ok 1911 fans I'm looking for some advise on a Commander style 1911. I have my choice narrowed down to the Colt XSE Commander (non-lightweight) and a Kimber Stainless Pro Carry II HD. Both of these guys are all stainless.
I'm looking for all around advise from customer service to the smallest parts.
Thanks for your opinions guys and gals!

 

[Brandon]

I have a Colt and a Kimber. It's a tough choice but I would say Colt.
*note that I have not handled either of the guns listed in the op

 

[pmorriso]

Both are quality machines, but i'd go COLT.

 

[Drake.45]

That's the battle I'm struggling with, and I cannot buy both.... Yet

 

[rockhopper46038]

I think I would select the Colt, but I couldn't fault you for picking the Kimber.

 

[neuro01]

Both are quality 1911's. Having owned both, if I were going to buy another, it would probably be a Colt.

 

[GLOCKMAN23C]

Nothing against Colt, but I prefer the Kimber. Both are great quality. I've shot both (full-size), the Kimber just feels better in my hand.

 

[msk]

I have a Kimber Eclipse 2 and really like it. I almost bought a Gold Cup from a friend a few years ago, but ended up with the Kimber.

 

[usmcdjb]

My

I started my 1911 journey with a Colt Double Eagle. Moved to a 70s series Colt LW Commander. In the end settled on Kimbers (have had several).

Personally, I prefer Series I. Do I shoot them enough to worry about the possibility of the extra safeties failing? Probably not. But I know they aren't there. There are a few current production models that don't have that either. I would assume both of the ones you listed have the extra safeties.

However, I think from looking at pix of the XSE, it uses a barrel bushing. The Pro size Kimbers do not - they are bushingless. Some say bushingless are more accurate. But they are also a little more difficult to strip down.

Obviously, requiring the extra piece to break down the Kimber Pro size doesn't bother me, as I have them. But those are the things I see different in the two. I'd say if these things don't matter, flip a coin.

I will say that years ago when I got my Pro Carry, I had issues with it locking back on an empty mag. Called Kimber support and they sent me a new mag catch right away. Can't speak to their customer service currently.

 

[Drake.45]

Thanks for all the input so far guys, I really appericate information so far that I have received. I am suprised to learn that the overall length is almost identical while the Colt has a 1/4" longer barrel. One thing I dont like about the Colt is that it comes with Ambi TS.

 

[Sedanman]

I haven't handled the colt, but I really like my Kimber.

 

[cmstuard]

Colt

 

[jdaniels]

I purchased a Kimber Custom TLE II over a Colt and could not be more satisfied. The Fit and finish on mine is excellent.

 

[Colt556]

I have both but there is just something special about a Colt.

 

[mwg]

I have the colt , love it . I read that if you get the kimber you will need to buy different mags. , the one that comes with it is junk .

 

[Hookeye]

If you don't like the ambi, change it.

Way back I was looking at the Pro Carry (just out), but wanted a SS frame, so got the Colt.
IIRC the next yr Kimber brought out the HD version.

I have not regretted my choice.

 

[Fordtough25]

I voted Colt, I have a couple and they are awesome! I've held several different Kimbers at LGS but never bought one. You can't go wrong with a Colt, they work!

 

[davedolli]

I have both and prefer Kimbers. I have a CDP Pro II and an Ultra Crimson Carry II, and couldn't be happier.

dave

 

[88E30M50]

That's a good choice to have to make. I voted Kimber, but only by the slightest of margins. It's true, the Kimber mags are junk out of the box, but I was able to get mine working well by installing a Wilson Combat mag rebuild kit in them. I was buying Colt mags for a while due to the cost and really did not see much of an improvement over the stock Kimber mags. My only Colt is a Delta Elite and I love the thing too. The only issue I've had with that is when new, magazines could not be inserted without pushing the mag release slightly. That disappeared in the first hundred rounds and the gun has been great since.

It's funny, but I voted Kimber and after thinking about how much I like the Colt, I'd probably recommend that instead. Either way, you'll have a great gun.

 

[MolonLabe7]

Both would be amazing guns. Just can't beat a Colt though