There are so many choices; which would you prefer for occasional carry and frequent range shooting?

I carry a Kimber PRO CDP, 4" slide with an alloy frame, for me it is hard to beat.

I voted for the loaded champion because my Springfield micro compact wasn't listed.

I'm not sure since I don't own a 1911 yet. I would like to get a Kimber CDP II eventually probably the compact.

I carry this one as well, I just ordered a Pro Raptor (hopefully here next week ) for range and IDPA use so I don't use up the alloy frame on my CDP.

I did not vote, I would argue that finding a better deal is a Colt series 70 or pre 70. Far better hand fitting and with just a minor bit of work, they are perfect.

Kimber Compact Custom for Mon. Tues., Wed., and Thur.
Colt Goldcup (80-5") for Fridays, weekends, and holidays..........

.

You must be finding different Colts than I do. Especially the forming of the trigger guard, looks like they have been done by a drunken sailor with a 4" grinder.

I truly think Colt makes a fine pistol, but every time I hear how great the series 70's are, I wonder where I am missing it. I don't think that early Colts are any better than most others out there today.

Hey...........we use 7'' grinders

Man that is a short list and so many good 1911's not on it. What abuot a Para, STI or Ed Brown or others. A Kimber guy must put that list together. Of what is up there, I'd take the springer but in reality I'd go with a Brown if given the choice.

I would choose a Para-ordinance.

Or, for strictly a range gun; a Les Baer, Rock River, or Clark.

I chose the Kimber Pro Carry since that's what *I* have (alloy frame).

It's my only 1911 but, since I'm a single-action auto guy, I also have a couple of BHPs. One of them is my 'car' gun but when I slip on a holster, the Kimber goes in it.

I think my next 1911 will be a 5" Springfield Mil-spec in all steel.

jb

You're right, it is a short list. I am looking for the preference of 4" 1911's from those I've narrowed MY SHORT LIST down to. The Para's, Ed Brown's, STI's and others didn't make my short list. I've developed my poll down to the 4" (or 4.25") 1911's and I'm narrowing that down to the one I'll buy. I currently own 1 Kimber and 1 Springfield and am not loyal to any particular manufacturer but do respect others' opinions and preferences. Hope that clears the air a little. And I do have a monetary budget.

But even in the 4", there is a big difference in weight when carrying. Truth be known, the Champion was of the best balanced of the 45's for me, a lot better than a Commander, and the Kimber that I carry now was a close second in that department.

But day in and day out carry, my pre series II Kimber PRO CDP has a definite weight advantage for me, plus it out shot my Champion by a smidgen. Both met the first requirement, 100% reliable after several hundred rounds of carry ammo, so now it is down to personal pro's and con's.

So what works best for me is an alloy frame because of the noticeable weight difference. But if someone feels better with a full steel framed 1911, by all means, please carry it.

The nicest - best made 1911 that I have ever shot is the Ed Brown Cobra Carry - absolutely the most beautiful piece that I have ever seen.

Shooting it is a joy but here is the kicker - the price tag is a little out of reach for most.

The Springfield Champion seems to be the best of the bunch for value - all of the features that it comes with - nice gun for the $$$$.

I offer this - most 1911's - no matter the price will shoot better than most of us can take advantage of anyhow. For my $$$ it would be a Springfield - or even .... gulp ..... the new Taurus... (yeah I said it)

The Springfield Champion is a good shooter wihtout a doubt but at 21ft I challenge you to tell me the difference between a Springfield Champion for $600 over a much more expensive model.

Given teh choices - the Springfield seems to be the most logical chioce.