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Kimber and Springfield 1911s…

Last family pic before there are some drastic changes. 3 are going to auction today and will be replaced with something else later. I have one 9mm Garrison at Springfield that didn’t make the pic but oh well… it’s going to auction after it gets here too.
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The matte Kimber, the CA compliant Springfield Loaded and the RIA BBR 3.10 are going bye bye.
 
Finished products on the Kimber Stainless II’s. Magwells/Mainspring housings are installed and grips grinded down to my liking. Used a die grinder to smooth out all the sharp edges. Much more comfortable now.

Finish on the magwells was good. One of then has a small gap in the front between the magwell and the grip frame. its not enough to get snagged or anything but it is there. The gap cannot be seen with the grips on unless its at just the right angle. The other one fits good.

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Aftermarket Mec-gar mags fit well. You can use the mags without the butt plate, just have to push the mag in with your thumb.

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They are much brighter than the factory main spring housing.

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Finished product
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Finished products on the Kimber Stainless II’s. Magwells/Mainspring housings are installed and grips grinded down to my liking. Used a die grinder to smooth out all the sharp edges. Much more comfortable now.

Finish on the magwells was good. One of then has a small gap in the front between the magwell and the grip frame. its not enough to get snagged or anything but it is there. The gap cannot be seen with the grips on unless its at just the right angle. The other one fits good.

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Aftermarket Mec-gar mags fit well. You can use the mags without the butt plate, just have to push the mag in with your thumb.

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They are much brighter than the factory main spring housing.

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Finished product
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Nice, very nice!
 
Finished products on the Kimber Stainless II’s. Magwells/Mainspring housings are installed and grips grinded down to my liking. Used a die grinder to smooth out all the sharp edges. Much more comfortable now.

Finish on the magwells was good. One of then has a small gap in the front between the magwell and the grip frame. its not enough to get snagged or anything but it is there. The gap cannot be seen with the grips on unless its at just the right angle. The other one fits good.

View attachment 28035

Aftermarket Mec-gar mags fit well. You can use the mags without the butt plate, just have to push the mag in with your thumb.

View attachment 28036
View attachment 28037
View attachment 28038
They are much brighter than the factory main spring housing.

View attachment 28039

Finished product
View attachment 28040
View attachment 28041
Phil, Do you like the front strap to be smooth, or do you prefer texture? I found my Ronin smooth front strap a problem...bought some Talon stick-on and I love it. Looks cheap, but who cares when it feels good....and I get an obviously better grip...
 
So I got the chance to sit and read through the summer version of the TAL magazine and enjoyed most of the articles, it get me interested in the 1911 Operator and also had me looking at the current TRP 1911 but I’m disappointed that SA doesn’t make a 1911 in 10mm besides in the Ronin platform.
Emissary, Operator or TRP make one in 10mm and I would be interested in adding to my collection.
 
Now for the Springfields… I took a completely different direction with them. Springfield 1911s, at least the ones I own, give me a different feel when I pick one up vs Kimber. I don’t know how to describe it except it’s like walking into a tool shop and handling power tools. My Springfields remind me that feeling when you pick up that industrial grade tool vs maybe a “professional” grade. Less frill, more heavy duty, get it done, last forever feel.

With that, I left the finish exactly as they were and slapped some pewter novelty grips on them.

Actual pics of the grips I received. They need a little work but not a lot.

The thumb safety on the Garrison has a downward hook at the end that is contacting the grip (actually, all 3 thumb safeties do). Need to shave a touch off the top there.

I think maybe thin grip bushings are needed on the Loaded. Doesn’t tighten enough, rattles a little. The Garrison has thin grip bushings, doesn’t have that problem.

Both grips, the mag release relief on the right side isn’t exactly in the right spot. Can’t push the mag release in. I will have to relieve that area just a little. They are just slightly under the grip.

Wife likes them. I think I do too. I don’t think the 9-11 grips look as good on the Garrison as the Skulls do. The Loaded has a more complex look. I’ll need another set for the 9mm Garrison when it comes back. I wanted a set of the 2nd Amendment grips but I can only find a damaged set on eBay.

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I have a Kimber Stainless II, and several Springfield 1911's. Both are fine guns. But I would have to give the overall edge to Springfield.
I own both Kimber and Springfield, both guns use MIM internal parts, forged slides, frames and barrels, Kimber makes more variations, I really don’t have any preference, both are good guns, but you have to give it to Springfield for there warranty and customer support.
 
I own both Kimber and Springfield, both guns use MIM internal parts, forged slides, frames and barrels, Kimber makes more variations, I really don’t have any preference, both are good guns, but you have to give it to Springfield for there warranty and customer support.
Yes, Kimber warranty sucks. I forgot to mention the 10mm came back a second time without fixing the guide rod housing? In fact, there was no indication they did anything to it. It’s at the auction now. I’ll have to give some serious consideration before spending any more on a Kimber.
 
Yes, Kimber warranty sucks. I forgot to mention the 10mm came back a second time without fixing the guide rod housing? In fact, there was no indication they did anything to it. It’s at the auction now. I’ll have to give some serious consideration before spending any more on a Kimber.
I was thinking about a Kimber 1911 10mm if SA Doesn’t make a Emissary 10mm however I guess I’ll continue to wait or look around, the way things are going I may just be done buying guns.
 
I was thinking about a Kimber 1911 10mm if SA Doesn’t make a Emissary 10mm however I guess I’ll continue to wait or look around, the way things are going I may just be done buying guns.
Telling ya, don’t overlook the MetroArms hard chrome American Classic II. They make it in 10mm. Runs about $700 right now. Might have to look for it under Tri-Star since they are importing it now. I have 2 in 45. Still my most reliable. Still the boys favorite.
 
I was thinking about a Kimber 1911 10mm if SA Doesn’t make a Emissary 10mm however I guess I’ll continue to wait or look around, the way things are going I may just be done buying guns.
What about the Colt Delta Elite? I can't remember if you were a stainless guy or blued guy....can't get this one (Colt) in blue. Pretty sure its time-tested and true, however. Except for the sights falling off my Ronin (front rod breaking and rear set screw shaking loose), it has been operationally pretty solid for 1k rounds...of course it is that 2-tone...not for everyone.
 
What about the Colt Delta Elite? I can't remember if you were a stainless guy or blued guy....can't get this one (Colt) in blue. Pretty sure its time-tested and true, however. Except for the sights falling off my Ronin (front rod breaking and rear set screw shaking loose), it has been operationally pretty solid for 1k rounds...of course it is that 2-tone...not for everyone.
Had one of the original Colt Delta Elites when they first appeared, only a couple ammo makers then, Hornaday and the hot Norma loads. Good shooting gun, sold it to a cop, he still has it.
 
What about the Colt Delta Elite? I can't remember if you were a stainless guy or blued guy....can't get this one (Colt) in blue. Pretty sure its time-tested and true, however. Except for the sights falling off my Ronin (front rod breaking and rear set screw shaking loose), it has been operationally pretty solid for 1k rounds...of course it is that 2-tone...not for everyone.
Problem with any Colt 1911 is that they are running anywhere from 80%-150% over MSRP. $1100 Delta Elite will run between $1900-$2500. That’s why my Colt is on backorder. I refuse to pay $1800 for gun with a $1000 MSRP.
 
Problem with any Colt 1911 is that they are running anywhere from 80%-150% over MSRP. $1100 Delta Elite will run between $1900-$2500. That’s why my Colt is on backorder. I refuse to pay $1800 for gun with a $1000 MSRP.
My shop just sold a stainless Colt Delta Elite for $1299.00, Classic 1911, blue, .45, goes for $899.00, stainless government model, 45, 999.00, kinda of high, but no gouging here, your area must be high priced.
 
Had one of the original Colt Delta Elites when they first appeared, only a couple ammo makers then, Hornaday and the hot Norma loads. Good shooting gun, sold it to a cop, he still has it.
I had an earlier Delta Elite also! Sold it like a dumb ass! Can't even remember why? Probably for another firearm. Not for being down and out for money. That's for sure. I'd never sell a gun I like because I'm down. I'd shovel horse stalls for coin before that! 🤣 Man I sure wish I never did get rid of the Delta Elite though.

Shoot fun, shoot safe, and shoot straight!
 
My shop just sold a stainless Colt Delta Elite for $1299.00, Classic 1911, blue, .45, goes for $899.00, stainless government model, 45, 999.00, kinda of high, but no gouging here, your area must be high priced.
Can’t find them around here at all. Even online they are scarce. Those prices I quoted were right from the websites I could find them in stock at.

I have a stainless Colt competition model on backorder.
 
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