testtest

Thoughts

ArtW

Alpha
I am looking to purchase a nice, but not custom, full size 1911. I already own a Beretta M9A1. I have also ordered a Sig P365X for carry. I am considering Kimber, Springfield, and Colt. Each in the upper end of there non custom 9mm. So, Kimber Stainless Two, Rapide, or Raptor Two. Springfield Garrison, Loaded, or Emmissary. Colt Gold Cup Trophy. I am pretty sure the Kimbers are all made with the same guts. Are the Springfield models also? Is there any bench work with these companies or all production. What are your thoughts between these companies and models? 9mm does limit my choices for Springfields and the Colt. Any help would be appreciated. I realize I am asking for a preference, but being new to this I would like to hear what you all think.
Thank You
 
I am looking to purchase a nice, but not custom, full size 1911. I already own a Beretta M9A1. I have also ordered a Sig P365X for carry. I am considering Kimber, Springfield, and Colt. Each in the upper end of there non custom 9mm. So, Kimber Stainless Two, Rapide, or Raptor Two. Springfield Garrison, Loaded, or Emmissary. Colt Gold Cup Trophy. I am pretty sure the Kimbers are all made with the same guts. Are the Springfield models also? Is there any bench work with these companies or all production. What are your thoughts between these companies and models? 9mm does limit my choices for Springfields and the Colt. Any help would be appreciated. I realize I am asking for a preference, but being new to this I would like to hear what you all think.
Thank You
Art I’m going to reply even though I don’t own anything chambered in 9mm and wouldn’t buy a 1911 in anything but 45ACP although that being said since I purchased a Emissary in 45 I’m hoping Springfield will make one chambered in 10mm
My Emissary has run flawlessly and I haven’t read anything negative about the Emissary 9mm I also need to add I’m a big fan of Springfield Armory guns but I can’t and won’t diss other manufacturers.
 
Art I’m going to reply even though I don’t own anything chambered in 9mm and wouldn’t buy a 1911 in anything but 45ACP although that being said since I purchased a Emissary in 45 I’m hoping Springfield will make one chambered in 10mm
My Emissary has run flawlessly and I haven’t read anything negative about the Emissary 9mm I also need to add I’m a big fan of Springfield Armory guns but I can’t and won’t diss other manufacturers.
Understood. Thank you for the feedback on the Emissary. Good to know that you have had no issues.
 
Understood. Thank you for the feedback on the Emissary. Good to know that you have had no issues.
No issues is an understatement, I will honestly say the Emissary has made me a better shooter or at least makes me look that way.
A picture worth a thousand words.
159EDE40-42F5-4174-AAB2-DF5ED2FBAB18.jpeg
 
Only the Gold Cup uses different internals/FCG (or, at least, they used to...not certain on current models) than rack Colt 1911's.

There's no difference between the "guts" in a Garrison or Emissary...or TRP, for that matter; all are MIM. The only Springfields that doesn't apply to would be Professionals.

I'd recommend looking at Dan Wessons. Some of the best bang for the buck, a lot of high-end features for mid-range prices.
 
Only the Gold Cup uses different internals/FCG (or, at least, they used to...not certain on current models) than rack Colt 1911's.

There's no difference between the "guts" in a Garrison or Emissary...or TRP, for that matter; all are MIM. The only Springfields that doesn't apply to would be Professionals.

I'd recommend looking at Dan Wessons. Some of the best bang for the buck, a lot of high-end features for mid-range prices.
I will check them out. Thank you for the information. Its amazing that the cosmetics can change the cost of essentially the same gun by $600.....
 
Art, if you are ok with two-tone colors you might look at the 9mm Springfield Ronin. Mine in .45 seems to be better fitted than my Garrison. Less $ than the Emissary; less ‘aggressive’ look also in my opinion (getting into a matter of taste, here).
Personally , I go Springfield over Kimber. But as Gruber mentioned, the D Wesson is most definitely something you oughta look at. (I don’t own one, but heard a lot of good about them)….
 
I have 3 1911's. A Wilson Combat CQB, a Dan Wesson Specialist and a Springfield Loaded. I'm relatively new to 1911's and all I can say is do what I did, go try some out from different makers and see what ya like. But I do learn a lot of great valuable information on this forum hence why I joined. Good luck on your search and Welcome from Pennsylvania....
 
I have 3 1911's. A Wilson Combat CQB, a Dan Wesson Specialist and a Springfield Loaded. I'm relatively new to 1911's and all I can say is do what I did, go try some out from different makers and see what ya like. But I do learn a lot of great valuable information on this forum hence why I joined. Good luck on your search and Welcome from Pennsylvania....
Can you rank the three.......... Thank You for the welcome. I am in the Atlanta area.
 
My Wilson makes me a better shooter than what I am. Tight tolerances but upon receiving it I had to send it back for an issue which they promptly addressed and made it right. The Dan Wesson is also a very well made pistol and a great shooter. The Loaded is also well made and shoots well but the tolerances are not as tight as the earlier two I have. All in all I love all three but it's a tie between the Wilson and Dan Wesson for my favorite. That's just my opinion and my own experiences.
 
I am looking to purchase a nice, but not custom, full size 1911. I already own a Beretta M9A1. I have also ordered a Sig P365X for carry. I am considering Kimber, Springfield, and Colt. Each in the upper end of there non custom 9mm. So, Kimber Stainless Two, Rapide, or Raptor Two. Springfield Garrison, Loaded, or Emmissary. Colt Gold Cup Trophy. I am pretty sure the Kimbers are all made with the same guts. Are the Springfield models also? Is there any bench work with these companies or all production. What are your thoughts between these companies and models? 9mm does limit my choices for Springfields and the Colt. Any help would be appreciated. I realize I am asking for a preference, but being new to this I would like to hear what you all think.
Thank You
Are you looking for a model with a fully adjustable rear sight?
What are your plans for the gun?
Just shooting paper targets at the range or more organized type of shooting?

The Colt Gold Cup trophy, adds the mag well, checkered front grip and backstrap.
I would put the regular 9mm Colt Gold Cup 9mm in stainless as being comparable to the SA Loaded with adjustable sights, and close to the same price. (The Blued Colt Gold Cups do not have the beavertail grip safety, commander style hammer or extended safety. they do have a flat serrated rib on the top of the slide.)
 
I have a Professional and Garrison in 9mm. I will not say the Garrison is on the same level as my Professional but for the money spent on the Garrison I couldn't be happier with the performance. Very accurate and has ran flawlessly. A few years back I did have a target 9mm which I believe was a Range Officer which would possibly be the loaded target today. No complaints with the target gun either. Good luck in your shopping
 
Art the Rapide has a slightly different set up to the other two Kimbers. The Rapide does not have a Swartz safety - which is a good thing IMO. Any Kimber pistol which has a II after the name is a Series has the Swartz safety. The Swartz safety is a passive firing pin block that is activated by the grip safety. It has been known to prevent the gun from firing when one’s grip is not just so. I actually have this issue with my Kimber Pro Carry II. I think the Rapide is a fantastic pistol and by all accounts is a great shooting pistol. I don’t think you will be disappointed. It’s definitely in my future.
 
Are you looking for a model with a fully adjustable rear sight?
What are your plans for the gun?
Just shooting paper targets at the range or more organized type of shooting?

The Colt Gold Cup trophy, adds the mag well, checkered front grip and backstrap.
I would put the regular 9mm Colt Gold Cup 9mm in stainless as being comparable to the SA Loaded with adjustable sights, and close to the same price. (The Blued Colt Gold Cups do not have the beavertail grip safety, commander style hammer or extended safety. they do have a flat serrated rib on the top of the slide.)
Yes. I would like adjustable sights. Plan to use it for target fun. Probably silly to spend this kind of money, but I like the full size 1911, and would like to move up from my Beretta.
 
Art the Rapide has a slightly different set up to the other two Kimbers. The Rapide does not have a Swartz safety - which is a good thing IMO. Any Kimber pistol which has a II after the name is a Series has the Swartz safety. The Swartz safety is a passive firing pin block that is activated by the grip safety. It has been known to prevent the gun from firing when one’s grip is not just so. I actually have this issue with my Kimber Pro Carry II. I think the Rapide is a fantastic pistol and by all accounts is a great shooting pistol. I don’t think you will be disappointed. It’s definitely in my future.
Great information. I had no idea about the safety. Thank you
 
I am looking to purchase a nice, but not custom, full size 1911. I already own a Beretta M9A1. I have also ordered a Sig P365X for carry. I am considering Kimber, Springfield, and Colt. Each in the upper end of there non custom 9mm. So, Kimber Stainless Two, Rapide, or Raptor Two. Springfield Garrison, Loaded, or Emmissary. Colt Gold Cup Trophy. I am pretty sure the Kimbers are all made with the same guts. Are the Springfield models also? Is there any bench work with these companies or all production. What are your thoughts between these companies and models? 9mm does limit my choices for Springfields and the Colt. Any help would be appreciated. I realize I am asking for a preference, but being new to this I would like to hear what you all think.
Thank You
I have a Kimber Custom duel tone in 9mm also a Springfield RO Operator in 9mm, both are great shooters, as for which one I prefer, both are fine, I have Colts but there .45, will say though, the Springfield is to me a better fit gun, plus there warranty is top notch, Kimber’s warranty is iffy.
 
Last edited:
So…I own 9mm 1911’s, and I like them, but…

If I wanted a precision range-toy 9mm, I wouldn’t look at a 1911.

Sig P210, HK USP Expert…Sig 226 X5…CZ Shadows…that’s what I’d look at.
There is just something about a 1911 that to me is the way to go. Probably has something to do with my age. 😂 I did take a look at the Dan Wessons. Very nice. I really like the Pointman Nine PM-9. It just might be the winner. Reviews are outstanding. Thanks again for the suggestion.
 
Last edited:
Back
Top