Originally Posted by
Bret
My first Commander sized 1911 was a 9mm stainless Kimber Pro Carry II. I bought it around the time that Obama got elected, so they were nowhere to be found locally. I looked at all the data and pictures on their website and decided to place an order online. It arrived and I found that my "stainless" "carry" pistol had black sights and a carbon steel barrel (in the white). BTW, their website didn't show a picture of the sights and it listed the barrel as being made from "match grade steel", whatever that is. When I get a new gun I shoot a variety of known good factory new ammunition through it. This one was no different. The first time I shot it I knew there was a problem. Spent cases were ejecting weakly in multiple directions and it experienced multiple failures to eject. I knew right away that the pistol was simply oversprung. Called Kimber and they told me that there was a break-in period. I knew that was BS, but I shot it just to be sure. Nothing changed other than the amount of ammo I had went down. Called Kimber again and they sent a call tag. I got it back and nothing had changed. Frustrated, I looked on Wolff's website for a lighter recoil spring. Found out that this particular pistol has a bastard size recoil spring and the only one Wolff offers is the same poundage as the factory spring. Sent it back to Kimber again and got it back. Same old story. I don't know what they think they did, but I couldn't have described the weak ejection problem any better, so they had to see it unless they were shooting +P+ ammo. I then decided that I would attempt to fix it myself. So, I installed a weaker hammer spring which brought the trigger pull weight down. But, most importantly, the pistol began ejecting spent cases with more force and they were ejecting to the right as they should. Even more most importantly, no more failures to eject. Of course since it was supposed to be a "carry" pistol, I had to replace the sights. Now it does run 100%, is accurate and I must admit it looks good, but the whole experience just left a bad taste in my mouth. There's no excuse for Kimber shipping out an unreliable pistol to begin with, but two trips back should have easily fixed things up. Not to mention, I just feel ripped off in regard to getting a carbon steel barrel in a stainless gun and black sights on a carry gun.
I've since purchased two 9mm Colt Commanders, one with a steel frame and one with an aluminum frame. Both run 100%, though I'd give the Kimber the edge in the trigger and accuracy department. I'd definitely give the Colts the edge in the bet your life on it department.
My most recent commander sized purchase is a 9mm Springfield Armory Champion. The first time I shot it the fiber optic sight looked great, until it fell off.
Based on my experiences, if I could only buy one, I'd go with the Colt. I am interested in getting a Ruger to see how it compares.