One of these two 1911’s for my first?

[Texpatriate]

I’m looking at two different 1911’s available used right now locally, a Kimber Custom Shop Combat Carry, and a Colt Mark IV. Both are priced in my price range at $900. Should I be considering one over the other for any particular reason? Should I pass on both in favor of something else?

I’m leaning toward the Colt to be honest, but this will be my first 1911 and I fully confess that I don’t know much about them other than that I want one.

[Texpatriate]

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[L-2]

Even though I don't know you or really care what you buy, I recommend buying a brand new 1911 for one's first 1911 (with few exceptions).

Although any new popular or desirable firearm may be hard to get right now, look over Springfield-Armory's product line to narrow it down to what features you're wanting and get back to here if you still can't decide. If a 1911 doesn't work right it can take several months or longer and easily eat up another $900, paid to a, hopefully, good gunsmith.

There's no way for anyone to determine which used 1911 to buy of those two without a knowledgeable person examining &/or shooting those guns in person.

Also, I personally don't care for Kimber "series II" or Colt "series 80" firing pin safety systems, not to say those two have them as I can't tell if they do.

Below, is Springfield-Armory's 1911 website.

https://www.springfield-armory.com/1...ries-handguns/

[pag23]

I would get the Colt out of the two.

But for a first 1911 for me I got a Springfield Mil Spec...decent cost and a good learning tool.

[Gary1911A1]

I agree with L2's post and add Springfield's CS is excellent and they will fix their 1911 pistols if you do have a problem.

[1986s4]

I agree with L2's post and add Springfield's CS is excellent and they will fix their 1911 pistols if you do have a problem.

Totally agree that Springfield's CS is second to none. I've owned 2 Springfield's and two Colts. Both of the Springers needed to use their excellent CS. The Colts didn't need anything and I still have the Colt .38 super which I have used and abused for 8 years now. Springfield did correct the problems and they returned working 100% but I don't have them anymore.
Good luck in your decision !

[BangBang01]

From the two you posted Colt. For a first the SA Range Officer is hard to beat.

[Pappabear]

Colt or SA or Dan & Wesson.

The last 1911 on Planet earth to buy would be any Kimber.

PB

[halfmoonclip]

Had a MilSpec Springer some years ago; swapped it on a G43, and missed it. Since, I've gotten one of the Turkish GI guns; the darn thing is really beautifully made and finished. The two share the virtually invisible GI sights, but you could do far worse with a starter 1911. The Turk is cheap too, @ $400. It just got a nice write up in the NRA magazines.
A Colt will always be a Colt, and more marketable down the road, and can't say I've been unhappy with any of mine.
Moon

[Colt Carson]

In that price range the only 1911s I would consider are Springfield and Colt.