I've narrowed it down to 2 - gimme your 2 cents

[itschris]

I'm buying a new carry 1911. I've got it pretty much narrowed down to either the Kimber Pro CDP II (http://www.kimberamerica.com/pistols/cdp/procdp.php)

or the Wison Combat KZ 45 Compact (http://www.wilsoncombat.com/p_kz45_compact.asp)

Both are similar in price. Both are quality guns I'd trust my life with. I'm looking for opinions why one maybe a better choice over the other. Thanks guys.

[Lazarus]

They both are great guns. I like the WC a little bit more in looks and they have that accuracy guarantee but I own a Kimber. I realize that I probably didnt offer much help and for that I am sorry.

[jtkratzer]

The first 1911 I shot was a Kimber CDP II Pro. I've never shot a 1911 with a polymer frame and it almost seems like blasphemy. Anyway...the CDP II Pro weighs the same as the XD45 compact if you've held/shot/had one of those. I was looking at getting the CDP II Pro as my first semi auto and carry gun but in the end I went with the XD based on the cost, capacity, and I wanted something I wasn't going to worry about beating around as a carry gun.

Personally, I think I'd go with the Kimber because of the materials the gun is made out of, but then again, I've never even handled a polymer 1911. Although the 9+1 capacity is nice. Is that a double stack 1911 or is the grip just longer? The Wilson site says it's thinner than a standard 1911...

Last thing...the Wilson is 34 ounces unloaded for a full size, 30 for the compact and the Kimber is going to be 28 or 29 I think.

[itschris]

I have an ported XD-40 now. I have to admit, that I'm not 100% comfortable not having a manual safety on my carry gun. It's just what I've trained myself over the years and what I feel most comfortable with. I love my XD, but I feel better about carrying a 1911.

I'm not a 100% sure on the poly framed WC either, though I'm sure if anyone can do it right it's gonna be Wilson. That being said, the Kimber is a no brainer for me and I was just about to settle on it when I came across the Wilson. I've always been a huge fan of WC and I do find myself interested in their option. Both are great looking guns, both are comparable in price, and I believe quality to be on par as well. It's a tough call which is why I'm hoping to get some defintive thoughts... but at the same time, new questions, ones that I haven't thought about are just as important.

[jtkratzer]

I would have to think if there's an issue with quality, it wouldn't be the Wilson. Kimber is a good company, but c'mon, it's Wilson Combat.

I have no issue with the polymer frame other than it's just not the norm for the 1911...Springfield did it right with a carbon steel slide on a polymer frame. I have no doubt the Wilson will work.

[Blackwater]

I've had 4 Kimbers including the CDPII, none worked 100%, I've sworn them off.
Springfield has given me a .45 Micro that works 100% of the time, unlike the Covert Ultra I tried and 2 other LW Operators 4" and 5". All 100%.

For 1911, I"ll stick with Springfield.

[bigun]

I'd go with the CDP 2 Just as a warning do not use split follower mags in the gun, Tripps or Wilsons are my top choices with the alluminum frame, The split follower mags work but will scar the frame right under the feed ramp.

[vashooter]

Are you kidding?? Wilson If you can afford it get the Wilson!!