1911 decision, Ruger or Kimber

Chuck

Chuck

CGN Regular
Rating - 99.3%
144   1   1
Location
Deep River
I'm going to be buying my first 1911 soon. My choice are narrowed do to the Ruger 1911 or the Kimber Custom Target II. Now I realize this isn't an apples to apples comparison but here it is. Here in Canada the Kimber is a $1200 pistol, the Ruger (when they start getting here soon) is priced at $730. Kimbers have nicer fit and finish so I understand and the one I'm looking at has adjustable sights.

I really care about it accuracy. Only accurate guns are interesting. I know the Kimber is accurate, I shot one belonging to a friend earlier tonight, but how will the Ruger do by comparison?

For the $500 price difference I could upgrade the sights, have a trigger job done (if needed) and still have a couple hundred dollars left over if I bought the Ruger. On the other hand, if the Kimber is flat out better, I don't mind paying for quality.

Hypothetically speaking, if we were close friends and I said "here's my credit card, order one and have it shipped to me" which one would you pick and why?
 
I never have the occasion to shoot a Ruger 1911, but all my 1911 Kimbers are top guns for accuracy and reliability right out of the box.
*also Kimbers have a light 3.5-3.7 lbs factory trigger !
 
Hey Chuck, have you looked at STI 1911's....in particular the 5" Trojan? Just another option for you to consider along with Ruger and Kimber. The Trojan comes with adjustable target sights and STI has a reputation for decent accuracy out of the box.
 
Kimber for sure.I have had great luck with every one I own. As mentioned above STI makes a good Trojan gets my vote there.
Other than their revolvers I am still a bit sceptical of rugers quallity/value of their bottom feeders. Not all are bad ....Just have not seen to many great ones. I would put them on par with a tuned Norc. or a Para LTC
 
As someone who has had both I would, for sure, go Ruger. Especially if you are looking at the entry level Kimbers. Ruger was easily their contemporary.

Once you start looking at high end Kimbers then the water muddies.

STI Trojan is an excellent option as well but then again is quite a price differential. I personally don't like the Spartan.
 
I know that the Ruger doesn't have the firing pin safety if that really matter. Does it also have some MIM parts? My first pistol was a Kimber Target II and it was very accurate.
 
I have a Ruger SR1911, a Kimber Stainless II in 45 and a Stainless II Target in 9mm so I guess I can give you an apples to apples comparison.

In addition to my own Kimbers I have also shot a stock Grand Raptor and NONE of them even cames close to a 3.5 to 3.7 pound trigger pull. Try closer to 4.5-5 pounds. Manufacturers do this deliberately to avoid liability lawsuits so if you buy a Kimber and expect to get a 3.5 lb. trigger out of the box you're probably going to be sorely disappointed.

I've never owned a Para so can't compare them but as for the comment that the Ruger is close to a tuned Norc, except maybe for the trigger pull that is just plain wrong. I've owned at least 5 Norcs in various configurations and the fit and finish isn't even on the same planet as the Ruger.

I was lucky enough to get one of the first SR1911s to land in Canada and after several requests I did a review of it here (post #21):

http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=684400&page=3

The Kimbers are excellent guns (not crazy about the firing pin safety or cheesy plastic mainspring housing, however) but what you are looking at is going to cost about $400 more than the Ruger which would buy a mighty fine trigger job and accuracy tuneup (if the gun even needed it).

The only real down side to the Ruger compared to the Kimber you're looking at is that it has fixed sights compared to the Kimber adjustables. BTW there is a Novak style adjustable rear sight available which will fit the Ruger. The sight plus a trigger job still brings the Ruger in around $200 cheaper than the Kimber.

Both fine guns but if money is a factor it's the Ruger hands down.
 
I vote Kimber, just cause I've had a good time with mine. although like others have said the STI is a good bang for your buck as well.
 
Personally, I'd lean toward the Ruger, too.

Too bad they aren't more 'readily' available in Canada yet.

---------------
NAA.
 
I've never seen a Ruger 1911 in person, but I think Kimber would be better quality gun. that's why you pay more money. Personally I'd recommend a SIG 1911 instead.
 
Kimber charges more but this doesnt equal quality. Lots of cheap parts used! Like I said there are pages and pages of kssues with Kimbers if you do a quick google search. Many experts in the field have expressed their dissapointment in Kimbers quality and durability as well.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom