1911 decision, Ruger or Kimber

jimbo45 said:
thats good advice if you want to lose 50 percent on the cost of the pistol you dont like
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Ya because if you buy a Ruger and don't like it ( I would buy the Ruger) you will only get about $400 for it on the EE....:eek: and the Kimber might sell for around $600 if you are lucky....w:h:

Buying and trying isn't for everyone and there is a cost for sure but 50% seems a little steep...I like the way you think though as most overcharge for their used wares!
 
Go for the Ruger.QC on Kimbers is hit and miss while generally Rugers are very well made,well finished in a consistent manner

The fact that the Ruger doesnt have a FP safety is a bonus IMO.
 
Ted- Dent
" 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."


You are absolutly correct in the fit and finish, However it takes about the same amt. of tuning to both to make them functionally equal.
I LIKE Rugers, I just think that like most manufacturers to keep riseing costs down they have slipped a bit like the others in the QC dept. Para,STI,Kimber even Springfield A,etc... have all had their share of issues.

IMO...Likely goes something like this
CEO of ### firearms company
"Till we build a great reputation every item leaves the factory in perfect form...Once we got consumer convinced that simply by purchaseing brand ### we can fire 3/4 of the QC guys and only inspect every 25th item"
 
ted_dent said:
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.
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Since you actually own both the really simple question I wonder about is how accuracy compares. Have you shot the Ruger enough to have a feel for how accurate it is compared to the Kimber?

I would likely put a good set of adjustable sights on the Ruger if I went that route.
 
Can-down said:
Ya because if you buy a Ruger and don't like it ( I would buy the Ruger) you will only get about $400 for it on the EE....:eek: and the Kimber might sell for around $600 if you are lucky....w:h:

Buying and trying isn't for everyone and there is a cost for sure but 50% seems a little steep...I like the way you think though as most overcharge for their used wares!
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I'm pretty sure anyone would offer you sticker price at least for the Ruger because no one is getting one right now.
 
Chuck said:
Since you actually own both the really simple question I wonder about is how accuracy compares. Have you shot the Ruger enough to have a feel for how accurate it is compared to the Kimber?

I would likely put a good set of adjustable sights on the Ruger if I went that route.
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I consider myself an adequate shot and if I concentrate I can consistently put 10 shots in 3" groups from a vertical PPC barricade rest with the Ruger. The Kimber Stainless II groups slightly smaller (perhaps 2 1/2") with the same load. However, I installed a Nowlin Pro Match Trigger Job kit in the Kimber which dropped the pull weight down to about 3 1/2 ponds while the stock Ruger trigger runs a bit over 5 pounds so I attribute the smaller groups to the better trigger in the Kimber. I intend to put the same kit in the Ruger but haven't gotten around to it yet. When I do I will be surprised if the Ruger groups don't equal the Kimber.

As I noted in the writeup, a friend of mine who is an outstanding shot put 4 shots from the Ruger in 1" plus a slight flyer which took the group out to 2" at 25 yards so the gun has plenty of accuracy potential.

Unless you're a great shot (hope you are but most of us aren't :redface:) I don't think you're going to notice much difference between the two for the extra couple hundred dollars the Kimber will cost you.
 
heckler said:
Ted- Dent
" 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."

You are absolutly correct in the fit and finish, However it takes about the same amt. of tuning to both to make them functionally equal.
I LIKE Rugers, I just think that like most manufacturers to keep riseing costs down they have slipped a bit like the others in the QC dept. Para,STI,Kimber even Springfield A,etc... have all had their share of issues.
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I don't disagree with you. A 'smith will have to do most of the same work to a $350 Norc as he will to an $1800 Grand Raptor to get similar trigger weight, etc. And granted the Ruger is several hundred $ more than the Norc. I honestly believe, however, that for what the Ruger 1911 costs it is probably the best combination of quality & value in a 1911 right now (although granted they aren't THAT available yet :redface:). It's a mostly stainless gun except for the blued controls, and the lockup and slide/frame fit on mine were tight as a drum.

Comes from the factory with two good mags, extended thumb safety, extended mag release, beavertail grip safety, bevelled mag well, real Novak sights, very nice wood grip panels, lightweight trigger and skeletonized hammer. Unles you want something special like an ambi safety, front slide serrations or a rail there's really nothing the gun needs except perhaps some trigger work, and honestly, what factory 1911 doesn't need that anyway.

I predict that when Ruger eventually catches up to demand they will start offering things like adjustable sights and other calibres which will push their popularity even higher. I've read very little so far regarding QC problems but as they push production higher you might be right & problems may arise. I hope not but it's always possible.
 
the only thing ruger should do is offer a full blown version with magwell and adjustable sights as well as an option for nightsights.

speaking of which does nyone know the specs for the sight slots so I can order some aftermarket night sights.
 
I own both a Kimber Custom Target II and an STI Trojan. Accuracy on the Kimber is great, but it's been worked on. Out of the box, for pretty much the same price, I'd have to say the STI is a slightly better made pistol. Parts for STI are easily obtained through Freedom Ventures. Haven't handled the Ruger 1911, but own 7 of their revolvers and am a fan. If you can get the SR1911 for $500 less than the Kimber, I'd say go for the Ruger and get the rear sight replaced.
 
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