Advice: Kimber vs Para Ordnance
- Thread starter Lance Boyle
- Start date
- Location
- Southeastern Michigan
Two fine 1911s, toss a coin. In my case, my Kimber gets the edge on finish but my Para 14 will out shoot it. Regards, Richard
Yuri Orlov
Regular
Why would you want to buy a gun someone else prefers? What matters is what YOU prefer. You've already narrowed your choice down to only 2 brands...both well known, both popular, and both with fans that will argue until blue in the face as to which is better.
Now go out and try them both out and decide what YOU prefer.
Steve David
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Oshawa, Ontario
Why would you want to buy a gun someone else prefers? What matters is what YOU prefer. You've already narrowed your choice down to only 2 brands...both well known, both popular, and both with fans that will argue until blue in the face as to which is better.
Now go out and try them both out and decide what YOU prefer.
I have to agree with Yuri. When I was in the market for a 1911, there was so many choices even more so is the case now. Based on what I read, my first choice was the Kimber TLE II. Well I took a little ride down to the Buffalo gun Centre were the 1911's from many makers are a plenty, even big name customs like Les Baer, Wilson Combat and even a few Nowlin's and one Novak. If I had the funds, the Novak would have been mine, but based on the main issue of budget, it came down to two models that I liked, the Kimber TLE II and a Springfield loaded. I had no interest in a rail, not a need for me, and in the end I chose the Kimber as it was a bit cheaper and it had the checkered front strap. Depending on were you are, try and go to one of the bigger stocking delares and first off try for fit in your hand. The 1911 market is full of opinions, and everyone you get is going to be differant. As far as quality goes, that can be your first start, they are all good!
- Location
- North of Toronto and South Carolina
I spent quite a bit of time handling 1911s. My main consideration was trigger feel, sights, and overall quality--fit and finish.
Also, I didn't want to spend over $1100. I played with Norinco, Springfield, Kimber, S&W, Colt, Sig, Para. I could not afford a real custom.
The Para SSP had that expensive "glass rod" trigger feel I wanted plus fit and finish better than the Kimbers and Springers I saw.
I also spent a fair amount of time reading posts on the two 1911 forums, and here, too. I noted that all brands have their share of fan adoration and horror stories, too. I noted a pattern of Kimber fans preferring the early Kimbers over the recent Kimbers.
Really, at the $1K price point, you're splitting hairs. I got the Para and I've been very happy with it. And, I'm supporting a Canadian company, too.
Also, I didn't want to spend over $1100. I played with Norinco, Springfield, Kimber, S&W, Colt, Sig, Para. I could not afford a real custom.
The Para SSP had that expensive "glass rod" trigger feel I wanted plus fit and finish better than the Kimbers and Springers I saw.
I also spent a fair amount of time reading posts on the two 1911 forums, and here, too. I noted that all brands have their share of fan adoration and horror stories, too. I noted a pattern of Kimber fans preferring the early Kimbers over the recent Kimbers.
Really, at the $1K price point, you're splitting hairs. I got the Para and I've been very happy with it. And, I'm supporting a Canadian company, too.
Either will get the job done just as good as the other. I would buy either without hesitation as neither one is more likely to fail you than the other.
There's lots of BS out their about service, quality, problems, broken parts and abuse and what crummy service someone got from the manufacturer at some point. You can't keep every one happy.
More important than the manufacturer, is what options you want. Double stack will mean para. Light rail will mean kimber. Carry in the US, maybe the para ccw or warthog if you can get one. .40cal or 9mm, more choices in Para than para (I know it should only be a .45).
The one thing I like about my Para over Kimber is the size of the groves on the slide. On my Para Limitted, I've got adjustable rear sight, ambi safety and wide groves on the slide. I don't like the fine cut groves on some of the Kimbers.
What do you want to do with your 1911? IPSC, target shooting, zombies?
There's lots of BS out their about service, quality, problems, broken parts and abuse and what crummy service someone got from the manufacturer at some point. You can't keep every one happy.
More important than the manufacturer, is what options you want. Double stack will mean para. Light rail will mean kimber. Carry in the US, maybe the para ccw or warthog if you can get one. .40cal or 9mm, more choices in Para than para (I know it should only be a .45).
The one thing I like about my Para over Kimber is the size of the groves on the slide. On my Para Limitted, I've got adjustable rear sight, ambi safety and wide groves on the slide. I don't like the fine cut groves on some of the Kimbers.
What do you want to do with your 1911? IPSC, target shooting, zombies?
Public Agency Paras
Yes. Look here:
http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/features/rapidfire/form.html
Yes. Look here:
http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/features/rapidfire/form.html
