Author Topic: Kimber ultra or Colt defender? (Read 1813 times)

cobrad · « **on:** January 31, 2010, 08:17:07 PM »

Been carrying a Kahr PM40 for the past couple years; very concealable but I prefer, and shoot much better with, a 1911. My commander prints too much; I often carry wearing just a t-shirt. I read good things about both these guns, but has anyone had experience with both of them?

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #1 on:** February 01, 2010, 01:41:21 AM »

toss up there. there both good guns

Mike in Virginia · « **Reply #2 on:** February 28, 2010, 01:01:57 PM »

Colts are not what they once were. IMO, Colt relies too much on its name.

williamlayton · « **Reply #3 on:** March 01, 2010, 12:13:38 AM »

Mike
I disagree with that statement.
I have 3 Colts and they functioned well when I got them--with all ammo.
I do have them slicked up and some parts changed for my anality.
Blessings

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #4 on:** March 01, 2010, 01:50:47 AM »

i agree theres nothing wrong with a colt!

Quote from: williamlayton on March 01, 2010, 12:13:38 AM

Mike
I disagree with that statement.
I have 3 Colts and they functioned well when I got them--with all ammo.
I do have them slicked up and some parts changed for my anality.
Blessings

Mike in Virginia · « **Reply #5 on:** March 01, 2010, 03:56:41 AM »

Apologies to any I offended. Perhaps I'm incorrect. My opinion of Colt is based on mine and my friend's experience with Colts of less than 5". The older ones, like the Officer's Model, were flawless and very accurate. But the 4 new ones we've had since then, were not reliable. These days, I'd go with a Kimber or Springfield for an out-of-the-box shooter, but that's just me.

I'm an old guy; I remember when Colt made fine revolvers too. Quality slipped before they ceased production. The only one surviving (the SAA) is still beautiful, but it lacks strength and timing.

williamlayton · « **Reply #6 on:** March 01, 2010, 07:13:02 AM »

Mike
Nothing too apologize for. If it appeared that I was offended let me change the expression on my face

.
We agree and disagree in the same thread.
Blessings

Bigeasy · « **Reply #7 on:** March 01, 2010, 07:28:02 AM »

I own several series 70 and 80 Colts, and a couple of Kimbers, including the Ultra Carry you mention. Both makes are well made, but I would give the edge to Kimber for fit and accuracy. The series 70 Gold Cups have that beautiful Colt Royal Blue, and are almost as tight and accurate as the Kimbers. No experience with the newer Colts. I have heard, for what it is worth, that some people have had problems with the shorter (Ultra / Officers) 1911's not being reliable, but I have about 700 rounds thru my Ultra now with zero malfunctions. My gun has the Crimson Trace laser grips on it, and they work great. I was never a fan of bulky add on lasers, but the grip style add no bulk, and will fit any normal 1911 holster.

Larry

Savage · « **Reply #8 on:** March 01, 2010, 02:14:42 PM »

Ultra Carry, no contest!
Savage

Hafast · « **Reply #9 on:** March 02, 2010, 04:06:07 AM »

I have carried a Defender with a Crimson Trace sight for a little over 3 years. I have put approximately 4k rounds through it. This includes ammo from 185gr Bullseye loads up to 230gr full tilt boogie personal protection hollow points. There has never been a malfunction of any type. I recently replaced the reciol springs in it.

Jim n Iowa · « **Reply #10 on:** March 06, 2010, 02:24:42 PM »

I have Colt Series 70 that after some work now functions with out problems. I think they all need some polishing. My Kimber Ultra Crimson Carry ll has all the work that my Colt has had, but at the factory level before I bought it. I think if you started out with either,(series 70-80) and the Kimber you would have similar $$ when the colt was brought up to the same grade, using a good smith to do the work.
Jim

williamlayton · « **Reply #11 on:** March 06, 2010, 10:59:24 PM »

I think I would go with the Kimber.
Blessings

cobrad · « **Reply #12 on:** March 22, 2010, 03:58:10 PM »

Well, I'm a little late getting back, but thank you all for your comments. I will say the Kimber is certainly a well finished pistol, and I am partial to it. I would like to see the Smith & Wesson version, but a year after their announcement and I still have not seen one offered for sale... any where.

RipOne · « **Reply #13 on:** March 23, 2010, 12:22:20 PM »

I like them all, but have shock-waved with the Kimber these last twelve years ... it's nice.

ihmsa70 · « **Reply #14 on:** March 24, 2010, 10:09:21 AM »

Get the Kimber Ultra if you don't mind the plastic mainspring housing, the crappy magazine they send with the new gun, the paper clip takedown tool, the rusty barrel on a new gun. Kimbers should be sold with two shipping boxes so you can send it back to the fact. service dept each time it malfuntions. Kimber quality control is non-existant.
Clyde

Savage · « **Reply #15 on:** March 24, 2010, 01:10:11 PM »

Quote from: ihmsa70 on March 24, 2010, 10:09:21 AM

Get the Kimber Ultra if you don't mind the plastic mainspring housing, the crappy magazine they send with the new gun, the paper clip takedown tool, the rusty barrel on a new gun. Kimbers should be sold with two shipping boxes so you can send it back to the fact. service dept each time it malfuntions. Kimber quality control is non-existant.
Clyde

So, is this a vote for the Colt?

Savage

Mike in Virginia · « **Reply #16 on:** March 25, 2010, 01:40:16 PM »

Ihmsa made one good point, but one only. He indicated the magazines are less than good. That was certainly true with the one that came with my Pro Carry. I got rid of it in favor of some new Combat Wilson magazines, which have no flaws.

Savage · « **Reply #17 on:** March 25, 2010, 03:19:52 PM »

Guess I still have the original magazines that have come with my Kimbers in my seldom used box. I have had good results with both the Chip McCormic and Wilson mags. I'm not sure I ever tried the mags that came with mine. At the very least, I'd have to install base pads on them to make them usable in my applications.
Savage