[mitrod3]

which one really grabs you?

i have both (basically) as i own the S&W Basic Stainless and a new Custom II, but that one is the non stainless one.

both are just plain fine guns although my Custom II does have a tighter bushing/barrel fit than the S&W and thus shoots just a touch tighter groups. for defensive purposes either will get the job done just fine....actually, very well. tight groups close up and COM at 25 yards which is fine for me.

only other issue was the trigger on the S&W. they seem to be loosely fitted and it took a touch of getting used to, but once i got used to it she was fine. not sure if the newer ones are still coming with the loosely fitted triggers.

i would have no problems recommending either gun. S&W did get the external extractor thing right, but the full sized Kimber's seem to run just fine. i have had two of them and both ran without one single hitch.

never had to use S&W service, but Kimber service did a fine job when i had mepro sights put on my Custom II.

good luck and let us know how it goes.

be safe, shoot well. :rock:

 

[upnorthbacon]

I do like the lower novak sights, neither are tritium, so it's really a moot point I'm sure I'll eventually replace them. Also I noticed the S&W had lines on the front strap which seem to grip a little better than the slick Custom II. The only other real selling point of the S&W over the Kimber is that it comes with two 8 round mags, although I haven't heard if they are good mags. I do like the black and silver highlights on the S&W instead of all silver. The Kimber appeared to have a lighter trigger pull then the S&W or at least it was more crisp. I let everyone know which one I go with but I'm leaning towards the Smith because of the cheaper price and two 8 round mags instead of one 7. Also I did notice a Kimber Custom 25th Aniversary edition NIB there! They wanted $830 which seemed a little high for the plain blued, although it had the aniversary grips and internal extractor.

 

[mitrod3]

the mags that came with the S&W have worked just fine in it and my other 1911 .45s.

i also liked the blend of black and stainless on the S&W....one reason i went for it.

for me, i had $35.00 fluff and buff (by local smith) trigger jobs on both to get them down to 3.5 lbs. which is where i like all my guns, but the Kimber NIB did have a slightly lighter trigger than the S&W NIB to start with.

enjoy....whichever way you go.

be safe, shoot well. :rock: