1911 or keep the HK?

[sigsteve]

I've posted this on both local forums so sorry if you are annoyed by this.

I've recently purchased a HK USP .45 Tactical. Now, at the time I thought I knew what it was that I wanted and I hadn't spent a lot of time shooting. I actually hadn't shot anything but a S&W 629 and loved it. I wised up about my first purchase as I planned to CC. I've also picked up a Sig 229 as my carry and I love the Sig. I can't say that I'm as pleased with my HK purchase as it's not the best target pistol I've shot yet. I've shot a couple of 1911's (a SA base model that I rented at Bill's) I like the feel except it had a pretty heavy trigger. I know that can be upgraded, but I'm more interested in something that is trick out of the box without spending more that say $1200. I've considered Kimber and another said I couldn't do any better than a Colt Gold Cup Match. Anyone that's interested in my like new HK I may be interested in selling or trading for a nice 1911.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[ttousi]

What's to be annoyed about ?

welcome

[sigsteve]

What's to be annoyed about ?

welcome

I know that many go between both forums and I just didn't want to be a pain.

[Pat]

What's to be annoyed about ?

welcome

I know that many go between both forums and I just didn't want to be a pain.

What other forum?

[sigsteve]

What's to be annoyed about ?

welcome

I know that many go between both forums and I just didn't want to be a pain.

What other forum?

Twincitiescarry.com Or are you being smug?

[David]

He's not being smug, he's being funny. There's some funny history there that might be lost on new people!

If you don't like the HK, I don't see why you'd keep it. Get rid of that thing and get something you like! It sounds like you already have a carry piece that you like, so have fun customizing and/or building a 1911! Kimbers and Gold Cups are great guns. Since you're into SIGs, you might want to look at their version of the 1911, too.

[sigsteve]

He's not being smug, he's being funny. There's some funny history there that might be lost on new people!

If you don't like the HK, I don't see why you'd keep it. Get rid of that thing and get something you like! It sounds like you already have a carry piece that you like, so have fun customizing and/or building a 1911! Kimbers and Gold Cups are great guns. Since you're into SIGs, you might want to look at their version of the 1911, too.

Thanks. I've wondered about the Sig 1911 variants. It funny when I talk with some people about that as an option I get mixed reactions. It's almost like they don't take Sig seriously as a 1911. Others say they're fine, but that the Kimbers and others are much better.

[CueBall]

straight out of the box a kimber tle 4" is pretty hard to beat and can be had for 1000-1100. as for target shooting, for me, its much more easier to shoot and carry than my springfield trp. if you like the 1911 form you could also consider the various 9mm flavors as the springfield emp, which can be had in .40 and the kimber aegis. both will set you back about a grand ,give or take. i own one of the emps in 9mm and its really a neat little gun. if you are new to the 1911 form maybe buy an inexpensive model such as the taurus, which ive heard great things about and work up from there if you feel the need. as for 1911 sigs, i have no experience but a sig is a sig, reliable and dependable. im always looking for a reason to go shooting, so if any of the ones i mentioned that i own interest id be happy to let you throw some lead downrange with them. good luck.

[sigsteve]

Thanks Cueball! I'll keep it in mind. I have a friend who's volunteered his Kimber at League shoot on Thursdays at Bill's GS. I'll let you all know what I think after that.

[bstrawse]

I was at Oakdale today shooting my Kimber Custom CDP II - had some minor extractor tension issues I was working through. Turned out the range safety officer at the 25 yard range had a Kimber TLE II and loved the pistol - was his favorite of the 1911s. I prefer the lighter frame (thus the CDP), but I've heard nothing but good things about the TLE. I would look into those if I was after another Kimber.

I like the look of the Kimber Eclipse alot - Cabelas in Rogers has a used one for $849 (I think that was the price) that appeared to be in good shape.
b

[1911fan]

If it's used at cabela's you can always haggle I have knocked as much as forty percent of used rifle price.

[David]

I've wondered about the Sig 1911 variants. It funny when I talk with some people about that as an option I get mixed reactions. It's almost like they don't take Sig seriously as a 1911.

You can count me in that category, at least until I shot one. For me SIGs were always the standard 220 series (220, 226, 229, etc.) and I included the 210 series of course. Never had any interest in the SIG Pro or the 250. When the GSR came along I lumped it in with all those. I rented one on a whim a few months back and found that it shot, out of the box, just as well as the Gold Cup and Wilson Protector I'm familiar with. If I were looking for another 1911 in that price range I'd probably go with either a SIG or a Kimber, even though I wouldn't have even thought about including the SIG just a short time ago.

[sigsteve]

I've wondered about the Sig 1911 variants. It funny when I talk with some people about that as an option I get mixed reactions. It's almost like they don't take Sig seriously as a 1911.

You can count me in that category, at least until I shot one. For me SIGs were always the standard 220 series (220, 226, 229, etc.) and I included the 210 series of course. Never had any interest in the SIG Pro or the 250. When the GSR came along I lumped it in with all those. I rented one on a whim a few months back and found that it shot, out of the box, just as well as the Gold Cup and Wilson Protector I'm familiar with. If I were looking for another 1911 in that price range I'd probably go with either a SIG or a Kimber, even though I wouldn't have even thought about including the SIG just a short time ago.

Great feedback! Thanks!

[Shipyard]

i own a Kimber TLE and absolutely love it. i've also spent some time with a Springfield TRP and Sig 1911's that cost more and still like the Kimber better. straight out of the box and over 3K rounds i have not had one FTE, FTF or other problem with it. I've also owned the H&K USP full size, compact and P2000 in 45, 40 and 9mm respectively. Notice I said "owned".

don't get me wrong - the H&K's are great guns and hella reliable, for me it's just too much money to leave around in a utility type weapon. a glock will do all the practical tasks an H&K will at half the price.

unless i was a Navy Seal on active duty, my choice would be the 1911

[Pinnacle]

Here is my $0.02 worth

I have a very strong opinion on this issue. If the HK is working for you and you find it Hella Reliable - I would stay with it. 1911's are cool for sure - but you just cant beat an HK for the combination of accuracy, ease of use, and reliability.

A 1911 is a gun that you MUST and I mean MUST shoot a lot and train with to be proficient. The HK is a much simpler gun to learn to shoot well under stress.

Both are good guns - but unless you make the commitment to learn to shoot a 1911 well - I think that it is a mistake to go to that platform. A 1911 is a real learning curve and it DOES have a safety that you must learn to manage under stress.

I would never trade a 100% reliable gun for an unknown commodity. 1911's can be twitchy EDITED FOR HAMMAR


According to the CEO Of Nighthawk Custom - you either buy a Taurus, or well a Nighthawk........ Funny huh (that is actually a direct quote.)

Just a couple of thoughts.