kimber vs wilson

[napaCCW]

I am looking at 2 used guns 1 is a Kimber custom tle and the other is a Wilson protector. It will be used for range work home protection etc. The tle is 750 the protector is 1500. Both I think are in an of themselves good deals. Is the wilson really worth twice as much? I get caught up sometimes have a hard time with perceived vs actual advantages.
Thanks

[sjd78]

Yes, the Wilson is worth twice as much. The fit, finish and reliability of Wilson Combat pistols is fantastic. The Wilson is a semi custom pistol that is precisely hand fitted together by master craftsmen. Where as the Kimber is a massed produced production line gun. Even Kimbers custom shop guns are massed produced. Take a look at some of the 1911 forums at all of the problems people experience with their Kimbers and then decided which one is best for you.

[AMS MIKE]

My 1st gun was a Kimber TLE Custom II. Was a great gun. Never had any issues and felt natural to shoot.

I've never held a wilson gun before.

[napaCCW]

I have good luck with my Kimbers. I have held Wilson Baers Browns and Nighthawks all felt great. But I dont want to get caught up in the name. But I do like nice things.

[sealbeach]

My primary carry gun is a Kimber Custom II (the TLE has a few more features), I carry it every day, it is tough, accurate, dependable and it was a great deal at around $759 several years ago.

IMHO, that Kimer TLE is a REALLY good deal for an excellent gun. I am not bashing the Wilson, I do not have any Wilson guns, so I have no experience with them, I am only commenting on the value of the Kimber you saw for sale.

I don't know your budget, but if you are sensive to the costs, you would not go wrong with that Kimber.

[CCWInstructor]

Originally Posted by sjd78

Yes, the Wilson is worth twice as much. The fit, finish and reliability of Wilson Combat pistols is fantastic. The Wilson is a semi custom pistol that is precisely hand fitted together by master craftsmen. Where as the Kimber is a massed produced production line gun. Even Kimbers custom shop guns are massed produced. Take a look at some of the 1911 forums at all of the problems people experience with their Kimbers and then decided which one is best for you.

Once again not sure where you got your information. Three wilsons, three failed inspection. Yes, you are paying for fit and finish. Does it shoot any better at 7 to 10 yards. The answer is no. Do you look better shooting a wilson, YES!

Have you ever been to the Kimber Custom shop? If you did, did you see the jigs the hand fit all the parts into before going into the gun?

[maldos]

I have a Wilson Protector and it has never failed to go bang in over 2000 rounds, it's a keeper.

That said, I'm buying a Kimber Ultra CDP II.

[X-ffdo]

This is no highjack!
If you visit other internet gun boards, you will spot same arguments in reference to other makes of guns.
I mean, visit the Bersa gun board....Piece of S***/ Bersa is the best gun for the money!.... Love/hate.
Glocks, same. H&K, same. Taurus....wow, that is another one! Kahr, same deal....they are perceived as great or just junk. EAA witness (CZ clone), another deal..... (I love EAA Witness, myself).
Same thing with cars, Mercedes, junk! Honda, Good!!!...Toyota/best. No, I must be seen in a Bimmer, some good/some big bad expensive junk.
My point, call it instant Karma. I go to the 1911 board and look at the Dan Wesson CBOB, they all love it. Kimber....there is another love/hate situation, big time, it hurts more when they are expensive/beautiful. My Ultra CDP II so far is behaving, if it will not, beautiful or not, I will move it!.
Go with what you like, if it turns out to be a piece of junk, move it! What are you going to do? You are not going to convince anyone, your experience will shape your reality. I cringe every time I see a single action (1911) with the rear ramped sights, IT iS VISCERAL, BIG TIME, it sickens me to no end!!!!!!! but that is me, wonder how come people buy those, they do and yet the world keeps spinning! (BUT YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT MY OPINION OF PEOPLE WHO BUY THOSE IS, (Poor, dumb, ignorant bastards)!!!! GIVE ME THE REAR SIGHTS OF THE KIMBER SIS....for one hand racking! ), then again that is me.
Good luck in your choice!!! It is only money!

[napaCCW]

X-ffdo- Good point. I am never going to get a consensus on the internet to many opinions.

[hygyliac]

I've owned both manufacturers and still do. Both have a break-in period, some less than others. I personally follow the 500 round rule for any pistol that I buy new. Once it reachs that point, both operate and feed with no problems. With the more expensive Wilson you will find it becomes an object of conversation. As a range gun, both will shoot the same and give you loads of fun. Its after you shoot that the Wilson draws more attention from other people, especially when they recognize the name.

[napaCCW]

Well decision is made I will pick up my new to me tle in 10 days.

[AMS MIKE]

Originally Posted by napaCCW

Well decision is made I will pick up my new to me tle in 10 days.

Congrats. Enjoy your new to you pistol. :cheers: in good health!