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Hey everyone. I was just wanting to feel everyone out on which of these two companies provides a better value and quality and why. I know that there are plenty of Kimber lovers out there including myself, but lately on the 1911 forums it seems that quite a bit of people are speaking very highly of the STI 1911. Let me know what ya think.

I would go with STI - if all other things being equal because Kimber are everywhere. I'm willing to bet STI uses the fewest MIM parts, but I couldn't swear to it. Kimber - made in NY, STI - made in TX. Kimber took really good care of me when they didn't have to, but I don' think the average owner would get that treatment. Which models are you considering?

also - if it's not a Colt it's a copy

Im trying to decide between a STI Gaurdian & the Ranger II.

STI --- 'Nuff said.

I have both and I can tell you that the fit and finish on the STI is really a notch or two above the two Kimbers I have. It's very smooth and just put together so well. Don't get me wrong the Kimbers are great but STI just seems to put just a little bit more into there 1911s.

I like everything about STI ... except those big gawdy model names on the side of the slide

austinrealtor wrote:I like everything about STI ... except those big gawdy model names on the side of the slide

That and it seems like most of the models that I'd be interested in have that unconcealable magwell thing on them.

Dave2 wrote:

austinrealtor wrote:I like everything about STI ... except those big gawdy model names on the side of the slide

That and it seems like most of the models that I'd be interested in have that unconcealable magwell thing on them.

It isn't easy to conceal most double stack .45s, with or without a big magwell.

I'd suggest taking a drive down to Georgetown for an STI factory tour. Walking the factory and seeing the time and effort that goes into producing each of their guns makes it a whole new experience buying one. Plus, they have an example of every gun they make available for you to fondle and drool on.

I love almost everything about my STI, and I can honestly say that the only thing that I don't like is the polymer mainspring housing. It functions fine, and looks like any other MSH, but I think that it doesn't do the rest of the gun justice.

STI's warranty is unequaled. If you aren't happy with anything they will fix it, no qualms. When I got my Guardian it was ejecting brass over my right shoulder and behind me. I didn't like that, I wanted it to eject to my right. I'm lucky to live right around the corner from STI, so I walked into the factory and explained what I wanted. 30 minutes later I was standing on their test range shooting their ammo with one of the gunsmiths who made adjustments until it was how I wanted. They treated my as if I was their only customer and genuinely wanted me to walk out of there happy with my gun. Mind, I wasn't unhappy when I walked in, I just wanted it to function differently so my brass was thrown into the brass catcher at the range.

dcphoto wrote:

Dave2 wrote:

austinrealtor wrote:I like everything about STI ... except those big gawdy model names on the side of the slide

That and it seems like most of the models that I'd be interested in have that unconcealable magwell thing on them.

It isn't easy to conceal most double stack .45s, with or without a big magwell.

I'd suggest taking a drive down to Georgetown for an STI factory tour. Walking the factory and seeing the time and effort that goes into producing each of their guns makes it a whole new experience buying one. Plus, they have an example of every gun they make available for you to fondle and drool on.

I love almost everything about my STI, and I can honestly say that the only thing that I don't like is the polymer mainspring housing. It functions fine, and looks like any other MSH, but I think that it doesn't do the rest of the gun justice.

STI's warranty is unequaled. If you aren't happy with anything they will fix it, no qualms. When I got my Guardian it was ejecting brass over my right shoulder and behind me. I didn't like that, I wanted it to eject to my right. I'm lucky to live right around the corner from STI, so I walked into the factory and explained what I wanted. 30 minutes later I was standing on their test range shooting their ammo with one of the gunsmiths who made adjustments until it was how I wanted. They treated my as if I was their only customer and genuinely wanted me to walk out of there happy with my gun. Mind, I wasn't unhappy when I walked in, I just wanted it to function differently so my brass was thrown into the brass catcher at the range.

WOW, that is customer service. I say STI too. Everyone of their products I have handled felt top notch over and above their competition. I like me some Kimber and Springfield but lust after an STI.

dcphoto wrote:

Dave2 wrote:

austinrealtor wrote: I'd suggest taking a drive down to Georgetown for an STI factory tour. Walking the factory and seeing the time and effort that goes into producing each of their guns makes it a whole new experience buying one. Plus, they have an example of every gun they make available for you to fondle and drool on.

I don't mean to detract too much from the topic of this thread, but this sounds like something I'd like to experience. Can you just drop by any time or is there someone I would have to schedule this with?

wninja wrote:

dcphoto wrote:

Dave2 wrote:

austinrealtor wrote: I'd suggest taking a drive down to Georgetown for an STI factory tour. Walking the factory and seeing the time and effort that goes into producing each of their guns makes it a whole new experience buying one. Plus, they have an example of every gun they make available for you to fondle and drool on.

I don't mean to detract too much from the topic of this thread, but this sounds like something I'd like to experience. Can you just drop by any time or is there someone I would have to schedule this with?

I've been wanting to do this sometime too. Maybe we can plan a CHLForum outing?

I too am looking at adding a 1911 to the family and it will be an STI. Why......its made in Texas!
Plus, one of my neighbors has a Guardian and I just liked the way it felt and operated.

A note about the polymer mainspring housing and the honkin' magwell. Both can be changed with little or no problem. The mainspring housing can be changed by removing one pin most magwells are held on by the same pin. I changed my mainspring housing on my gun "just because" I don't have nor, do I like the magwells. I would try to order a gun with a magwell without magwell if that's your thing.

There is a reason why most guys shoot a STI in competition