[Mydogmax]

Hi,
Just posted on the new member forum to introduce myself and now would like to ask some questions. I'm looking into a 1911 and Kimber has come up among the top three (excluding the very expensive guns) After some research and some looking at the lgs I'm kinda looking at the pro raptor ll. unfortunately my lgs only had the tactical pro ll. Both have a 4" barrel. What's the difference between the two?

 

[Chuck43]

The biggest difference is that the Pro Raptor II has a steel frame and the Tactical Pro II has an aluminum frame.

 

[Fleamac]

The biggest difference is that the Pro Raptor II has a steel frame and the Tactical Pro II has an aluminum frame.

Which equates to weight. Heavier steel would be less of a punch in the hand with recoil, but the weight could be noticeable if you're going to carry. And if you're near salt water, the salty air would require closer attention to the maintenance of the steel. Not much, just a bit.

 

[Mydogmax]

Which equates to weight. Heavier steel would be less of a punch in the hand with recoil, but the weight could be noticeable if you're going to carry. And if you're near salt water, the salty air would require closer attention to the maintenance of the steel. Not much, just a bit.

Yes, after further reading I did notice that the raptor had a steel frame.
As far as salt water goes. Don't think that will be an issue in Minnesota.
Another question. Lgs around here are pretty pricey and so is Gander Mountain. The only Internet dealers that I've discovered so far is Buds Discount Guns. Any others out there?

 

[Chuck43]

The only Internet dealers that I've discovered so far is Buds Discount Guns. Any others out there?

Gunbroker.com, Kygunco.com, gunsamerica.com just to mention a few.

 

[cundiff5535]

There is a lot more slide work and detail on the Raptor series as well. The other thing is, the Raptor series have a much nicer finish than the Tactical series pistols that Kimber offers. That should lead you to a few different questions to ask yourself, what are you going to do with this pistol and how much do cosmetics mean to you? If you are going to carry the pistol, the tactical would be my choice! If you want a range toy the Raptor is your choice. If you want something to pull out when friends are over, and them to say... wow, thats a gorgeous pistol, again the Raptor is your choice.

I would say that the Tact is more of a tool and meant to be carried! Aluminum frame and rougher finish... meaning more durable for your holster.

In the big picture the scallops on the frame, the brushed finish stainless frame, and brushed/high polished blue finish on the slide will make the price on the Raptor higher than what the Tactical series is.

I have owned a Tac Pro and I sold it because I prefer an all metal frame. I still do own my Grand Raptor, and thats not going anywhere for a while. I own a few shitty plastic pistols for my carry guns (Glock and M&P).

Before anyone here goes to goofy, it's not that I think that those guns are better than the 1911. Its the fact that if I ever have to use my pistol for personal protection, I do not want the police confiscating a $1200+ Kimber or any of my 1911's. I can live with them taking my $450 Glock or M&P... just some food for thought

 

[ColJack]

Yes, after further reading I did notice that the raptor had a steel frame.
As far as salt water goes. Don't think that will be an issue in Minnesota.
Another question. Lgs around here are pretty pricey and so is Gander Mountain. The only Internet dealers that I've discovered so far is Buds Discount Guns. Any others out there?

Osage county guns is the largess Kimber dealer in the US. You can order direct from them but I found they sold the same gun about $200 dollars less on gunbroker.com. Good luck.

Osage County Guns Blog

 

[goyena70]

Which Kimber do I buy?

I am torn between a Kimber and a Springfield Range Officer. If you were in my shoes which Kimber model at $800 would you select?

 

[Fleamac]

I am torn between a Kimber and a Springfield Range Officer. If you were in my shoes which Kimber model at $800 would you select?

Hello and welcome.

I'm not going to tell you what to get. But I will suggest you find a gun store/range that rents 'em. Or find some friends of friends who will let you take a test drive. You just buy the ammo. Let us know what happens.