I have read good things about both but can't find too many negatives (mainly preference).

A)It may be hard to say, but which is better? Is it just preference?

B)Besides the general question, what about:

Kimber Eclipse 2 VS Springfield Loaded (stainless)


C)And so I don't have to start another thread:

What do you guys think of the non-steel frames. I see these mainly with carry 1911s, even full size.

Thanks in advance.

I chose the Springfield Loaded Black Stainless Target model. I love it. Never cared much for the Kimber.

I have never owned a Kimber but have shot several. Nice pistol. The only negative that I know of is from a buddy who owns a couple and he claims that they do not like cheap ammo.

Have not heard any negatives on the Springfield.

I don't know if Kimber has a lifetime warranty or not, but I do know Springfield does. I have used it and had a most wonderful experience in dealing with them regarding the issue. Best customer service I've dealt with, and they were quick to follow up after. Springfield, in doing so, bought me as a customer for life.

Both are good, I have Springfield (parked Loaded), FIL has a Series 1 Kimber. Both are good pistols, but I prefer my Springfield of the two. It has about 800 rounds through it since January and my only problem has been a bad magazine.

It will probably come down to preference, I was already a fan of Springfield with the XD series, and I liked that they have a lifetime warranty. I believe Kimber technically only carries 1 year warranty but I have heard a few stories where they've still done warranty work outside of that time frame.

As far as which of these models is better, they're pretty similar. The Kimber looks to be slightly lighter, at 38oz. unloaded vs. 40oz. for Springfield.

The Springfield will likely be cheaper, but one thing to point out is that that model Kimber already has night sights, while the Springer you've listed does not. Only the parkerized (PX9109), black stainless target (PX9152), or Operator (railed) models of the Loaded package will come with the night sights.

You'd have to look around and see if you can add them for less than the price difference between the two brands (I would guess that you can).

I can't help on the lightweight models, I've never seen one.

[This message has been edited by metrag06 (edited 8/6/2010 7:41a).]

I'd save up a few extra bucks and buy a Fusion

I think the difference in price on a Loaded model and a Fusion is probably a bit more than a "few" bucks.

I've shot Springfields and never had an issue with them. I own 2 Kimbers, and I've never had issues with them, and they are both tack drivers on accuracy. Kimber does have a lifetime warranty. You really can't go wrong with either, but I would pick the Eclipse personally.

My Pro Carry Series I has an aluminum frame. It's lighter than steel. May not last as long, but we're talking the difference between 80,000 rounds and 100,000 rounds for steel (total guesstimate), so that's more than I will shoot it in my lifetime and probably my kids' lifetime, too.

Springfield. I've heard wonderful things about their customer service and not so wonderful things about kimber. That being said, it was all hearsay and I haven't experienced it first hand.

Absolutely LOVE my Springfield Operator with the night sights and the rail. Extremely sweet shooting pistol. Only problems I've ever had with it was with a buddies hand-loads. It eats and spits out the cheap stuff just fine.

I would go with the Springfield. I have had mine for 7 years and I haven't had one ounce of trouble with it and it has had many many rounds through it!

The Springfield should be cheaper than the Kimber...you end up paying for a name on the Kimber...at least that's what I think.

Both are just great....it's a tossup for a guy that is not an expert.