[section9]

Please excuse me for not getting back earlier, but I appreciate the input from both of you.

Shotgun shells for the holidays, plus some range time!

Oh, and Todd, once again, thanks for the input on the M-1911. I have a sentimental attachment to Colt, of course, as the .45 was one of the first sidearms I shot back in the seventies. A newfound appreciation of sidearms has me looking at the M-1911 for target and home use. I understand, however, that Kimber has been making some of the better 1911 designs of late, and have been tending towards Kimber as my pistol of choice. What say you gentlemen?

Be Seeing You,

Chris

[toddst]

Hello Chris,

Both Colt & Kimber are producing good quality variants of the 1911 A-1's in .45 ACP. Both offer many options and are good values for the price in my opinion.

I haven't owned a Kimber but friends who do are pleased with their weapons. Below are their website addresses where options are described (although not prices:)

http://www.colt.com/CMCI/pistols.asp

http://www.kimberamerica.com/index2.php

I'm the most familiar with Gunsite's GSP offering, which is now available directly from Colt. I had mine built by the gunsmity at Gunsite to Colonel Cooper's standard and it's served me very well. The only special option I had added to my gun was an ambedexterious safety as I am left-handed.

I'm confident you would be pleased with a 1911 from either company.

Hope this is helpful.

Regards, Todd

[SBprone]

I'm not a 1911 guy but the ones I've talked to all say that Kimber is about the last word in a factory autopistol. The ultimate 1911 used to be a box stock Colt plus about $2500 of custom gunsmithing. I think where Kimber shines is in making a factory package that incorporates the useful product improvements developed over the years by the custom smiths, at a mass-production price.

[ought-six]

Kimber's .45 ACP is very good. I'm a sentamentalist though, and prefer the original M-1911.