SA Micro Compact Operator, Kimber Tactical Ultra, or Colt Defender? [Archive] - Glock Talk
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BrazosCoTX
10-20-2010, 19:27
Got the itch to buy a three inch 1911.

Looked at the Colt, based on the brand, but didn't like the non-beaver tail thing that passes for a grip safety, and didn't like the shiny finish which shows scratches.

Too much negative stuff on the Kimber carbon steel barrels rusting (serious -- google it). Other than that, very nice (grips look weird, though-- would have to replace them with Gunner's Grips)

The Springer is great except for the two tone finish. It's got all the other touches I want (as did the Kimber), plus a SS barrel.

Guess I'll get used to that two tone finish.
Quack
10-20-2010, 19:29
of the 3, i would choose the SA. i actually had a Micro Operator and it was a nice little gun.
rsxr22
10-20-2010, 19:31
I like the SA as well. I have a champion operator and love it
jrs93accord
10-20-2010, 19:36
I am sort of partial to the Kimber.

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m8/jamesrea_2006/jamesrea_08/DSC00617.jpg
Ruble Noon
10-20-2010, 19:53
I would pick the Defender
Quack
10-20-2010, 21:07
I am sort of partial to the Kimber.

http://i100.photobucket.com/albums/m8/jamesrea_2006/jamesrea_08/DSC00617.jpg

i had one of those too...

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a317/Quackzilla/Guns/DSC_8195.jpg
glock75
10-20-2010, 21:47
I have both the SA Micro and the Colt Defender and can't tell the difference other than the grips. The defender has Hogue combat grips that feel real good. Recoil and accuracy is the same the best I can tell.

I like 'em both but prefer the 9mm EMP for the low recoil and great accuracy. SA warranty and service is tops.
stumpjumper
10-23-2010, 05:41
+1 on the Defender- haven't had any issues with mine.
glock2740
10-23-2010, 06:10
You can't go wrong with any of the 3. 9 Kimbers here and not a speck of rust yet. Still waiting. :whistling:
Cerebrus
10-23-2010, 08:01
My Kimber Ultra has been running flawlessly for 5 yrs now.. and not a single issue with rust on the barrel.. however that being said I would still take a look at Springfield.. as their CS dept. simply cannot be beat. Also Kimber only comes with one mag.. and a one year warranty.. Springfield is for life..I would also give STI a look
just my .02
tango44
10-23-2010, 12:27
Never had a problem with my Defender!
ArmoryDoc
10-23-2010, 14:05
Of those three, give me the Colt any day. :wavey:
bunk22
10-23-2010, 17:45
My Kimber Ultra has zero rust though it was certainly not perfect through its break-in period. However, it pretty much eats anything I put through it now. Another 150 rounds of White Box Winchester 230gr today without a hiccup. I've got around 1600 rounds through and the more I shoot it, the better it gets. I would think you couldn't wrong with any of the models though.
BrazosCoTX
10-24-2010, 21:29
A close friend told me about the STI Escort. He owns one, carries it, swears by it (and he is a gun dealer who has owned several small 1911s), and said it was in his opinion equal to the best of the lot. Plus, made in Texas, about two hours from my house.

He'll have one ready for me next week.
ckduallie
11-27-2010, 06:31
I have an early model Defender with the beaver tail and it is a great gun not one problem. I did change the grips and the magazine (Wilson Combat). I CC IWB in a Galco N3.
samuse
11-27-2010, 06:40
I'd go with Springfield since they have the best customer service. If you're gonna need customer service, It'll be with a 3" 1911.

Does it have to be a 45? The Colt New Agent 9mm looks pretty good and would probably be easier on the hand than a 45.


I just saw that you're in Bryan. I graduated from Bryan High in '98...