Colt New Agent vs Kimber RCP ii vs SA XDs45

[SwampFoxZ71]

Okay, been thinking about a new carry pistol and these are the three I'm considering.

I've been holding off on the XDS primarily due to me having waited to see if any problems arose with them, and then they had the recall. Prior to that, it was probably first on my list.

However, now, the Colt seems to be first on my list.

Anyone have direct experience with any (hopefully multiple) of these models?

[harold63]

I'm not familiar with the New Agent so much, but the Kimber...yes. The Kimber is a little heavier than the Colt, but they both have very good reps with these SB 1911's. If want to run cheap ammo or weak ammo, stay away from the SB 1911. They have heavier recoil springs than a basic government model that do require good shooting technique and good ammo that will cycle the thing. Stove pipes are common with the SB 1911 primarily due to crap ammo and poor grip. They are loud, lightweight, and have a fair amount of recoil that makes target reacquirement a little hard if you do not practice very often, but they are fun as hell to shoot. I like 1911's, so the XD wouldn't even be on my list.

[SwampFoxZ71]

I'm not familiar with the New Agent so much, but the Kimber...yes. The Kimber is a little heavier than the Colt, but they both have very good reps with these SB 1911's. If want to run cheap ammo or weak ammo, stay away from the SB 1911. They have heavier recoil springs than a basic government model that do require good shooting technique and good ammo that will cycle the thing. Stove pipes are common with the SB 1911 primarily due to crap ammo and poor grip. They are loud, lightweight, and have a fair amount of recoil that makes target reacquirement a little hard if you do not practice very often, but they are fun as hell to shoot. I like 1911's, so the XD wouldn't even be on my list.

The Kimber is about 2.5 oz heavier than the Colt and has a nice melt treatment on all the metal, including a rounded heel.

However, they also run several hundred dollars more. I've had good luck w/ other Colts in the past so was a little partial to saving a slight amount of weight and using the spare cash to put toward a crimson trace laser grip.

I recall handling the Colt New Agent at the 2011 NRA Convention and really loved the way it fit my hand along with its balance.

[SwampFoxZ71]

Does anyone have any advice or experience carrying either a 3" 1911 (aluminum) vs the XDS they'd like to share?

[Manxdriver]

Any non-standard 1911 needs to be thoroughly tested with the ammo you intend to carry in it. a 1911 has a 'timing' to it and the shorter barrels can throw that timing off somewhat. That's not to say they are a problem, just that if you know about it, you can select ammo to accommodate the change. I've carried full size and 3" without issues for over three decades.

[harold63]

Any non-standard 1911 needs to be thoroughly tested with the ammo you intend to carry in it.

This, too ^^^. One or two mags worth of your carry ammo isn't going to be enough. 100 or so trouble free rds and you're prolly safe, IMO. That 500 rd BS is exactly that.......BS...and a waste of money.

[hzox221]

Look at a STI Guardian http://www.stiguns.com/the-sti-guardian/

Commander length slide on an officers frame. Adjustable carry style sights and an undercut trigger guard.

[hzox221]

This, too ^^^. One or two mags worth of your carry ammo isn't going to be enough. 100 or so trouble free rds and you're prolly safe, IMO. That 500 rd BS is exactly that.......BS...and a waste of money.

I don't trust any gun with less than 1000 rounds through it. Every pistol feels different and practice refines handling skills. Every pistol I will use for protection or competition will have at least 5000 dry fire rounds before the first live round goes down the barrel.

[SwampFoxZ71]

Look at a STI Guardian http://www.stiguns.com/the-sti-guardian/

Commander length slide on an officers frame. Adjustable carry style sights and an undercut trigger guard.

I have a commander length pistol already, even with an officer's frame, still too bulky and heavy for me and all day carry. I'm only 5' 6" and know what works for me and doesn't. However, I'm not particularly fond of 9mm so won't be going that route again, nor am I going to go w/ 40 s&w.

I enjoy shooting 45 acp and the 3 pistols I've kind of settled on are what I'd like to go with. So, even if anyone doesn't have any experience with these specific models, having carry experience with similar models in weight/size will help understand comfort and bulk considerations.

I do really appreciate your input but am specifically interested in the three models listed, or information with experiences of something similar only to help from a comparison perspective (en lieu of the experience w/ the actual models listed).

[harold63]

I don't trust any gun with less than 1000 rounds through it. Every pistol feels different and practice refines handling skills. Every pistol I will use for protection or competition will have at least 5000 dry fire rounds before the first live round goes down the barrel.

Everyone's 'carry gun' ritual is what it is, but making sure the ammo you want to use in it, works, doesn't require all this.