yes.

I have a Springfield XD in .40 that I love, and for some reason I have this urge to check out another brand of gun. Should I ignore that feeling, or is it important to diversify?

Springfield is good, but I would recommend looking at other production guns. The STI's would be one of the other makers, along with Dan Wesson. STI has great service like Springfield, and it's (STI) an employee owned company.

I've read a lot of people get Kimbers and they run flawlessly. But I've also read a lot of people have issues. It seems they have QC issues. They make very nice looking guns and spend a lot of money on marketing. I would rather have a gun that was built and fitted by hand. 1911's are not like Glocks and XDs. They require proper fitting to run correctly. You can't just buy a bunch of parts and put them together to get it work like you can an AR.

Kimber's use the Swartz safety, so is another thing to consider. I'd take an 80 Series over the Swartz.

As for Sig, IMO, quality has gone down since the big wig from Kimber went to Sig. Now they are more like Kimber, with a lot of guns that just have different cosmetics.

So if I'm hearing you guys correctly, Kimber is being characterized as the "flashy" brand? All spark and no substance?

for the most part.

I love my loaded Springer. I like Kimber but it seems that lately they have been hit or miss. I honestly wouldn't buy a Kimber. If I hadn't got my Springfield for such a great deal the only other gun I would have considered was a Colt.

Kimber is a product of marketing hype. I'm not hater. I had a Pro Carry 2 and had no issues with it. It was my 'dip my foot into the 1911 water'. Now that I jumped headfirst into the 1911 pool, I wouldn't buy another Kimber. Just way better guns for the same/less money. For a railed 5", my first choice would be a STI Duty One. Shot one last week and it was outstanding. Second choice would be the MC Operator then a LW Operator. I prefer the heavier steel 1911s.

Noticed internal extractor on the springfield; Other than the obvious, are there any significant differences or preferances between the internal or external extractor on the 1911? Thanks.

That said... I'd get a Kimber Custom TLE/RL2 over any Sig1911. Not a fan of them at all. YMMV.

External extractors usually have issues and are proprietary parts. the Internal extractors are tried and true. once setup properly, the gun should have no issues with the internal.

SA and STI, lifetime warranty.
Kimber, 1 year. And the "did you put 500 rounds thru it, yet?"

Internal extractor can work nicely, if you put in a quality one (forged), and tuned it. Once it's done, it will run like a swiss watch.

My LW Operator hasn't disappointed me yet

Thanks all for sharing the extractor info.

Hubby has his Kimber & I love it!! It's my fave. But this is my gun Im buying, I actually have it ordered, not sure when it will ever be in. I will let you know what I think once I get it :)

We sell a lot of Kimbers and Springers where I work and I own one of each in a 1911 platform. Both have ran flawlessly. I think the TRP Operator is one of the best values in the SA line. It get's some hand fitting and is pretty close to the FBI Professional model for less cash and less waiting.

I say get the Dan Wesson Specialist. :-) That's my next 1911! Already own a Kimber Desert Warrior Pro which I really like... but I want something better.