Kimber NG 1911 or Fusion XP-Pro

dsdmmat

dsdmmat

Donut Master
Moderator
Messages
11,309
Reaction score
25,568
Location
Alpha Quadrant, Sector 001
www.kimberamerica.com

Stainless Next Gen (OR)

The new Custom Two-Tone 1911 from Kimber capitalizes on the tremendous success of the 2K11 and carries over several features that have enhanced the performance of this Kimber hallmark. Featuring an optic-ready slide and external extractor, the new Custom Two-Tone provides flexibility to the...
www.kimberamerica.com www.kimberamerica.com

fusionfirearms.com

XP PRO™ Pistol - 9MM - Black

Discover the XP PRO™, a patent-pending 1911 double stack pistol designed to take Glock® 17 magazines. Featuring a Tennifer® QPQ finish, tri-topped slide, pro cocking serrations, and RMR compatibility, this innovative collaboration between Fusion Firearms
fusionfirearms.com fusionfirearms.com

Local gun shop has both. Kimber is 150 bucks cheaper but the Fusion takes Glock mags. Kimber is 45 and Fusion is 9mm.

Held them both, the Kimber has the nicer trigger both have Ambi safety (nice since I am a south paw). Both are optics ready and include mount plates. Both are all metal.

Tough choice the Fusion is made in Turkey and Kimber is making a comeback from the bad rap they got using substandard parts for a few years.
 
SomeSoldier

SomeSoldier

.450/400 Nitro Ex
U.S. Military
Messages
10,453
Reaction score
20,208
Location
Florida
I have had a pro carry II since 2009, zero issues. But if you already have glock mags then I would look hard at the XP.
 
Saltwater60

Saltwater60

20×102mm Vulcan
Messages
35,647
Reaction score
40,073
Location
Western NY
I personally like the Fusion. When I saw fusion I was thinking this was fusion that was the guy that used to make Dan Wesson pistols out of NYS but it’s not. Still like the gun and I’m sure you can make the trigger much better than it is.
 
Defilade

Defilade

.700 Nitro Express
Messages
26,203
Reaction score
37,731
Location
Elsewhere
Kimber looks to Fuddy. XP is a sharp looking gun. Not that that means anything. Would love a ported version.
 
RooftopKorean

RooftopKorean

6.5 Creedmoor
First Responder
Messages
2,148
Reaction score
5,051
Location
Downstate / Lake Ariel, PA
I'd take a risk and go with the Fusion, Turkey has been pumping out some quality pistols lately. I couldn't be happier with my Girsan.

The ability to use Glock mags is a very nice touch. Much cheaper then buying Checkmate mags. The concept reminds me of the Vuurwapen HMC9. The frame uses Glock parts, a Glock 43 slide but utilizes the P365 mag release and mags. So you get Glock reliability and the round capacity of the P365.

I was never able to get my hands on one.
 
Last edited:
dsdmmat

dsdmmat

Donut Master
Moderator
Messages
11,309
Reaction score
25,568
Location
Alpha Quadrant, Sector 001
Sig is making a 211 model which takes 320 mags, MSRP is 2400 bucks. I have told the LGS to let me know when they get one in.

I like the Kimber Rounded butt for carry. The Fusion is not a carry gun to me. While it is a 4” gun the magwell makes it a range/ race gun. I have not found a holster maker for Fusion though, guess I could make my own.

Fusion offers a threaded barrel so it could be suppressed, 5.5” threaded barrels are available from just about every barrel maker so the Kimber can be suppressed quite easily.

the witness holes in the slide are not really in the best place for porting, but it is a 9mm so there is that.

the optic plate on the kimber has 4 holes for slide mounts. They really don’t want that optic going anywhere.

since I own a crap load of 1911s in 45 and a few poly80s and PC9s magazines are not an issue for either choice.

Neither is a purist’s 1911, the Kimber has an external extractor, the Fusion is for lack of a better term a hybrid (Glock and 2011).

Realistically I need another 1911/ 2011 like I need another hole in the head. Fortunately for me need never enters the equation.

choices…… Isn’t America great?
 
dsdmmat

dsdmmat

Donut Master
Moderator
Messages
11,309
Reaction score
25,568
Location
Alpha Quadrant, Sector 001
RooftopKorean said:
Have you checked out the Mac 9 DS 2011 or Stealth Arms Platypus 1911? The Platypus also uses Glock mags.
Click to expand...
Yeah the LGS has one of the MAC9s and one of the guys has the Platypus. To tell the truth I never looked at the MAC because it was a Tisas, I do have a Prodigy and 10 Staccato mags so there wouldn’t be an issue with mags.

The availability of the Platypus is an issue as I am one of those impulse gun buyers. I am sure if they had one on the shelf I would have bought it by now.

The LGS has Staccatos on the shelf but I have a hard time paying 4 grand for a handgun, I can build myself. I have been looking at some 60% 2011 frames lately.
 
Last edited:
Defilade

Defilade

.700 Nitro Express
Messages
26,203
Reaction score
37,731
Location
Elsewhere
How could you not?

2K11


2K11 | Double Stack 1911 Pistol | | Kimber America

Since 2011 our custom shop has been building the finest 1911 pistols on the market. The 2K11 is the summit of high capacity 1911 firearms.
www.kimberamerica.com www.kimberamerica.com
 
PA Guns & Ammo

PA Guns & Ammo

.45 acp
Messages
284
Reaction score
487
Location
Great Bend, PA
Saltwater60 said:
I personally like the Fusion. When I saw fusion I was thinking this was fusion that was the guy that used to make Dan Wesson pistols out of NYS but it’s not. Still like the gun and I’m sure you can make the trigger much better than it is.
Click to expand...
Unless Bob Serva sold Fusion Firearms, it is the same guy. Bob started Fusion Firearms here in Binghamton then left and went to Florida.
 
Saltwater60

Saltwater60

20×102mm Vulcan
Messages
35,647
Reaction score
40,073
Location
Western NY
PA Guns & Ammo said:
Unless Bob Serva sold Fusion Firearms, it is the same guy. Bob started Fusion Firearms here in Binghamton then left and went to Florida.
Click to expand...
Got it. I didn’t think he bought outside guns in if this one is made in turkey. If that’s the case I’d trust the guns he’s brining in. My FIL has a fusion and loves it. It is a nice gun.
 
PA Guns & Ammo

PA Guns & Ammo

.45 acp
Messages
284
Reaction score
487
Location
Great Bend, PA
Saltwater60 said:
Got it. I didn’t think he bought outside guns in if this one is made in turkey. If that’s the case I’d trust the guns he’s brining in. My FIL has a fusion and loves it. It is a nice gun.
Click to expand...
I did not realize the XP Pro was made overseas. Not a bad thing but I guess Fusion is just an importer.
 
FP1201

FP1201

.338 Win Mag
Messages
5,934
Reaction score
9,989
Location
Adams, NY
dsdmmat said:
www.kimberamerica.com

Stainless Next Gen (OR)

The new Custom Two-Tone 1911 from Kimber capitalizes on the tremendous success of the 2K11 and carries over several features that have enhanced the performance of this Kimber hallmark. Featuring an optic-ready slide and external extractor, the new Custom Two-Tone provides flexibility to the...
www.kimberamerica.com www.kimberamerica.com

fusionfirearms.com

XP PRO™ Pistol - 9MM - Black

Discover the XP PRO™, a patent-pending 1911 double stack pistol designed to take Glock® 17 magazines. Featuring a Tennifer® QPQ finish, tri-topped slide, pro cocking serrations, and RMR compatibility, this innovative collaboration between Fusion Firearms
fusionfirearms.com fusionfirearms.com

Local gun shop has both. Kimber is 150 bucks cheaper but the Fusion takes Glock mags. Kimber is 45 and Fusion is 9mm.

Held them both, the Kimber has the nicer trigger both have Ambi safety (nice since I am a south paw). Both are optics ready and include mount plates. Both are all metal.

Tough choice the Fusion is made in Turkey and Kimber is making a comeback from the bad rap they got using substandard parts for a few years.
Click to expand...
I can't speak for the specifics of those two models, but I DO prefer my Fusion over the Kimbers I've had...Kimber made a name, got big, had to bring on less talented assemblers with higher demands allowing quality to slip.
The 1911 is a basic Pistol that's reasonably, accurate and reliable, once you start modding it things don't always go as planned...
 
Saltwater60

Saltwater60

20×102mm Vulcan
Messages
35,647
Reaction score
40,073
Location
Western NY
PA Guns & Ammo said:
I did not realize the XP Pro was made overseas. Not a bad thing but I guess Fusion is just an importer.
Click to expand...
They used to make all their own guns. The OP said it’s made in turkey and I don’t verify it. My FIL gun was made by them but last I looked he was out of many things so maybe he started importing and modifying or importing to supplement. I don’t know anymore.
I believe this is the gun he has. If not it’s in that series.
fusionfirearms.com

Freedom Series - Officers / Commander Carry (CCO)

All Freedom Series 1911 Pistols come complete as shown in the pictures. They are tuned, test-fired, & ready for your shooting enjoyment. If you would like further custom features added to your pistol prior to shipment, please click on the checkbox below & select from the drop-down menu the items...
fusionfirearms.com fusionfirearms.com
 
dsdmmat

dsdmmat

Donut Master
Moderator
Messages
11,309
Reaction score
25,568
Location
Alpha Quadrant, Sector 001
FP1201 said:
I can't speak for the specifics of those two models, but I DO prefer my Fusion over the Kimbers I've had...Kimber made a name, got big, had to bring on less talented assemblers with higher demands allowing quality to slip.
The 1911 is a basic Pistol that's reasonably, accurate and reliable, once you start modding it things don't always go as planned...
Click to expand...
Been building 1911s since 1997, started making my own from 80%frames for about 10 years. I usually just pick up things I don’t have or catches my eye. If I can’t make a 1911 shoot I will start carrying a scatter gun.
 
FP1201

FP1201

.338 Win Mag
Messages
5,934
Reaction score
9,989
Location
Adams, NY
dsdmmat said:
Been building 1911s since 1997, started making my own from 80%frames for about 10 years. I usually just pick up things I don’t have or catches my eye. If I can’t make a 1911 shoot I will start carrying a scatter gun.
Click to expand...
Don't remember when i really "started" but I've had quite a few since about 1989...
Never finished a 80% 1911, looked at them several times from Vendors at Knob Creek...no particular reason, just wasn't interested in finishing a Frame.
"Ballester Molina's" are Argentinian Pistols that look like 1911's using the same magazine, Barrel and a few small Parts: I reworked four or five that came from Century Arms "U-fix-em" list, once I got through with them they most certainly did not look like anything besides a worn out mil-surp, but those bastards were accurate, reliable, and I won a few Shoots with them...just 'cuz it ain't all shiny and racy don't mean it won't shoot!
 
Carlos Hathcock

Carlos Hathcock

.450/400 Nitro Ex
Messages
13,131
Reaction score
28,309
Location
Buffalo NY
I've owned (carried) a Kimber ProCarry II for a number of years now. Single stack mag limits capacity but the compact low profile makes it an awesome carry option. Almost forget it's on my hip. Virtually no printing.
 
Saltwater60

Saltwater60

20×102mm Vulcan
Messages
35,647
Reaction score
40,073
Location
Western NY
dsdmmat said:
Couldn’t decide so I got both. I will put a red dot on the XPPro. Both performed flawlessly. I have had the Kimber out twice and I just picked up the XP Pro yesterday. View attachment 270800 View attachment 270801
Click to expand...
So do you think the better grouping a with the Kimber is because of the red dot or something with the firearm? The Kimberly looks like it has a longer slide so sight radius is longer and I’d assume lower felt recoil because of weight.
 
dsdmmat

dsdmmat

Donut Master
Moderator
Messages
11,309
Reaction score
25,568
Location
Alpha Quadrant, Sector 001
Saltwater60 said:
So do you think the better grouping a with the Kimber is because of the red dot or something with the firearm? The Kimberly looks like it has a longer slide so sight radius is longer and I’d assume lower felt recoil because of weight.
Click to expand...
Few key differences in the guns listed below. The difference in grouping is most likely me. I am much better with a govt model 1911 than any other gun. Iron or red dot doesn’t matter, I will shoot a govt model, 45 ACP better. The fusion will take some getting accustomed to, the magwell makes the grip feel a little weird. I also tend to shoot full mags without a break or dropping the gun to the ready position. The group posted for the fusion was the last one of the day while the one for the kimber was the first one of the day.

The kimber is a 45, the fusion a 9mm.

The kimber a bushing style barrel, the fusion a bull barrel.

Kimber is a 5” steel gun, the fusion a 4” with an aluminum grip frame.

The red dot probably helped group size vs irons. I don’t wear prescription glasses when shooting red dots but do when shoot irons. I’ll see if the group gets better with a red dot. Until then I am willing to bet the difference in grouping size is me.
 
Podmonkey

Podmonkey

.577 Tyrannosaur.
U.S. Military
Messages
21,574
Reaction score
30,147
Location
Cambria co. PA
dsdmmat said:
I prefer 45 but that has never stopped me from trying every other caliber. Kind of like when I was single as long as she was a natural born female I was game.
Click to expand...
When I ordered my new 1911 I wanted it in .45 specifically because all my other pistols were 9mm. I wanted a 1911 because I wanted something different, something new to me and the choice of caliber went along with that.
In your case I would choose the gun that is the most different from all your other guns. I suspect you already have a few 45 1911s and probably at least several standard type 9mms.
Maybe a Glock mag 1911 in 9mm is the ticket for you here.
 
dsdmmat

dsdmmat

Donut Master
Moderator
Messages
11,309
Reaction score
25,568
Location
Alpha Quadrant, Sector 001
Podmonkey said:
When I ordered my new 1911 I wanted it in .45 specifically because all my other pistols were 9mm. I wanted a 1911 because I wanted something different, something new to me and the choice of caliber went along with that.
In your case I would choose the gun that is the most different from all your other guns. I suspect you already have a few 45 1911s and probably at least several standard type 9mms.
Maybe a Glock mag 1911 in 9mm is the ticket for you here.
Click to expand...
I picked up one of each. Not that I needed either, but the Kimber called to me and I didn’t have a 1911 platform that used Glock mags.

I have not bought a Tisas yet, although they just got the Tisas 2011s they sent to Nighthawk for custom work back and let me handle one of them. They are not bad but I am not sure I am ready to buy a Tisas yet.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top