Hate to bash on Kimbers, but I'm not a fan of them. There are LOTS of excellent Kimbers out there, but there are alot of duds too. Here's an interesting read, but please be warned, if you're a Kimber fan, it's best to stay away.
http://full-auto.org/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=54&st=0&sk=t&sd=a
I am a Kimber fan and owner and as with
any gun there can be problems. Those pics and articles are not the norm.
$1500 (or less) Les Baers and Browns? I'll go to China and pick up some of those myself.
Baers, Browns and even Wilson's have some problems, hell, there are full customs that have problems.
The latest Gun Tests report pics Kimber over the Springer though not by much and with nothing against the Springers on my part.
As stated, I have 2 Kimbers neither of which has these kinds of issues and I've handled and shot others in stores and owned by friends and I have never seen these issues first hand.
1911.org was quoted but look through their posts for yourself. Not mentioned was the Kimber owner who stated that his Kimber Gold match shot circles around his Colt Gold Cup but he didn't post the link to that article. Hmmm, wonder why not? Perhaps just a Kimber hater like there are Hi-Point haters?
Shoot what you like but for me it's Kimber untill I can get a Wilson and unless you see these problems personally then I suggest you take them with a grain of salt like you would about a Hi-Point blowing up in someones hand twice a week and witnessed by the uncle of a friends, neighbors, wife's, cousin twice removed.
I'll match my Kimber against your Springer or the Springer of the author of that article for fit, finish, accuracy and operation anytime, again, no slam on Springers, they are fine guns. I just like Kimbers better and the Kimber was recommended by people whom I trust inc a Marine Corps Captain and an Army Special Forces Colonel as well as a State Trooper. The two military officers are veterans of many combat missions and through training and experience have a very good knowledge of firearms and if Kimber is good enough for them then it's certainly good enough for me.
About the only thing that autor got right is that the single mag issued with Kimbers is not the top of the line but then again that is the reason I use Kimber Tac-Pro, Wilson 47D and now Wilson ETM mags.
I can write an article on Baer, Brown, Springers or even Wilson that include links to articles that slam them and some pictures of those with problems also. I've heard first hand from owners of some very high end 1911's blowing up but as stated it can happen to any gun (Even the much vaunted Glocks have stories and pics of kabooms before any of you Glock guys chimes in).
I personally know of a guy that had his beloved Rock River ($3k) blow up.
They are all fine guns, just a matter of preference and the financial means to own them.