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401 Posts

after a lifetime of 1911 carry it was inevitable that i would eventually find my way back. although a standard 5" 1911 is still my favorite handgun bar none, the size made concealment somewhat difficult. after a suggestion on another forum got my wheels turning (as if i need an excuse to buy another gun) i started eyeballing the 4" 1911s from various manufacturers. although i typically buy springfields, the above pictured kimber pro raptor 2 had a better feel to me than the comparable springfield champion. it was originally priced at $1,100 but after finding it for $959 at a dealer in missoula my local dealer price matched it.

ive always purchased and recommended standard off the shelf galco holsters, but since they dont offer a true 4" 1911 holster (the galco line is actually made for the 4.25" 1911) i decided to spend a little extra money on a custom holster. i never expected to find such a difference in holsters, but when i received the above pictured alessi cqc/s holster i was dumbfounded by the quality, fit, and feel. the workmanship in this holster truly isnt comparable to the galcos that have served me well for so many years, and now i want to order one for every handgun i own. this is the only holster ive ever purchased that remains at a perfect 3 o-clock position regardless of whether im standing, driving, etc. with insured shipping it was $125 from lightning arms and i consider it to be a very good value as i would pay a lot more for this fine holster.
the kimber itself has proven to be everything i expected of it. the fit, finish, and build quality are definately first class. the concept of a theme weapon seems silly, but the scale checkering is actually quite comfortable and doesnt cut into my fingers like my springfield TRP front grip checkering. although i feel that my springfield TRP is built even better, the differences are minimal. although i definately prefer the capacity of my glocks, i have no reservation in trusting this kimber as my daily carry weapon.