Re: Colt Series 70 vs Kimbers
If you're looking for a "stock" 1911 w/o all of the bells and whistles, then a Colt is just fine. If you're enticed by beavertail grip safeties, extended (or ambi) thumb safeties, front strap checkering, nitesites, and serrations on the front of the slide, then look at Kimber or Springfield. Kimber has released some lemons from it's factory, but they'll make it right if you get stuck with one. The wait and cost of customizing a series 70 Colt will be much higher than a Kimber, but you'll also have a better looking, higher quality gun-------if done by a top shelf smith.
BTW, the rust shown in the link is not a mfg flaw, it's a handling error. Kimber test fires their guns then soaks the outside with oil before sealing them in a plastic bag. Any atmospheric moisture is trapped in the bag for weeks or months, and settles on the dry steel inside the pistol or pistol's bore, rather than the outside which oiled. You'd <span style="font-style: italic"> think</span> Kimber could anticipate this, but apparently not. After several rusty guns were returned to them, you'd also think they'd eventually figure out how to prevent it, but apparently not. If your gun arrives with rust they'll make it right though. I know from personal experience.