I don't know of anyone who would NOT take a Les Baer over a Kimber. IMO, Les Baer is in a totally different class than the Kimber, and there can be a significant price difference. Some shooters like Kimber and some do not. Personally, I would take a Les Baer, Colt, Ruger, Springfield or STI 1911 over a Kimber, but that is just my preference. However, I think I would take a Kimber over a Para Ordinance.

You mentioned NIB. Where they cleaned/lubed, shot, then cleaned/lubed properly again and properly reassembled before the class? Many 1911's will have a break in period of 200 to 500 rounds. However, some claim the QC at Kimber can be spotty.