dusty14u
Member
My Raptor has been perfect through 1k rounds. No problems during breakin period and none afterwords. Extremely accurate and reliable. Would buy another Kimber in heartbeat.
Any Thoughts on Kimber 1911s
- Thread starter nmduke
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Kimbers suck get a Colt!
Just kidding, my Kimbers have been mostly error free. My Tactical Custom has been 100 percent reliable. My Pro TLE had problems with the slide stop locking on a loaded mag, called Kimber and I got a "modified" slide stop for free and it has been 100 percent since. I had a Custom II NS I regret getting rid of that was 100 percent for me and 100 percent for my buddy who has it now.
Just kidding, my Kimbers have been mostly error free. My Tactical Custom has been 100 percent reliable. My Pro TLE had problems with the slide stop locking on a loaded mag, called Kimber and I got a "modified" slide stop for free and it has been 100 percent since. I had a Custom II NS I regret getting rid of that was 100 percent for me and 100 percent for my buddy who has it now.
WoofersInc
Member
I have several. I'm down one because I traded it with a friend for an HK93. I really like my Kimbers. I haven't had any issues with any of them. One thing I do though is use only Wilson Combat mags. I do this with all of my 1911's though. I have used a couple of them for classes and did not experiance any problems doing so. My SIS Ultra is my primary summer carry gun and I switch between a Tactical Custom and a SIS Custom when the weather is cooler.
Now I'm looking at getting another 1911, and I have been looking at the new Super Carry Pro. I'll admit that I may get something from another company but it would not be because of issues with Kimber. I just like variety. Who knows, I don't have any STI's yet.
Now I'm looking at getting another 1911, and I have been looking at the new Super Carry Pro. I'll admit that I may get something from another company but it would not be because of issues with Kimber. I just like variety. Who knows, I don't have any STI's yet.
To the original poster...I think that you will find that alot of the negative ones are people that are jealous...That being said, Kimber produces so many 1911s that even if there were a 100 negative posts on the HR, it is still peanuts. Now for my experience. I have an Ultra CDPII, I carry it every day in a Crossbreed Supertuck (absolutly the best holster ever, IMHO). I have probably pushing 2000 rounds through it, and the only problem I have EVER had was when shooting CCI Blazers, the aluminum ones, I occasionally, like 1 out of 100, have to hit the back of the slide to get it to seat. But with brass case, I have had ZERO problems. I use the factory mag, and have 2 Kim Tac mags, and they all work flawlessly. My Dad carrys an Ultra Carry II, and he also has had zero problems. These are way more accurate than I am. I did install some Hogue gips on mine, and although it doesn't look as nice as my stock grips, I don't "pull" as much. I think that you will be more than pleased, and like all my experiances, you just missed a good deal on an Ultra CDPII that was in the classafieds on here, for $1K
Good Luck, and can your wife call mine
...That being said, Kimber produces so many 1911s that even if there were a 100 negative posts on the HR, it is still peanuts. Now for my experience. I have an Ultra CDPII, I carry it every day in a Crossbreed Supertuck (absolutly the best holster ever, IMHO). I have probably pushing 2000 rounds through it, and the only problem I have EVER had was when shooting CCI Blazers, the aluminum ones, I occasionally, like 1 out of 100, have to hit the back of the slide to get it to seat. But with brass case, I have had ZERO problems. I use the factory mag, and have 2 Kim Tac mags, and they all work flawlessly. My Dad carrys an Ultra Carry II, and he also has had zero problems. These are way more accurate than I am. I did install some Hogue gips on mine, and although it doesn't look as nice as my stock grips, I don't "pull" as much. I think that you will be more than pleased, and like all my experiances, you just missed a good deal on an Ultra CDPII that was in the classafieds on here, for $1KGood Luck, and can your wife call minemy full orig post on my UC II with external extractor
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=6563662#post6563662
First 200-250 rounds about a dozen failure to feeds wherein the slide holds open on a live round or manages to get the round halfway into the chamber. These would be fixed simply by a slight tap on the slide. Annoying but I figured hey its the "break in period" and the gun was left fairly gunky by my friend. I strip it down and clean it fully. Next 75-100 rounds the gun fired a bit smoother but I still had 1 or 2 FT Feed of the same type and a few cases spit directly into my face. I then break the gun down, clean it again, and hand polish the feed ramp with metal polish to a mirror like gleam. This is where it gets really good:
I take it the range with about 20 other officers half of whom comment on how great my Kimber is etc. I shoot a total of about 150 rounds with the first 75 rounds or so flawless. I am very excited as I love the accuracy and am smug that my patience was rewarded. However, I then have three more FT Feed during the second 75 rounds. This is witnessed and pointed out to me with a smirk by the officer next to me shooting a properly functioning Taurus PT145. Frustrated, I retire to the cleaning room, cycle the slide, and attempt to insert the takedown tool. To my confusion and surprise, I no longer have a recoil spring guide rod (the portion that you insert the takedown tool into) in the gun!!! I disassemble it to find both springs, the back plate, the end piece, and the larger diameter tube still inside but no guide rod. Apparently, this piece launched out of the pistol at some point when I was shooting and I was unable to find it on the range but did discover a large amount of embarassment.......
FYI this was all with new 230gr FMJ American Eagle. I also tried some hydrashoks with about a 25-30% failure rate.
It has been three weeks since I sent the gun back and have yet to hear anything.
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=6563662#post6563662
First 200-250 rounds about a dozen failure to feeds wherein the slide holds open on a live round or manages to get the round halfway into the chamber. These would be fixed simply by a slight tap on the slide. Annoying but I figured hey its the "break in period" and the gun was left fairly gunky by my friend. I strip it down and clean it fully. Next 75-100 rounds the gun fired a bit smoother but I still had 1 or 2 FT Feed of the same type and a few cases spit directly into my face. I then break the gun down, clean it again, and hand polish the feed ramp with metal polish to a mirror like gleam. This is where it gets really good:
I take it the range with about 20 other officers half of whom comment on how great my Kimber is etc. I shoot a total of about 150 rounds with the first 75 rounds or so flawless. I am very excited as I love the accuracy and am smug that my patience was rewarded. However, I then have three more FT Feed during the second 75 rounds. This is witnessed and pointed out to me with a smirk by the officer next to me shooting a properly functioning Taurus PT145. Frustrated, I retire to the cleaning room, cycle the slide, and attempt to insert the takedown tool. To my confusion and surprise, I no longer have a recoil spring guide rod (the portion that you insert the takedown tool into) in the gun!!! I disassemble it to find both springs, the back plate, the end piece, and the larger diameter tube still inside but no guide rod. Apparently, this piece launched out of the pistol at some point when I was shooting and I was unable to find it on the range but did discover a large amount of embarassment.......
FYI this was all with new 230gr FMJ American Eagle. I also tried some hydrashoks with about a 25-30% failure rate.
It has been three weeks since I sent the gun back and have yet to hear anything.
Kimber no longer uses the external extractor! They have learned from their mistakes and moved on, I think alot of the guys who have had bad Kimbers are judging the new lineup on the 5yr+ old guns that did have some problems. I still agree that currently Kimber uses MIM parts but that doesn't bother me since I have never had a MIM part fail.
i have 2 pro carrys one ss .45acp and one 9mm all black. they have both have been perfect with excellent accuracy. the only problem i had was that the kimber didnt like the mag that came with it, as soon as i switched to my act/novaks & wilsons i havent had any more problems. i have about 500 to 600 rounds through them both. i wouldnt hesitate to buy another even though i had reservations at first.
In regards to the factory magazine issue, I have a problem when a premium gun maker cannot produce a properly functioning magazine for their own pistol. I am not a kimber basher and I sincerly hope mine comes back from the factory working properly as I love the accuracy, trigger, and ergonomics of my UCII. However, it is absurd that a person spending $1000 on a new pistol can't trust the factory magazine (one of the simplest parts) to work reliably.
harmon rabb
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met a dude at the range once trying to fire some steel cased russian garbage through his kimber. he was having all kinds of issues, was blaming the ammo. for ****s, i asked if i could load a mag for my xd 45 with the stuff.
the xd ate his garbage ammo like a fat chick eats a piece of cake. zero issues.
that's my only kimber experience. i will say they make absolutely gorgeous pistols. at gun shows, i love looking at and fondling all the various kimber models. some of them are practically works of art.
the xd ate his garbage ammo like a fat chick eats a piece of cake. zero issues.
that's my only kimber experience. i will say they make absolutely gorgeous pistols. at gun shows, i love looking at and fondling all the various kimber models. some of them are practically works of art.
mljdeckard
Member
My Custom II is the best handgun I have ever owned. (And yes, I have owned a Colt.) I run Wilson 47s but I have never had any problems with the factory mags. after shooting it, several of my friends switched to 1911s, most of them Kimbers, and none have had any significant problems.
When a company sells several TIMES more 1911s than their nearest competitor, there will be more reports of problems. This does not mean a higher RATE of problems.
Customer service? Never had a reason to find out.
When a company sells several TIMES more 1911s than their nearest competitor, there will be more reports of problems. This does not mean a higher RATE of problems.
Customer service? Never had a reason to find out.
Kimber... They make some very nice 1911's. I have two. My Raptor has been flawless and a joy to shoot, although I did have to take a some fine sandpaper and knock down the edges on the grips. The texture of the grips and the bottom edges were VERY sharp and after my first range session of 300 rounds had actually cut my palm. I also had my smith replace the cheesy plastic mainspring housing with an one from EGW. I just don't get Kimber's thought process on that one... "Yeah, lets make a really nice gun and put this plastic MSH in it..." Also, I'm not really a fan of guide rods, but what ever, she shoots very well, so I'll leave well enough alone until there is an issue.
My Kimber Stainless Ultra Carry on the other hand was one of my favorite guns. Very accurate and sort shooting. Once I found a round it liked (which took some trial & error), it was super reliable.... Until... after about 1200 rounds. Then, broken extractor... Mangled recoil spring... Chipped ejector, and now, every once and a while it will stove pipe either the 3rd or 4th round. If it's going to fail, it is always a stove pipe and always round 3 or 4. I have tried different mags, I have replaced the extractor (AGAIN!), I replaced the recoil spring, replaced the ejector... It's weird. I can't explain it, neither can Kimber. Its been back to them twice to no avail. When my smith has some down time he is going to take a look at it but as for right now, I just don't trust it. I realize that any gun can FTF, and if it were just a safe queen range piece, I wouldn't gripe about it because it is a very pretty, accurate, fun to shoot gun. On the range if you have a FTF, you just clear it an keep having fun. For a carry gun, you may never get the chance to clear that FTF if she don't go bang.
My Kimber Stainless Ultra Carry on the other hand was one of my favorite guns. Very accurate and sort shooting. Once I found a round it liked (which took some trial & error), it was super reliable.... Until... after about 1200 rounds. Then, broken extractor... Mangled recoil spring... Chipped ejector, and now, every once and a while it will stove pipe either the 3rd or 4th round. If it's going to fail, it is always a stove pipe and always round 3 or 4. I have tried different mags, I have replaced the extractor (AGAIN!), I replaced the recoil spring, replaced the ejector... It's weird. I can't explain it, neither can Kimber. Its been back to them twice to no avail. When my smith has some down time he is going to take a look at it but as for right now, I just don't trust it. I realize that any gun can FTF, and if it were just a safe queen range piece, I wouldn't gripe about it because it is a very pretty, accurate, fun to shoot gun. On the range if you have a FTF, you just clear it an keep having fun. For a carry gun, you may never get the chance to clear that FTF if she don't go bang.
Honestly I've never had any troubles with the factory mags.
Hell mine works fine with cheapo mags I got on the internet and at gunshows.
I use the Tripp Cobra mags for carry but it's more just because those are the best and better safe than sorry.
Premium mags for a 1911 is IMO more internet hype and mythology than actual fact or necessity. If it's really that mag finicky you've got a lemon or some sort of problem that needs fixing.
It's more like custom wheels and tires on your sports car.
The stock ones work fine but we all want something "better" and of course are all experts on which ones are the best for handling and cornering and such.
There just has to be something wrong with plain jane factory mags or why else would we blow all that money on premium mags???
What kind of real 1911 guy doesn't have a favorite premium mag to recommend???
Hell mine works fine with cheapo mags I got on the internet and at gunshows.
I use the Tripp Cobra mags for carry but it's more just because those are the best and better safe than sorry.
Premium mags for a 1911 is IMO more internet hype and mythology than actual fact or necessity. If it's really that mag finicky you've got a lemon or some sort of problem that needs fixing.
It's more like custom wheels and tires on your sports car.
The stock ones work fine but we all want something "better" and of course are all experts on which ones are the best for handling and cornering and such.
There just has to be something wrong with plain jane factory mags or why else would we blow all that money on premium mags???
What kind of real 1911 guy doesn't have a favorite premium mag to recommend???
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HOME DEPOT GEORGE
Member
If you are going to spend that much on a 1911 get a Dan Wesson they blow Kimber away in quality JMHO
EddieNFL said:
Yes exactly, and I'm sure they work just fine.
But how many experts are going to recommend you go out and buy "discount Cooper tires"???
But you're probably right the "discount" tires would work just fine and the same with mags. I'm sure 90% of the people who buy premium mags would have been perfectly content with the stock factory mags if they hadn't seen on the internet about how crappy they are and everybody says brand X or brand Y is way better!
Like I say the cheapo mags work just fine for me at the range but still I carry expensive premium mags and would recommend them over the cheapies.
I don't drive on "discount" Cooper tires either.
Kingofthehill
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I have owned in the ballpark of 7 of them. i have 2 left. ALL the others had issues and i had to weed them out of my collection.
Parts broke often, fitting sucked, their Customer Service was horrible. Only thing decent about them was the accuracy and even that is easily matched by most brands out there.
I'll never buy another. I like how some of them look, and i like how they are always tweaking their appearance but its simply not worth dealing with when there are so many other GOOD solid choices.
JOe
Parts broke often, fitting sucked, their Customer Service was horrible. Only thing decent about them was the accuracy and even that is easily matched by most brands out there.
I'll never buy another. I like how some of them look, and i like how they are always tweaking their appearance but its simply not worth dealing with when there are so many other GOOD solid choices.
JOe
Kingofthehill
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you owe me a new keyboard. I shot pepsi out of my nose.
Get your hands on a Les baer, Dan wesson, STI, Fusion and then talk to me about jealous kimber owners haha
klash545
Member
my advice is,shop elsewhere...your money will be better spent
76shuvlinoff
Member
Same here, but a few more rounds now. It's not my EDC but it is my bedside pistol. Not everyone's cup o tea but I really enjoy this weapon.
I have the Kimber .22 conversion for it, lots of fun.
mljdeckard
Member
I have shot Baers, Dan Wessons, Wilsons, Nighthawks, etc. FOR THE LIFE OF ME, I have absolutely no idea what it is you are supposed to get for MORE THAN THREE TIMES what I paid for my Kimber. (I paid $630 NIB several years ago for my Custom II.)
I THINK, that there used to be two flavors of 1911s. Bone stock, and high-end custom shop guns. Then Kimber released guns that were mass-produced, with a hand-fitted slide-to-frame fit, and match triggers for prices that were a lot closer to stock guns than custom guns. GADZOOKS MAN!! How is this possible?! Ever since then, the guys who have shelled out serious cash for custom guns have been trying to justify it by bashing Kimber.
What the heck to I know?
I THINK, that there used to be two flavors of 1911s. Bone stock, and high-end custom shop guns. Then Kimber released guns that were mass-produced, with a hand-fitted slide-to-frame fit, and match triggers for prices that were a lot closer to stock guns than custom guns. GADZOOKS MAN!! How is this possible?! Ever since then, the guys who have shelled out serious cash for custom guns have been trying to justify it by bashing Kimber.
What the heck to I know?
kwelz
Member
MIM parts where you should not use MIM parts, badly assembled badly machined, finish softer that butter and Terrible customer service. There was a time when Kimber made good handguns. That time is long past.
I used to sell them and would never own one now.
I used to sell them and would never own one now.
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