Kimber Classic Custom Target 1911 45ACP ?

[Sapper771]

I am more than likely going to buy a Kimber Classic Custom Target 1911 tomorrow. The guy wants $450 for it. I would like to know if this pistol is worth the money? I have owned a high end Kimber that was nothing but junk, even after Kimber "fixed" it twice, and yet the Kimber could not make it through one magazine without jamming twice.

Just wondering if anyone out there owns or has owned this model of Kimber. Maybe someone can give me a heads up on what to expect.



Thanks .

 

[jmr40]

With the problems you had with an earlier gun I'm surprised you are even considering another.

I have a Custom II, it is 5 years old and has been perfect for me. Very accurate as well. Based on what I have read the basic guns seem to have fewer problems than the high end Kimbers.

$450 almost seems too cheap to me. Makes me wonder if the owner knows it has problems. I would be tempted at that price, but would check it out very carefully and try to find out exactly why he is selling. With todays economy there may well be a lot of used deals with people out of work.

 

[TG13]

has it been modded in anyway?? if so, i'd walk away.. if it's just been shot a few hundred times, i'd take it to a smith that i trusted and have it looked at..

 

[Ken Rainey]

You didn't say it was a series II....I'd definetly buy it if it's NOT a series II and if no one has messed with it (outside of the factory). Heck, if it is a series II and it has an internal extractor and is in good shape, I'd probably still buy it....hard to go wrong for $450 if hasn't been "butchered".

 

[Ken Rainey]

delete

 

[Ken Rainey]

Delete

 

[Ken Rainey]

Delete

 

[Jim Watson]

Second hand?
Demand a testfire before you commit and pay, so you will KNOW what you are getting. Be fair, use ball ammo in his magazine(s) and give it a wringing out. Accept no excuses, it runs or you don't buy.

 

[Geno]

Run away...far away if the slide has the external extractor. In my experience owning many Kimbers, the Custom Classics were among the best Kimber made. IMHO, their "custom" pistols were trash. I had 5 and all 5 were defective. Simple facts. Request to try-before-you-buy-it.

Doc2005

 

[Kman]

$450!?? is this a joke? if it hasn't been used to drive nails, chock a tire, or in a robbery, your stealing it.
BTW it's Kimbers basic pistol with target sights, if it's an early gun, no II suffix, it is a bit more desirable. If ya don't like it, I'll give ya your money back and pay for the shipping.

 

[Sapper771]

I got a chance to look at it today. It has a lot of wear on it . It does have target sights on , but one of the leaves on the rear sight was damaged from a fall. It did not look like it was maintained very well. It was an earlier kimber, not a series II. The trigger on it was very nice though. After speaking with the guy he talked like he wanted to keep it and work on it a little. He said that he had a FTF about every 3rd magazine. It may be better to let him keep it. The only reason I was looking at it was because he only wanted $450 for it , which I could have talked him down to $400 If he wanted to sell it. Other than the good price , I would not have been interested since I am not a big fan of Kimber due to the issues I had experienced with the last one I owned.

I appreciate everyones help though.

 

[csay]

Even with the wear, that's a steal. Kimber gets a bad rap IMO, some deserved, some not. Even if it has some FTF's, that's usually an easy fix. If he would take $400.00, if I were you, I'd be on it like a cheap suit.

 

[Jim Watson]

I might have taken the chance at $400, BUT I have resources if it malfunctioned. A real gunsmith and an advanced hobbyist who thinks Kimbers are great and knows how to tinker them up. I would not buy one knowing I might get stuck with the company warranty clerk.

 

[Kman]

Good point Jim, cheap is fine only if you know what your buying.
Still, saying I bought a custom classic target for $400 isn't something you say very often.

 

[sharpshooter1212]

Unless it was hot, or damaged beyond repair i believe i would have ripped his arm off! 450 is a steal. That model is extremely hard to find, and theyre fairly easy to maintain. I have had mine for about 6 months. I bought it used, and in decent shape. Took me just short of a year to find one. Most of the dealers i talked to looked at me like i was stupid when i asked them if they could help me find one. 80% of them had never heard of it. If this guys offer still stands you should really consider taking him up on it. I've been offered 1,000+ for mine. (after refinishing)

 

[Rinspeed]

Being a series I you should have jumped on it even with the wear.