New Kimber, how did I do?

[kentucky_smith]

Or new to me. I thought I would see how the other half lived, after getting by with just a Rock Island for all my 1911 needs. Did some horse trading for this today:

Have been looking for an actual Colt and found this. It's a Kimber from back when they were in Oregon. Had to choose between this and a Colt 1991a1 Commander that was plain and parkerized. Both had good triggers, but the adjustable sights were the selling point on this one. I know very little about Kimbers (from what I can tell, they're always $$$ )
Anything I need to look for? Are there any problems with the early Kimbers? This one is from 1996, at least that's what the box says. And what is the funky slide finish? Kind of a reddish color. Doesn't look very used at all, just some wear on the high points, sn K003xxx

Shoots and works fine. Sweet trigger. A bit heavier than my mil-spec RIA. In my hands, the regular grip safety fits better. Probably because that's what I'm more used to. My Ciener looks better on it anyway.

 

[birddog]

Before all the Kimber-haters-who-never-owned-one show up, let me congratulate you. You did well! My wife and I love our Kimber. May you enjoy many hours of shooting yours.

 

[Vitamin G]

Mmmmm... Clackamas...

Anyways, I have no complaints about my Kimber TLE II, in any shape way or form. Its been flawless since day one, and I bought it used, expecting to have to deal with some problems. Nuttin'. I saw it FTE once, when I let a 12 year old boy shoot it, who had been plinking with a .22 all day. After that first shot, i told him to tighten up, and it was again flawless.

 

[Ala Dan]

Again, congrat's as you did very well. I carry a 3" Kimber Stainless
Ultra Carry II as my daily CCW piece, and NEVER had any type of
a problem~!

 

[GRP]

Congrats on a great find. Clackamas Kimbers are held in high regard. Good Luck with it. I have a Kimber Gold Match, it's a great 1911.

 

[kentucky_smith]

So what's up with the reddish finish on the slide? Did Kimber start producing these in 95/96?

 

[Lebben-B]

Good lookin' blaster you got there. I've got a Raptor that's easily my favorite gun - for looks and reliability.

Mike

 

[Kruzr]

The reddish color was just the way some came out. Kimber started the production models in '96. You have a very early one. A definite keeper and a prize among Kimber fans. The mainspring housing has been changed on yours.

BTW, even though the rollmark says Clackamas, the gun was produced in Yonkers. The first 6700 or so Kimbers still had the Clackamas rollmark but the smiths and machinery were already in Yonkers.

 

[kentucky_smith]

So no Kimbers were really produced in Clackamas?

 

[Kruzr]

So no Kimbers were really produced in Clackamas?

Nope.

http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=82843

Actually, there was one Kimber 1911 built by the supposed "master smith" in Oregon in 1995.

 

[Black Majik]

Sweet Clackamas Kimber

Those are very nice, though I've yet to fondle one here in Cali. But I do have a Series I Kimber that has been quite an awesome shooter.

Enjoy yours, which you will

 

[Cousin Mike]

I've only fired a Kimber once...

I don't own one, and I don't know much about them. Firing one was an experience all it's own. Even smoother than my Sig 220. Unfotunately I don't know the exact model I got to sample, but I do know that I want one of my own one day. I also think it's a fine looking pistol. Congratulations!

 

[XavierBreath]

Clackamas, and a Series One. You know what? I'm a Colt guy, but I'll say it. You did good sir. While they are not really rare, folks that own Series One Kimber's aren't turning them lose. Being a Clackamas makes it even more special.

The reddish slide is something called plum. It occurs in aging blue depending on the nickel content of the metal underneath. It is not reversible, unless you decide to do a reblue. Don't do a reblue. The plum slide means little in the long run. I would go back to a flat MSH, but that's just me. I'm not certain, but I believe the trigger has been swapped as well. I don't think Chip McCormick has been making that trigger for ten years, but I could be wrong.

You got a very nice pistol, regardless.

 

[Kruzr]

The trigger is original. Keep in mind that Chip McCormick was the consultant Kimber used when they made their prototype. I beleive the thumb safety looks like the original also although it is different than the Kimber safteies on the later guns.

 

[Black Majik]

+1 on the trigger being orginal. I believe those triggers were also plastic, correct?

 

[Kruzr]

+1 on the trigger being orginal. I believe those triggers were also plastic, correct?

Puhleeeeeeze,.....................they are polymer.

 

[kentucky_smith]

Thanks guys. I usually research things for hours before a buy, and was looking for a 1991a1 Gov't model like my RIA. Ran into this thing for about the same money and had a hard time making up my mind. Almost went with the Colt. Am very happy and it shoots great. Pretty tight groups for me at 15 yds. Killed a coffee cup at 10 yards.


Oh, and I still believe that the RIA's are the best deal going right now. A year and about 1000 rounds, it's still ticking along great.

 

[XavierBreath]

CMC Triggers

Puhleeeeeeze,.....................they are polymer.

The ones he sells now are aluminum. A very nice trigger for the money.

 

[schmeky]

I have an early model Series 1 Kimber and it is without a doubt the best .45acp I have ever owned. I have owned a Colt Gold Cup, Norinco's (don't laugh, mine were excellent), an AMT Hardballer, and other various .45's. The others are gone, my Kimber is still the one I trust my families life with.

I know the external extractor Kimbers got a bad rap, but my internal extractor Kimber has been stellar. Absolutely stellar.

 

[railroader]

I also have a Clackamas custom that now has a bomar rear sight and s&w magwell. It's a great shooter. I just picked up a very early series 1 stainless gold match that is mint so I guess you would say I'm a happy camper. Mark

 

[Bob R]

I think the plum gives the gun character.

Before all the Kimber-haters-who-never-owned-one show up

You think a Kimber thread brings out those types, try a Desert Eagle thread.

bob

 

[dmftoy1]

Nice looking gun. I picked up a Series I a couple of years ago and shoot the bejesus out of it. It's nowhere near as nice looking as yours but it definately shoots better than I can hold it.

Have a good one,
Dave

 

[pablo45]

That is great looking gun. They both are. good job!

 

[kentucky_smith]

I've had this thing out like 5 times and am getting the best group of any pistol I've ever seen. Shot for ccw today and got this with 25 rounds. The instructor was beside himself. 1 guy offered to buy it from me.

 

[ugaarguy]

Way to go Kentucky Smith

Nice shootin!