Ultra Carry II back from the factory still fails
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230therapy
Member
Nah...you should be fair. Several of my friends have Kimbers that are good. I've seen quite a number of them on the range that were just fine. I didn't have a good experience, but plenty of others are satisfied with their guns.
Yep. Love mine.
Only thing to do is send it back again. Frustrating for sure. I just got a 1911 back from a major maker other than Kimber. Sent it to them for accuracy issues. Can't wait to try it this weekend.
Only thing to do is send it back again. Frustrating for sure. I just got a 1911 back from a major maker other than Kimber. Sent it to them for accuracy issues. Can't wait to try it this weekend.
ultraspec-Did they give you a refund or anything?
To clarify I now do have the internal extractor which is causing the problems. I orginally had an EE but when i ret'd the first time to fix the FTF's they replaced the slide with new internal extractor.
I sent it out a couple days ago with min wait of three weeks. I expect it to be 6-8 based on my prior experience.
To clarify I now do have the internal extractor which is causing the problems. I orginally had an EE but when i ret'd the first time to fix the FTF's they replaced the slide with new internal extractor.
I sent it out a couple days ago with min wait of three weeks. I expect it to be 6-8 based on my prior experience.
Third time with Kimber isn't the charm
Well I am officially done with Kimber for good. I got my Ultra back from the factory Thursday after about a month and hit the range Friday. Per my conversation and documentation from Kimber, the extractor needed to be replaced (not just adjusted for tension….) along with the slide stop. They said they could not duplicate the failure to feed which was fine as it only occurred a single time to me in between the 13 failure to ejects after I received it back for the first time.
I took it to the range with the original Kimber mag that I received and two Wilson Combats (which I bought to address the original FTF issue that I have about 100 or so rounds through after allowing them to “set” for two days per the manual. I started firing and within the first three mags immediately had a FTF. I fired about 120 rounds of AE 230 ball and about 25 of the newer 230 hydrashoks without the posts. I experienced a total of 3 FTE’s with my brand new extractor, a couple failure to go into battery, and a stovepipe style stoppage with a live round (probably mag related).All of these seemed to happen across all the mags equally. While this was far better than the first time I received it back it is totally unacceptable for anything other than a dirty .22 plinking pistol.
Keep in mind that all of this gunsmithing work was done by their LE armorer so presumably it would get more attention than other pistols in the same situation. Also, the Kimber armorer put a gouge in my beautiful brand new custom made curly maple grips but at least they replaced them with a new set of their standard wood grips. So long story short, I am furious with the whole situation as I have wasted a year, tons of money in ammo and mags trying to “break in”/prove the pistol, and paid an excessive price for a pistol I have yet to carry a single time as it would have endangered my life to do so.
I am now facing a moral dilemma as to what to do with this piece of junk. I can be forthright and maybe sell it for a wonderful loss or I can just sell it “as is” used in the same condition it was provided to me by the folks at Kimber several times (presumably the same manner they provide all their Ultras) but have to live with the fact that someone might take this DEFENSIVE pistol out without testing it and end up dead. Option three is that I could call Kimber for the third time and request a new ultra but that is unlikely as they didn’t even bother to so much as throw me a free magazine for all my trouble.
What route should I go? I’m in a tossup right now between a KAHR P45, TP45, or the M&P compact from buds police supply so I need the cash from the kimber to proceed. Also, that same day I put fifteen weak springed target mags through my Colt Combat Commander and several through my PM-9 continuing their 1,000+ track record of perfection.
Thanks for all the info and sympathetic ears! Kimber lost a customer on this deal as I was going to sell my Commander and the carry to buy one each of the Super Carry (one bobtail and one 3")
P.S I will be posting all the packing slips from Kimber to support my claims ASAP after blacking out my personal info.
Well I am officially done with Kimber for good. I got my Ultra back from the factory Thursday after about a month and hit the range Friday. Per my conversation and documentation from Kimber, the extractor needed to be replaced (not just adjusted for tension….) along with the slide stop. They said they could not duplicate the failure to feed which was fine as it only occurred a single time to me in between the 13 failure to ejects after I received it back for the first time.
I took it to the range with the original Kimber mag that I received and two Wilson Combats (which I bought to address the original FTF issue that I have about 100 or so rounds through after allowing them to “set” for two days per the manual. I started firing and within the first three mags immediately had a FTF. I fired about 120 rounds of AE 230 ball and about 25 of the newer 230 hydrashoks without the posts. I experienced a total of 3 FTE’s with my brand new extractor, a couple failure to go into battery, and a stovepipe style stoppage with a live round (probably mag related).All of these seemed to happen across all the mags equally. While this was far better than the first time I received it back it is totally unacceptable for anything other than a dirty .22 plinking pistol.
Keep in mind that all of this gunsmithing work was done by their LE armorer so presumably it would get more attention than other pistols in the same situation. Also, the Kimber armorer put a gouge in my beautiful brand new custom made curly maple grips but at least they replaced them with a new set of their standard wood grips. So long story short, I am furious with the whole situation as I have wasted a year, tons of money in ammo and mags trying to “break in”/prove the pistol, and paid an excessive price for a pistol I have yet to carry a single time as it would have endangered my life to do so.
I am now facing a moral dilemma as to what to do with this piece of junk. I can be forthright and maybe sell it for a wonderful loss or I can just sell it “as is” used in the same condition it was provided to me by the folks at Kimber several times (presumably the same manner they provide all their Ultras) but have to live with the fact that someone might take this DEFENSIVE pistol out without testing it and end up dead. Option three is that I could call Kimber for the third time and request a new ultra but that is unlikely as they didn’t even bother to so much as throw me a free magazine for all my trouble.
What route should I go? I’m in a tossup right now between a KAHR P45, TP45, or the M&P compact from buds police supply so I need the cash from the kimber to proceed. Also, that same day I put fifteen weak springed target mags through my Colt Combat Commander and several through my PM-9 continuing their 1,000+ track record of perfection.
Thanks for all the info and sympathetic ears! Kimber lost a customer on this deal as I was going to sell my Commander and the carry to buy one each of the Super Carry (one bobtail and one 3")
P.S I will be posting all the packing slips from Kimber to support my claims ASAP after blacking out my personal info.
Sapper771
Member
Man, that really sucks. Sorry to hear about your dealings with Kimber.
Wow!!!
My Kimber UCII was in there the same time yours was, hope the new owner has better luck then you, as the same tech was probably working on it. Mine would feed and extract anything, but would lock back with ammo in the mag. Slide stops that had zero issues in other 1911s, wouldn't work in it either, which led me to believe that it was an out of spec frame. When I got mine back, I test fired it with 100rds of ammo without issue, and traded it. I told the new owner about its history, and also included a modified stop that had no chance of holding the slide back, that I used for carry. A Sig P226 DAK 9mm, now sits in my dresser drawer that I got in trade for the Kimber, and a Ruger LCP now gets carry duty, which runs 100% so far.
Sorry for your dilema!! You almost want to send it back again out of spite, and tell them to test fire it this time!!! I'd be as nasty as needed, to get it replaced!
My Kimber UCII was in there the same time yours was, hope the new owner has better luck then you, as the same tech was probably working on it. Mine would feed and extract anything, but would lock back with ammo in the mag. Slide stops that had zero issues in other 1911s, wouldn't work in it either, which led me to believe that it was an out of spec frame. When I got mine back, I test fired it with 100rds of ammo without issue, and traded it. I told the new owner about its history, and also included a modified stop that had no chance of holding the slide back, that I used for carry. A Sig P226 DAK 9mm, now sits in my dresser drawer that I got in trade for the Kimber, and a Ruger LCP now gets carry duty, which runs 100% so far.
Sorry for your dilema!! You almost want to send it back again out of spite, and tell them to test fire it this time!!! I'd be as nasty as needed, to get it replaced!
I've had less trouble than you, but I did have two issues.
I would have the slide randomly lock open when shooting Hydra Shock, ball worked fine. I used a Dremel tool initally then diamond file conservatively on it a few more times until the problem disappeared.
I have two Ultras, neither would work 100% with the factory magazine. Both pistols had the same problem, round goes nose up into the chamber; typically happened on the last round in the magazine.
I bought two Wilsons, one worked, the other allowed the same round up problem.
I bought 3 Tripp magazines and wow, no problem. I shot each magazine in both pistols without any jams.
After I got the Tripp magazines each pistol ran about 150 rounds of Hollow points 100%
Kimber did send a slide stop for the one I had trouble with, but I measure with a dial and the replacement was nearly identical to the one I modified, so I continued to use the one that I "improved" with a file.
Kimber also sent replacement magazines, problem is they are exactly like the ones that do not work. On the first new replacement Kimber magazine I tried the 2nd to last round went nose up.
Tripp magazine has the same follower as Kimber, but the spring is different and magazine body is slightly different; whatever the little differences are they make a big difference.
I was ready to send my Ultras back before trying the Tripp magazines.
It is frustrating to spend so much $$$ on a pistol then have issues.
I would have the slide randomly lock open when shooting Hydra Shock, ball worked fine. I used a Dremel tool initally then diamond file conservatively on it a few more times until the problem disappeared.
I have two Ultras, neither would work 100% with the factory magazine. Both pistols had the same problem, round goes nose up into the chamber; typically happened on the last round in the magazine.
I bought two Wilsons, one worked, the other allowed the same round up problem.
I bought 3 Tripp magazines and wow, no problem. I shot each magazine in both pistols without any jams.
After I got the Tripp magazines each pistol ran about 150 rounds of Hollow points 100%
Kimber did send a slide stop for the one I had trouble with, but I measure with a dial and the replacement was nearly identical to the one I modified, so I continued to use the one that I "improved" with a file.
Kimber also sent replacement magazines, problem is they are exactly like the ones that do not work. On the first new replacement Kimber magazine I tried the 2nd to last round went nose up.
Tripp magazine has the same follower as Kimber, but the spring is different and magazine body is slightly different; whatever the little differences are they make a big difference.
I was ready to send my Ultras back before trying the Tripp magazines.
It is frustrating to spend so much $$$ on a pistol then have issues.
Captcurt
Member
Liked my Springfield Better.
I wasn't impressed with my Ultra-Carry. I got rid of it at the last gunshow. I wish that I had kept my Springfield Champion Operator. Now that was NICE!
I wasn't impressed with my Ultra-Carry. I got rid of it at the last gunshow. I wish that I had kept my Springfield Champion Operator. Now that was NICE!
The Lone Haranguer
Member
With these "chopped" 1911s, it seems to me that if you get a good one, they are very, very good. But if you get a bad one, no amount of tinkering can ever get them to run. I once witnessed one in the shooting lane next to me (make unknown) that literally would not fire two consecutive shots.
harmon rabb
Member
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- Mar 14, 2009
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- 2,699
I'd tell them you want a new gun.
Id tell them to replace the whole gun, than if that gun gives you any issues at all than you can sell a practically new gun for probably a better price. Or just wait for the new gun to come in and sell it NIB.
I own the CC2, no issues whatsoever except the stock Kimber mag is hard to insert....I use wilson combat also though so not really an issue for me personally.
I own the CC2, no issues whatsoever except the stock Kimber mag is hard to insert....I use wilson combat also though so not really an issue for me personally.
Prion
Member
I like the way they look but these threads remind me not to leap. Thanks for the heads up.
Obviously all guns makes, models, and companies will have problems but Kimber does seem to take the cake.
Perhaps Kimber should tap into the British market for deactivated guns.
Obviously all guns makes, models, and companies will have problems but Kimber does seem to take the cake.
Perhaps Kimber should tap into the British market for deactivated guns.
xXxplosive
Member
Ahhhhhhh......Colt Combat Commander, now my Pre 80's is just great and shouldn't even be mentioned in the same paragraph as any Kimber......just out of it's class completely.
I have owned an Ultra Carry II for four years. It does have an internal extractor. Thousands of rounds. All various handloads from lead SWC softball to 230 gr plated. No issues at all. All I did was replace all the mag followers with plastic ones from Wilson. It saves chipping of the frame. Mine is one great pistol.
david58
Member
I won't begin to list the issues I had with a ProCarry, but they were all issues that should have never left the factory (well, I'll give you one: the chamber was out of spec, too small, and had to be reamed).
It made two trips to the factory, and still wouldnt run proper after the second trip.
My dealer took it back. He put it on the rack to sell as used, but finally got Kimber to take the gun back and credit him the cost - he had to talk to management above the Customer service folks.
Upshot was it was a piece of garbage when it left the factory. Kind of like the sewage in the drinking glass thing - no matter how much clean water you add, the glass is still full of sewage.
I admit I did purchase a full-size Custom II stainless from the dealer, using the credit I had on account, and it has been flawless. But I will never purchase another Kimber. Sorry you have had a similar experience. Maybe with your dealer's help, you can get 'em to take the thing back...
It made two trips to the factory, and still wouldnt run proper after the second trip.
My dealer took it back. He put it on the rack to sell as used, but finally got Kimber to take the gun back and credit him the cost - he had to talk to management above the Customer service folks.
Upshot was it was a piece of garbage when it left the factory. Kind of like the sewage in the drinking glass thing - no matter how much clean water you add, the glass is still full of sewage.
I admit I did purchase a full-size Custom II stainless from the dealer, using the credit I had on account, and it has been flawless. But I will never purchase another Kimber. Sorry you have had a similar experience. Maybe with your dealer's help, you can get 'em to take the thing back...
orionengnr
Member
- Joined
- Jan 3, 2005
- Messages
- 5,710
Sorry to hear of your troubles. I understand your frustrations, but since Kimber is paying for the shipping, why not send it back again?
I have sent a couple Springfields back twice each, and the end result was satisfactory...just took a bit more effort that I though was appropriate.
I've had eight Kimbers so far (four of which were/are 3" Ultras) and still have five (three of which are 3"ers). None of them has given me any troubles whatsoever.
My wife has the latest, an Utra CDP bought new this January. It has fed everything including my 200 gr SWC reloads without difficulty.
Don't give up the fight, and best regards, Rich
I have sent a couple Springfields back twice each, and the end result was satisfactory...just took a bit more effort that I though was appropriate.
I've had eight Kimbers so far (four of which were/are 3" Ultras) and still have five (three of which are 3"ers). None of them has given me any troubles whatsoever.
My wife has the latest, an Utra CDP bought new this January. It has fed everything including my 200 gr SWC reloads without difficulty.
Don't give up the fight, and best regards, Rich
I firmly believe most auto pistol problems are magazine feed problems. Lots of mags do not release the round consistently at the angle the pistol likes best. BTW I have a ultra carry doublestack which is amazing for a short light 45. My full size kimber(bought used for 650) eats everything. Even bad brass handloads that jam in my plastic guns. I have a very heavy recoil spring in it 'cause I shoot 45 super in it. It handles reg 45 fine also.
Stevie-Ray
Member
If you do that and you love 1911s like I do, you are doing nothing but "settling." I carry a Kimber Ultra CDP and fortunately for me, mine has been perfect, and for many years. The junior 1911s can work, and work well. I hope yours comes back perfect this time because when they are flawless they are a true joy to carry. But if not, I certainly understand your frustration. But not sell it? Keep in mind you can sell it with full disclosure of it's problems to somebody that is determined to make it work, and that money would go a long way toward a new Colt. There will probably be many that would bid on a bargain Kimber. I sold my problematic (is there any other?) AMT to somebody that said: "That's alright, I'll make it work."
MICHAEL T
Member
Sell the Kimber and Buy a Colt Defender. My Defender and New Agent have worked from day one. Better yet get a Colt LTW Commander have it bob tailed and carry it. Weight be about same a Kimber and Bobtail makes little easier to conceal. Barrel difference in min, for carry.
The Wiry Irishman
Member
You might want to try some different mags. I have a 3" Kimber, as do a few of my friends. They all work great (mine need a trip back to Kimber, the rest ran fine out of the box) but one thing they all have in common is finickiness over mags. My friend's will choke on Wilsons and the Kimber factory mag, but is flawless with Novaks. Mine runs like a top with KimPro mags and pretty decent with Tripps, but put anything else in it and it goes downhill. That might be where your FTF problem is coming from.
I have decided to listen to everyone and try to give Kimber a call to get a new gun (Which I can sell immediately NIB). Thank you for the support and input. I plan on getting either a Kahr TP45 or P45 from Bud's Police Supply for between $500-$566 shipped and delivered with the black oxide over the stainless.
I have attached all the packing slips from Kimber documenting my claims and the repairs they did verifying my problems. I hope this will help people in this situation in the future.
In regards to the test fire procedure, it seems that the Kimber test fire process involves a total of 70 rounds of mixed manufacturer and bullet style. They did indeed use my magazines to do the testing and replaced it the first time around.
Thanks again and I will keep you up to date on the Kimber response (not that I expect any).
I have attached all the packing slips from Kimber documenting my claims and the repairs they did verifying my problems. I hope this will help people in this situation in the future.
In regards to the test fire procedure, it seems that the Kimber test fire process involves a total of 70 rounds of mixed manufacturer and bullet style. They did indeed use my magazines to do the testing and replaced it the first time around.
Thanks again and I will keep you up to date on the Kimber response (not that I expect any).
Attachments
I've had 3 Kimbers now, a 5" (series II), 4" (pre-series II), and a 3" (series II) and have never experienced a single problem with any of them. I've had the 3" the longest and its my off duty EDC gun. It's been my experience that Kimber makes a fantastic gun.
Sorry to hear of the OP's problems with his, hope you find a good solution and get a gun you can have confidence in.
I have 2 buddies that have Kahr's. One has the PM45 and the other has the CW45, both had issues when they were breaking them in (but the one who had the CW45 I think was more user induced issues and now that he is more familiar with the gun he has no problems at all). Both love the Kahr's and now swear by them. I've shot both and they seemed to be great guns. Their size, to me, would make them great CCW's.
Sorry to hear of the OP's problems with his, hope you find a good solution and get a gun you can have confidence in.
I have 2 buddies that have Kahr's. One has the PM45 and the other has the CW45, both had issues when they were breaking them in (but the one who had the CW45 I think was more user induced issues and now that he is more familiar with the gun he has no problems at all). Both love the Kahr's and now swear by them. I've shot both and they seemed to be great guns. Their size, to me, would make them great CCW's.
Hammerdown77
Member
First, try to get a new gun. Second, try some Checkmate or Colt hybrid lipped magazines with the dimpled, flat follower. Third, if you are still in love with the 1911 platform and still want a 3" gun, try a Colt Defender or New Agent. My New Agent runs and runs and runs, no matter what crappy handloads I feed it. Not saying that you can't get a lemon from Colt either, but their 3" guns seem to have the best track record.
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