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OK, as I've posted elsewhere on this board I am looking at purchasing my firrst 1911. One of the guns I looked at was a Series II Kimber Custom Royal for $725 (not sure of its age).

Is that a good price and what is the real difference between a Kimber Custom and a Kimber Custom Royal. The guy at the gun store said the only difference was the grips and a nicer finish. Is there anything else?

He also stated that it had a "match" barrel. What does this mean and how is this barrel different than a "normal" barrel? Is it a chrome lined barrel?

Finally, I keep hearing about problems with recent Kimbers (a guy who works at a Kimber dealer in NoVA - different than the one with the Custom Royal above - told me that most of the Series II's they have sold have come back needing some additional work from the factory).

What exactly is the problem that is occuring and why has it proven so difficult to resolve in new guns. Is there something I can look for on an individual gun? Also, are these problems really as bad as I've heard on the net and this guy seemed to insist upon (ie: is it a less than 1% of guns problem or a 99% of guns problem?) Can these concerns be resolved and does Kimber take care of problems when they arise?

Thanks

[Sergeant Sabre]

My Kimber seems fine. It's a Pro Carry II. The issues that are being expressed on the 'net are regarding problems with the external extractor. The internal extractor Kimbers seem pretty much good to go. Their externals, however, seem to be more prone to failure to extract problems. How many of those pistols have problems, as a percentage, is unknown. I did start a poll on the 1911 forum regarding this:

http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=103846

Not by any means all-inclusive. But interesting results.

P.S: Would you like a grain of salt with that? :D

[rick_reno]

I don't think it's correct that most of the Series II guns have come back to the factory for work. There are some returns for work, but it's not most of them. When you decide on which one to get, remember to shoot about 500 rounds thru it to determine if it's working correctly - these guns seem to take some breaking in.

[LeadPumper]

As I recall, the 'Royal' had the polished blue finish and red wood grips.

I liked what I saw when looking at the Custom II line and picked up a Matte Black model that's seen a couple thousand rounds since it's purchase. It was one of the first one's I'd seen in MD, priced at $700 I believe (maybe two years ago).

Only failures have been mag related, gun has ran fine otherwise. None of the FTRTB (failure to return to battery) stuff I've read about so often on gunboards. But like any company with a new product, QC can be sketchy.

Never heard of a seperate 'match' barrel in a NIB Kimber Custom. They come as a package (hence the 'Custom' name, all the normally asked for features in one package; FLGR, lower + flared ejection port, commander hammer, adjustable trigger, etc...). It's likely the 'match' barrel is part of the 'Custom' package and is being advertised as an upgrade.

For what it is, and your location, I'd say the price is a little high. A NIB Kimber Series I can demand that price, but not a Series II. (IMHO).

Unless it has a really sweet trigger, and 'feels' right. In which case price dosn't matter.

-LeadPumper

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v502/jgelner/Other/KIMBER.jpg

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It's likely the 'match' barrel is part of the 'Custom' package and is being advertised as an upgrade.


yes, the match barrel comes stock in the Custom. I had misunderstood the salesman. . . who seemed very apologetic that I might have walked out of the store with that attitude.

Still haven't decided which 1911 to get, and frankly the more research I do, the more confused I get . . . . but it seems like it will either be an older Colt (pre 70s or series 70) or a Kimber Custom

[45auto]

Another option in that price range is the Springfield Loaded model.

If you buy a Colt, keep in mind it doesn't have the extended beavertail, safety, and better sights like the Loaded or royal. If you want those items, add @ $200-$400.

Also, IMHO, if you decide on a Colt, I would buy a new one for that kind of money instead of a older, used model. I'll bet the new one will function better, be more accurate and will have a warranty.