[Doc]

Local gun shop got one of the TLE II (civilian version of LAPD SWAT) .45 ACP.

I couldn't help myself, it was an impulse purchase...I bought it. It's pretty and has nice features like front strap checkering, but :( it shoots low, really low and groups pretty poorly.

I have been telling people for years that Kimber was the best bang for the buck in 45 ACP pistols. I think I should send it back to Kimber, what do you think?

[bountyhunter]

Well, I would:

1) Shoot it off a bag rest (or a stack of rags) to see if the groups tighten up.

2) Shoot a few hundred and see if it changes. Speaking for myself only, I have seen myself shooting low because the trigger was stiff. You may get better at shooting it.

3) If it genuinely shoots low and centered consistently with more than one type of ammo (and groups well), I might just take a flat file to the top of the front sight. I have done that on many an occasion so I could dial it into my eye. Now, I just make sure all my guns have adjustable sights.

If a 1911 actually groups poorly (scatters) with many brands of ammo, there could be a lot of reasons. Most likely would be loose barrel to slide fit and/or a barrel which is "long-linked" to get it to engage the top slide cuts deeply enough. Barrels that are standing on the link in lockup re usually a bit wobbly. Could also be a loose barrel/bushing fit or a barrel with a bad crown.

You might want to see if the end of the barrel is tight in lockup and see if you can move the chamber end of the barrel by pushing on it (not a good sign).

Good luck.

[STEVE M]

I thought this model had night sights? If it does, I wouldn't file

on them, better to send it back to the factory.

[10-Ring]

I would first verify that it shoots low...have someone else shoot it, shoot it from a rest & try diff't ammo. If it still shoots low, send it back to Kimber!

[coltjeeper]

Doc,

First off, let me say from experience that it is NOT you. My brother and several other people have this model and have had the same problem you are having.

My brother posted about it on the 1911forum and found out what the problem was. Kimber shipped some of these pistols with the adjustable sights front sight. Therefore it was too high for the fixed rear sight and was causing people to hit low.

Send it back to Kimber and they will replace the front sight for free. They also put a new barrel in for him.

When he asked them to reimburse his shipping expense they told him they would throw in a couple magazines for free instead. Well my brother didn't want any of those since we prefer Wilsons. So he asked them to fit one of the better triggers they offer, like on their CDP and Eclipse line, and they did that instead.

BTW.....From the day he shipped it off to the day he got it back was TWO DAYS! Thats service!:)

Now it shoots dead on for him.

[El Tejon]

Back to Yonkers with it.

[JohnBT]

Or just send the slide - it's cheaper. Your call. JT

[Standing Wolf]

Or just send the slide - it's cheaper.

The slide isn't a firearm, and doesn't require overnight shipping, so it's significantly cheaper.

[railroader]

Send the whole gun. That way Kimber can shoot it and make sure it is right. Mark

[Cal4D4]

The one my kid just bought groups nicely but centers right at the front night sight dot. Blot out the center of the target with the front dot and hit the bulleye. I don't have night sites on anything myself, but could this be intentional?

[spacemanspiff]

my TLE shoots fine. i discovered it groups better the faster i shoot.

[cocojo]

My two Kimber shot high with the .150 front sight. Both my Kimbers have .180 front night sights and shoot point of aim with standard 230's. Are you shooting 230's or something lighter? The heavier bullets will print higher. Don't file anything they will fix it for NADA.