[ugaarguy]

I've recently aquired a Kimber Pro Carry (Series I) and I'm curious about the bushingless setup. The FLGR with "paper clip" takedown tool is annoying because 1) it requires that silly tool, and 2) There's ne easy way to clean the FLGR nor the recoil spring with it captivated in a compressed state. I take it from Jim Watson's post in this thread http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=56031&highlight=bushingless that using a short commander length spring guide would be just fine. I've got one on hand, but I wanted to ensure that installation wont cause problems on the Pro Carry.

Also, are there any captivated 1911 recoil spring setups you folks would recommend?

Thanks for you the help.

[Jim Watson]

I don't have and have not closely examined a short Kimber.
I do not know if it would be adaptable to a GI recoil spring guide.

If I had a 4" Kimber or similar, I would ask ISMI if they would make me a recoil spring set like they do for Colt OACP. A flat wire spring on a small diameter FLGR. I think it is a captive spring takedown.

I mostly just wipe my captive spring sets off, oil the rod ahead of the plug and put it back together. Occasionally I will pull the paperclip and try to keep parts from spronging all over the place to give spring and rod a good cleaning, and replace the buffer, if any. My FLG (that's Friendly Local Gunsmith who likes FLGRs) made me a tool to help reassembly. Just an aluminum disc with a hole in the middle to give purchase in pushing down the plug to compress the spring; a notch at the edge of the hole allows putting the paperclip back in.

[Geno]

I never considered the tool as needed. I did by-pass it in disassembly with both my 3" and 4" a few times. It can be taken down and reassembled as "normal" if you choose. Yes, it takes a strong grip.

Anyhow, you have a gem there. Don't ever allow Kimber to "convert series I to series II" in their "Custom" Shop. :neener: Seriously, that is one of their "Custom" Shop options. Imagine paying Kimber to allow them to destroy your pistol. :evil:

Doc2005

[jmorris]

If you've got an air compressor and a can of carb cleaner, you can clean the flgr and spring without putting the reverse plug into orbit.