Kimber Raptor II

[gunguy1991]

I am thinking of buying a Kimber Raptor II in 45acp with a 4" barrel. I will most likely use it for a CCW and some informal competition . I want to know if it is a good gun and if the recoil is going to be a lot. I also will be selling my Taurus PT-92 to help buy the Kimber if it is a good gun.

 

[Messenger Guard]

I had a Grand Raptor II. It shot well but I lost my love for the scallops. Kimbers seem to elicit both love and hate on this forum. I've owned at least ten of them over the years and only traded in order to upgrade. I'm not a fan of Taurus but do admit the 92 copy is one of "their..err Berettas" best designs. I prefer a 1911. I feel it is the most ergonomically designed fighting handgun built up to this point in history (funny, ergonomics wasn't even a word when it was built). I'm a lefty and feel I lose nothing with a 1911. As long as I have an ambi safety, my trigger finger works the slide release just fine.

 

[Messenger Guard]

Sorry missed part of your question. 45 ACP recoil is grossly exaggerated. The 40 S&W is far more annoying with it's snap. The 45 ACP with it's low working pressures is more of a push. The heft of a steel gun also dampens perceived recoil. I think you will dig it.

 

[G27RR]

I agree that the .45 recoil is often overstated. I'd rather shoot full power .45 loads out of my 3" 1911s than full power .40 loads out of my Glock 27. Follow up shots are faster and the push of the .45 doesn't seem to bother my hand as much in a high round count range session as a .40.

I can't comment on the Raptor II. The only Kimber I have is the 4" Super Carry Pro and I have 800+ rounds through it and still haven't worked the bugs out. It's a shame because it would be an awesome carry piece if it were reliable. I use an STI Ranger II if I want a 4" 1911 to carry.

 

[gunguy1991]

Great info, now all that is left is to sell my Taurus pt-92 to help buy the Kimber. Any offers would be great. It will probably be in the for sale section in the next day or two.

 

[CZ223]

I don't own a Raptor but...

I do own a
Tactical pro II (4" with lightweight Frame)
Eclipse Pro Target II (4" all stainless)
Eclipse Pro Custom shop edition (4" all stainless)
Ultra carry II (3" with lightweight frame)
Stainless Ultra Carry II on hold

So, while I have had a couple minor problems with Kimbers. it is fair to say that I like and trust them. All of these guns are carried. I shot IDPA with my Tactical pro II and my times were pretty good. The guys who were going noticeably faster were using 9mm and were speed demons anyway. So, what I am getting at is, even in a lightweight gun the recoil of a 45 is very manageable. I just got the Ultra carry, 25 ounces empty, and put about 35 rounds through it. It is not punishing in the least.

 

[gym]

I would and did for many years choose to cary a 45 more than any other pistol caliber. I find I shoot them better or as well as my 9mm. The recoil is greatlly exagerated, "just shoot a 38 snubby", thats a kick, and they will usually get the job done with one or two rounds, rather than 2 or 3, all things being equal. If you carry indoors, 24/7,as some do, you may want an lcp or bodygaurd for all day carry. Along with your 45, for stepping out

 

[76shuvlinoff]

My one and only 1911 .45 is a fullsize Raptor II and at 1200 flawless rounds I quit counting. It is my bump in the night gun. For cc I beat up my .40 tupperware and my bug is an LCP.

As stated above, recoil in a steel fullsize .45 is not much to be concerned about.