Kimber Ultra Carry II worth the effort?

[Pap3rPunch3r]

Last time I was in my local toy store I put a used Kimber Ultra Carry II for $700 on layaway.. I would have to immediately change the sights since I don't like the all black, and was considering the crimson trace grips later on down the road.. But I could easily spend $200 just on the sights with having them installed by a gunsmith!! Am I better off just buying a more expensive 1911 that already comes with what i'm looking for?

Please help, first time 1911 buyer & very indecisive

P.s. Not looking forward to kimber's special disassembly with the small allen wrench/paperclip looking tool

 

[Chuck Dye]

Shoot the factory sights for a while, you may reconsider the change.

As to the take down tool, I have the Kimber Compact Stainless II and a huge surplus of the tool. I bought 0.047" music wire and spent an hour or so with a wire cutter, pliers, and fine sharpening stone, to dress the cut ends, making copies of the factory tool and shorter versions. The things are now everywhere in my life: in the car, every tool box, every cleaning kit, my briefcase, my wallet, on my key chain, etc. As you point out, a paper clip works fine, too.

 

[Nakanokalronin]

Shoot the factory sights for a while, you may reconsider the change.

I agree. I actually like the all black sights after owning a few firearms with them, including my Ultra Carry. I'm almost to the point that my firearms with night-sights will stay the same, all other handgun sights will be completely black.

 

[Ala Dan]

I have a 3" Kimber Stainless Ultra Carry II in .45 ACP with all black sights; and
they have not been a problem for these ancient eyes~!

 

[orionengnr]

Not sure where you come up with $200 to change sights. I bought a set of TruGlo TFOs for about $90.

I installed them on my Kimber Ultra Carry in about 20 minutes. The next time I do it, it will take about half that time.

The disassembly is a piece of cake. The first Kimber I bought (used) came without the disassembly tool. I made one from a paper clip and am still using it, six or seven years later.

 

[Pap3rPunch3r]

I got the $200 as a rough estimate from asking a gunsmith who looked up some sights for $139 or so, and said he could put them in for $40. Since i am no where near experienced i would have everything done by a gunsmith. I'd hate to have a nice functioning/looking Kimber and my sights not be installed correctly.

I suppose I will try the stock black sights for a while, but seeing how this would most likely be my concealed carry gun and I work a late shift most of the time I'd be carrying at night. That was really my only big concern with the black sights. Though the other reason was the range i visit is not very well lit for all black sights. I found this out when shooting a Taurus M85 i purchased recently.

 

[joehorner]

Recently purchased a Pro Carry ll used in very good condition. The all black sights for me were a problem. Took it to a smith owned LGS and they recommended the TRU GLO TFO sight made for the Kimber. Dropped it off,then went to lunch,came back and picked it up. What a difference . The fact that they gather light and also have night sight tritium in the steel encased tubes is a good combo for me. Money well spent.............Joe

 

[340PD]

I have a Ultra CDP II that has factory night sights. Night sights are great to have but it is very unlikely you will ever really need them. I envision my need for a gun to protect myself would happen so quickly that no sights made would matter. In an emergency, point shooting and instinct would probably take over. If you add laser grips, it is totally unnecessary to change the sights you have now. They may be the best deterent, as bad guys hate having the red dots on them. BTW Mine is a very reliable, accurate firearm. My 2¢

 

[orionengnr]

Beautiful Ultra CDP, BTW. I have one and the wife has one.

If you add laser grips, it is totally unnecessary to change the sights you have now. They may be the best deterent, as bad guys hate having the red dots on them.

This is an oft-repeated misconception.
Think about it. If someone is pointing a gun at me, the last thing I will do is look at my chest to see if here is a red dot there. Instead, I will be moving towards cover (or at least away from the threat) and trying to put as many holes in his chest as possible.

 

[Blue68f100]

I elected to go with the Ultra SS TLE w/LG to save the time and hassel from upgrading the gun. Mine has run flawless since new, over 1400 rounds through it now.

 

[Pap3rPunch3r]

I have a Ultra CDP II that has factory night sights. Night sights are great to have but it is very unlikely you will ever really need them. I envision my need for a gun to protect myself would happen so quickly that no sights made would matter. In an emergency, point shooting and instinct would probably take over. If you add laser grips, it is totally unnecessary to change the sights you have now. They may be the best deterent, as bad guys hate having the red dots on them. BTW Mine is a very reliable, accurate firearm. My 2¢

You read my mind on the CDP series!! I can't stop looking at them on gunbroker!! And i agree with the instinctive shooting, in a worst case scenario the sights would most likely not improve a persons accuracy in panic especially at close range.. So i suppose it does come down to preference. Problem is I tend to over prepare for everything, a hard habit for me to break!!

Agree Blue68f100 especially when you can find them stock with those options in the same price range.