Poll for Kimber Series II owners only

[MaterDei]

I keep hearing all these concerns about the reliability of the Kimber Series II pistols and how they are anathema because of their firing pin block.

Some say, "no problem". Others say, "I would never buy a series II Kimber". So, what's the truth? My primary HD/SD weapon is a Kimber Series II Stainless, should I be worried? Should I switch to another gun? Man, I would hate to do that, I like my Kimber a lot. However, if it truly is fundamentally flawed I need to get my head out of the sand and find an alternative (like the SIG 1911!).

So, would those of you who are Kimber II owners please take the poll? All others, if you know of why the firing pin block is a problem, or better yet, have heard of specific tragic incidents as a result of the block let me know.

Please, you Kimber/1911 haters (I know you're out there), try and avoid saying that you just don't like the blocks because they are one more thing that can break. If that is your logic how is it any different than that trigger thingy on the Glock or the even the grip safety on every 1911? They too could break, does that mean all unnecessaries, i.e. safeties, should be removed?

Frankly, I consider the firing pin block an additional noninvasive safety that is engineered such that it doesn't impact the trigger pull, and therefore a good thing.

 

[Hawk]

Yup

But only on the CDP Ultra.

Full size Eclipse runs like a Swiss watch.

 

[9x19]

No, but I only have about 400 rounds down range thru the two I recently bought.

Don't expect any FPS related problems, and if any occur, it will only hasten my plan to remove the wholly superflous itty bits.

They would have been gone already, but I got sidetracked by a Para P-14/45 that needs a bit of tweaking....

 

[MaterDei]

Hawk,

Care to share the details? I'm guessing that you pulled the trigger, the hammer fell and instead of a BOOM there was a click ?

 

[ialevy]

at least 1000 rounds through my team match II with not one failure period!!!!

So reliable it's boring!

(Well, one or two FTF's due to a weak crimp on the case...but not the guns fault)

 

[Lightsped]

No problems here with my ProCarry II. The 'Series I vs Series II' debate is a old and tired debate. It is my opinion that the whole debate is mostly overrated internet hype. Nothing more, nothing less. Some folks love to complain, and are actually quite good at it.

 

[LeadPumper]

O Kimber, my Kimber...

Well, yes I did have a problem I attributed to the firing pin block. I have an early production Custom Classic Series II, the Matte black one.

During initial break-in, the slide-upon firing, ejecting the empty case, and returing to battery- would not fully go into battery. The slide would remain 1/8" out of battery for maybe 1 in 50 rounds when I started. The more I shot it, the better it got, the less failures to return to battery I experienced.

When cycled by hand, the slide would 'catch' just before going into battery. After inspecting the inside of the slide for wear marks and burs, I took out the firing pin block.

My Kimber has worked perfectly (not including operator error) in the thousands or so rounds I've used since then.

In defence of the device, it was getting better with use. Given time and ammo, it most likely would have worn itself down to a point wher it was no longer a problem. I decided to speed up the process.

My decision alone, and it won't be the right one for everyone.

YMMV

If it dosen't fail in your hands, thats a good thing.

-LeadPumper

 

[durango]

I have a full sized Stainless II with 800+ rounds through it. Not a single failure yet.

Every gun model has potential for failure. I'm not convinced that this series II issue is really an issue (above and beyond other models).

 

[AZ Heat]

Mine are great!

I have 2 series I's and 2 series II's and they all are great. My everyday carry is the Ultra Carry II and I have over 3,000 through it so far and it is flawless! I have heard people rip apart the series II but have personally not had any problems. In my opinion, you can't go wrong with a Kimber!

 

[Chupacabra]

Nope! None at all after 1000+ rounds through my Custom II.

Only problems I have had were magazine related.