Question about my Kimber?

[LightningMan]

I have a Kimber Custom TRL/RL II and want to know if this is normal; When I insert a loaded magazine, the only way to release the slide is by pushing down the slide release, you cannot pull back on the slide and slingshot it forward, just don't work that way. Is this normal for this model? Or not? Thanks, LM.

 

[abuelo]

No that is not normal, Have you checked to make sure the thumb safety is in down (off) position.

 

[LightningMan]

Yes the safty is off, besides how could the slide be back with the safty on? I was at a gun show this past weekend and asked a dealer (not a Kimber dealer) about this and he seem to think that some models of Kimbers were designed this way. I'm just doing some checking around to get some feedback before placing a call to kimber. LM

 

[MCMXI]

I was at a gun show this past weekend and asked a dealer (not a Kimber dealer) about this and he seem to think that some models of Kimbers were designed this way.

HUH?! This is easy to check and has nothing to do with the magazine since the problem isn't the slide locking back which is controlled by the magazine follower. The problem is that the slide lock isn't being pushed back down by the slide as it's pulled back. The front of the notch in the slide engages the slide stop and pushes it back down as the slide is pulled back. Remove the magazine and lock the slide back using the slide lock. Without inserting a magazine, pull back on the slide and the slide lock should be pushed back down by the notch in the slide. If this isn't happening, you may need to send the pistol back to Kimber.

Basically, you should be able to pull the slide back and release it and it should strip and chamber a round from the magazine ... no exceptions!!

 

[kkramer673]

I think there are two possibilities to explain this. An easy one is to make sure you don't have a shok buffer on your guide rod. If you bought the pistol new, you don't; Kimber doesn't ship with them. If you bought it used, the previous owner may have installed one and it generally prevents Kimbers from being slingshotted.

The other possibility is a bad slide stop. Kimber owners often encounter this problem. If you call Kimber, they will generally ship you a replacement slide stop at no-charge.

 

[LightningMan]

That may be the solution as I myself installed a slide buffer on my guide rod. I guess I never noticed this because I use the release button, untill I let someone shoot it and they said something to me about it. I will check later when I get home from work, by removing the buffer. Hope this is the cause. LM

 

[Rinspeed]

Hope this is the cause.

I got $100 that says it is.

 

[Drail]

What's wrong with using the slide stop to release the slide? (that is why it's there) I have used 1911s for many years and never tried to "slingshot" one.

 

[9mmepiphany]

What's wrong with using the slide stop to release the slide? (that is why it's there) I have used 1911s for many years and never tried to "slingshot" one.

I don't slingshot mine either, but I do release the slide by grabbing it in a overhand grip (support hand coming over the top of the slide) and pulling it to the rear.

It is just something that is taught (you should practice all the different methods if you use you 1911 defensively) as more reliable, given the possibility of different jams and injuries which would not respond to use of the slide stop. The overhand grab is universal for clearing stoppages and across platforms.

 

[MCMXI]

That may be the solution as I myself installed a slide buffer on my guide rod. I guess I never noticed this because I use the release button, untill I let someone shoot it and they said something to me about it. I will check later when I get home from work, by removing the buffer. Hope this is the cause. LM

Don't admit to anything ... just blame it on crappy Kimber quality control .... everyone else does!! :banghead:

 

[xr1200]

As long as you have a loaded mag inserted it should take the pressure off the slide stop and you should be able to pull back the slide and rack a round.

Problem is either your clip or slide stop, try a different mag and remove slide stop and check for burrs or broken edges etc. smooth or file ruff edges.

you can buy a wilson slide stop for $20-25 that will work great if it needs one.

 

[9mmepiphany]

Problem is either your clip or slide stop, try a different mag and remove slide stop and check for burrs or broken edges etc. smooth or file ruff edges.

You must have overlooked the answer in post #6

 

[LightningMan]

Got home today, and removed the buffer, works like it should now. Thanks, kkramer. You learn something new every day, and this forum is the best place for info. Thanks everyone for the replys. LM