Thinking about buying a Kimber Pro Covert..opinions wanted.

[CPshooter]

Hello,

I have recently stumbled upon a hefty real estate commission, and I think I want to treat myself to a new pistol..you know, as a reward to myself I'm liking the Pro Covert II and think it might be the one.

First, I know there are plenty of 1911 options out there and some might feel that for a "bit more" I can "upgrade" to a Wilson, Baer, Ed Brown, etc. I don't really want to go this route. People say, "Once you get a (insert high-end name here) you will see the difference in quality." I don't really care. Don't get me wrong..I'm a real stickler for quality and anything nicely made, but in the end I'm sure the Kimber will be more than nice enough for my needs. I've been impressed with Kimber 1911s before, and I believe they offer the best bang for your buck when it comes to factory, semi-custom 1911s.

Speaking of my needs...

This gun won't be used for anything other than an all-around recreational pistol. More of a treat to myself than anything else. It won't be a primary CCW. I have a H&K P2000sk for that. It will probably serve me best as a "bump in the night" gun. I'll probably carry it every now and then once I get a nice leather holster for it. I just really like the whole look of the pistol. The digital camo lasergrips are just plain cool and it has all the other features I like on a 1911. I'm also a huge fan of the 4" bushingless barrel design.

Basically, I'd like to hear from someone that owns this pistol. How do you like it? Was it worth the hefty price tag? How well does the Kim-Pro II finish take abuse and normal wear and tear? Does this finish wear off quickly where the slide rides on the frame rails?

I'm also considering the more affordable, steel-framed Pro TLE II. However, carrying it wouldn't be an option for me since it would be significantly heavier. What do you think?

p.s. What should I be paying for one?

[wditto]

fearing flames-galore, I would be amiss if I did not mention; most named brand 1911 for poor operation is this brand.......I have only had two, but got 100 % - both were jam-o-matics.....sorry, just thought you would research

[TIMC]

I have the Warrior and the Pro Raptor, both are great guns and I have had no issues withe them. Both of mine are steel framed guns which I prefer in a 1911. I had an Ultra carry fro a while and while it did function flawlessly I just couldn't warm up to the alloy frame so I sold it.

For just a recreational shooter I prefer the Warrior with the 5" barrel. My carry pistol is the Pro Raptor witht he 4" barrel but I do carry the warrior from time to time as well. Both guns have been fantastic for me so I'm sure the pro Covert would be for you.

[CPshooter]

fearing flames-galore, I would be amiss if I did not mention; most named brand 1911 for poor operation is this brand.......I have only had two, but got 100 % - both were jam-o-matics.....sorry, just thought you would research

I appreciate your comments, but I'm not prone to believing a lot of the internet bs floating around out there. For every one post I see saying Kimbers are "jamm-o-matics" I see ten that give nothing but praise to their reliability and performance. 1911s, by nature of the beast, are impossible to produce on the same level of consistency and reliability as, say an H&K or Glock. I've seen bad examples of every 1911, including Colts and Springfields. I've done my research, and I'm not prone to believing Kimbers are any less reliable than any other 1911 offering out there. In fact, considering the volume of sales they experience, they probably make one of the more reliable 1911s out there. (Obviously this isn't fact, but if there was a way to survey the entire shooting population I wouldn't be surprised to see Kimber on top)

It's like saying Glocks are more prone to a KB than any other polymer handgun out there. The fact is that Glock continues to dominate the polymer market as far as sales go, so there are simply more examples of them exploding than with any other brand. The problem is it gets around the internet so fast and people take it too seriously.

TIMC-

Thanks for your helpful reply.

[The Wiry Irishman]

How well does the Kim-Pro II finish take abuse and normal wear and tear?

I've got a friend that has a Kimber with this finish. I don't know how many rounds he has through the gun, its not many, I'd ballpark it at 750-1000, but it gets holstered, carried, and unholstered every day, and it still has yet to show any wear.

[model of 1905]

Why ask for opinions if you already have your mind made up? By your own admission you don't pay attention to "internet BS'.

You don't really want opinions but you will get mine anyway.

There are MANY 1911's I would buy. Kimber is not one of them. Why, you might ask? Bad personal experiences with the brand and many positive experiences with other brands. Yeah, I'll own a Kimber. If somehow I come across one for free, then I wouldn't feel so bad about spending the money on it to make it a reliable gun. Good luck with yours.

[Sapper771]

I will also agree with wditto and model of 1905. I do not recommend Kimber, I even told Kimber that I would not recommend them to anyone due to the way they treated me. BUT.....that is just my experience. I do agree that Kimber makes some very nice 1911s, but that is as far as I go. I try to buy from companies that will back up their products and not screw the consumer.

[blackops]

Not trying to burst your bubble, but take a look at the "most unreliable semi auto ever fired" thread. Kimber is on dang near every page. I don't know if you personally have a certain type of gun you despise, but Kimber is mine. Just my opinion though.

[CWL]

Why would you choose a medium size gun for your "bump in the night" gun? It would make more sense if you choose a bigger/full-size gun for that application.

But, if you are already sold on it, then go and buy it because it doesn't seem like you are really wanting to hear other opinions if they differ from yours.

Bottom line, your money so it's your choice.

[Psyco Tyco]

every manufacturer makes a lemon now and then but overall kimber makes a quality gun my eclipse custom hasn't jammed after thousands of rounds however my fathers royal 2 had some jamming issues but subsided after wearing it in as some kimbers need. when your buying a gun nothing beats personal experience with it if you can find some different model kimbers in your area to try firing you can get an idea of how kimbers feel, if you dont find any to try then consider taking a risk and getting the gun anyway if you dont like it you can always sell it and try a different model or make if you choose to. now onto your "needs"

i am not a fan of aluminum frames because of the additional recoil they bring but some people train around that.
if you really want lasergrips and night sights but decide against paying 1600 you can get the pro crimson carry and some night sights for about 400 less and still have the carry capability unlike the pro TLE II
as for the finish i dont know that it will wear off of the aluminum within normal use if you shoot it quite a bit such as competition or something it would but under normal plinking and occasional carry it should hold up fine...the cheap black oxide finish on my eclipse is still great looking with no wear even where the bottom of the slide moves into the frame.
4 inches is also plenty of barrel because statistically most gunfights take place at no more than 20 yards and last for maybe 4 shots, now i hope you never get into one of those situations but the 4 inch barrel will do fine at those distances.


you have really picked one of the best kimbers there is i hope you go with your first thoughts and treat yourself to something that is special like the covert is...it is a compromise between the so called high end 1911s and the entry level custom 1911s that really is perfect for what you want it for. something i would recommend no matter what you get is to also get a magazine well and some wilson combat magazines. good luck with it

[shooter1]

I own three Kimbers. Ultra Carry/Pro Carry/Custom Stainless Target. Had a few failures with the Target due to reloading problems, but the others have been flawless. The Custom Target has been flawless since I worked out the ammo issues.
I do have a problem with a 500rd "Break in Period". Anyone spending $1000+ for a new pistol shouldn't have to spend half the cost of the pistol on break in ammo just to make it run! Wish Kimber would do whatever it takes to remedy this issue. I can see where this would be a problem, especially to a new 1911 owner. It might make a $400 Glock seem more attractive!
str1

[TurboFC3S]

Aluminum frames are fine, but why have an aluminum frame and a bull barrel? Seems like that's just contradictory ... Al subtracts weight, bull barrel just ads it right back.

Chances are the Pro Covert will run fine for you, but just be ready for the chance it won't. My Kimbers have been fine, but it's not just internet BS ... Kimbers are much more likely to to be problem guns.

[kanook]

Raptor Ultra Carry, about 300 rds to break in and run with no problem.

TLE/RL, more than 500rds to break in and run with no problem.

Custom II, ran perfect from the day it was purchased.

I agree that I shouldn't have to break in a firearm after paying over $1,000 for it, but I thought they were kidding.

[shooter1]

Kimbers are awesome pistols! BUT, they should come ready to run! Sounds like the company needs a change in priorities!!
str1

[CPshooter]

Why ask for opinions if you already have your mind made up? By your own admission you don't pay attention to "internet BS'.

You don't really want opinions but you will get mine anyway.

There are MANY 1911's I would buy. Kimber is not one of them. Why, you might ask? Bad personal experiences with the brand and many positive experiences with other brands. Yeah, I'll own a Kimber. If somehow I come across one for free, then I wouldn't feel so bad about spending the money on it to make it a reliable gun. Good luck with yours

If you read my entire post you would have noticed that I was mainly looking for opinions from people that actually own the Pro Covert. Either way, I do respect your opinion and appreciate your input.

I wanted unbiased feedback on this pistol, which is why I didn't post it in a Kimber forum in the first place. However, I have noticed in the past that the autoloaders forum here on THR has a lot of Kimber haters lurking around. No offense to any of you, but it's just something I noticed.

Why would you choose a medium size gun for your "bump in the night" gun? It would make more sense if you choose a bigger/full-size gun for that application.

But, if you are already sold on it, then go and buy it because it doesn't seem like you are really wanting to hear other opinions if they differ from yours.

Bottom line, your money so it's your choice.

Thanks for the helpful comment

Please tell me why an extra 1" added to the barrel length would make more sense for this application. IMO the added sight radius and extra velocity won't make a difference when it comes down to it. To me, a 4" 1911 balances better in my hand. I think a better balancing pistol is more of an advantage than an extra 1" of barrel length. Again, just my opinion.

Aluminum frames are fine, but why have an aluminum frame and a bull barrel? Seems like that's just contradictory ... Al subtracts weight, bull barrel just ads it right back.

The numbers don't lie. An aluminum framed 1911 with a bull barrel weighs 7oz less than the same 1911 with a steel frame. That's a significant difference when it comes to carrying your pistol.

When I made this thread I was expecting helpful and mature responses from people that have had experience with this pistol. I should have known better.

Thanks again to all those who at least gave mature and reasonable responses.

[TurboFC3S]

Hey, it's a great gun ... my only point is if you want lightweight then get an aluminum frame and a bushing barrel that would be another 4-6oz lighter. But I just checked Kimbers website, and don't see a 4" with a bushing barrel, maybe they don't make one? I'd love to have a Covert myself, but they're usually at ridiculous prices. If you can find a good price on one, go for it!

[Psyco Tyco]

i know you were looking for people who have owned the covert but i still feel my input would help since my model is higher up in the kmiber tier like the covert....though i dont know that you will find many people who use one simply because they feel that when they get up towards 1600 that they should get another 600 to get a wilson, or nighthawk, etc...i just wanted to point out how well your defending your reasons for considering the covert. if your defending your choice so well for a gun you dont own then i think you found one you will be happy with...though if you would still like an opinion on one from an owner i can try asking around the range if anyone has one and check with some friends on 1911forum for their opinions if you would like that closure

[CPshooter]

Psyco-

Your initial post was very helpful to me. I appeciate your input since you at least own a similar "high-end" kimber model.

Turbo-

Unfortunately, Kimber doesn't make an aluminum framed 1911 without the bushingless design. I actually don't know of any brands off the top of my head that offer something like that. I wasn't aware that the difference in weight between a bushingless design and one that uses a bushing was that significant. Either way, I have no problem with the bushingless design Kimber and several other manufacturers use.

Btw, I haven't technically made up my mind at all. At this point the Pro Covert is at the top of my list, but since I have no actual NEED for this next handgun purchase I can easily change my mind at any point.

I'm also considering the new HK45 or a USP Tactical in either .45acp or .40s&w. As far as polymer handguns go, H&K is without a doubt my favorite brand. My experience with my P2000sk and USP .40c has been nothing but pleasant.

Now back to the Pro Covert...I figure if I order it from an online dealer and wait a couple months (it will be backordered), I can get it for around $1375 after the FFL transfer fee and shipping. I've considered a 1911 offering from Wilson, Baer, Nighthawk Custom, etc., but I can't justify spending an extra $600-800 over the price of the Covert or even a cheaper Kimber model. I can get another nice gun on my "wish list" for that kind of money.

[LancerMW]

The STI Escort is an extremely solid Officer Model sized .45, only downfall is it is bushingless, other that though....

[shooter1]

The "Pro Carry" in my initial post is basically the same gun. The "Pro Covert" has some superfical differences, like finish, texture, grips, ect. Guess that's what adds the $500 to the price tag. I have another half dozen 1911s other than the Kimbers. The "Pro Carry" is hands down my favorite. I too prefer the 4" 1911 for the same reasons as the OP. As stated earlier, my "Pro" has been flawless with thousands of rounds, from full power stuff, to my major power LSWC reloads. I'd buy another one today if the price were right!
str1

[GoodKat]

You may want to look at Dan Wesson, I believe their offerings are in the same price range, and they certainly make the highest quality guns for the price, no MIM parts, and I honestly never hear of people having problems with them.

[ahazen001]

Originally Posted by CPshooter

I appreciate your comments, but I'm not prone to believing a lot of the internet bs floating around out there. For every one post I see saying Kimbers are "jamm-o-matics" I see ten that give nothing but praise to their reliability and performance. 1911s, by nature of the beast, are impossible to produce on the same level of consistency and reliability as, say an H&K or Glock. I've seen bad examples of every 1911, including Colts and Springfields. I've done my research, and I'm not prone to believing Kimbers are any less reliable than any other 1911 offering out there. In fact, considering the volume of sales they experience, they probably make one of the more reliable 1911s out there. (Obviously this isn't fact, but if there was a way to survey the entire shooting population I wouldn't be surprised to see Kimber on top)

It's like saying Glocks are more prone to a KB than any other polymer handgun out there. The fact is that Glock continues to dominate the polymer market as far as sales go, so there are simply more examples of them exploding than with any other brand. The problem is it gets around the internet so fast and people take it too seriously.

TIMC-

Thanks for your helpful reply.

You can take this for what it's worth, but I had a Customer Covert II and it jammed about once every magazine. I paid a fortune for it new cause I thought it looked so cool. Jammed on me right out of the box. I switched out the mags to Wilson Combat to see if that was the problem and after 1500rounds to "break-in" the pistol, it was still jamming constantly with all ammo types. I will never own another Kimber.

[CPshooter]

shooter- I am actually considering a Pro Carry because they can be had for $750 + tax at a Sportsman's Warehouse near-by. I wouldn't have to wait for it and it's much cheaper. I actually had an Ultra Carry II, but before I ever even shot the darn thing I sold it because I decided I wanted a 4" barrel instead!

GoodKat- I've also heard nothing but great things about Dan Wessons. I like the CBOB a lot, but don't know how I feel about the all stainless finish. If they offered it with a lightweight aluminum frame and different finish options, I'd be all over that thing.

ahazen- I'm sorry to hear about your bad experience. Did you try sending it back to Kimber? What kind of jams were you experiencing (ie: failure to return to battery, stovepipe, etc)? Thanks for your input, btw. I'll take your personal experience with the weapon into consideration before I think about laying down $1400 for the Pro model.

[Zerodefect]

I think that Kimber's starting to become art, and less of a defensive weapon provider. (I love my Kimber CDP, but I'm not about to get another.)

There are better deals out there right now. I like Kimber and Springy, but lately there have been others more on the ball.



I believe the best 1911's for the $ are Dan Wesson and Fusion. No MIM, no giant billboards engraved into the slide.

I'll bet that Wesson can get you a different finish if you want. Though for me, I'd go for the stainless and when it gets old looking have it refinished in melonite. (I'm not into stainless either.) Or order one "in the white" with no finish. Send it off for the finish of your choice.

Just clean, tight, high performance pistols.

[GoodKat]

Check this out, I thin you'll like it:
Dan Wesson CCO
It has an aluminum officer sized frame, with a commander slide.