JCSC
Member
Any good or bad thoughts on kimbers line of 1911 custom II 45s? They are cheap by kimber standards and I really want my first 1911.
The value in the Kimber line-up is at the Custom II and the TLE II models. All Kimber's are assembled with the same level of parts quality and care. The only thing separating the $800 Kimber and the $1,500 Kimber is usually "bling". If choosing a Kimber, the Custom II or TLE II would be good choices.Any good or bad thoughts on kimbers line of 1911 custom II 45s? They are cheap by kimber standards and I really want my first 1911.
For clarity, Kimber doesn't use a Colt style Series 80 firing pin safety in their guns. They use a variation of the Swartz firing pin safety. Both are firing pin safeties, but they are different designs.They were OK for series 80 pistols...
There's a lot of love and hate for Kimber 1911s.
They are not custom guns by any means.
While most parts are interchangeable, unlike a Glock or an AR, the 1911 is not like a Lego set. The parts don't typically snap into place.I want to read a bit more about the safety differences. I guess I was under the perception that 1911’s are almost like ARs, in that many items are interchangeable.
This would not be a daily carry and I would be wasting money on a custom Wilson. This would likely be a gun that sees 500 rds of service in my lifetime, but I feel like everyone should have a 1911.
The Custom II, Springfield or commensurate Ruger would probably be my new, buy-in gun for a full sized .45.
I've had very good luck directly and indirectly with all three platforms.
Sadly, Kimber will never get past lingering dissatisfaction - eternally repeated - with early hot-house-flower guns when they were at the cusp of the *factory custom* trend with a couple other makers back in the day. Most of them were not ready for prime time and some have gotten past it while others continue to be forced to pay for past mistakes.
Form my experience, though I've dealt with ZERO failures, Kimber has been the easiest to get a guy on the other end of the line to answer question. For whatever that's worth to you. A lot to me.
I'm a firm believer in the NASCAR race engine theory of breaking a 1911 in. I buy a can or Wholesale Ammo's cheapest re-loads. Load every 1911 magazine I can find and either I or pals commence to wring that sucker out.
Kimbers and S.A.s have yet to glitch for me.
Todd.
My limited experience of Kimber consists of a secondhand Team Match II in 38 Super. Flawless, accurate, fun, handsome.