I Want A Kimber Micro 9 But.....

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lernerk392

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Hello everyone. I come in peace.

I am debating the purchase of a Kimber Micro 9, but after reading all the reliability issues, I am going back and forth in my decision making. I've read countless reports of different types of failures and multiple trips to Kimber for servicing. I don't really mind sending the gun in to Kimber if need be. I guess I am having trouble parsing out potentially skewed reports (for example, people far are more likely to report negative outcomes than positive ones).

The thing is, I've also heard of similar malfunctions in other micro/compact 9's, especially those that mirror the 1911 (Sig and SA in particular). I have had similar malfunctions with another non-1911 compact 9 (Ruger). Those thin single stack mags are the only ones that have given me "trouble" in the past. I've dealt with the top cartridge nosedive issue with Beretta before, and the action shutting upon the insertion of a loaded mag with several firearms including Glocks/S&Ws.

Point being, while I am completely aware of the prevalence of issues with this particular firearm, there are lots of complaints that I have seen that aren't really Kimber Micro 9 specific. There seems to be a pattern among micro 1911 style handguns where they tend to be ammo/magazine picky, expose grip/limp wristing issues, necessitate high upkeep, have tight tolerances, etc.

I think my biggest question for discussion is; could the issues be attributed to A) the company themselves and their poor QC, or B) the ills of the overall platform, as it combines two already "finicky" and high maintenance (please don't shoot me lol) types of firearms.


DISCLAIMER:***I understand that everyone has their opinion and everyone has a specific firearm that they adore. I am not slighting 1911's or micro 9's at all in this post, I actually want to buy a gun that combines them both because I like them so much. Just posing a question that was formulated through the research process on the Kimber Micro 9. I come in peace! ***
 
Kimber is weird. They seem to make beautiful well machined stuff. I’m enamored with their revolver but, have never owned any of their stuff.

A friend girl of mine bought the micro 9 in the Bel Air finish.

We went out to the desert to shoot.

It fired one round. One. Hammer cocked. Trigger functioned, safety worked. No hit on the primer. I can only assume the firing pin was broken or, the firing pin safety was malfunctioning. Any check I would have made at purchase, short of dropping a brass rod down the barrel and pulling the trigger, would not have shown up.

My gut instinct is it was never even test fired. Just assembled and boxed.

6-8 weeks estimated turn around.

A: It should have worked.
B: 6-8 weeks on a warranty repair is outrageous. That alone would stop me from buying anything Kimber.
 
If you like the design but are concerned about Kimber quality, then look at the Sig P938 or Springfield Armory 911. They are the same pistol as the Kimber Micro and all are copies of the Colt Pony which in turn is based off of the older Spanish made Star Model D.

There is not any problem with the design itself. Star started making the Model D in 1922 and made them until the company shutdown in the mid to late 90's.

Here is a little bit of history on the Star Model D and its derivatives: http://star-firearms.com/firearms/guns/d/index.shtml

I have had my Sig P938 for about 6 years now and haven't hand any issues with it at all.
 
I think the SA 911 is discontinued according to their WS.

That doesn't surprise me with the number of higher capacity striker fired 9mm pistols available that are close to the same size.

Sig has cut back on the number of different versions of the P938. They only offer 3 versions now. https://www.sigsauer.com/firearms/pistols/p938.html

It is still a classic design for those that like a hammer fired single action pistol that is easy to conceal.
 
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If you like the design but are concerned about Kimber quality, then look at the Sig P938 or Springfield Armory 911. They are the same pistol as the Kimber Micro and all are copies of the Colt Pony which in turn is based off of the older Spanish made Star Model D.

There is not any problem with the design itself. Star started making the Model D in 1922 and made them until the company shutdown in the mid to late 90's.

Here is a little bit of history on the Star Model D and its derivatives: http://star-firearms.com/firearms/guns/d/index.shtml

I have had my Sig P938 for about 6 years now and haven't hand any issues with it at all.
Thank you for the information and suggestions. While I am still on the fence about the Kimber, I am more than open to similar alternatives. Too bad most of them are real tough to find!
 
Hello everyone. I come in peace.

I am debating the purchase of a Kimber Micro 9, but after reading all the reliability issues, I am going back and forth in my decision making. I've read countless reports of different types of failures and multiple trips to Kimber for servicing. I don't really mind sending the gun in to Kimber if need be. I guess I am having trouble parsing out potentially skewed reports (for example, people far are more likely to report negative outcomes than positive ones).

The thing is, I've also heard of similar malfunctions in other micro/compact 9's, especially those that mirror the 1911 (Sig and SA in particular). I have had similar malfunctions with another non-1911 compact 9 (Ruger). Those thin single stack mags are the only ones that have given me "trouble" in the past. I've dealt with the top cartridge nosedive issue with Beretta before, and the action shutting upon the insertion of a loaded mag with several firearms including Glocks/S&Ws.

Point being, while I am completely aware of the prevalence of issues with this particular firearm, there are lots of complaints that I have seen that aren't really Kimber Micro 9 specific. There seems to be a pattern among micro 1911 style handguns where they tend to be ammo/magazine picky, expose grip/limp wristing issues, necessitate high upkeep, have tight tolerances, etc.

I think my biggest question for discussion is; could the issues be attributed to A) the company themselves and their poor QC, or B) the ills of the overall platform, as it combines two already "finicky" and high maintenance (please don't shoot me lol) types of firearms.


DISCLAIMER:***I understand that everyone has their opinion and everyone has a specific firearm that they adore. I am not slighting 1911's or micro 9's at all in this post, I actually want to buy a gun that combines them both because I like them so much. Just posing a question that was formulated through the research process on the Kimber Micro 9. I come in peace! ***
I own two Micro 9's... a two-tone and a Micro 9 Rapide Black Ice. The two-tone basic entry level with 3 dot sights and single side safety. My Rapide has ambi-safety, Tru Glo Day/Night sights, front strap checkering, slide lightening cuts (that truly does minimize muzzle flip) and a match barrel. Both share the identical frame.

I've had several hundred trouble free rounds thru both. Kimber's, in my experience, have some tighter tolerances than other makes. Prior to a range visit I cleaned and oiled the firearms and racked the slides probably a total of 2 - 300 time on each one to mesh the parts together. I feel it made the difference as the actions on both are glass smooth and free working. I also own a Micro . 380 and a Stainless Ultra II which I did the same break-in procedure on and they too have been flawless in their operation.

My only complaint on the Micro 9's is the safety protrude out from the frame far enough where it can get bumped on during recoil. I've corrected it by changing my initial grip slightly.

I'd highly recommend a Kimber Micro 9.
 
I've never owned a Kimber of any kind. I don't think I've ever shot a Kimber. That said, I have a few friends that have had them, and they seem to fall into two camps: (a) those that swear by their Kimbers; and (b) those that swear at their Kimbers.

My question for the OP would be: What's this potential purchase's purpose?
 
I sold guns for 6 years in an LGS and I wouldn't own a Kimber. In my experience they had way too many problems with way too many guns. I think they spend way more effort on looks than they do on function.
 

Just based on what I’ve observed. Short little autos seem finicky. A Detonics is no where near as reliable as a full size 1911.

Short slides need heavier springs. The dwell times are radically different. In locked breach guns, the barrel angles are different.

In the case of the EMP, they didn’t just re chamber a .45 1911. The reduced the size of the frame for 9mm/40.
 
Just based on what I’ve observed. Short little autos seem finicky. A Detonics is no where near as reliable as a full size 1911.

Short slides need heavier springs. The dwell times are radically different. In locked breach guns, the barrel angles are different.

In the case of the EMP, they didn’t just re chamber a .45 1911. The reduced the size of the frame for 9mm/40.
The Kimber built the Micro 9 around the 9mm cartridge
 
There are plenty of micro 9s out there with no such issues. If the issues are a concern to you, then you are left with no other choice than to choose one which has a good reputation for reliability.
 
There are plenty of micro 9s out there with no such issues. If the issues are a concern to you, then you are left with no other choice than to choose one which has a good reputation for reliability.
Unfortunately, there aren't a lot of micro 9mm 1911s out there right now :confused: Wish there were more available options.

I almost made a thread entitled: "What are the odds that a dependable gun manufacturer releases a new micro 9 1911in the near future?" But I think it's a little too long a title lol
 
New Springfield Armory Ronin EMP about 3" barrel, I have a 4.25" original Ronin 9mm, .45 cal and a 9mm Range officer. I swear by SA quality.
View attachment 1085671
I've looked into these, but heard/read mixed reviews about this piece, as well. Comparable to the talk about the Kimber. That's kinda what led me to wonder if micro 9s in the 1911 platform are inherently issue-prone. I have a couple Springfield's as well, top quality. But still, these little guys seem to give a little trouble to other users.
 
Unfortunately, there aren't a lot of micro 9mm 1911s out there right now :confused: Wish there were more available options.

I almost made a thread entitled: "What are the odds that a dependable gun manufacturer releases a new micro 9 1911in the near future?" But I think it's a little too long a title lol
Are you set on buying new? Or are you comfortable with buying a used gun?
 
Are you set on buying new? Or are you comfortable with buying a used gun?
Probably new. Just because the manufacturer warranty could end up being invaluable.

As to your initial question that I missed (my bad), this gun's purpose would be heavily dependent on its performance. If it were to perform well with no issues, I would likely be carrying it, or at least putting it in the rotation. If it had some issues past break in, it would probably be a range gun, back up, or sold.
 
Wife carried one for a few years with no issues. Ate everything she was fed. I bought a p365 just to see how well it shot and functioned. My wife shot it one day at the range. She liked it better so I gave it to her and bought myself the XL. Sold the Micro...
 
I've had a Micro 9 for about 5 years now and it has always functioned flawlessly. I recently bought a Kimber 9mm in a full size 1911 pistol from a friend and it also has functioned flawlessly. There are a number of people I shoot with in a bullseye league that use Kimber pistols and I haven't heard any complaints. One thing you need to remember, people will nearly always complain about a product but will hardly ever make any compliments on it. Read on any forum whether it is guns, cars, can openers or whatever and you will read enough complaints that it will make you hesitant about purchasing that item.
 
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