Why all the Kimber hate????

Status
Not open for further replies.
But I still think there's a BIG gap between what most shooters need or want, and the quality level of the very high-end semi-custom guys.
I agree. You have to own at least a couple of 1911s to even know what modification you really want/need. Understanding the difference in quality and what correct fitting will sometimes take much longer...I was lucky, I met an old school 1911 pistol smith who was willing to show/teach me what to look for.

Just to be clear, my $2000-2500 price level wasn't for a very high-end semi-custom 1911. I'm just talking about a properly fitted 1911 with common modifications. High end 1911s usually start somewhere north of $4k

As an example: a S&A mainspring MSH/Magwell combo is very serviceable, but it really isn't a nice as a Chen SI (Shooter Installed) MSH/Magwell; and really can't compare to a custom Chen Magwell. (All 3 pictured below)

Imgp4182.jpg

Chen-SI-Magwell.jpg

image-asset.jpg
 
I agree. You have to own at least a couple of 1911s to even know what modification you really want/need. Understanding the difference in quality and what correct fitting will sometimes take much longer...I was lucky, I met an old school 1911 pistol smith who was willing to show/teach me what to look for.

Just to be clear, my $2000-2500 price level wasn't for a very high-end semi-custom 1911. I'm just talking about a properly fitted 1911 with common modifications. High end 1911s usually start somewhere north of $4k

As an example: a S&A mainspring MSH/Magwell combo is very serviceable, but it really isn't a nice as a Chen SI (Shooter Installed) MSH/Magwell; and really can't compare to a custom Chen Magwell. (All 3 pictured below)

View attachment 1099500

View attachment 1099501

View attachment 1099502

The Stan Chen Gen 2 is a thing of beauty.

It has a huge funnel but does not add any width or length to the frame.

Cyoui3t.jpg

qGudoIc.jpg

KnnYoX7.jpg
 
I had a Kimber external extractor model , stainless compact ll . I sold it and bought a Springfield TRP . I sold it . I miss the Kimber more . I don’t like the bling model 1911’s that Kimber makes , but I like the Stainless and Eclipse models .
 
Clackamas Kimbers were the best of the breed but still used MIM and cast parts which would break earlier than most forged parts. IIRC the barrel bushing was MIM.

In my experience MIM parts with high contact pressures have worn out faster than milled or forged and milled. I have three Filipino made 1911's, all of them bargain basement, and I am sure the hammers and sears are MIM. If I ever shoot them enough to wear out the hammers and sears, I will replace with high quality milled or forged.

Nothing lasts, nothing is finished, and nothing is perfect.
 
I never understood the Kimber hate either. I bought a series 1 back in 1997. Never a problem with it until some parts (hammer, sear) started wearing at about the 25k mark. I didn't consider that a problem, all of them will wear if you shoot them enough. All springs get replaced at 7k.

I ain't no amateur. I can promise you that.

So I had the junker Kimber rebuilt with Wilson and Ed Brown parts. The only original parts are the slide, frame, barrel, and grip safety. About 25K later, needed a new hammer and sear. Go figure. Seems to be a pattern.

The gun is now coming up on 125k and still going strong. Going to have all the parts replaced this time, everything except slide and frame, and retire the old girl.

And, I ain't no amateur.

During all the above, I've had several 1911's come and go. An RIA, Springfield, Dan Wesson, a few older 40's Colts. None were as reliable nor as accurate as my old junker Kimber.

Now I'm not saying Kimber is "better", every manufacturer has a lemon slip out the door. And every now and then the tolerances just work out just right and you get the occasional jewel that stands out among its brethren.

Kimber made and sold a bunch of guns, a bunch. I remember reading glowing reviews from the top gun critics of the times. There was a time when Kimber was considered by many to be a darn good gun and came highly reccommended by very knowledgeable people. Are there better brands out there now? Yes.

I'm retiring my old Kimber, I guess even an old amateur like me can learn that almost 125k rounds of pretty much trouble free shooting doesn't raise this pistol above it's "junk" status. I'm soon to be on the waitlist for a Les Baer premier II. That one should last me the rest of my life. Well, once I spend a goodly percentage of its cost breaking it in.

Yes, I like the Kimber I have. And I ain't no amateur.

Edit to add. I had a Kimber stainless II that was an absolute piece of worthless crap, and Solo that should have never made it out the door. Both were beyond redemption.
 
Last edited:
I never understood the Kimber hate either. I bought a series 1 back in 1997. Never a problem with it until some parts (hammer, sear) started wearing at about the 25k mark. I didn't consider that a problem, all of them will wear if you shoot them enough. All springs get replaced at 7k.

I ain't no amateur. I can promise you that.

So I had the junker Kimber rebuilt with Wilson and Ed Brown parts. The only original parts are the slide, frame, barrel, and grip safety. About 25K later, needed a new hammer and sear. Go figure. Seems to be a pattern.

The gun is now coming up on 125k and still going strong. Going to have all the parts replaced this time, everything except slide and frame, and retire the old girl.

And, I ain't no amateur.

During all the above, I've had several 1911's come and go. An RIA, Springfield, Dan Wesson, a few older 40's Colts. None were as reliable nor as accurate as my old junker Kimber.

Now I'm not saying Kimber is "better", every manufacturer has a lemon slip out the door. And every now and then the tolerances just work out just right and you get the occasional jewel that stands out among its brethren.

Kimber made and sold a bunch of guns, a bunch. I remember reading glowing reviews from the top gun critics of the times. There was a time when Kimber was considered by many to be a darn good gun and came highly reccommended by very knowledgeable people. Are there better brands out there now? Yes.

I'm retiring my old Kimber, I guess even an old amateur like me can learn that almost 125k rounds of pretty much trouble free shooting doesn't raise this pistol above it's "junk" status. I'm soon to be on the waitlist for a Les Baer premier II. That one should last me the rest of my life. Well, once I spend a goodly percentage of its cost breaking it in.

Yes, I like the Kimber I have. And I ain't no amateur.

Edit to add. I had a Kimber stainless II that was an absolute piece of worthless crap, and Solo that should have never made it out the door. Both were beyond redemption.
Ok so you agree with me. Thanks :cool:
 
I was being subtly sarcastic, rather than bluntly insulting, as I prefer not to engage. And to that end, I am out of this thread.
 
Look I’m not saying everyone who owns a Kimber is a 1911 amateur.

I’m saying those that choose to pay $1500-$2000 for a Kimber are largely uneducated about the 1911 design and manufacturing processes. Probably metallurgy too.
 
Most people don't know didly squat about who makes what in 1911s, and they ask friends or believe advertisements. I have been on THR for a long time, and have had a 1911 or 2 since I was 17, almost 5 decades ago, but I wouldn't be able to line them all up and tell anyone whats what with them more than a cursory description and rep.

I would love to see some of y'all do a graph of cost and quality side by side listing all the makers, overlapping I assume, now that would be cool, and another great debate.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top