Kimber making any progress on the Solo?

I heard the Solo was actually made by members of the Brady bunch. They figured since they can't stop us from carrying, they'd just make a gun that doesn't shoot.

Will take it to range to test fire as soon as rain here lets up and will post results.

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Here's hoping they made it right for you. It's refreshing to read a post from someone who actually has "hands on" experience with one.
Regards,
Greg

Here is the update on my Kimber Solo that I got back from Kimber after the 2nd time. The last time they replaced the barrel.

Took her to the range fired 60 rds of Golden Saber 124 gr.

Fired about 2 mags of double taps, 2 mags rapid fire as fast as I could pull the trigger. 2 mags of triple taps, the remainder slow fire.

GOOD NEWS

Not a single anything except bang, bang and more bang. I love this gun! The feel in your hand is so natural and the trigger is super nice...as compared to my Rohrbaugh....I like the SA trigger on the Solo better.

Two things for certain...this gun will not fire ball ammo nor 115gr. It is only a 124gr or a 147gr gun.
I will run some more ammo through it...right now....I am a Happy Camper

^ Thanks for the update. Looks like 3rd time's the charm! Did you have to pay shipping either way on both trips?

I'll be taking a passola, especially with the Beretta Nano on the horizon for $475 MSRP!

No the shipping both ways was on their dime, so I was determined that they get it right or spend booco money on shipping.

Good to hear. I wouldn't shoot light weight ammo out of any short barreled gun, there's usually not enough back pressure. If you compare the trigger to the Rohrbaugh, the the Kahr trigger is better. I tried the Solo trigger out once, but I don't remember for sure but it seemed okay.

I'm glad it's working good, keep shooting the normal weight or heavier ammo and I think you will have a well functioning gun. I'd periodically check the mags springs though, and maybe look at replacing them as soon as they seem weak.

Did they say why they replaced the barrel?

Also, are you saying it won't fire any FMJ ammo? Why is that? I can't think of a reason why that would be.

imho kimber is planning on riding on their name and continuing to put out questionable products. when they were in oregon pre-cohen they made a good name for themselves with quality reliable guns. they're resting on that and continuing to cut corners and put out shoddy pistols.

Good to hear. I wouldn't shoot light weight ammo out of any short barreled gun, there's usually not enough back pressure. If you compare the trigger to the Rohrbaugh, the the Kahr trigger is better. I tried the Solo trigger out once, but I don't remember for sure but it seemed okay.

I'm glad it's working good, keep shooting the normal weight or heavier ammo and I think you will have a well functioning gun. I'd periodically check the mags springs though, and maybe look at replacing them as soon as they seem weak.

Did they say why they replaced the barrel?

Also, are you saying it won't fire any FMJ ammo? Why is that? I can't think of a reason why that would be.

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I like the trigger on the Solo better than the Kahr I have....


As to the barrel....it was a surprise to me, till I read the repair report.

They don't not recommend FMJ....only 125gr or 147gr JHP.

Kimber really needs to stick with making 1911's. Every time they try something else, it bombs. I really like the Kimber Custom II I own (with an internal extractor), but I wouldn't trust my life to any other gun they offer.

Another 25rds down range on my Solo.....no problems.

They can get it right...the early models may take some sending it back...for barrell replacement....why they did that....I have yet to ask, but it is 100% after 85rds.

PapaG: If I'm correct, your talking about Midwest Sporting Goods...right? I remember telling you guys about the Solo and nobody in the entire store even knew about it because the Kimber Master dealer dropped the ball.

The Solo is pretty nice but I did have to send it back to the factory for a slide lock issue. The issue I saw was that the mag was ending up on the side of the slide stop when inserted. This happened at random times but was frustrating enough for me to just let Kimber deal with it. With about a 4 week turn around time , they sent it back with a new slide and barrel. It hasn't failed to lock back the slide so far but I'm kind of surprised that the slide or barrel has anything to do with the mag ending up on the side of the stop. I can take the slide and barrel off any of my another semi-autos and insert a mag over and over and not a single one will have the issue like the Solo. IMO, the mag well/opening is too large for the magazine which allows too much side to side movement. I could see a simple fix by adding some material to the inside of the grip panels but thats a band-aid fix instead of a proper re-design.

I've had no failures to fire,feed or eject but the recoil has it slipping from my hand a tad by shot 5 or 6. I even have grip tape front to back and slightly larger checkered wood grip panels. Its really not about strength or recoil sensitivity, but the design of the gun. Kimber has the extended 8rd mag with pinky rest on their website but its currently not available. IMO, the 8rd mag is a must unless you like readjusting your grip between shots from the lack of grip, lack of serrations and the fact its a tiny 9mm that's pushing the envelope in size/caliber. I'm going to give the 8rd mag a try but if its still a jumpy little auto then I'm going to try and sell it ASAP before people aren't willing to over pay for one.

Vonderek said:

Funny...all the magazine reviews had them totally reliable. Typical.

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My friend ended up with a dealer sample. His has been through about 600 rounds without a problem.

Maybe something changed between prototype/sample and actual manufacturing. It wouldn't suprise me if the prerelease models got a lot of extra time in the QC department to ensure good reviews.

I would really like to know why they replaced the barrel, if you do find out, please let us know.

I like the trigger on the Solo better than the Kahr I have....

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Understandable, the PM9 has the elite trigger, which is a little shorter and to me was slightly heavier than my older MK9's non-elite trigger, which is longer and lighter.

Neither is a bad trigger though IMO. And it's like night and day compared to my old AMT.

To the range today....guess what....would not feed and rd I gave it.

Going to call Kimber...yes, wish I have video taped, however, not much to vid...on a clunk as slide tried in vain to feed a round. Did I mention that the mag release is almost impossible to release a full mag. That problem was not repaired the first time......stay tuned.

IMTHDUKE, you really are a scholar and a gentleman, sir! Your patience and calm in dealing with Kimber has really been remarkable. I've been following your odyssey since the spring. As always, keep us apprised.

As for the Kimber Solo itself, I think the the jury's in its seats and the verdict's been read. This gun's DOA. It's really unfortunate, because the gun had a lot of potential.

IMTHDUKE, you really are a scholar and a gentleman, sir! Your patience and calm in dealing with Kimber has really been remarkable. I've been following your odyssey since the spring. As always, keep us apprised.

As for the Kimber Solo itself, I think the the jury's in its seats and the verdict's been read. This gun's DOA. It's really unfortunate, because the gun had a lot of potential.

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StrikeFire83...thank you very much Sir. At this point I agree with you 110%. I will post what Kimber does concerning this.

If I'd had to deal with everything you've gone through with the Kimber Solo, I would have done this to it:

I think that's what Kimber needs to do after they refund my money.

It broke down again?

Is there something we can put on the gun to see if it actually gets shot by Kimber when they fix it. Rub a little bit of paint on one of the rifle lands?

I think their test fire consist of putting one round in the chamber, pointing it in the air and if it goes bang....they say...good enough for government work, send it back.

The thing that gets me is this whole no FMJ thing.
I have never heard of a pistol designed only to shoot HP but not FMJ.

The thing that gets me is this whole no FMJ thing.
I have never heard of a pistol designed only to shoot HP but not FMJ.

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Yeah, pretty much everything about the Solo smells like horsepucky.

No FMJ, only JHP? Whaaaa?

Here's the deal....when I called CS about a total failure to feed, the first thing they want to do is try to make what you did the reason for the malfunction. I told the tech I fired FMJ and he said they did not recommend that. I then told him I tried to fire both 124gr and 147gr JHP....without success....he said...oh. Although the manual states they recommend only 124gr or 147gr, it does not state no FMJ, but the tech told me not to use FMJ. And I agree...seems absurd. The finish wearing off the inside due to rubbing of the guide rod.....I was told was in specs....Really? Only gun I have that does that. Guess the rest of mine are out of spec.

They're recommending JHP because it's usually a bit hotter and better built. FMJ can sometimes be too weak to cycle smaller weapons with stiffer recoil springs.

Kahr is also a fine example of this. Allthough Kahr deosn't make BS up and say you can't shoot FMJ. They may say that the weapon will be more reliable on JHP. My P380 is 100% with Corbon Powerball, but may choke a little with WWB FMJ.

I've also noticed this with Keltec and Ruger LCP's. But on a lesser scale.