Are Kimbers really that bad?

[tank mechanic]

I am always fantasizing about the day where I plunk down the rather large sum of money on the gunshop counter and become the proud owner of a new Kimber. I am starting to second guess myself though, when I read all of these negative references to them in the handgun threads. My main concerns with owning a firearm, are reliability and the ability to hit an attacker at typical self defense ranges. Will I be bitterly disappointed when I part ways with 1,200 dollars for a Kimber? I already have other handguns but I want that classy head turner to round off the old collection.

 

[1 old 0311]

It does seem there a lot more former Kimber owners, than present.

 

[Jim Watson]

I think it is just because people are liklier to complain than to praise.
And that there are a lot of Kimbers being sold, so any given percentage of lemons will represent more guns from a big seller than a small.

I wouldn't get one with external extractor, they got a lot of complaints and are backing away from that mutation themselves. Even one that worked might be orphaned for parts eventually.

 

[Black Majik]

Well, I'm half and half.

I love mine, but mine's a Series I internal extractor. Although Kimber finally realized that their external extractor design sucked, I'm still wary of buying new Kimbers.

Partly because of the Schwartz safety, partly because I do believe their QC is not as tip top shape as it used to be.

Just my opinion. Overall I think the chances of getting a good Kimber vs. a bad one now is still favorable to the former. It was the extractor mainly that was causing all the malfunctions.


...there's always Springfield Armory....

 

[f4t9r]

Great guns , Buy one and you will be happy !!!!!
The series II now come with internal ejector. Great customer service comes along with the gun !!!!!! I had a EE that had problems at first but it was switched out to the IE and it rocks.

 

[dbracin]

I'm very happy with my Kimber. Maybe I'm the exception.

 

[Skywarp]

kimber makes good guns.


My issues:
1. In my experience, they do not like to get dirty. When they get residue and oil mixed they start failing. My other guns will shoot through mud and oil crap.

2. Working in the range, we cracked a frame, had a hammer break, and a few other problems including one go full auto. it was cool at first but we had to get it fixed.


that being said. i would love a raptor or warrior. the triggers on kimbers are awesome and they are accurate guns. They have typical 1911 finnicky issues but alot of 1911s do

 

[DerekF]

happy with mine

I have an internal extractor Custom II that I am very happy with. One of my most accurate shooters. I had an issue with it where the slide stop claw broke and wouldn't lock back the slide, although the pistol still shot fine. I easily replaced it with an aftermarket part and all is well.

 

[fedlaw]

My SS Target II with the IE was an accurate and reliable gun: 20,000 rds in a bit over one year with nary a problem. I sold it because it was a pain to detail strip compared to my Springer. When I sold it to the local Gander Mountain store, the manager commented that it looked new (true).

 

[Ala Dan]

Praise Here~!

Kimber Stainless Ultra Carry II .45 ACP, that I sell NIB everyday for $759.88

So, probably at least some of the complaining is unwarranted. I have been
totally satisfied with this little 3" .45 ACP from Kimber; as it has proven to
be 100% reliable, even with all major brands of JHP's~!

 

[Sisco]

I've got a Custom II and an Eclipse, no problems to report.

 

[Old Fuff]

Why worry... If you get a lemon it's only your life that might be at stake...

Of course I don't know that any others being offered in today's market are any better... :banghead:

 

[ID_shooting]

I owned one for 90 days. Target II with internal extractor. 3 trips back to Kimber, the shop owner finally gave up and gave me my money back. Some say "buy it, if it doesn't work, Kimber will fix it." I may find that acceptable for a $200.00 Kel Tec, but I do not for an $1100.00 1911.

 

[Curare]

MIM is not confidence inspiring.

 

[Handgun Midas]

I've no proof, but I firmly believe the popular Kimber ill will is due to a relative few complaints
that caught too much forum steam, and a poorly executed external extractor debacle
that happed before I even knew about Kimber and has since been corrected.

I guess there so many 1911's in the $600-$1200 range these days that writing off one
manufacturer because of others' isolated experiences doesn't really put a dent in a buyer's options.

My Kimber is awesome. Envy me.

 

[kthomk]

I have a Kimber Custom Eclipse. I have had no problems with it. Works when it's clean, works when it's dirty. I would love to get a Rock River Arms elite commando, but I can't seem to part with $2000.

 

[ripcurlksm]

I bought a Eclipse Target II with an external extractor and owned it for 12 days before returning it to the Kimber shop to tweak out my FTF problems. Otherwise I love it. Hope to get it back soon

 

[kentucky_smith]

I've got a plum-colored Clackamas Custom Classic Kimber.

It's a tack-driving and totally reliable machine. No complaints here. I've been debating trading the Colt Commander for a SS Custom Carry.

 

[.45&TKD]

I have a Kimber TLE with internal extractor that has been flawless. $800 for an all steel gun with night sites and 30 LPI front strap checkering is hard to beat. I would prefer to not have the series II fp safety, but I haven't had any problems with it either.

I would not by a compact 1911 form any manufacturer because of reliabaility issues. I would not buy a 1911 with aluminum frame because of wear issues. And if I was going to spend over a $1,000 for a 1911 I would move up to a real custom or semi custom manufacturer, and not buy a Kimber.

But the Kimber TLE is in my opinion the best 1911 deal there is, as long as it has the internal extractor and you know how to tune it.

 

[orionengnr]

would not by a compact 1911 form any manufacturer because of reliabaility issues. I would not buy a 1911 with aluminum frame because of wear issues.

Wow, I have owned three Kimber 3" alloy frame pistols. All have been perfect.

More that I can say for certain 3 and 5" steel frame 1911s I have owned... (cough: Colt... cough: Para... cough: Daly)

 

[iamkris]

If you consider bad = "beautifully made, lovely custom touches, sweet trigger, scary accuracy, utter reliability" of my Kimber Target Match, then I guess yeah.

Otherwise, stop listening to internet rumor mongers and decide for yourself.

 

[GeneS]

Kimbers are excellent as far as mass produced 1911's go. I would not want to have to send one back to the factory but then I've seen Wilsons and Les Baers that had to be returned.

Personally, I would not recommend one of the high end Kimbers. I'd buy a base model and have a good 1911 'smith make it like you want it. You'll have a better gun for probably less money.

 

[birddog]

We have an Ultra CDP II, and absolutely love it. Fit, finish and reliablility are all 1oo%, right out of the box.

Coolness factor is even higher.

 

[steelhead]

Relax and don't worry about it.

I think the main issue are the "haters" that stir up a big brewhaha over Kimber. Yes, there have been issues with some Kimbers (as there are with all brands). However, some people tend to overplay any issues that have occured because of a personal bias or "chip on their shoulder".

Legitimate owner with problem: This is the person who reports an issue that might be a singular occurrence or something universal. This report then feeds the following types as listed below.

Brand Hater: No one likes to hear that their brand is no longer the top dog or something else could be a better value. As a result, an insecurity develops (in some) and they attack the merits and design of the competition.

1911 Hater: Here you have the classic "tupperware" person who tried 1911's but didn't like them because they started out with a radically different design. They take any opportunity to reinforce that 1911's are a terrible and unreliable design.

A.D.D. Hater: This individual has a lot of dollars and little sense/patience. They are the types who chase after the ultimate pistol (SIG, Glock, Kimber, Colt, STI, Beretta, etc.) but then have a meltdown when the "man made" device doesn't work straight out of the box. Instead of solving the issue by seeing a smith, or a warranty return, they sell it off and forever complain about how bad that particular brand is.

Wannabee Hater: This individual doesn't have any real experience with the firearm in question or probably any other outside of Ghost Recon. However, they have heard how bad it is from other posts and therefore will jump onto the bandwagon. Sometimes even claiming they owned the firearm or knew of a ex-SealRangerReconSF who had it fail in a life threatening situation (read: power supply/internet interruption).

 

[Pumpkinheaver]

I will part with my Kimber when they they throw dirt in my face! I've had mine for 8 years and have not had a problem with it. I have somewhere in the neighborhood of 8-9K rounds through itand still love it like the day I bought it.