What is the deal with Kimber? I would be pretty upset (or pretty dead) if my new $1500.00 gun failed on me first time out with it. I've read many stories of them malfunctioning
Kimber sells more 1911s than anyone, by a fairly large number. If a small percentage of them malfunction, that is still a fair number of guns. And the internet is a funny place. I see the same guys on different boards, bad mouthing Kimbers time and again...makes it seem like a larger problem than it maybe really is.
They are fairly pricey, which brings out the bashers ("reverse snobs", if you will).
I have owned about 25 1911s in the last 25-ish years, and I have really good luck with Kimber. I've owned eight so far, and never had an issue with any of them. On the other hand, I've had trouble with Colts, Springfields, Paras, Charles Daly, even a Les Baer and a DW. All are long gone with the exceptions of the Baer (got it working right) and the DW (working on it because I want to own a functional 10mm).
Take what you read with a grain of salt, try to shoot a few of everything, and see what appeals to you. Nothing wrong with buying used, especially if you can try it first.
I have my Eclipse Pro on my hip as I type this. I've been carrying it since the weather cooled off, shoot it at the range regularly, and put a few IDPA/Steel Challenge type matches through it over the summer. Works with everything from 200 gr SWCs to 230 gr+P JHPs.