Ok guys i'm asking for your advice on kimber what do you think of them good quality ok or ill never own one please explain your postion thanks
Kimber any thoughts????
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There are many better 1911s available in my humble opinion. The first year's production of Kimber's 1911s were extremely high quality hand fitted pistols (easily as good as Bill Wilson's early guns) that were not even built by Kimber but by someone else ( I don't know who actually built them but they sent a huge shock wave through the 1911 smithing community at the time - I was building 1911 race guns around 1995 and the first time a customer showed me one my first thought was "I'm out of a job" if this is a production built 1911) But their quality control dropped like a lead zeppelin once the demand went through the roof and they went to high speed mass production (and then invented the "break in" period myth when they were swamped with so many defective guns that they could not possibly keep up with the backlog). Currently you might get a functional gun - or you might not. I am sure many will disagree but currently they are built to a price point with an eye on profit margins. My advice on buying a new 1911 is exactly the same as it was back in the 90s - buy a Springfield.
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Sure for $600.
But for what Kimber charges, there's far better 1911's out there for only a little more. My Kimber CDP needed a ton of work to get right, pretty rough machine work on the barrel. And the thumb safety was soft and easy to break. Mine couldn't withstand sweat as well as my other 1911's. Barrel discolored and pitted quick.
Look towards the black Dan Wessons, CZ, or Colt instead.
But for what Kimber charges, there's far better 1911's out there for only a little more. My Kimber CDP needed a ton of work to get right, pretty rough machine work on the barrel. And the thumb safety was soft and easy to break. Mine couldn't withstand sweat as well as my other 1911's. Barrel discolored and pitted quick.
Look towards the black Dan Wessons, CZ, or Colt instead.
maxxhavoc
Member
I have a Kimber Ultra Raptor. Ir was my primary carry gun until I figured out that plastic pistols were much more comfortable to carry. I still prefer a 1911 at the range.
The pros:
-The aluminum frame makes it lighter than my Rock Island compacts.
-It is very reliable, with anything I put in it.
The cons:
-The paint on the aluminum frame is even worse than the cheap paint on a S&W Airweight. Scratches easily.
-The sights were the wrong height from the factory, the gun shot VERY high. Since the Rocks were spot on, I compared them. Kimber put too short of a sight on it for the sight radius. They wouldn't fix it, and were going to charge me $200 to replace the front sight with the proper height. It was out of warranty. So I bought the correct replacement from them (fairly affordable - $50 for a tritium front) and got a smith to put it in for $20.
After owning this for several years, I can say that it is a competent gun. After the sights were fixed, it was reasonably accurate as well. Just like my Springfield, which cost $500 less, just like my Rock Islands do after they took a trip to Pahrump.
If you get a good one, and if it is worth $300-$500 to you to be able to brag about owning a Kimber, you will not be disappointed. At least not until 1 year and 1 day from your purchase date, when Kimber reps will simply pretend you do not exist, never bought their product, and never want you to call them again until you give them a credit card number.
I could not have said it better myself.
The pros:
-The aluminum frame makes it lighter than my Rock Island compacts.
-It is very reliable, with anything I put in it.
The cons:
-The paint on the aluminum frame is even worse than the cheap paint on a S&W Airweight. Scratches easily.
-The sights were the wrong height from the factory, the gun shot VERY high. Since the Rocks were spot on, I compared them. Kimber put too short of a sight on it for the sight radius. They wouldn't fix it, and were going to charge me $200 to replace the front sight with the proper height. It was out of warranty. So I bought the correct replacement from them (fairly affordable - $50 for a tritium front) and got a smith to put it in for $20.
After owning this for several years, I can say that it is a competent gun. After the sights were fixed, it was reasonably accurate as well. Just like my Springfield, which cost $500 less, just like my Rock Islands do after they took a trip to Pahrump.
If you get a good one, and if it is worth $300-$500 to you to be able to brag about owning a Kimber, you will not be disappointed. At least not until 1 year and 1 day from your purchase date, when Kimber reps will simply pretend you do not exist, never bought their product, and never want you to call them again until you give them a credit card number.
I could not have said it better myself.
Corpral_Agarn
Member
The stuff from the Custom Shop has been pretty nice, in my experience.
I shoot a Kimber Eclipse on occasion.
I would NOT recommend buying one of there lower end pistols. I saw a safety lever break off at the range one time. The safety lever... what?
I shoot a Kimber Eclipse on occasion.
I would NOT recommend buying one of there lower end pistols. I saw a safety lever break off at the range one time. The safety lever... what?
wally
Member
Generally they are fine if you stay away from the external extractor models. But IMHO the premium for the "name" is too great over the competition for similar models.
I've had good luck with the BP double stacks despite them being external extractor guns, and my TLE II seemed a good buy.
I've had good luck with the BP double stacks despite them being external extractor guns, and my TLE II seemed a good buy.
Ric
Member
I've been conceal carrying for 50 years, the last 35 as a civilian.. I have carried ever caliber from 22 to 357 magnum... Ive holstered these guns from ankle to airm pit.
Every hand gun I buy for the purpose of personal defense has been an upgrade from the previous. AS a retired engineer, I'm very critical about form fit and function.
At 70 years of age, I want a caliber, and a comfortable carry that will be comfortable to carry , summer and winter... precision built, with carry in mind
something that is very accurate, and easy to deploy.
After a long list of carry weapon, MY EDC is a Kimber ultra carry.... 45 ACP in a Mike's #3 modified ( by me ) pocket holster.
I no longer choose a carry weapon to accept my attire for the day... when you have been carrying as long as I have, you learn some things over the years.. for example if you carry for the purpose of defending your life, the weapon you carry is significantly more important than the clothes you wear.
This notion of changing you person defense weapon as often as you change your underwear is not in your best interest...
When personal defense is put to the test, you only have mille seconds to react and be successful, having to think about what weapon you are carrying to day gives the bad guy a very distinct advantage, he already has the advantage of selecting you as his victim.... you need every advantage to defend yourself, and switching weapons in a very poor habit to get into
I've defended myself twice over the last 30 years and came out on top both times, because I put my personal defense as a priority above all others.
OK getting to the point... I could buy anything I want, at this point in my life..
I chose a Kimber Ultra 45 ACP from Kimbers custom shop with the personal defense package, ( Meprolight night sights, Crimson trace laser grips, carry Melt= every sharp corner has been hand chamfered to avoid any snags on drawing the weapon.)
I carry this weapon summer and winter.. I practice with it at least three times a month ( 60 to 80 rounds a month ) I use the same practice load as I use to defend myself... Hornady 45 ACP 230 gr +P JHP. I practice at 21 feet. I practice with my weak side hand as well. At 70 I need to keep my edge, muscle tone and muscle memory.
The down side of the Kimber is that it make all of my other carry guns obsolete..
At 21 feet
My Kimber Ultra Carry CDP 45 ACP
This gun is very comfortable to carry, is very accurate, never fails me at the range, with the load I use. No issue with recoil when the slide tolerances and overall quality is this good.
Long winded I know sorry.. but the more data in, the better your chances are of making a good decision on what you choose to defend yourself and your family..
You asked " Any thoughts "
I gave you a lot of thoughts.
Bill aka ET
Every hand gun I buy for the purpose of personal defense has been an upgrade from the previous. AS a retired engineer, I'm very critical about form fit and function.
At 70 years of age, I want a caliber, and a comfortable carry that will be comfortable to carry , summer and winter... precision built, with carry in mind
something that is very accurate, and easy to deploy.
After a long list of carry weapon, MY EDC is a Kimber ultra carry.... 45 ACP in a Mike's #3 modified ( by me ) pocket holster.
I no longer choose a carry weapon to accept my attire for the day... when you have been carrying as long as I have, you learn some things over the years.. for example if you carry for the purpose of defending your life, the weapon you carry is significantly more important than the clothes you wear.
This notion of changing you person defense weapon as often as you change your underwear is not in your best interest...
When personal defense is put to the test, you only have mille seconds to react and be successful, having to think about what weapon you are carrying to day gives the bad guy a very distinct advantage, he already has the advantage of selecting you as his victim.... you need every advantage to defend yourself, and switching weapons in a very poor habit to get into
I've defended myself twice over the last 30 years and came out on top both times, because I put my personal defense as a priority above all others.
OK getting to the point... I could buy anything I want, at this point in my life..
I chose a Kimber Ultra 45 ACP from Kimbers custom shop with the personal defense package, ( Meprolight night sights, Crimson trace laser grips, carry Melt= every sharp corner has been hand chamfered to avoid any snags on drawing the weapon.)
I carry this weapon summer and winter.. I practice with it at least three times a month ( 60 to 80 rounds a month ) I use the same practice load as I use to defend myself... Hornady 45 ACP 230 gr +P JHP. I practice at 21 feet. I practice with my weak side hand as well. At 70 I need to keep my edge, muscle tone and muscle memory.
The down side of the Kimber is that it make all of my other carry guns obsolete..
At 21 feet
My Kimber Ultra Carry CDP 45 ACP
This gun is very comfortable to carry, is very accurate, never fails me at the range, with the load I use. No issue with recoil when the slide tolerances and overall quality is this good.
Long winded I know sorry.. but the more data in, the better your chances are of making a good decision on what you choose to defend yourself and your family..
You asked " Any thoughts "
I gave you a lot of thoughts.
Bill aka ET
I've had a Custom II for at least 10 years. Never had a bobble and it is as accurate as anything I've ever owned. Kimbers get a bad rap, and at one time some of the versions with external extractors did have some issues. The Custom II and the original Custom version always came with the internal extractor and I've never heard of a single complaint with either of those. They are the least expensive versions as well. I'd rate mine far better than the Colts, Springfield's or Dan Wesson's I've owned previously.
The only 1911's I've owned that I like better are the S&W's. They both have external extractors so it is possible to use them. For some reason Kimber didn't do something right with theirs.
The only 1911's I've owned that I like better are the S&W's. They both have external extractors so it is possible to use them. For some reason Kimber didn't do something right with theirs.
Here are a couple more targets at 21 feet.
Here is a bad target at 21 feet... still not bad for an old guy
Here is a bad target at 21 feet... still not bad for an old guy
I think all of the Kimber safety levers are the same?
I generally recommend the lower end Custom II and TLE II. Because they are the cheapest, and pretty much the same quality as the other Kimbers. Saves money for sights, SSL, TS, magazines, and the Kimber bump GS.
guyfromohio
Member
The internet hates the Kimbers. I have zero personal experience with them. However, I am absolutely amazed by the by the build quality of the Dan Wessons. Once you settle on a price-point and style of Kimber, take a look at the DWs. You may decide on one instead.
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/...A+01982+Dan+Wesson+1911+V-BOB+8+1+45ACP+4.25"
http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/...A+01982+Dan+Wesson+1911+V-BOB+8+1+45ACP+4.25"
maxxhavoc
Member
Re-reading my post, it reads more harshly critical of the actual pistol than I intended. The pistol is reliable, and after new sights, accurate. My only issues are cosmetic.
I do not care for the company's attitude toward their customers who are out of the short warranty period. I also do not feel that I got $1200 worth of 1911 (I did not pay that, I bought it from someone who could not hit anything with it for a significant discount.)
If I hadn't handled an XDs .45, I would probably still be carrying it every day.
I do not care for the company's attitude toward their customers who are out of the short warranty period. I also do not feel that I got $1200 worth of 1911 (I did not pay that, I bought it from someone who could not hit anything with it for a significant discount.)
If I hadn't handled an XDs .45, I would probably still be carrying it every day.
I don't hate Kimbers–that's a pretty strong word. However, after owning two unreliable models, I don't intend to be a customer of the brand any longer.
It is my belief that a mid-to-highish price point on an item that's been in manufacture for over a century should function reliably out of the box, but even being generous with the "break-in period" I still had problems with an Eclipse Custom II and a TLE RL II. Two 1911s by Springfield and an old Colt have given me zero problems; those would be my first choices in the low 1k 1911 game.
It is my belief that a mid-to-highish price point on an item that's been in manufacture for over a century should function reliably out of the box, but even being generous with the "break-in period" I still had problems with an Eclipse Custom II and a TLE RL II. Two 1911s by Springfield and an old Colt have given me zero problems; those would be my first choices in the low 1k 1911 game.
I'll never own one again! Major gunsmith took mine apart & discovered major flaws inside after two MIM parts broke.
I have a Custom II that I bought with about 350 rounds fired through it. Came with a Blackhawk Serpa holster, 3 Wilson Combat 8-round mags, the original Kimber mag, original box, lock, tool, and paperwork for $550. It has a very smooth action, it's accurate and reliable, and has a good trigger. Despite all the assistance offered by the internet Kimber haters, I can't find anything wrong with the gun as a reasonably priced, accurate and reliable 1911 that's enjoyable to operate. 
New ones appear to be in the $725 - $750 range. I'm not sure what else is available for that money or how they would compare, but I find the Custom II to be a satisfying gun to own and fire.
New ones appear to be in the $725 - $750 range. I'm not sure what else is available for that money or how they would compare, but I find the Custom II to be a satisfying gun to own and fire.
anothernewb
Member
I can only speak from the single one I own. The gun itself is excellent, capable of fantastic accuracy. fit and finish is on par with the price I paid for it, and function has been flawless.
However- out of the box, it had a horrible trigger - very subpar with respect to a $1600 1911.
A good friend of mine has bought 3 of them, their entry level models, and all of them have very good triggers - so maybe I just got the off one.
I would not have a problem buying another one, but It will simply go straight to the gunsmith before I mess with it very much.
However- out of the box, it had a horrible trigger - very subpar with respect to a $1600 1911.
A good friend of mine has bought 3 of them, their entry level models, and all of them have very good triggers - so maybe I just got the off one.
I would not have a problem buying another one, but It will simply go straight to the gunsmith before I mess with it very much.
Ibmikey
Member
My Pro Carry II would shoot the wings off a fly and never fails to go bang when asked. Just got a Micro STS that disappears under a shirt and will pop seven shots ultra fast. So...i guess yhe answer is yes.
SSN Vet
Member
Upper-mid range production 1911, often with bling @ a more or less premium production price.
I personally would buy a Colt... Combat Elite or S70 Gold Cup National Match for the same or less money.
You have to decide whether or not you want the Swartz mechanism (FPB activated off of grip safety) if your buying a Kimber.
I personally would buy a Colt... Combat Elite or S70 Gold Cup National Match for the same or less money.
You have to decide whether or not you want the Swartz mechanism (FPB activated off of grip safety) if your buying a Kimber.
RainDodger
Member
I will admit - I must be one of the lucky ones. I don't go around singing the praises of Kimbers, however the one that I bought brand new in about 2007 or so, has been stellar. It has never failed to function. I have put probably 3,000 rounds through it, and I frequently carry it. It's a Pro Carry II HD and the list of modifications that I've done is a short one:
- Wilson flat wire recoil spring and guide.
- Ed Brown stainless flat mainspring housing.
- I removed Kimber's firing pin safety stuff from the slide.
Yes, the "HD" means the receiver is stainless and it's fairly heavy, but I prefer a steel gun. The action is smooth, the gun is tight and it shoots very well. The safety works as it should, with a nice, positive engagement.
I have no complaints about this gun. On a forum you're going to find every answer under the sun, so ultimately you're going to have to decide for yourself. Lots of people don't like Kimber and many do. I only know first-hand about one of them - this one, and I like it a lot. The bottom line is, I can hit what I aim at, and I can do it quickly if needed. A long time back I wore a suit and carried every day as part of my job working for Uncle Sam, and I'm not even close to being a newbie around handguns. I have many types to compare this Kimber to, and it compares very favorably to all of them.
- Wilson flat wire recoil spring and guide.
- Ed Brown stainless flat mainspring housing.
- I removed Kimber's firing pin safety stuff from the slide.
Yes, the "HD" means the receiver is stainless and it's fairly heavy, but I prefer a steel gun. The action is smooth, the gun is tight and it shoots very well. The safety works as it should, with a nice, positive engagement.
I have no complaints about this gun. On a forum you're going to find every answer under the sun, so ultimately you're going to have to decide for yourself. Lots of people don't like Kimber and many do. I only know first-hand about one of them - this one, and I like it a lot. The bottom line is, I can hit what I aim at, and I can do it quickly if needed. A long time back I wore a suit and carried every day as part of my job working for Uncle Sam, and I'm not even close to being a newbie around handguns. I have many types to compare this Kimber to, and it compares very favorably to all of them.
Rock185
Member
I've had a total of 5 Kimbers, in 3 different calibers, over the last 15 years or so. Good quality IMHO.
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