I have a 9mm USP full size and I'm now looking for a CCW. My friend/coworker keeps preaching Kimbers to me and I would like some opinion on this as I am looking at the CDP II 4". I LOVE USPs but I am open to what seems to be the awesome aspect of Kimbers. I was thinking of getting the viridian green laser which would fit both my 9mm full and the USPc if I do go with the USP, but i wanted some opinion on Kimbers first. Thanks.
Kimber CDP 4" .45 or USPc .45?
- Thread starter kuma
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Old krow
Member
I have a full sized Kimber. I like it. It's a very smooth shooting gun and well made. I've shot close to 1k rounds so far and haven't had a malfunction yet. The most in one day was probably 150-200 or so and it was still going. I've heard that their customer service is shaky at times. I've only called them once and it was fine. I'm not saying that they're always on point, just that I haven't had any issues with the CS yet.
I can't speak for the new ones, but, in general, I like them. I think that they are starting to get a little over priced. They put together a good gun in the 700-1200 range. I wouldn't go over that amount for one, at that point you start to see more bang for your buck in other guns.
I on the other hand and thinking about making my next gun a USP
I just have to decide on the 9mm or the .45 acp
I can't speak for the new ones, but, in general, I like them. I think that they are starting to get a little over priced. They put together a good gun in the 700-1200 range. I wouldn't go over that amount for one, at that point you start to see more bang for your buck in other guns.
I on the other hand and thinking about making my next gun a USP
I just have to decide on the 9mm or the .45 acp
Valkman
Member
The Compact CDP is a great CCW gun, and my CDP has been my #1 carry gun for 7 years now.
I have a CDP Compact. I love the look of it.
It did not work reliably with the "factory" Kimber magazine supplied; last round in magazine would misfeed.
I bought Tripp magazines and the pistol works fine.
I've shot about 500 rounds through it.
I like the relative thinness of the 1911 versus others for IBW carry.
It did not work reliably with the "factory" Kimber magazine supplied; last round in magazine would misfeed.
I bought Tripp magazines and the pistol works fine.
I've shot about 500 rounds through it.
I like the relative thinness of the 1911 versus others for IBW carry.
orionengnr
Member
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A 1911 is a very easy pistol to carry and conceal. Many will say that it is the finest pistol ever designed. I will not argue with those. I own more 1911s than anything else, and most of those are Kimbers.
That said, a 1911 is different than a USP, as each is different than a Glock, and as each of these is different than a revolver.
You have to find what you like and what you shoot well.
I own more 1911s than anything else, and most of those are Kimbers.That said, a 1911 is different than a USP, as each is different than a Glock, and as each of these is different than a revolver.
You have to find what you like and what you shoot well.
I have 4 Kimbers and they have all functioned reliably. I agree about the Kimber magazine. I have replace all the Kimber magazines with Wilson Combat magazines. 3 are 45 ACP and the 4th is a 9mm. Love them all. You will never find a smoother trigger than on a Kimber.
Okay, thanks for all of the info. Do any of you own the CDP II because that was the specific gun i was looking at, or what CCW Kimber do you carry and would you recommend it over the CDP II.
And have any of you concealed a USP? And if so how would you compare that to concealing a Kimber Compact?
One last thing, is the only difference between the Ultra CDP II, Compact CDP II and Pro CDP II the length of the barrels?
And have any of you concealed a USP? And if so how would you compare that to concealing a Kimber Compact?
One last thing, is the only difference between the Ultra CDP II, Compact CDP II and Pro CDP II the length of the barrels?
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Zerodefect
member
I have a full size CDP and it's a great gun. Way better for CCW than the HK USP. I find the USP to be fat. Would rather have a Glock 23.
My CDP needed Wilson Mags, or Tripp, to work well. I polished it's ramps and switched to Federal ammo. I polished the recoil rod and outside of the barrel.
Mod's I've made to mine:
-EB MSH, got rid of the plastic one. Trimmed the frame to match the EB MSH.
-Hienie Ledge rear sight, Dawson .090x.180 front sight.
-EB thumb safety, cut to fit my thumb perfectly
-Kimber bump safety
-recut the sear, hammer, disco to get trigger down to 5.5
-removed Series II FP safety parts
-EB pin/spring parts kit
-Wolff 18lb recoil spring
-Alumagrips
The CDP is a great 1911 to build on, as long as your after a CCW styled pistol. Kimbers may need some fine tuning, but that's nothing you can't handle. Mine, with the Al frame seems to slow down a little when it gets hot, 100+ rounds without a break. Not an issue for CCW obviously. Don't even bother with the stock mags, get Tripps spring and follower kits for them and toss the stock parts.
I'd also recommend the Custom II and TLE II. If you think your belt can handle the extra weight the TLE Pro II is a sweet CCW.
Soon I'll put in a Wilson sear/disco/hammer and get all my scratches refinished out. She'll be all black soon.
My CDP needed Wilson Mags, or Tripp, to work well. I polished it's ramps and switched to Federal ammo. I polished the recoil rod and outside of the barrel.
Mod's I've made to mine:
-EB MSH, got rid of the plastic one. Trimmed the frame to match the EB MSH.
-Hienie Ledge rear sight, Dawson .090x.180 front sight.
-EB thumb safety, cut to fit my thumb perfectly
-Kimber bump safety
-recut the sear, hammer, disco to get trigger down to 5.5
-removed Series II FP safety parts
-EB pin/spring parts kit
-Wolff 18lb recoil spring
-Alumagrips
The CDP is a great 1911 to build on, as long as your after a CCW styled pistol. Kimbers may need some fine tuning, but that's nothing you can't handle. Mine, with the Al frame seems to slow down a little when it gets hot, 100+ rounds without a break. Not an issue for CCW obviously. Don't even bother with the stock mags, get Tripps spring and follower kits for them and toss the stock parts.
I'd also recommend the Custom II and TLE II. If you think your belt can handle the extra weight the TLE Pro II is a sweet CCW.
Soon I'll put in a Wilson sear/disco/hammer and get all my scratches refinished out. She'll be all black soon.
So you successfully conceal the 5" barrel? I know that I dont want a 3", why compromise the accuracy, but its nice to hear that you don't have problems with the 5", it assures me that the 4" will be a piece of cake. Im kind of in between the CDP Pro II, the CDP Custom II, the Pro Raptor II, the Super Carry Pro, and the Pro Crimson Carry II. Really any of the 4" barrels would be good for me, I have just never owned a Kmber and have only shot full sized. If more money means better quality for Kimber, then I guess i should go with the Super Carry Pro, but I dont believe that more $ always equals more quality, which is why im on this site in the first place ha, any input on the best 4" Kimber CCW would be greatly appreciated. Money isnt the biggest issue. While I love USPs i dont think that they will be the best CCW for me. Thanks.
And @ Old Krow, I love my 9mm, I've heard great things about other calibers too but mine was basically for the range so i wanted the cheapest bullet to fire as many as possible. But from what I've read, seen firsthand and heard over time, there are very few negative aspects to a USP. I've put over 1k down the pipe with no problems whatsoever. My friend did 1k in a day with his USPc 9mm once, not one misfire.
I have 2 Kimber Ultra Carry II 3" barrels in 45 ACP, a Crimson Pro Carry 4" 45 ACP and a CDPII 9mm 3" barrel. As I stated in previous post they have all function flawlessly since I got the Wilson Combat Magazines for them. I only own Kimber 1911s. IMO they are the best there is for the money. I have bought them all at Cabelas when I have $100.00 off coupons. I have a couple more that I want to get but am waiting until Cabelas offers some more discounts.
Zerodefect
member
CDP pro, Custom pro, or TLE pro.
Avoid the raptor, crimson bling or super carry. Those are too close to the cost of a DW Cbob, or Vbob. The high end models are built no better than Kimbers low end. For the most part, Kimbers factory builds them mostly the same. And the higher end models need as many parts replaced as the lower models if your looking for cutting edge mods later on.
My 5" CDP is carried IWB at 5-6 oclock. It's nose can sometimes hit my seat which is annoying, if someone deos spot it, it looks like a have a tail in my pants when I lean over. The 4-4.25" models are easier to carry. My 5" Valor is carried OWB at 3-4 oclock. But only at night (jacket) or winter, it deosn't conceal there on me unless I have warmer clothes on.
Check out Dan Wessons lineup or Ed Browns carry oriented 1911's if you want more than the basic under $1000 Kimber.
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when you say the custom pro do you mean the CDP Custom? Im not seeing a Custom Pro. Also the Crimson is cheaper than the CDP Pro, just curious why you said a no-go to that one. Honestly I think that the CDP Pro seems like the best fit from what Ive been looking at. Although it is quite pricy
kuma,
My carry gun is either the Ultra carry II 3" or the Ultra Crimson Carry II 3". Both these guns are super accurate. I have the Pro Crimson Carry 4" for home defense. This gun is also very accurate. If I could only have 1 of these guns it would be the Ultra carry II.
When I shoot this pistol it seems like it has a mind of it's own and the bullet goes where I am looking. I live in a very rural area and walk every day. This is the gun I carry when walking.
JoelSteinbach
Member
I love all of my Kimbers including my ultra CPD II, I have been adding them to my collection for about 10 years or so, starting with the Compact Aluminum, Unlike some of the other members of this community I have never had a problem with any of their weapons. I hve call CS a few times to order parts and was always treated with the utmost respect, and and quality help, I also own a USP in 45, it shoots great but a little clunky to carry.
Honest John Sparks
Member
Kimber Pro CDP II
I have had a Pro CDP II for a few months now. I got it hoping it was a little more accurate than my Colt Officers, 3-1/2" barrel.
It is not a little more accurate it is way better!!
I really like the night sights and have also discarded the factory magazine for Wilson Combat versions.
This is my first Kimber and I have around 1000 rounds through it.
I carry it in an old Alessi angle slide and it works well for me. Where I am open carry is common so it is sometimes in the open and sometimes concealed, especially when it gets colder here.
I have had a Pro CDP II for a few months now. I got it hoping it was a little more accurate than my Colt Officers, 3-1/2" barrel.
It is not a little more accurate it is way better!!
I really like the night sights and have also discarded the factory magazine for Wilson Combat versions.
This is my first Kimber and I have around 1000 rounds through it.
I carry it in an old Alessi angle slide and it works well for me. Where I am open carry is common so it is sometimes in the open and sometimes concealed, especially when it gets colder here.
Zerodefect
member
I'm a bit rusty on all the different Kimber models LOL. I think I meant Pro Carry, not Custom Pro.
The CDP is a great pistol. The carry melt is excellent. It's a bit mag sensitive, go straight to Wilson or Tripp mags.
But if your belt can handle the extra weight and the ambi safety isn't needed, the TLE pro is a better buy IMO.
My CDP was just under $1000, in hindsight, I prefere all steel 1911's.
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Steve H
Member
I have had and carried my Ultra CDP II for about 3 years now. IMHO it's GREAT. It likes both the Kimber mags and the Wilson mags.
okay so i have decided to get the 4" Kimber, now it is a decision of which to get, its down the the Raptor pro, the super carry pro or the CDP II Pro. Any input? And i did get a few comments about dan wessons and others, but those are about 2500, are they really that much better?
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