Kimber or Not?

[jbkebert]

A couple days ago we were plinking some pop cans with .22lrs. We just stuck a few sticks in the ground and were plinking away. I drew my Kimber and pulled the first shot slightly right of the can. The next two shots were right on the money.

Distance 48 yards according to my range finder. So I would say its plenty accurate a heck of alot more accurate than I. With 2500 rounds fired not a hiccup.

 

[psyopspec]

In the past, I'd owned a Kimber Custom II Eclipse and a TLE RL II. Couldn't get either even close to being reliable. The Eclipse was a beautiful piece, but I was more bummed out about the TLE as I thought it would make an awesome night stand gun (Night Sites, Surefire).

I bought a Loaded last year, and have had no issues with it.

I don't consider myself a hater, but when I get into the neighborhood of $1000+ on a piece of machinery that has been in production for over 100 years, I expect it to work. The Kimbers didn't. That said, I do know they're made by humans and aren't going to be perfect everytime. Not the first 1911 I'd recommend, but I'm a glutton for punishment and would still be willing to scoop another Kimber up if the right deal came along.

 

[sgtstryker]

I've been shooting a Kimber Custom II for years. All I've changed is adding Simonich Gunner grips, shoots good, reliable with all ammo I've tried. Sounds like a good deal. I've been looking at the TLE/RL, but too costly, right now.

 

[orionengnr]

I have owned eight Kimbers so far (and nearly 25 1911s in total).

A Pro Eclipse is on my hip as I type this, and is my EDC. It is dead reliable and I shoot it better than any gun I own or have ever owned.

If I were you, I would ask to test-fire it at the range. Put 50-100 rounds through it. Odds are good that it will work fine, and that it will make you look like a beeter shot than you really are.

This was my experience with the first Kimber I ever shot, and is the reason I keep buying them.

 

[dcarch]

I have a Custom II with just over 100 rds. fired. No issues at all to report. Boringly accurate and reliable, actually. I love mine!

 

[Rock185]

I have owned a total of five Kimbers, in three different calibers, over a period of several years. No horror stories here. Overall, I would say they have been some of the very best production guns I have owned, over the past 45 years or so. I have also owned Colts, Springfields, Wilsons, Les Baers, Heinie, Clark and others. Believe it or not, I've had far more trouble with the regular production Colts and Springfields than with any of the Kimbers. Only had one easily corrected problem on one Kimber, the other four were 100% reliable and accurate from day one. ymmv

 

[kynwatch]

I have a Kimber Ultra Raptor II and and Pro Carry II. Both have over a 1000 flawless rounds. I carry the Pro Carry as my EDC and trust it 100%.

 

[Autolycus]

I am not a Kimber fan. But I had one and it worked. I traded it in for an HK. I made the right choice for me. I would fire it a few times before I decided. If it works, then buy it, but if not you are better off for not owning it.

 

[Sapper771]

I stay away from kimbers. There are several reasons that I "hate" on them.

 

[gb6491]

I've owned two Kimbers , a BP10 and a TLEII.
I bought the BP10 used and my only gripe with it was that the mainspring housing was dinged up. I called Kimber and was informed that they didn't have any replacements in stock (this is a discontinued model). The rep I talked to said he would do some searching and call me back. At about 6PM his time, I got a call saying he had found a used one in good condition and would send it to me if I wanted it. Price was good so I went for it; part arrived a few days later and was in like new condition. That's the only time I've dealt with Kimber CS. I later sold the BP to fund another project, but I see the gent who bought it on a regular basis and he continue to sing it's praises.
I bought the TLEII new and to quote dcarch: "No issues at all to report. Boringly accurate and reliable,..." I did swap out some parts, but that was personal preference vice anything wrong with the stock parts.

Regards,
Greg

 

[swinokur]

Never had any problems with my TLE/RL II.

Nice pistol IMO

 

[The M]

I bought my 9 year old ultra carry used and then discovered that it would occasionally fte. I called Kimber, told them the symptoms, and they sent me a free extractor and spring. No problems since. Great customer service - I'd definitely buy another one.

 

[jimniowa]

How much $$