Kimber Quality
- Thread starter rojocorsa
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I have the covert 4in 45 and the ultra carry 11. I also have several glocks and colts to go along with those 2. My kimbers are by far the most accurate that I have and I have not had any problems with either of the 2. I can also say that I have not had any problems with any of my 45's up to this point. I have had a problem with a glock 10mm but that was my fault for not getting good reloads and I should have known better. I do not shoot reloads in that one anymore. I do not shoot much other than ball ammo in my guns now because I don't want to have any problems. I used to have a colt 1911 a1 when they first came out years ago, it use to jam up all the time. I had the feed ramp polished and it was the most accurate hand gun that I have ever owned. Right now, the covert with the crimson trace grip is the most accurate I own. Right out of the box the gun shot 4-5 in groups off hand at 20 yards with the laser. You just point and shoot. Also, I am not very stable all the time when aiming so it is a testament to the gun as to how accurate it is. RG
maddog1775
Member
- Joined
- Oct 16, 2008
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- 57
Speaking from my own experience:
The first handgun I purchased was a Kimber TLE-RL II (with the dreaded external extractor) and I have put more rounds through it than any other pistol in my possession. I had a few failures to feed in the first 300 rounds or so, which never happened again once I started using Wolff and Wilson mags. Since then it has run like a Timex. It simply never, ever malfunctions.
The first handgun I purchased was a Kimber TLE-RL II (with the dreaded external extractor) and I have put more rounds through it than any other pistol in my possession. I had a few failures to feed in the first 300 rounds or so, which never happened again once I started using Wolff and Wilson mags. Since then it has run like a Timex. It simply never, ever malfunctions.
Voland
Member
1911's
I think most of the problems that people have with any 1911's are caused by not lubricating enough... Just add a few drops of oil on the slide and you will never ever have any problems.
I have two Kimber Classics and these are the two guns that I wish to give to my children. Over 1000 rounds in each since I got them (got them used so I dont know how much was put through them before they came home with me) and I have had exactly 0 failures with either one. I would also invest in some quality mags. The cheap ones can cause problems.
V.
I think most of the problems that people have with any 1911's are caused by not lubricating enough... Just add a few drops of oil on the slide and you will never ever have any problems.
I have two Kimber Classics and these are the two guns that I wish to give to my children. Over 1000 rounds in each since I got them (got them used so I dont know how much was put through them before they came home with me) and I have had exactly 0 failures with either one. I would also invest in some quality mags. The cheap ones can cause problems.
V.
I am new here and have quick question.
I have a Kimber Eclipse Pro II, I put in an 18lb. spring and a new firing pin spring. Shot approx. 100 rounds. Had some feeding issues, and also 3 times the action came back to fast and didn't even have time to fee the next round. I figured that this was b/c of the new springs and they needed to worn in a bit. But, when I went to strip the gun for cleaning the the plug set on the guide rod was stuck in the front of the action. I had to bang it out. Now the lip on the plug does not want to enter the hole on the action so I can put it back together. The lip does show some damage but I don't see why the lip would catch?????
PLEASE PM ME!!! I CAN'T SEEM TO SUBSCRIBE TO THIS THREAD. THIS FIREARM HAS BEEN WITH ME FOR 5 YEARS NOW AND THIS IS A FIRST. PLEASE HELP ME OUT PEOPLE...THIS IS MY BABY...
I have a Kimber Eclipse Pro II, I put in an 18lb. spring and a new firing pin spring. Shot approx. 100 rounds. Had some feeding issues, and also 3 times the action came back to fast and didn't even have time to fee the next round. I figured that this was b/c of the new springs and they needed to worn in a bit. But, when I went to strip the gun for cleaning the the plug set on the guide rod was stuck in the front of the action. I had to bang it out. Now the lip on the plug does not want to enter the hole on the action so I can put it back together. The lip does show some damage but I don't see why the lip would catch?????
PLEASE PM ME!!! I CAN'T SEEM TO SUBSCRIBE TO THIS THREAD. THIS FIREARM HAS BEEN WITH ME FOR 5 YEARS NOW AND THIS IS A FIRST. PLEASE HELP ME OUT PEOPLE...THIS IS MY BABY...
Wildfire
Member
18 lbs.
Hey ;
IMO, that spring is too light. 20 lb or 22 lb. I see guys go light all the time.
I learned the hard way years ago...
Hey ;
IMO, that spring is too light. 20 lb or 22 lb. I see guys go light all the time.
I learned the hard way years ago...
Rob G
Member
+1 for Kimber being a quality gun
I bought 2 last tax season, a Custom TLE and a Compact CDP. Both of them have been absolutely flawless and the the Custom is the most accurate pistol I've ever owned with the CDP being only a hair behind it. The only problem I've had with either of them is the current cost of ammunition.
I know I've heard of people having problems with them but it seems to me that it's a pretty small group when compared to people I talk to that love them. So I say if you like a Kimber, then buy it, I don't think you'll regret it.
I bought 2 last tax season, a Custom TLE and a Compact CDP. Both of them have been absolutely flawless and the the Custom is the most accurate pistol I've ever owned with the CDP being only a hair behind it. The only problem I've had with either of them is the current cost of ammunition.
I know I've heard of people having problems with them but it seems to me that it's a pretty small group when compared to people I talk to that love them. So I say if you like a Kimber, then buy it, I don't think you'll regret it.
jrou111
Member
Bought a Kimber Pro Carry II LG last week. After lubing it's functioning great. The grips are a little wide for me though.
SCKimberFan
Member
You will find people that like them and people that hate them. The best way to go is to rent one from a range or borrow one from a friend and try it for yourself. As with any man-made object, some will be made well, others not so much.
Personally I have had 2 (I still have 1 an Eclipse Pro II) and I would buy another if I were in the market for a .45.
Personally I have had 2 (I still have 1 an Eclipse Pro II) and I would buy another if I were in the market for a .45.
Lv4snobrdg
Member
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- Jan 8, 2010
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- 123
lots of fun acronyms, try this one: IMHO (In My Humble Opinion)
I own two Kimbers.
First one has a story. I inherited it, or more accurately I stole it off a dead family member. Maybe I over dramatize. My uncle would have wanted me to have it he said as much and much ado about my military experience and how if he had had a son he would have wanted him to be in the army and have this gun upon his departure, but his memory was not great and he never relayed this to his children, my cousins.
So when I was asked by my cousin to transport my uncle's extensive collection of firearms to them, a 1300 mile drive done to avoid FFL transfers and whatnot, and I was sore that they would not make the effort, or pay for gas or do anything of any kind to show appreciation, to retrieve this very valuable collection on their own accord. Well I removed a well used Custom TLE/RL from the stash and made it my own. I had options, an HK, a Sig, a pair of matching Colt CMDRS, a Glock (all chambered in .45 ACP) and a really beautiful Peacemaker.
When I put my first rounds through it I had 3 feed jams in less than 2 mags. The recoil spring was replaced by the range master with the factory 16lbr and no more issues as I tore through about 1k of Wolf steel casings my uncle had double sealed up in a 50 cal ammo can, I have that too. I took the initiative replaced the main spring and bought a second recoil spring for replacement later on. Upon inspecting the box the weapon was in I found the official warranty receipt from Yonkers stating that this TLE had its external extractor replaced in the factory, FOC.
Kimber #2: I just got a Custom SIS for Christmas from my wife. I of course inspected this weapon carefully before my wife snuck out bought it, well she thinks she is sneaky and I love her, but I knew what was there and it was a thrill to have it under the tree. I have not seen any tool marks or rust and when properly lubricated the weapon functions without error. I DO NOT put steel casings through this pistol. Only nickel and brass and so far only brass. I have only had the damn thing for 3 weeks and I have put about 500 rounds of Remington 230 FMJ through it. No issues, not once. It is a fine pistol and if a cop would trust his life to it than by default your life has been entrusted to it as well.
The 1911 was the first military purpose sidearm submitted to the rigors of a 5000 round shooting/testing procedure. It has served as the official side arm of U.S. pilots, gunners, officers and anyone else who could get their hands on it though nearly a century of war. Cold or hot. There is no way anybody could count how many american lives have been saved by this pistol. NO POSSIBLE WAY!
The Beretta made a valiant attempt but as we probably all know that was a business decision not a strategic one. As I understand it the U.S. military is going back to the .45 ACP. I wonder if this "old gun" will return also.
In summation the Kimber is a fine pistol in the hands of someone that has the knowledge to operate it, the patience to aim it and the gumption to pull the trigger when the time comes. It is equally adept for plinking as it is for protection of our nation. It is however a pain in the azz, and quite dangerous, to disassemble and reassemble. There must be an easier handgun in the world to clean
The overlying point of the posts above is "Quality is in the eye of the beholder" So you have to come up with a way to determine if the pistol is of the right quality for you. Me? I do a couple easy things, and one not so easy, when examining a pistol, i only need one tool, a six inch steel rule.
With the pistol assembled, and caps installed if the dealer prefers, dry fire and hold the trigger, rack the slide and slowly release the trigger. I should feel a definite and unmistakable trigger reset and then squeeze again. If it is a short reset distance (dislike long trigger pulls) feels like butter smooth, then I like it.
Then I will shake it slide locked open and closed, hard, I don't want to hear much noise, some but not allot, shake a few different ones, shake a glock sometime sounds like a baby rattle, I am buying a gun not a rattle. A weapon is a precision instrument and should be manufactured to the tightest of tolerances. Parts that fit loosely wear quickly, parts that fit too tight wear faster, everything should move easily and as intended. Even the slide lock. Test all the moving parts that you can and ensure they don't move left and right if they are only intended to move up and down.
I take it apart, if the dealer will allow it. With my rule I measure the upper and lower to see for myself that it was properly milled (the dealer usually rolls his eyes at me when I do this but I am like Rainman when assessing a firearm, single track mind and nothing will bother me) and hasn't been let out more than I would like to see. This is a personal preference and is largely unnecessary to most I know, but I enjoy it and it allows me to spend some time with the firearm, quality time.
The only way to learn anything else about it: IMHO is to fire it, a couple hundred times.
Peace.
I own two Kimbers.
First one has a story. I inherited it, or more accurately I stole it off a dead family member. Maybe I over dramatize. My uncle would have wanted me to have it he said as much and much ado about my military experience and how if he had had a son he would have wanted him to be in the army and have this gun upon his departure, but his memory was not great and he never relayed this to his children, my cousins.
So when I was asked by my cousin to transport my uncle's extensive collection of firearms to them, a 1300 mile drive done to avoid FFL transfers and whatnot, and I was sore that they would not make the effort, or pay for gas or do anything of any kind to show appreciation, to retrieve this very valuable collection on their own accord. Well I removed a well used Custom TLE/RL from the stash and made it my own. I had options, an HK, a Sig, a pair of matching Colt CMDRS, a Glock (all chambered in .45 ACP) and a really beautiful Peacemaker.
When I put my first rounds through it I had 3 feed jams in less than 2 mags. The recoil spring was replaced by the range master with the factory 16lbr and no more issues as I tore through about 1k of Wolf steel casings my uncle had double sealed up in a 50 cal ammo can, I have that too. I took the initiative replaced the main spring and bought a second recoil spring for replacement later on. Upon inspecting the box the weapon was in I found the official warranty receipt from Yonkers stating that this TLE had its external extractor replaced in the factory, FOC.
Kimber #2: I just got a Custom SIS for Christmas from my wife. I of course inspected this weapon carefully before my wife snuck out bought it, well she thinks she is sneaky and I love her, but I knew what was there and it was a thrill to have it under the tree. I have not seen any tool marks or rust and when properly lubricated the weapon functions without error. I DO NOT put steel casings through this pistol. Only nickel and brass and so far only brass. I have only had the damn thing for 3 weeks and I have put about 500 rounds of Remington 230 FMJ through it. No issues, not once. It is a fine pistol and if a cop would trust his life to it than by default your life has been entrusted to it as well.
The 1911 was the first military purpose sidearm submitted to the rigors of a 5000 round shooting/testing procedure. It has served as the official side arm of U.S. pilots, gunners, officers and anyone else who could get their hands on it though nearly a century of war. Cold or hot. There is no way anybody could count how many american lives have been saved by this pistol. NO POSSIBLE WAY!
The Beretta made a valiant attempt but as we probably all know that was a business decision not a strategic one. As I understand it the U.S. military is going back to the .45 ACP. I wonder if this "old gun" will return also.
In summation the Kimber is a fine pistol in the hands of someone that has the knowledge to operate it, the patience to aim it and the gumption to pull the trigger when the time comes. It is equally adept for plinking as it is for protection of our nation. It is however a pain in the azz, and quite dangerous, to disassemble and reassemble. There must be an easier handgun in the world to clean
The overlying point of the posts above is "Quality is in the eye of the beholder" So you have to come up with a way to determine if the pistol is of the right quality for you. Me? I do a couple easy things, and one not so easy, when examining a pistol, i only need one tool, a six inch steel rule.
With the pistol assembled, and caps installed if the dealer prefers, dry fire and hold the trigger, rack the slide and slowly release the trigger. I should feel a definite and unmistakable trigger reset and then squeeze again. If it is a short reset distance (dislike long trigger pulls) feels like butter smooth, then I like it.
Then I will shake it slide locked open and closed, hard, I don't want to hear much noise, some but not allot, shake a few different ones, shake a glock sometime sounds like a baby rattle, I am buying a gun not a rattle. A weapon is a precision instrument and should be manufactured to the tightest of tolerances. Parts that fit loosely wear quickly, parts that fit too tight wear faster, everything should move easily and as intended. Even the slide lock. Test all the moving parts that you can and ensure they don't move left and right if they are only intended to move up and down.
I take it apart, if the dealer will allow it. With my rule I measure the upper and lower to see for myself that it was properly milled (the dealer usually rolls his eyes at me when I do this but I am like Rainman when assessing a firearm, single track mind and nothing will bother me) and hasn't been let out more than I would like to see. This is a personal preference and is largely unnecessary to most I know, but I enjoy it and it allows me to spend some time with the firearm, quality time.
The only way to learn anything else about it: IMHO is to fire it, a couple hundred times.
Peace.
These would be the folks who had problems or those who read bad things on the internet.
These would be the folks who had no problems or those who read good things on the internet.
I bought my first Kimber about nine years ago; Eclipse Custom. After about 30K the only malfunctions were ammo or mag related. Bought a Tactical Custom a couple years later; total lemon. After a very disgusting conversation with Kimber, I took it to a local smith and paid him to do what Kimber should have done in their "custom" shop. About a year ago I held my breath and bought an Ultra Raptor. Before test firing I properly adjusted the extractor and replaced the SS (later learned the stock SS was out of spec).
IMO Kimber's problems are insufficient test firing/quality control and shoddy customer service. Firing more than a few rounds would stop a great number of simple problems from reaching the customer. I see more comments that read, "I love my Kimber. At first I had a problem with blah, blah, blah, but it was a simple fix." If it was so simple, why didn't Kimber fix it before it shipped?
Reading the posts on the http://forum.m1911.org leads me to believe they don't know how to adjust an extractor and continue to knowingly ship models with out-of-spec slide stops.
Also, it seems they're having problems with cracked frames in their lightweight models.
It's really a shame. IMO they turn out some darn good-looking guns.
rellascout
member
Why did the Mimber fan feel the need to revive this year old thread?
Common MIM parts on Mimber Firearms.
Slide stop, hammer, sear, disconnecter, mag catch, plunger tube, firing pin stop, thumb safety, ejector, beaver tail.
MSH is plastic.
Quality American craftsmanship at its finest.
Common MIM parts on Mimber Firearms.
Slide stop, hammer, sear, disconnecter, mag catch, plunger tube, firing pin stop, thumb safety, ejector, beaver tail.
MSH is plastic.
Quality American craftsmanship at its finest.
rellascout
member
QFT! I know a lot of people who will not buy a Kimber made after 2000. Guess who was in charge of Kimber around 2000.
Lv4snobrdg
Member
- Joined
- Jan 8, 2010
- Messages
- 123
Eddie,
The recoil spring and the way it is removed is dangerous IMHO. I have never lost control of it myself but I can only imagine what could happen if it was not disassembled with the greatest of caution.
TY
The recoil spring and the way it is removed is dangerous IMHO. I have never lost control of it myself but I can only imagine what could happen if it was not disassembled with the greatest of caution.
TY
HisSoldier
Member
- Joined
- Sep 26, 2007
- Messages
- 1,330
Pull the slide stop out and look carefully at the backside, then you too will know. The parts are MIM. If you believe MIM is equal to forged or machined from bar, or cast parts, then you have found your gun.
RIA uses a lot of MIM parts and costs 1/3 as much.
I like my Mimber, but would never have bought it if I'd known.
Sort of like muzzle control?
IMO an inanimate object cannot be dangerous; the end user introduces the danger.
Lv4snobrdg
Member
- Joined
- Jan 8, 2010
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- 123
I agree totally Eddie.
rellascout
member
Isn't that true of any 1911 or any spring under tension for that matter?
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