Kimber Tactical Custom Range Report

[Mags]

First range report I have done let's hope it is informative and well put together.

Overview

Just came back from the range with my new Kimber Tactical Custom II which I purchased used from GunBroker for about 200 dollars less than a used model runs locally. The Kimber arrived with a badly finished safety which I replaced with a new Kimber brand stainless safety for 60 dollars. The range was a local temperature controlled indoor range. The ammo was handloaded by myself. And the position of fire was the weaver stance.


The Gun

The Kimber Tactical custom I fired today looked as though it had 600 rounds or more already put through it so I assumed it was already well broke in. The aluminium frame was considerably lighter than my Springfield Loaded model 1911A1 however I felt no greater percieved recoil. The trigger was smooth and felt like it broke around 4 pounds. The Mepro Light night sights glowed just as bright as the Trijicons on a model I purchased earlier this year. I checked with Kimber and the manufacture date was first quarter 2008.

Right Side

Left Side


The Magazines

The magazines use were the KimPro mag with bumper pad, Chip Mcormick Shooting Star with bumper pad, and the WIlson 47D. All mags fed flawlessly without hang ups and all mags strongly locked the slide back.

From left to right CMC, KimPro, and Wilson 47D


The Ammo

The ammo I used was handloaded Hornady XTPs in 230 grain with 5.0 grains of HP 38 and Federal Primers. I used once fired nickel casings from Federal, Remington, and Speer. The flash holes were cleaned and a slight taper crimp was applied.


Results

Here you can see I am getting a feel for the sights and worked my way in from the top then I unloaded 2 mags (14 rounds) from 15 yards.


Next was 20 yards


25 yards slow fire 3 shot group


25 Yard Slow shot 7 round group


In conclusion I am very satisfied with my recent purchase and will continue to strive to become a better marksman. If it comes time to purchase another 1911 I may consider the Tactical Custom II RL. Questions? Comments?

 

[TIMC]

The magazines use were the KimPro mag with bumper pad, Chip Mcormick Shooting Star with bumper pad, and the WIlson 47D. All mags fed flawlessly without hang ups and all mags strongly locked the slide back.

Must be something wrong with that Kimber; they're supposed to FTF every few rounds!

 

[Mags]

Must be something wrong with that Kimber; they're supposed to FTF every few rounds!

That's what I hear LOL!

 

[rbernie]

Looks nice.

If the Kimber doesn't have a ramped barrel, I would recommend only using magazines with bullnose followers to keep the followers from dinging up the lower area of the frame's feed ramp.

 

[Mags]

Thanks for the advice I did notice marks on the feed ramp on the frame.

 

[Master<>Blaster]

how much did you pay for it? nice 25 yard group. kimbers usually seem to be pretty good in the accuracy dept.

kimbers with alloy frames and non ramped barrels seem to be notorious for feed ramp damage (i've seen a couple at the range). i don't think it's only the follower.

it seems to be also caused by the rounds impacting the alloy frame ramp on the way to the chamber. imho any alloy 1911 should always have a ramped barrel.

 

[Mr.Revolverguy]

Rbernie,


When you say bullnose follower you have a brandof magazine in mind or a picture you would not mind sharing?

 

[JDGray]

When you say bullnose follower you have a brandof magazine in mind or a picture you would not mind sharing?

Wilson, Tripp are two good ones
http://www.trippresearch.com/CVS/products/1911/1911.html

http://www.wilsoncombat.com/a_magazines.asp

 

[Kruzr]

The only magazine the OP should be concerned about marring the gun is the CMC. The unsupported follower in the front and the sharp point on the "lower" follower is what causes the issue.

It will not ding the feed ramp but will hit the frame under the ramp. It's caused by the point hitting the frame as the last round is stripped from the mag. If you push forward on the follower, you can see that the pointed part will extend beyond the body. Any magazine with a leg or support on the front of the follower is OK to avoid the cosmetic dings.

 

[Mags]

The only magazine the OP should be concerned about marring the gun is the CMC

That's no good I only have two 47Ds and 5 CMCs.

 

[Maelstrom]

You can swap in a new follower instead of buying all new mags.

 

[rbernie]

Indeed - I put the Metalform bullnose follower into the Colt taper-lip mags and ran that combo without complaint. Second follower from the top:

 

[StrikeFire83]

1911s aren't my cup o tea, but it looks like you bought one for a good price that you shoot well.

Sounds like a keeper.

 

[Mags]

Thanks I also shoot polymers as well. "The key is to diversify" lol

 

[Ken Rainey]

I've also heard that some hollowpoint ammo can be rough on an aluminum frame's feed ramp ... May be better to do most of your practice with round nosed ammunition ...

 

[cactusgeorge]

Kimber

Things looked pretty and it was well presented.....but what GRIP did you use during the shoot..??

 

[LancerMW]

good priceing on that one! looks like it shoots well. i aint a Mimber fan personally, but if the gun works for you, use it.

 

[Mags]

but what GRIP did you use during the shoot..??

Strong hand with weak hand support. I like to put my weak hand thumb higher on the grip than my strong hand. And my weak hand index finger just below the slide forward of the trigger guard.