Kimber Ultra Carry II for CC - thinking of getting one

Status
Not open for further replies.
C

Captain33036

Member
Joined
Sep 20, 2009
Messages
421
Location
SE FL
Hello

I currently have a Kimber Custom II .45acp and a Kimber Pro Carry II stainless in 9mm. I have had a Glock 26, 19, Ruger SR9c and sold all of them. I just really like the Kimber's for all my needs (from target shooting, to HD and CC). Actually, I really love my Kimbers, they are just perfect to me.

Currently, I carry the Pro Carry in 9mm, when needed. Lately, I have been thinking about getting a Kimber Ultra Carry, however, since it is somewhat smaller and lighter. Perhaps my most significant need is for those times when I have to run out to walk the dog late at night (urban area), or a late run to the store (again, urban SE FL area). Putting on the Pro Carry is fine, but here in FL, usually wearing very light, casual clothing, I have been thinking about something smaller and lighter.

I liked the G26, but did not like it for carry ...I know that sounds weird. It seemed bulky and the grip was not as amenable to withdrawing from a holster, as I felt I liked. Just personal preference.

I thought about the Kimber Solo, Kahr CW and PM, but think the Solo is perhaps too small and I think there is some advantage to sticking with the 1911 platform.

SO....the Kimber Ultra Carry. Perhaps 9mm. Does a 3in barrel 1911 platform function well enough to be truly reliable? Either in 9mm or .45acp?

And...the big thing is ....because of economics..I would have to trade the Kimber Custom II .45 for it. SO....worth it?

Would it make a difference in the feel of carrying it over the Pro Carry?

[quick note...after getting into .22lr rifles for target shooting, I do not shoot the .45 much. I practice with the Pro Carry 9mm to stay proficient, but not the .45 much any longer...mostly because of ammo cost...I really love shooting a .45acp 1911, but..ammo cost ...]

Appreciate your thoughts.

Thanks
John
 
Here are my thoughts -- if you want a compact 9mm 1911, why on earth are you looking at anything but the springfield emp? ;) it surely can't be more expensive than the kimber, is just as pretty, is actually designed from the start to be a 9mm (to alleviate your reliability concerns, as opposed to every other 9mm 1911 which is just a rebarreled 45), it comes with 3 mags, and springfield is known for excellent customer service whereas kimber... uh, yeah, not so much.

If you want a 45acp 3" 1911, get the brand of your choice, but when you want a 9mm.. i think the EMP is worth a serious look. mine has never malfunctioned btw, and since it's one of my main carry guns, i've tried my best to make it malfunction.
 
Yes, definitely, the Springfield EMP in 9mm is an option.

In looking though, I have not seen any that are as reasonably priced as the Kimber.

A basic Kimber Ultra Carry II retails for $888, I think. And can be had on Buds for under $800. Have not seen the EMP for under $1000.
 
Pro Carry is 28oz
Ultra Carry is 25oz

Not really enough of a difference to matter. If you really want to go noticeably down in weight, you need to look at a polymer sub compact 9mm or .380 like a Ruger LC9 or LCP (or the Kimber Solo at 17oz if you want to stick with a Kimber).
 
Last edited:
Yes, definitely, the Springfield EMP in 9mm is an option.

In looking though, I have not seen any that are as reasonably priced as the Kimber.

A basic Kimber Ultra Carry II retails for $888, I think. And can be had on Buds for under $800. Have not seen the EMP for under $1000.
Click to expand...

The EMP is worth it. I got mine from Dawson, and had them install a single sided safety and do a trigger job before shipping it to me. Only paid like $1250 for it with that stuff done.
 
SO....the Kimber Ultra Carry. Perhaps 9mm. Does a 3in barrel 1911 platform function well enough to be truly reliable? Either in 9mm or .45acp?
Click to expand...
My EDC is a Kimber Ultra CDP in .45 ACP. It has been not only flawless from day one, it is the most accurate out-of-the-box multi-shot handgun I've ever fired, let alone owned. It has been my steady companion for near 8 years.
 
Just had a thread on here where everyone talked about their worst firearm they ever owned. The Kimber Ultra Carry II was mentioned many many times thru out the thread. Id say it was even in the top 5 most mentioned! I have no experience with them.. just throwin that out there.
 
Alot of high end 1911 companies avoid 3" barrels for a reason. I think Kimbers Pro sized models are a better choice. Or a CCO type 1911.

I'm not going to touch bull barrel vs bushing barrels, in 4" 1911's. I'll let someone more experienced with that argument chime in.
 
Hi Guys

Thanks for the great comments, all are very helpful.

I guess my feeling is that while there are smaller, lighter guns out there, such as the G26 and Kimber Solo, having tried them, I did not find any were comfortably pocketable (and it was not my preference to carry that way). As for the true pocket guns, I really do not want one.

SO...that leaves me in the holster carry area. As many have written here and elsewhere, a good belt and good holster and just about any side arm can be carried comfortably. In my limited experience, I have found that the 1911 platform guns carry very well and so, have gone in that direction.

The Solo is a possibility still, but just cannot find one to look at. And...as stated above, I think once you are in holster carry, 25oz is not bad, especially considering that the low low end of weight is about 17-20oz.

This thinking then has made me expand my search beyond the lighter plastic guns back up to side arms such as the Kimber Ultra. Is this thinking sound?

As to the difference between the Pro and Ultra...yeah, not a huge difference, but you shave off an inch in length, a half inch in height and a couple oz's. This helps drive towards more of what I would like...but ...still looking and thinking.

I have read differing opinions on 3in 1911's as well as Kimbers. My Kimbers have been nothing but flawless and very accurate. I have not been dissapointed at all. The Kimber Pro Carry is my most favorite of any I have ever owned.

SO...the search is on and advice is still appreciated.

And another interesting tidbit regarding 3 in 1911's: Once, while in my fav LGS, there were 4 old guys sitting around shooting the breeze (not literally :) ). Friends of the owner. I sat down to chat a bit with the group and then I asked what they favored in side arms? These were a group of regular guys, who were older and all life long firearm enthusiasts. All four of them had a 3in 1911.

My best to all

J
 
Sure, it never hurts to have a selection of different sized pistols for CCW in different weather conditions and attire.

My Quiver:
Fullsized- DW Valor, Kimber CDP 1911's
Midsized/compact- Glock 23, Maybe a DW CCO 1911 in the future.
Subcompact- Kahr Pm9
Micro- Kahr P380


All ride in Crossbreed Supertucks. Sometimes a Raven Concealment OWB holter.
 
I have been carrying a Kimber Ultra Crimson Carry II .45 ACP for the last 3 years or so. I'm 5' 7" and 150 lbs. No problems concealing it in the summer time or any other time for that matter. Very pleased with it's performance.
 
I carry the Colt Defender, Fits nicely with the right holster close to body, Shoots well and does not kick as hard as some of the 9mm. If I had to use it I had rather have a Big bore looking at bad guy than a small one,
Good luck in finding the right one
 
I have the Ultra Carry TLE II in 45acp and love the gun. It has worked flawlessly out of the box. The dual recoil spring setup work very nice. Has less recoil than a Sig P229 in 40 cal. I seam to shoot it better than any of my other guns and it is just the right size for concealment. If you have small hands or short fingers it's a good fit.

I always rent or find someone who has one to shoot before buying any gun I'm interested in. Some guns just don't feel right or worst don't shoot where you point.
 
I have a Kimber Ultra Covert II .45; Walther PPS 9mm; Berreta PX4 Storm 9mm; Ruger LCP .380 and Walther P22 .22LR; And guess which one is the most accurate? Kimber :uhoh:. And its been flawless with factory ammo. In fact I don't have any unreliable except the suspect but loads of fun plinker.:D I don't get the Kimber hysteria honestly, still waiting for this puppy to take a dump 3yrs and 5000+ rounds.
 
Captain33036 said:
Hello

..
Would it make a difference in the feel of carrying it over the Pro Carry?

[quick note...after getting into .22lr rifles for target shooting, I do not shoot the .45 much. I practice with the Pro Carry 9mm to stay proficient, but not the .45 much any longer...mostly because of ammo cost...I really love shooting a .45acp 1911, but..ammo cost ...]

Appreciate your thoughts.

Thanks
John
Click to expand...

I love my Kimber with all the bells and whistles, but I have stopped carrying it. I carry Walther PPS or the LCP now. To answer your question I really don't think it will make any noticeable difference. :(
 
I prefer a 3" for carry. My choice is the STI Shadow, which is a little out of your price range, but the STI Escort is similar and can be had under $1K. STI has a lifetime warranty, and all four of mine have been terrific right out of the box. I have about 1,000 through my Escort with zero malfunctions, and over 2,500 through the Shadow. STI has a deservedly good reputation with the 3" 1911s. The Defender is also very solid, over 1,000 through mine with zero malfunctions, but I feel the Escort offers more for about the same price.

STI not only makes their 1911s (other than the Spartan) here in the US, but they also make all their own parts other than springs and pins. Titanium hammer strut, tool steel hammer and sear, steel ejector, disconnector, slide stop, grip safety, thumb safety, spring steel sear spring and extractor (hand adjusted to each pistol), etc all done in house.

STIShadoww2Krnds800600.jpg

STIEscort800600.jpg
 
Thank you for the great responses.

I agree, you should train regularly and be fully aware of how to operate and trouble shoot any weapon you carry. That is one reason why I am leaning towards a 1911 platform, in 3in.

I only have two side arms, the Kimber Custom II and the Pro Carry. I have shot 1911s for some time and so their operation is second nature to me. I get to the range on a regular basis to stay familiar and proficient because I think that is a responsibility of owning and carrying a weapon. My kimbers have been flawless and the most accurate pistols I have ever owned.

So... I am definitely going to trade the Custom II for a 3 in carry. Colt and other brands are a consideration, though I am not sure of their weight...the Kimber Ultra is 25 oz. ...which is nice.

9 would be cheaper to practice with, and give me a common caliber to both my pistols, but .45 is more common. ....and has it's attributes.

Thanks to all.

John
 
Last edited:
The 3" guns will have more muzzle flip, but I had no troubles getting back on target for quick follow ups. The take down is a PITA, with the little wire, but not that hard to do.
 
Both the STI pistols I mentioned are 22.8 ozs. STI uses a collar that clips on rather than the bent wire for takedown. It's a little easier in my opinion. The RecoilMaster does noticeably soften the felt recoil when compared to my Colt Defender. It also lasts far longer than a typical spring, but you do have to pay more when it's time to replace it.
 
With this little tool the Ultra are very easy to take down. I did notice when my gun was new it did not quite align up (off about 0.010") till after about 500 rounds. I think the strong recoil spring just compressed the plastic a little to much. Get the set so you can clean the RC Spring assembly. Not really needed but is easier than the bent wire that Kimber supplies.

http://www.ndzperformance.com/Kimber%20Accessories.htm
 
G27RR said:
I prefer a 3" for carry. My choice is the STI Shadow, which is a little out of your price range, but the STI Escort is similar and can be had under $1K. STI has a lifetime warranty, and all four of mine have been terrific right out of the box. I have about 1,000 through my Escort with zero malfunctions, and over 2,500 through the Shadow. STI has a deservedly good reputation with the 3" 1911s. The Defender is also very solid, over 1,000 through mine with zero malfunctions, but I feel the Escort offers more for about the same price.

STI not only makes their 1911s (other than the Spartan) here in the US, but they also make all their own parts other than springs and pins. Titanium hammer strut, tool steel hammer and sear, steel ejector, disconnector, slide stop, grip safety, thumb safety, spring steel sear spring and extractor (hand adjusted to each pistol), etc all done in house.

STIShadoww2Krnds800600.jpg

STIEscort800600.jpg
Click to expand...

Hi G27RR. I'm glad your STI's work well - mine didn't. I bought a new Escort in April to partially replace a SA Ultra Compact and a Defender that were stolen. I liked the size and both had been flawless. Due to time constraints, I didn't shoot the STI until last week, but I expected it to run well. I started with 150 rounds of WWB and Federal ball, but the slide refused to return to battery over half the time. It was close and a nudge would usually complete the cycle, but it happened whether I released the slide with the lock, racked the slide, or allowed the recoil to do the work. On further examination the chamber seemed tight. I then tried 25 rounds of GS's and had the additional problem of nosedives into the ramp. The pistol was cleaned and well lubed before I shot it. It's now back in Texas, and I hope they can fix it.

This past Friday I bought a used but unfired SS Ultra Carry on impulse at my LGS, because they offered a great deal. It's now prepped and I'm hopeful of a better result at the range next week.
 
Guys

I had the chance to check out a Kimber ultra carry at my LGS today. It fits me perfectly. I slipped it onto s slide holster on my belt and it just felt right. Drawing from the holster was just right.

Now..... The problem is going to be finding one that is reasonably priced. I would like one in 9mm for the extra round, lower cost of ammo and common caliber with my pro carry, but that may be difficult. Not impossible but definitely more money. You can get a base ultra carry in .45acp for $720, online. A base 9mm ultra carry cannot be had for less than $820.

And..... You can get a Springfield micro compact GI 1911 in .45acp for $500 lots of places.

Whew. More in the mix.

Another consideration.....The springer is 33oz, vs the ultra carry 25oz.

Have to think more about this.

Thanks
J
 
Captain, Para has a 9mm 1911 that's smaller than the EMP in every dimension. STI also has the LS9, which is a 9mm 1911-style pistol that's no thicker than a Kahr.

Just trying to make your selection even more difficult :D
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

G
  • Locked
kimber pistols
Replies
12
Views
938
M2 Carbine
M
G
  • Locked
Kimber Products Really That Good?
2 3 4
Replies
78
Views
4K
exgun
E
F
  • Locked
SIG P226r .40 S&W or KIMBER Ultra Carry II .45 acp
Replies
12
Views
1K
okierifleman
O
T
  • Locked
Colt NEW Agent or Kimber Ultra Carry II or ???
Replies
9
Views
6K
MICHAEL T
M
K
  • Locked
Kimber Pro Carry Ten II
Replies
4
Views
829
M2 Carbine
M
Back
Top