Kimber Ultra CDP II Question?

[Compliantguy]

Has anybody had any problems with their Kimber Ultra CDP II 1911? I bought one two months ago and it initially had some feeding problems. I sent it back to Kimber and they polished the ramp. When I got it back, I fired 100 rounds of PMC 230gr. FMJ and 25 rounds of Remington 230gr. JHP through it with no problems. I am using Wilson magazines (47,OXC). The feeding problem appears to be fixed but, when I went to the range today and fired 150 rounds of the same PMC ammo, it failed to extract 5 cases from the chamber! This Kimber has the new external extractor. I have about 700+ rounds through the gun and am not sure what to do. At a price of $1000.00 (including tax), it should operate flawlessly. Or am I asking too much?! The appearance of the gun is awesome, but if it doesn't work reliably, then it isn't worth squat! I knew that Kimber had some quality issues a few years back, but I thought that issue was worked out? Do I send it back AGAIN, or do I find a competent local pistolsmith to fix it?

 

[Dave T]

I bought a used Ultra CDP (of the first series) and it works fine. It doesn't seem unreasonable to expect a brand new gun to work as well as my used one. In your position I would send it back, with a polite but FIRMLY worded letter, demanding a functional firearm for my $1000 investment. If they can't fix it get your money back!

 

[wally]

They are using crap MIM/cast extractors. They'll keep replacing it and you'll keep having to send it back periodically. Replace it with a Milspec spring steel machined one and be done with it. Had the same problem with my Ultra Carry. Replaced it with a spare I had on hand and no more extraction problems.

--wally.

 

[Kruzr]

They are using crap MIM/cast extractors. They'll keep replacing it and you'll keep having to send it back periodically. Replace it with a Milspec spring steel machined one and be done with it. Had the same problem with my Ultra Carry. Replaced it with a spare I had on hand and no more extraction problems.

--wally.

FWIW, Kimber internal extractors are not cast or MIM, they are machined barstock. All you have to do is look closely at one to figure that out. But, they are not spring steel and Kimber does an awful job of adjusting them when they assemble pistols. But, in this case, it's an external extractor so replacing it will do no good. I'd suggest you let others shoot the gun.......I hate to say this but what you are describing could very well be limp wristing.

 

[Compliantguy]

I don't think that I'm limp wristing it, because I do have a tight grip on the gun when I'm shooting. I've owned a few Colt 1911s in the past and understand that if you don't have a good grip, then it can cause feeding problems.
I'm going to call Kimber on Monday and have them send me all new extractor parts. I think that the extractor spring must be weak. The spring tension on my Kimber is not as strong as my other guns, so maybe that is the problem. I know that each 1911 has it's own "personality", so I think that with a little more patience and determination, I will be able to get this Kimber to function flawlessly. Besides, I don't want to trade or sell this gun for a plain looking gun like a Glock or Sig. Even though those guns are great performing guns without a doubt, as I have owned them in the past.

Thanks for your replies.