Kimber's In General

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's Folks-

In todays marketplace, with many excellent choices out there from the
makers of 1911 style .45 caliber semi-auto's how would you rate Kimbers
overall acceptance in the gun world? Being aware of the Les Baers, Ed
Browns, Wilson combat's high dollar guns as being a cut above what most folks can afford to buy, how would you describe YOUR gut feelings
about Kimber handguns, as compared to other box stock 1911 designs?

I see Kimbers as being a bit pricey "middle of the road" serviceable type
firearms with a fair amount of following from the 1911 crowd. But, are
they any better (or worst) than say a Springfield MC Operator, or a
Springer Loaded model 1911? After acquiring my 5" Kimber Raptor, I too
have begun a liking for their products. Please shed some light on this
subject, and do you think I'm wrong for going down this avenue? Many
thanks in advance for any and all responses.

 

[Vitamin G]

I've just had my first jam in my kimber TLE in about 1500 rounds. Its been flawless since the day i picked it up (used) for a song. It took me a while to get used to the checkering, and it hurt after 100-200 rounds at first, but it wore down, and now its an amazing gun. Also very nice with thin grips from woodgrips.com. Actually, its so thin, i'm kinda backwards from most people, and carry my full size 1911 in the summer, and a BHP in the winter. (Really its just because I have an Alessi Bodyguard, and I can't wear that in the summer)

 

[10-Ring]

I have a Custom II that I bought "pre-owned" a few months ago. I've shot it quite often & have not had any kind of hiccups to date. But, (kinda knew that was coming, huh?!?) I am trying to sell it & probably won't own another one...not because there was anything wrong with it, but mostly because I prefer Colt product more.
I've owned SA, Colt & Kimber and the only one I know I'll keep is my XSE. Although I have developed a curiosity to check out the SIG

 

[XLMiguel]

I've owned four - a Custome Royale, a stainless compact, and Ultra Carry (all Series I .45's), and a TacPro II in 9mm. I sold the Comapct to my BIL (dumb), and the UC to a fellow THR member (I just wasn't using it). All have run fine, had good to great triggers, been accurate, etc., right out of the box.

I concur with your assessment of Kimbers being a good middle of the road choice for those who want a 'nice' 1911 without going into the higher end semi-customs & customs. I think they offer a fair value (as do the SA Loadeds) when you buy at 'street' prices, which seems to be 10-15% below MSRP, which is kinda silly IMO.

 

[SouthpawShootr]

I too have a Kimber TLE and I think it's the best value around. It comes from the factory with the one thing I must have on 1911s - decent sights. Nice touch that they're night sights and I also like the front strap checkering. Haven't really shot it all that much but it's worked well so far.

 

[Black Majik]

Heya Dan,

Well, heres my opinion. I rate Kimbers as middle of the road also along with Springfield Armory and Colt. I do Consider these three companies however, on a higher level than Para Ordnance. In the marketplace, Kimbers are doing very well in the industry. It seems every salesman in California raves about Kimbers. All Turners Outdoorsman stores will positively preach about Kimbers. Maybe Springfield if you ask them, but if you ask them about a 1911, Kimber would be the first outta their mouths.

My personal gunsmith now carries Kimbers. He's a diehard Colt fanatic, and I was surprised when I saw Kimbers in his display case. He also has some S&W 1911s, but no Springfields yet. So, in the gun industry, I say Kimber is doing very well, probably an 8 out of 10 regarding popularity between the sales people, and shooters and overall... in general.

My perspective?

I find Kimbers to be pretty good guns. Though there are many 1911s out there that fancy my needs better. The Series II guns, well just dont feel the same as my Series I pistol. I've shot SII 1911's. They do shoot straight, accurate. But I feel the fit and finish are kinda lacking compared to their older Yonkers and Clackamas Series I pistols. My pistol feels more solid than the new Kimbers I've handled. And for some odd reason, the aluminum 1911s dont feel nearly as smooth as the steel versions. When people ask about recommending a 1911 for them, I'll usually recommend something like a Colt, instead of a SA or Kimber. But Between a SA and a Kimber, I'll suggest the Kimber everytime. I think SA's 2 piece barrel and 2 piece FLGR's are umm... retarded.

Oh yeah, the grainy stainless Kimbers are kinda ugly. Why cant they make it look like hardchrome. Instead it looks like the same finish I'd find on a rock.

Their upper end 1911s aren't of the same league as the semi-production/semi-custom crowd of the EB, LB, Wilsons. The Team Match, Super Match, Match this match that.... well... Its just a prettied up Kimber. I'd put my money elsewhere.

I'd rate Kimbers as a 7 outta 10.

 

[MachIVshooter]

I have a Kimber Stainless Target II 10mm, and it has been flawless except for a batch of handloads that later proved to be a tad long (1.263"; 1.250" is max COAL) and Norma 170 gr. JHP (won't function well in my S&W 1006 or Witness Compact either). Eventually, I will get an Eclipse Target II .45, but Since I have 4 1911's there are higher priorities at the moment. In short, I like Kimbers very much and highly recommend them to anyone looking in the $800-$1300 1911 arena.

 

[30 cal slob]

I own several, including an Eplise Pro, an Ultra CDP II, and a few custom shop jobbies in non-.45 ACP calibers.

You know what? For the money, they shoot well enough and for that reason they are pretty much my carry guns where the environment is suitable. If I'm in a more hostile environment (sand, etc) I will carry a Glock.

I find it difficult to carry a $2,000+ gun that might be confiscated/examined/held-up in an evidence locker for six months for ballistics testing if there is indeed a shooting.

Now, interestingly, I have heard that a rash of some of the more recent production Kimbers have had to be reworked by the factory (e.g., f-t-f) for various reasons. Since my Kimbers are a bit older, I haven't had ANY problems to report (flawless!), but you might want to consider double-checking the dealer's return/exchange/repair policy before you take the plunge on a new gun of recent vintage.

 

[halvey]

I don't think there is a better value than a Kimber. Here and there I've found a 1911 to be as accurate, but across the board, Kimber's are the most accurate production gun without getting into the semi-customs.

There are things I don't like, but they are cosmetic. I don't care for the machine checkering or front serrations, but for as accurate as they are I can live with it. Actually, I'd prefer a Colt, but for the extra $$ it'd take to get it as accurate, I'd be way behind.

If you like 1911's and are not a bullseye shooter, Kimbers are your best bet.

 

[Zach S]

For me, the series II was a turnoff. The fact that the small parts started breaking about the time that the seires II came out was more of a turnoff. At the same time there were the malfunctioning series IIs that wouldn't allow the gun to fire. I know it was just a small percentage, but I heard about it enough to make me think twice about getting one. After the series II bugs got worked out and I decided I could live with one, they decided to jump on the "better extractor" bandwagon, unfortunately it would appear they havent got the bugs worked out of it.

New Kimbers? No thanks, not for me. I'll spend my money on a Colt or a Springer, unless there's a used series I in the case I can afford. Other than the slide stop on my Polymer, the three I own have been flawless.

JMO.

I find it difficult to carry a $2,000+ gun that might be confiscated/examined/held-up in an evidence locker for six months for ballistics testing if there is indeed a shooting.

IMO, if that $2k pistol saved my life, it would be money well spent.

That said, the average price I paid for my Kimbers is $625.

 

[dmftoy1]

I've got 2, a Series I I purchased used and a Gold Match II that I purchased new. I wouldn't part with either! (well maybe if you offered me twice what I paid for them. ) Both shoot nice tight groups, and both are well made. I wish the Gold Match didn't have the stupid firing pin safety, but that's only an issue for me when I'm cleaning it as I have to do gymnastics to replace the firing pin stop.

I think they're good value for the money. I'd love to buy a Les Baer and maybe in a few years after a few more bonus' payments . . .

Have a good one,
Dave

 

[W Turner]

My order of preference....

1a. Springfield Armory - good selection, sane pricing on most models, few horror stories about their MIM parts, closest production line to Browning's original design, "elective" safety system is easily removed

1b. NRM Colt - best materials of any production 1911 out there right now, history, ok prices, excellent fit and finish, if the prices were more inline with what I believe to be reasonable, this would be a solo #1, no horror stories relating to elective safety system (series 80)

2. Smith and Wesson - ok prices, excellent fit and finish, wide variety of models, well-implemented Schwartz safety system, no widespread issues with their external extractors, good materials, best customer service in the business

3. Kimber Series II - good to excellent fit and finish, wide variety of models, a little more pricey once you get above the base models, crappy implementation of the Schwartz safety, widespread issues with the external extractors, widespread issues with their MIM parts, seem to be more flash than substance-but that is my opinion

* Kimber Series I would be ranked as a 1c if they hadn't screwed with the original design.....

W

 

[45lvr]

the only 1911 i have now is a rock island armory. it was new for $280.00. just a 1911. nothing fancy or elaborate. i love it. my friend has a higher end kimber and has had it for about 2 years. hes kicking himself in the butt for not getting the rock island. we got them about the same time. the kimber is alittle tighter, the trigger pull is smoother and shorter and it looks nicer. other than that, theres really no difference. i can change out anything i want for little money, you know how many places sell 1911 parts-tons. ive put at least 2000 rounds through it with no problems, except normal hollow point feeding issues. you rack it like youve got a pair and thats not even an issue. the only main issue is that the finish isnt that great. its just blued, but not too well.
basically, theres cheaper (and not necessarily bad) 1911's out there.

 

[deputy tom]

I bought the "hype" and paid too much for what I got in my kimbers.I prefer SA for the best bang for the buck.YMMV.tom.

 

[Ala Dan]

Now that I've had the opportunity to examine and now own a Kimber, I find
them quite amazing. I searched far and wide trying to find the right one,
and finally settled on a 5" Raptor II. So far, the only issue I've had with
this firearm is the fact that it failed to go into battery on three different
occassions. A slight "bump" on the rear of the slide with the heel of the
hand solved this problem. I am still in the "break in" period with this gun,
as I am approaching the 300 round mark. Needless to say, I'm pleased
with its performance thus far and even have been looking over other
models in the Kimber line; in particular (no certain order) the Warrior,
the stainless Ultra Carry II, the stainless TLE II, the Tactical Pro Carry,
the Grand Raptor and I'm waiting to check out the new Desert Warrior.

Like many of us here, I'm blessed with 5" model 1911's so if I decide to
add another Kimber well it probably will be the stainless Ultra Carry II.
Many thanks to those that have taken the time to respond to this
thread; as there is a lot of good information shared in your thoughts
and opinions.