KPD Kimber and others

[shooter1103]

Feedback.

I am looking to buy a autoloader hand gun for home defense and to shoot for enjoyment when I have the time to shoot.

I have had and still own Glocks, but really don't care for how they fit my hand so the one Glock 23 I still own has been adopted by my wife as it fits her hands just fine.

I am now looking to find the gun that best suits my needs listed above. There are a lot of LEOs, gunsmiths, etc on this site who can give me some great input in making this buying decision. I have looked at XPD Springers and shot the 9MM model although I am not going to buy a 9MM. I am looking at a .40S&W model. I have researched S&W MP, Kimber somewhat although they look like 45 cal is all they offer except in the KPD model. Please give me your most objective and honest feedback as to what 40S&W model I should look at seriously and purchase. I will not be shooting competition events, again just for home defense, and to shoot at my local shooting range for target practice and enjoyment.

Let's have it men. Way too many choices and not near enough experience on this end to make a solid decision on what too purchase for what this gun will be used for. Thanks in advance....

 

[berkbw]

Might I suggest that you try a S&W M&P? They come with 3 backstraps to fit almost all hands, feel good in the hand AND shoot where you POINT them.
b-

 

[shooter1103]

Thank you BerkBw for the

feedback. I had a S&W placed in my hands when I was looking at XPD's and really liked the feel of it. I have to admit I was not looking at S&W but again the feel of it was the best of any gun I had ever had in my hands. It had the medium size grip on it which felt real solid in my hands. I have not shot the MP series as my local shooting range does not have one of those to rent.

I have had several experienced shooting friends tell me to look at Kimber. I love the feel of those all steel guns but do not like the fact that they are single action and no 40S&W model except the KPD. Of coarse it too is a polymer gun. That does not make it bad, but not shure how it stacks up to the other polymer guns on the market.

The S&W I like because it is American made and with a lifetime warranty. I hear their customer service is second to none which I would expect from S&W. Most of the issues this gun has had seam to have been fixed like the mag drop issue.

I really like the Kimber's, a lot of choices though, only 45ACP and small magazine sizes a long with only single action make me wonder if there guns would be a good choice for what I want to use it for after shooting double action internal safety guns like the Glock.

Thank you again for your input and I hope more is coming to help me make an informed purchase....

 

[shooter1103]

Come on guys, I know there

are more of you that can offer input than one member. I would appreciate it. over 39 have looked at this thread and only one reply which is appreciated. I am hoping for many more. Thank you

 

[Don Carter]

I chose kimber Pro CDP II as my primary carry weapon and because of the feel and accuracy I am comfortable with it as a home defense weapon, second only to my 1966 Ithaca 12 guage shotgun with the deerslayer barrel and 00 buck. The racking of a shotgun is a lot louder that the kimber......

Although I also have multiple glocks and a taurus placed in various locations throughout the house just in case... I sleep with the kimber nearby.

 

[gbelleh]

I'll suggest the HK USP or P2000 .40. They are rugged and very reliable, but may or may not fit your hand.

 

[Jason_G]

Look at the offerings from H&K, Sig, and Beretta's PX4. All are very accurate and soft shooters.

Jason

 

[shooter1103]

Jason, what do you mean by

soft shooters? Thank you

 

[modifiedbrowning]

Checkout the Walther P99. Great ergonomics with interchangeable backstraps. Excellent trigger in the AS (DA/SA) version, with a short reset.
Very reliable, I have three P99s and the only malf I had was caused by trying to use the wrong magazine.

 

[Jason_G]

Jason, what do you mean by
soft shooters? Thank you

Just slang meaning that the gun tends to have less felt recoil. Keep in mind that perceived recoil can vary from gun to gun and from person to person depending on your grip, stance, the way the gun fits your hand, and your overall sensitivity to recoil. In general terms though, the ones that I sugested seem to "tame" recoil very well. Not that the .40 S&W caliber is a bear anyway, but every little bit helps.

Jason

 

[UglyAllDay]

well I am definately not the most experienced but a LEO buddy had it narrowed down to 3 guns for home protection. Depending on hand size (I have CARNY hands) my XD40 is a great fit for me. The M&P felt good as well but not quite the same. One of my Leo buddy rants and raves about the Kimber KPD and I have never handled it but trust his judgment. Not sure if price is an issue but the three I have listed are all moderately priced. Their are plenty more that will get the job done if you have the funds available. Of his three recommendations the XD was my choice (cash was a factor for me).
-Good Luck!

 

[Defensory]

Kimber has several models chambered for the .40 S&W:

Stainless II
Stainless Gold Match II
Stainless Pro Carry II
Stainless Ultra Carry II

 

[Defensory]

Posted by Don Carter:
I chose kimber Pro CDP II as my primary carry weapon and because of the feel and accuracy I am comfortable with it as a home defense weapon

A most excellent choice, Don!

 

[Jonah71]

After my trip to the range today I'm completely satisfied with my Kimber Pro BP Ten II. I know it's an older model (2003 I think) so this may not be relevent. Used cheap bulk Wichester range rounds with no problems at all. Forgot the gold dot hp's that so many people have told me won't feed well in it. Will try them next time. But I think it just became my primary carry.

 

[NG VI]

I am not sure the KPD ever made it to shops and distributors. I've never seen one in person.

Try out the FNP series as well, they feel great, and the .40 holds 14+1, so it isn't a small magazined gun at all.

 

[Sapper771]

The only advice that I can offer you is to go to a range that rents the pistols that you are interested in. You will be able to shoot and compare the the different models.

 

[bamiller]

Colt Defender

For carry I go back-and-forth between two pistols. The Kahr PM9 for pocket carry and the Colt Defender. Like the Kahr but if the Colt could be pocket carried would do that in a heart beat.

 

[Jed Carter]

Everyone has suggested some nice pistols, but few real weapons. A 1911 is what you show your friends, a SIG P226 is what you show your enemies. I have currently 17 pistols and 4 revolvers, my hands down favorite, most trusted pistol is my SIG P226 in .40S&W, or 357SIG if I change the barrel. Get one with the SIG night sights and no rail, you will love it, and trust it. SIG P226 a true weapon and a lot of fun to shoot, it will outlast you. My SIG goes to the range 9 times in 10 and sits on the night stand every night.

 

[bobelk99]

Just remember that if you get 100 responses there will probably be 80 different opinions.

I have shot Kimber 1911s for years and love them.

That said, I just bought a M&P 9 and 45, and I believe I am going to be a convert.

 

[shootinxd]

Here we go again.Hit the rental shop at the range.Your gun is a personal choice only YOU can make.I have rugers,Springfields,keltec,taurus,all have a place in my heart and gun cabinet.