My Experience with Kimber

[JoeMal]

I recently bought a Kimber Custom II as I've always wanted a Kimber. I was hesitant to buy one knowing about the large amount of talk online regarding their reliability. I'm a Glock guy, so I've never really had a pistol that plain didn't work. The thought of having a fussy gun, that cost nearly twice what a Glock costs, weighed on my conscious. But you know what, I went for it anyway.

This is my second 1911 that I've owned, but the only one still in my collection. I've owned a Springfield Loaded before and I just wasn't too impressed with the accuracy. Maybe it was me (Being a Glock shooter) that I just didn't know how to shoot it properly. I sold it before I had 500 rounds through it.

So onto my Custom II. I really like the gun. It shoots nice, tight groups and feels good in my hand. So far out of the 350 rounds I've shot, it's only had 1 FTF and I think it was magazine related. Even the Kimber-supplied magazine has shot flawlessly (though it's a PITA to load). I have a Wilson 47D and they are night and day comparing the two. But I shoot with it anyways. I've purchased a different set of grips for it, but otherwise, I've been putting my money into ammunition (though that's even hard to do these days ). Speaking of ammo, I've shot 4 different brands of 230gr. FMJ with only the one FTF mentioned. I haven't had the chance to shoot any HPs yet but that will come someday.

Anyone having qualms about buying a Kimber, I would hold back your reservations. Usually only the people with negative attitudes will post online and those who have good experiences keep it to themselves. I wanted to go against the grain and post about how I really enjoy this gun. I do not regret my purchase whatsoever and I can't wait until I can make it back to the range.



8 rounds, 230gr. FMJ at 7 yards

 

[jim243]

Congratulations nice gun that will serve you well.

Ues it in good health.
Jim

 

[Slamfire]

My Clackamas Kimber, had it since the 90’s. I have worn out two hammers, both were replaced by Kimber. Since I have short fingers I disliked the long trigger, had the Marine Armorers at Camp Perry install this GI trigger. They told me the sear was worn out and I walked over to the Springfield Armory pavilion and bought a forged sear. I guess I have over ten thousand rounds through the thing. Shoots fine, very reliable with wadcutters and LRN. I really don't agree with the beef (or beeves?) people have with Kimber unless it is with MIM parts.

The grips were a factory option, the ladder tape from Home Depot.

 

[jbkebert]

My Stainless II has been my primary ccw for a little over a year and a half. Have put approx 6,000 rounds through it. It can be a little picky on hollow points. However it feed Winchester PDX1 ammo well and groups great. So that is all that get carried in it. Great gun no complaint from me.

 

[orionengnr]

I have owned eight so far (serial owner) . Two 5" steel, one of which was pre-Series II.
Two 4", one alloy with the dreaded external extractor.
Four 3"--two stainless Ultra Carry IIs and two Ultra CDPs--one pre-Series II.
All have served with distinction, and I would buy another in a heartbeat.

Wish I had kept the pre-Series II pair, but at least the 5'' is in the hands of a good friend. I still have a steel 4" and an Ultra Carry II.

 

[bannockburn]

SlamFire1

Your Kimber is the same model and of similar vintage as the one that a friend of mine has. I have shot his pistol on a number of occasions and have found it to be a totally reliable and accurate performer every time I have used it. The only thing he has replaced is the grips and he had night sights installed. It is his primary gun for home defense and CCW.

 

[KenW.]

I bought a Tactical Custom II in 2003(?). It would still be my duty gun if it had a rail. Always performed perfectly.

 

[Highland Ranger]

I have two. Replaced kimber mags with Wilson's. No issues at all. Both TAC drivers.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD

 

[BYJO4]

I'm glad you like your Kimber. I have 2 Kimbers and they have been totally reliable.

 

[jmr40]

Another positive experience with the Custom II. I've had mine 7-8 years and it has run perfectly for me. I think most of the Kimber problems can be traced back to some of the models with external extractors. A well designed external extractor works at least as well as the internal version. I just think Kimbers version was not designed properly. I read far fewer complaints about their basic model than the higher end versions.

 

[Old Dog]

My Custom TLE II is one of my main go-to pistols. Pretty much the same as the Custom II, but with factory MeproLight nightsights and nice frontstrap checkering.

I have never had a problem with Kimbers, and I am somewhat of an ... accumulator of 1911s ... (I favor Colts, Springfield Armory, Kimber and Dan Wesson as far as factory production 1911s).

 

[holdencm9]

JoeMal,

I have the Custom II as well, and love it. It is crazy accurate. Very straightforward, no bells and whistles or anything too flashy, just the way I like it. I too had some reservations about buying the base model 1911 from Kimber, but have had no stoppages when running factory ammo and it is probably my favorite pistol to shoot.

 

[Fremmer]

Kimber classic series 1 here, runs like a Swiss watch, very accurate, sets the standard for other new pistols