Ej3
Member
- Joined
- May 6, 2017
- Messages
- 114
I recently received a new Kimber Stainless TLE II 1911 pistol.
Overall I am happy. However, after spending $1,000 on this gun, I would have not expected the issues indicated below. This is not intended as a Kimber bashing thread, but looking for some advice moving forward regarding Items 2 & 3.
1. It was impossible to remove the slide stop pin by pushing it out. I called Kimber and she said that it was normal and just super tight tolerances. Really, my friends Kimber pushes out with no problem and my RIA 1911 9mm also pushes out with no problem. I ended up using a small flat head screw driver to pop it out. I compared the slide stop pin to my friends Kimber slide stop pin. I saw the obvious problem and filed it down just enough so that is pops out with normal effort. So that problem was solved with minimal effort.
2. The slide randomly locks back with one or two rounds left in the magazine. I was using the stock 7 round Kimber magazine with FMJ RN 230 gr. bullets and Polycoated RN 230 gr. bullets, both set at 1.25” COL. My research found multiple potential causes.
3. Visually looking down on the rear sight, it is clearly off slightly to the left of center. And shooting off a bench/bag at 21 feet I see the impact is off. This gun has the fixed Meprolight tritium night sights, and the rear sight has a 1/16” allen set screw. I cannot loosen the screw, and even if I could, I have read that using a brass punch to drift the Meprolight tritium night sight is a bad idea. And, I understand that Kimber sights are VERY tight and you almost need a press to move them. I am not sure what to do regarding the adjustment of my rear sight. Perhaps I can find a local gunsmith that can help me. Or, maybe take a chance on something like the B&J Machine P500 Standard Universal Front and Rear Sight Tool. That is assuming I can eventually loosen the set screw without damaging it. Otherwise, it is very accurate. Below is 8 shots off the bench/bag at 21 feet.
Overall I am happy. However, after spending $1,000 on this gun, I would have not expected the issues indicated below. This is not intended as a Kimber bashing thread, but looking for some advice moving forward regarding Items 2 & 3.
1. It was impossible to remove the slide stop pin by pushing it out. I called Kimber and she said that it was normal and just super tight tolerances. Really, my friends Kimber pushes out with no problem and my RIA 1911 9mm also pushes out with no problem. I ended up using a small flat head screw driver to pop it out. I compared the slide stop pin to my friends Kimber slide stop pin. I saw the obvious problem and filed it down just enough so that is pops out with normal effort. So that problem was solved with minimal effort.
2. The slide randomly locks back with one or two rounds left in the magazine. I was using the stock 7 round Kimber magazine with FMJ RN 230 gr. bullets and Polycoated RN 230 gr. bullets, both set at 1.25” COL. My research found multiple potential causes.
- My finger or thumb is pushing up on the slide stop. I was shooting thumbs down and do not see this as a possible cause.
- The pistol needs a 300-500 round break in period, don’t worry about it until after a good break in. I have only shot about 150 rounds this past weekend.
- Kimber magazines are junk. Get a Wilson Combat or Chip McCormick.
- It’s a bad magazine, try a different one.
- Recoil is jarring the last round loose/forward and engaging the slide stop.
- Oil is on the follower allowing the final round(s) to slide forward more easily under recoil and engaging the slide stop.
- A weak follower spring. The last round is under the least amount of tension and more easily jarred forward under recoil, and engaging the slide stop. Replace the follower spring with a stiffer one.
- An out of spec lug on the slide stop is bumping the nose of the bullet. File it down as required, but be careful not to remove too much as then the magazine may not catch.
3. Visually looking down on the rear sight, it is clearly off slightly to the left of center. And shooting off a bench/bag at 21 feet I see the impact is off. This gun has the fixed Meprolight tritium night sights, and the rear sight has a 1/16” allen set screw. I cannot loosen the screw, and even if I could, I have read that using a brass punch to drift the Meprolight tritium night sight is a bad idea. And, I understand that Kimber sights are VERY tight and you almost need a press to move them. I am not sure what to do regarding the adjustment of my rear sight. Perhaps I can find a local gunsmith that can help me. Or, maybe take a chance on something like the B&J Machine P500 Standard Universal Front and Rear Sight Tool. That is assuming I can eventually loosen the set screw without damaging it. Otherwise, it is very accurate. Below is 8 shots off the bench/bag at 21 feet.