Possible Kimber purchase - advice needed!

[HogRider]

Hi guys. It is possible that I am going to do some trading and might end up with a brand new Kimber Target Stainless II. In 9mm. I really WANT it in 9mm, because I already got plenty of 1911 45s.
Does anybody here have one? If so, what are the experiences? Good gun? I handled it today and just from looking at it, I must say I was impressed with the general quality and finish, but of course I haven't fired it. I have plenty experience with 1911s ( Colt, Para, Springfield, Llama, Norinco) but I never had a Kimber. Is there a reason I should not buy it?

Thanks

Hogrider
(formerly Harley_Davidson)

 

[HogRider]

Anybody?

 

[9x19]

hogRider,

I have a Kimber Stainless Target II in 9mm (also have the same pistol in .38 Super, 10mm and .45).

Mine's been a good solid performer.

Good luck.

 

[Lone_Gunman]

Hopefully your gun will work well from the start, if it doesn't send it to a gunsmith to get it working, and not back to Kimber, because their customer service really really really really is BAAAAD.

 

[HogRider]

9x19, what kinds of magazines do you use? I know that the Kimber comes with only 1 magazine. Will the standard Colt 9mm Mags and clones fit?

 

[Pumpkinheaver]

I have a kimber that has digested over 10,000 rounds in the last 4-5 years and has never jammed except for the time I tryed to feed it some bad handloads.

 

[9x19]

HogRider,

The kimber supplied mag is identical to a MetalForm mag. I have used those, plus Colt factory 9mm mags, and Pachmayr stainless mags (followers needed to be tweaked) without problems, and even Wilson .38 Super mags feed in mine.

 

[KenW.]

My Kimber Tac. Custom II (in .45) came with a mag nearly identical to a McCormick. Bought in November '02.

 

[HogRider]

I was just browsing around on gunbroker.com and found this:

Kimber 9mm

In the description it says that this is a Limited Edition of only 500 made. Is this true? I am almost sure that this is exactly the same model that I looked at. Didn't know they made only 500.

 

[dandean316]

FWIW, I just sold my 2 1911 Para 9mm's (SA and DA). After handloading the .45, I saw no real need for 2 9's on a 1911 platform. Sure I got the big mags that hold 21 rounds of 9mm. Other than that I see no real purpose for the 9 in a full sized 1911. That said, the guys I sold the 9's to are going to use it for CCW carry.

I figure can handload the .45 for cheap and get the performance I want from super light to super hot. I am however considering a compact 9mm, but if I was you, I wouldn't do it. But I'm not you, so if it is something you will shoot a lot or you don't reload - so 9's are cheap - I'd consider it.

That probably didn't help you a lot!

 

[HogRider]

I do reload, mainly for revolvers but also 45 ACP. I thought it would be nice to shoot a 1911 and not have to chase my brass once in a while.

 

[dandean316]

I hear you about chasing brass.

Exactly why I was considering picking up the Kimber Rimfire. So I guess I see your point about the 9. If you get it, let us know how it shoots!

 

[uglymofo]

This seems obvious to me, but I haven't seen it mentioned. If you're so used to the 1911 format, why not step down in size to the "same" gun in 9mm, and go with a Browning HP? As someone else said, a full-sized 1911 in 9mm seems unnecessary and impractical (for CCW). While the Kimber may be a nice gun, if it is acknowledged that the product has a failure rate (of any significant percentage), I'd suggest BHP. I've never experienced, heard of, nor read of an FTF, FTE, or FTRB in a new BHP. Their prices are at least competitive with Kimbers.

In my opinion there is one reason to steer clear of a Kimber 9mm purchase/trade. I doubt very much if the Kimber 9 will hold it's resale value as well as a Kimber 45, and comparatively, a BHP should hold its' value better also. They both have a much smaller market of course, than the 1911 45acp's.

 

[9x19]

...why not ... the "same" gun in 9mm... a Browning HP?[/quuote]

Well, as much as a BHP might be a nice gun... it is certainly NOT the same as a 1911.

Why not enjoy different calibers on the same platform?

Man cannot live by .45ACP alone.

 

[HogRider]

I did buy it yesterday. Immediately changed the grips when I came home.

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