Even the semi-customs at 3K aren't always perfect. I've read of Les Baers, Ed Browns, and Wilsons going back.
I bought a Solo a couple of years ago, after I'd read that their initial issues were worked out. I fondled just about every small 9mm available, but, even though a little more expensive than most others, I went with it because it was the only one available that Crimson Trace offered lasergrips for, and even though I'm color blind, and can't see the dot during the day, and can shoot faster with the iron sights, I still want them on every defensive pistol I carry.
For the first 2-300 rounds, it was flawless with any of the recommended ammo, but, would act up with the cheaper stuff. I took it apart about every 100 rounds to check for some of the issues I'd read about, but, saw no problems. At about 500 rounds, it would run WWB, Blazer Brass, or UMC in 115 grain without any problems. With a full mag, it needs to be pushed UP to be able to release it. Kimber had issues with mags falling on their earlier versions, thus the change. With an empty mag in, at slide lock, a touch of the button, and the empty flies out.
At about 1k, I was using it at a backup gun match, and had two light strikes, with 124 grain, Blazer brass ammo. When I got home, I'd realized that I'd never removed the striker and cleaned out the striker channel. From previous experience with Glocks, and M&Ps, they needed to be cleaned out about every 500 rounds to be reliable. I cleaned the striker & channel, and was surprised at how clean it was, in comparison to other striker fired pistols I've had apart.
I went to the range the next day, and ran about 50 rounds through it, and had another misfire, which is not acceptable for a defensive gun.
I called Kimber. They sent me a call tag. A couple of weeks later it was returned with a slip saying they had replaced every spring, and the safeties. I had to laugh when I saw they replaced the safeties. I don't have a clue why they did, unless a little of the bluing was worn from carry, because I NEVER used the safeties, except at a backup gun match. It is a striker-fired pistol, with a longer trigger pull than a Glock or M&P, and doesn't NEED an external safety.
Even though I shoot mostly 1911s & 2011s for USPSA, IDPA, and 3-gun, and automatically release the safety on the draw, I won't carry a pistol that SHOULD have a safety engaged, because of the high stress factor, I want to be able to just draw, and pull the trigger.
In the time I've owned it, I also bought some 8 round magazines, and can get my whole hand on the grip, which makes it a LOT easier to shoot. I'm looking to get some replacement base pads for the 6 round magazines, with a pinky extension for the same reason. Shooting it with only one finger on the front strap makes it hard to control.
