Since when did Kimber quaility go down the tubes?

[.45&TKD]

I have heard numerous people comment on the no-longer forged receiver and slide.

That would be a serious drop in quality. Is this true?

 

[Geno]

Post to Redirect Thrust

I sense that people are not fully reading the thread prior to posting. The recent direction of posts is frequently off-topic. The thread's topic and thrust is toward a persistent, diminished quality at Kimber, both in product and in service.

Furthermore, the focus is not on my current Kimbers. My current Kimber is flawless. The focus is on the multiple other posts, by people who persist in experiencing sub-par quality, and as was aforementioned, this in both product and in service.

To the end of redirecting, what is the cause of defective products reaching the market, why does the sub-par service persist, and how do we encourage improvement?

 

[Hawk]

I haven't heard anything about a change in slide or frame and Kimber is still showing this:

Kimber pistols are 100% manufactured in the U.S.A. in our Yonkers, New York facility.

and..

Every part on the Kimber pistol is manufactured in our New York plant. From polymer frames to adjustable sights, it is all made in house.

SA uses some Imbel Brazil parts.

In an interesting twist on value 1911s, STI is putting their parts into slides / frames / barrels by Armscor Philippines in the Spartan.
Perhaps STI fact has gotten pasted on Kimber as rumor? Stranger things have happened.

Edited to add: Sorry, Doc. I was typing when you were posting.

 

[glockman19]

why does the sub-par service persist, and how do we encourage improvement?

By doing exactly what we are now. discussing it and giving constructive criricism. They don't want to lose our business any mor than we want to get sub-par firearms from them.

I know that Management reads boarda like this and I believe that we are making a difference. Thansk Doc, for spearheading the revolution.

 

[Michigunner]

My Kimber Custom II Stainless Target .45 has been absolutely perfect, even during the break-in period.

I am highly satisfied with the reliability.

 

[sturmgewehr]

 

[sturmgewehr]

I have Kimber to thank for driving me to it. So it's not like they've never done anything good for me. I do miss the Kimber's aesthetics, though.

If you want STI reliability in a package that is classic in design - look no further than Ed Brown.

 

[sturmgewehr]

Another problem, as I see it, is that Kimber uses a much higher carbon content in their stainless steel guns to make the metal softer which in turn leads to increased tool life (machining). This is a cost cutting measure which causes problems like these:

This is a brand new (in the store) Ultra Carry Kimber.


This is a brand new (in the store) Kimer TLE. The barrel is rusted inside and out, and the crown looks like someone used it to drive nails.


This is another TLE with rust on the barrel. All of these came new from Kimber covered in rust by the way.


This is a shot of the slide to frame fit of a TLE. The fit is by no means tight or even what I would consider good. I've seen better fit on $400 Taurus 1911's.


When I pay over $1k for a 1911, this is what I expect with regards to fit and finish. This is a Springfield TRP (same class as the TLE and price point $1,100 to $1,300).