Vintage Kimber 1911s?

[paulsj]

All I know is original frames were supplied by S&W. What vintage and models are considered the best and most desirable? Thanks in advance.

 

[JTQ]

In general, any pre-Series II (Series II typically indicates the presence of a Swartz firing pin safety) Kimber is seen as desirable. Some early models may be marked with a Clackamas, Oregon stamp, but all Kimber 1911's have been made in Yonkers, New York.

 

[Old Dog]

^ concur

And if you find a Clack in the Royal Blue, buy it immediately, don't even think about it.

 

[Slamfire]

Mine is not for sale. It is on its third hammer, second sear, the Marine Armorers at Camp Perry installed the last sear and GI trigger bow. I have short fingers and prefer the shorter trigger.

This is still a great pistol.

 

[tarosean]

You would be surprised by whom SW supplies forging for.

 

[paulsj]

Mine is not for sale. It is on its third hammer, second sear, the Marine Armorers at Camp Perry installed the last sear and GI trigger bow. I have short fingers and prefer the shorter trigger.

This is still a great pistol.

View attachment 845125

View attachment 845126

I like that gun it's got that no nonse professional grade look.

 

[FL-NC]

In general, any pre-Series II (Series II typically indicates the presence of a Swartz firing pin safety) Kimber is seen as desirable. Some early models may be marked with a Clackamas, Oregon stamp, but all Kimber 1911's have been made in Yonkers, New York.

^ concur

And if you find a Clack in the Royal Blue, buy it immediately, don't even think about it.

Are they just "more desirable", or actually worth $?

 

[JTQ]

Are they just "more desirable", or actually worth $?

It's kind of the same thing, isn't it? If they are more desired, and the supply is limited (because they aren't making any more), it will typically sell at a premium.

Kimber collectors all want Clackamas, Oregon stamped on their guns.


Edit to add: My post is directed towards someone who collects stuff, rather than the intrinsic quality of the machine.

Kimber's pre-Series II guns have a very good reputation for parts and assembly. Around the time of the Series II introduction (and their external extractor problems), and later pistols, Kimber took somewhat of an image hit. Remember, Ron Cohen, the guy folks like blame for SIG's problems, was at Kimber before going to SIG.

 

[jeepnik]

Vintage Kimber. Well there's an oxymoron. How can a recently made firearm be called "vintage".