Who here is a Kimber 1911 fan?
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schmeky
Member
My early Series "1" has been spectacular, tightly fitted, lazer accurate, butter smooth, and will feed anything I have tried. Ive had it close to 20 years and would never part with it.
I have had issues with some Colt's, that in my experience, didn't measure up to the Kimber I own. Kimber has had issues, but show me a manufacturer that hasn't.
Put me in the "I'd buy anther in a heartbeat" category.
I have had issues with some Colt's, that in my experience, didn't measure up to the Kimber I own. Kimber has had issues, but show me a manufacturer that hasn't.
Put me in the "I'd buy anther in a heartbeat" category.
Mine`s a older Custom Target series I that has ran great right from the 1st round I put through it. I`ve had exactly one stove pipe with a popcorn fart load I tried when I first bought it (less then 100 rds through the gun). I`ve shot the same load since and haven`t had a repete. 185 gr HP, 200 LSWC, 230 gr ball and HP, all feed just fine.
I`ve no ideas about how the new series II function, but overall doubt they are any worse.
I`ve no ideas about how the new series II function, but overall doubt they are any worse.
bond007
Member
Kimber Custom TLE/RL II with external extractor. Well over 1000 rounds, never failed to feed, fire, extract or place a round more than a few inches away from where I intended it. I love it even more since I've installed the arched MSH with mag well and grip safety with tactical bump.
I'm currently debating the Custom Stainless Pro TLE/RL II....
I'm currently debating the Custom Stainless Pro TLE/RL II....
As an earlier poster mentioned, a lot of stuff on the internet gets "magnified." I'll add, that it also becomes "gospel" from the keyboards of lots of folks who've never had one.
I'm old enough to remember that a generation ago everyone wanted a Colt . . . but Colts rarely "worked" right out of the box and a whole industry sprang up of "custom" gunsmiths and parts makers to remedy the problem.
I had Colts back then too . . . for they were the best going. Still, they had their problems that had to be addressed.
This all being said, Kimber has had good and bad years, like most automatic makers. After shooting loose a nice, tricked out Colt Combat Elite from the mid-80s, via tens of thousands of practice rounds and lots of competitions, I replaced it with a Kimber and have had zero problems with the Kimber for eight years or so now.
BTW, that nice ol' loose Colt WOULD jam every time you put one of three magazines I had in it . . . and a fourth, a vaunted Wilson magazine would sometimes jam too. That being said, it was virtually impossible to jam the Colt with any other magazines I used in it. (Magazines are a huge problem that get's blamed on the gun sometimes).
However, if one wants to have a firearm with literally zero problems . . . buy a revolver! Yeah, they may not look "cool," but when that gang banger yanks out his Lorcin or Jennings and tries to shoot you and the gun jams, he won't be laughin' much longer!
I'm not really a Kimber fan, though I like the company, and mine's been wonderful. No, call me the S&Wfan . . . wheelguns, that is!
I'm old enough to remember that a generation ago everyone wanted a Colt . . . but Colts rarely "worked" right out of the box and a whole industry sprang up of "custom" gunsmiths and parts makers to remedy the problem.
I had Colts back then too . . . for they were the best going. Still, they had their problems that had to be addressed.
This all being said, Kimber has had good and bad years, like most automatic makers. After shooting loose a nice, tricked out Colt Combat Elite from the mid-80s, via tens of thousands of practice rounds and lots of competitions, I replaced it with a Kimber and have had zero problems with the Kimber for eight years or so now.
BTW, that nice ol' loose Colt WOULD jam every time you put one of three magazines I had in it . . . and a fourth, a vaunted Wilson magazine would sometimes jam too. That being said, it was virtually impossible to jam the Colt with any other magazines I used in it. (Magazines are a huge problem that get's blamed on the gun sometimes).
However, if one wants to have a firearm with literally zero problems . . . buy a revolver! Yeah, they may not look "cool," but when that gang banger yanks out his Lorcin or Jennings and tries to shoot you and the gun jams, he won't be laughin' much longer!
I'm not really a Kimber fan, though I like the company, and mine's been wonderful. No, call me the S&Wfan . . . wheelguns, that is!
MaterDei
Member
Mine has been flawless.
My 'yes' vote for Kimber makes the tally 23 yes and 2 no.
My 'yes' vote for Kimber makes the tally 23 yes and 2 no.
With the exception of Milspec or GI 1911 models, just about any 1911 requires a break in. Glocks, M&Ps, XDs, etc, really don't because the tolerances are much looser and there isn't as much frame to slide contact (or it's just plastic). I can understand why people want a pistol that will just work out of the box. I've seen some aluminum frame 1911's that indeed didn't take a break in (actually were Kimbers). I know some companies will claim no break in is needed for certain 1911 models but I have a hard time believing it.
I do believe Kimbers are pickier than many in the first few hundred rounds. My last Kimber took about 300 shots before it smoothed out, which isn't too bad considering it hadn't been cleaned during this break in. Of all the Glocks and Springfield XDs I've had, never had a jam, granted, but I'd still take a 1911 over them any day.
If a gun works well for a person, feels right, and has been reliable with the ammo they're using, I see no reason to throw any mid framed gun wayside as a possible CC sidearm.
Rob G
Member
I own two Kimbers, a 5" Custom TLE II and a Compact CDP II. I've not had a single problem with either one and they've both been more accurate out of the box than any other pistols I've bought. My only complaint is that Kimber's Eclipse model is too sexy for it's own good and I don't quite have the money to buy one yet.
Lone_Gunman
Member
That really is not true. All guns should be fired some at the range to make sure they function. And certainly, most guns will smooth out some in the the first few hundred rounds.
But what Kimber is talking about is something different. If you call Kimber and tell them that you have a brand new Kimber that is have 2 or 3 FTF's with each magazine, they will tell you to fire 500 rounds and see if its better, and then call them back.
A new gun that is having 2 or 3 FTF's per magazine has a problem. It wasn't manufactured right. "Breaking in" is not going to fix the problem, and all you are doing is wasting money on ammo.
Prion
Member
Shot my first yesterday. Desert Eagle I think. It was tan anyway. Went to the shop to buy one afterwards it was so sweet. Loved it. Walked out with a FNAR HB instead because I 'needed' a .308. Kimber 1911 is tops on my list though.
FoMoGo
Member
Really?
My RIA Tactical has consumed the nastiest of hollowpoints from day one...
Jim
Where did that come from? The most I've ever had during a Kimber break in is 3 during the first 400 rounds... I think a lot of times people who have major problems with Kimbers during breakin either have overlubed them, used grease instead of oil, or never stripped them from the box.
Lone_Gunman
Member
No the most common problem if you are having 2 or 3 FTF per magazine is that you have been sold a POS by Kimber.
I have had this problem with several Kimbers. They would not make it through a single mag without jamming. I haven't overlubed them. I have been shooting 1911's a long time. These guns were problems from the factory, and when I called customer service, Kimber should have had me send them back and not give me some BS about it taking 500 rounds to work these problems out.
gunmn74
Member
Kimber Custom I (purchased 1998)
I love mine.
I love mine.
Boaterguy
Member
Kimber Fan
I own 2 Kimbers, 1 is Stainless Steel UC II with Tritium sights (My main CC weapon) and the other is a Custom TLE II. I have fired over 1,500 rounds in both with no problems. I have used various commercial ammo and reloads as well, no magazine issues, or FTE or FTF problems. Both are .45 ACP and I have a .22LR conversion for the TLE. It works well also.
I own 2 Kimbers, 1 is Stainless Steel UC II with Tritium sights (My main CC weapon) and the other is a Custom TLE II. I have fired over 1,500 rounds in both with no problems. I have used various commercial ammo and reloads as well, no magazine issues, or FTE or FTF problems. Both are .45 ACP and I have a .22LR conversion for the TLE. It works well also.
Lone_Gunman
Member
Custom II
Target II
The 4" alloy fame model with melt job, forget what they called it.
My Custom Classis is stamped Clackamas, Oregon, it is one of the first 5000 made before production officially began in NY.
I removed the stupid guide rod. The sear surfaces on the hammer/sear wore out. I have about 5000 rounds through the pistol, maybe more, maybe less. The factory replaced the hammer for free, but I did not like the resultant trigger pull. I took it to Camp Perry, bought some parts on Commercial Row, the Marines Armorers installed these parts and a short GI trigger. Gave me an excellent trigger pull.
This pistol functions well, cannot think of ever having jams. Shoots accurately.
I am happy.
Back in the 80's, I purchased a Colt Combat Elite. That pistol had burrs on the breech face, which caused jams, and within 3000 rounds it peened the frame. Colt replaced the frame but did not fix the early unlock issue. Wilson Combat made it a wonderful, reliable pistol, but it cost the equivalent of the pistol's weight in Gold Ducats.
My experience with M1911's is that you have to work with them. Once you get them running reliably, don't trade them off. Or you will regret it.
I removed the stupid guide rod. The sear surfaces on the hammer/sear wore out. I have about 5000 rounds through the pistol, maybe more, maybe less. The factory replaced the hammer for free, but I did not like the resultant trigger pull. I took it to Camp Perry, bought some parts on Commercial Row, the Marines Armorers installed these parts and a short GI trigger. Gave me an excellent trigger pull.
This pistol functions well, cannot think of ever having jams. Shoots accurately.
I am happy.
Back in the 80's, I purchased a Colt Combat Elite. That pistol had burrs on the breech face, which caused jams, and within 3000 rounds it peened the frame. Colt replaced the frame but did not fix the early unlock issue. Wilson Combat made it a wonderful, reliable pistol, but it cost the equivalent of the pistol's weight in Gold Ducats.
My experience with M1911's is that you have to work with them. Once you get them running reliably, don't trade them off. Or you will regret it.
schmeky
Member
Lone Gunman,
I don't doubt you've had bad luck with Kimber. I bought a brand new car in 2006; it was the worst ownership experience I've ever had.
When a conversation comes up about auto's, I tell folks I had really bad service from brand X, but I don't try to convince everyone else brand X has not, cannot, or will not ever produce a reliable product.
Kimber's made some dogs, and I'm really sorry you had more than one. I admire you for buying more than one before coming to your on personal conclusion. I probably would not have had your tenacity after the first bad experience.
I've had some bad Colt's, some really sub-par Smith's (anyone remember the Bangor-Punta days?), and some others as well. Bought a brand new pistol years ago and it wouldn't even fire out of the box. Others have bought the same brand and love it.
My Kimber has been the Gold standard for me. I've had over a dozen 1911's and my Kimber remains a constant in my collection.
By the way, bought a NIB Glock 34, had a few FTF's and a stove pipe, and 200 round later no problems.
I don't doubt you've had bad luck with Kimber. I bought a brand new car in 2006; it was the worst ownership experience I've ever had.
When a conversation comes up about auto's, I tell folks I had really bad service from brand X, but I don't try to convince everyone else brand X has not, cannot, or will not ever produce a reliable product.
Kimber's made some dogs, and I'm really sorry you had more than one. I admire you for buying more than one before coming to your on personal conclusion. I probably would not have had your tenacity after the first bad experience.
I've had some bad Colt's, some really sub-par Smith's (anyone remember the Bangor-Punta days?), and some others as well. Bought a brand new pistol years ago and it wouldn't even fire out of the box. Others have bought the same brand and love it.
My Kimber has been the Gold standard for me. I've had over a dozen 1911's and my Kimber remains a constant in my collection.
By the way, bought a NIB Glock 34, had a few FTF's and a stove pipe, and 200 round later no problems.
Captain Bligh
Member
I don't own a series II, but am a big Kimber fan based upon my experiece with a Kimber Compact, series I. I own quite a few fire arms, and if I had to liquidate for some reason, the Kimber would be the last to ever leave my collection.
The trigger is crisp and breaks like glass. The gun is deadly accurate. It is reliable as long as it receives proper maintenance, lubrication, and timely spring replacement. The gun has excellent fit and finish.
You could do much worse than buy a Kimber.
The trigger is crisp and breaks like glass. The gun is deadly accurate. It is reliable as long as it receives proper maintenance, lubrication, and timely spring replacement. The gun has excellent fit and finish.
You could do much worse than buy a Kimber.
jhco
Member
mines been perfect thus far CDPII custom
jfh
Member.
I have a Stainless Target II in 10mm.
It definitely needed a break-in--which I did with 180FMJs--first 50 were factory rounds; after that, I used reloads. At about 350 rounds, it quit heating up, became much smoother--and, with the right recipe, it routinely hits bowling pin heads at fifty yards.
The CMC magazines from my other 1911 10 mm (an SA Omega) needed cleaning and tweaking to function flawlessly--but now they do.
Overall, I couldn't be happier, save for two things--
1. The silly disassembly procedure with the Swarz safety, and
2. That damn plastic MainSpring housing.
Jim H.
It definitely needed a break-in--which I did with 180FMJs--first 50 were factory rounds; after that, I used reloads. At about 350 rounds, it quit heating up, became much smoother--and, with the right recipe, it routinely hits bowling pin heads at fifty yards.
The CMC magazines from my other 1911 10 mm (an SA Omega) needed cleaning and tweaking to function flawlessly--but now they do.
Overall, I couldn't be happier, save for two things--
1. The silly disassembly procedure with the Swarz safety, and
2. That damn plastic MainSpring housing.
Jim H.
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