I purchased a kimber custom II a couple of weeks ago after deliberating on which company most deserved my business. I narrowed my choices down to STI Spartan V, SA Loaded, and the Kimber Custom II. I wasn't crazy about the sights on the STI because after reliability has been proven I like my firearms for not only target but self defense and carry as well. So I was able to appreciate the more smooth sights of the Kimber.
I read many poor reviews, and heard remarks from friends of friends on all three firearms and many praising all three. After narrowing it down to the kimber and the loaded, I strictly went with the Kimber because it was about $100 cheaper. I was able to put that cash into a pair of Chip McCormick slim carry rosewood grips, and 3 power mags. I'm left still wanting the loaded and one day it will be mine, perhaps in SS.
After being blown away by my first impressions of the Kimber when I went to have it transferred to me, I noticed a very slight bit of play in the slide, I didn't expect this due to everyone talking about kimber and their tight tolerances. As this is my first 1911 I was more than likely expecting a $2,500 gun fit instead of a $700 gun fit. So I brought it home and started a very intense cleaning session followed by a good dose of FrogLube. I mated it to all metal components and then extra paste was added to the slide to insure a well operating firearm during the "Break-in" period. The finish does leave something to be desired. The frame does not match the slide in color or texture. It reminded me of mating an AR15 lower and upper receiver from different companies that use slightly different anodized finishes.
I had low hopes for the break in, I planned on many failures and not to have much fun, regardless I was nervous and excited on the way to my local indoor range. I brought 570rnds, 200 Winchester FMJ, 200 Federal FMJ, 100 Remington JHP, 50 Tulammo FMJ, and 20 Hornady Custom 200 grain JHP. It ate everything like a cookie deprived blue puppet that likes to count. I shot 552 rounds total. Saved the rest for defense.
I avoided my factory Kimber mag because of the infamous bad rap they have, I didn't want it to spoil my good time. Screw it though, I loaded it up slapped it in and shot, and shot, and shot some more. No hiccups there either. Maybe I got the opposite of a lemon.
The only issue I had was 2 instances where the slide locked back with rounds still in my power-mag. I had heard of this during my weeks of creeping about the interwebs and forums. I called Kimber today and after several apologies and genuine thoughtfulness from the wonderful woman at kimber, she said she would send me a new slide lock right away.
After all the horror stories I have read, and bad press about kimber and their bad customer service, I have been blown away by this great firearm and the company that built it. I already ordered an ambi safety (because I'm a lefty) and memory bump grip safety from kimber that I can't wait to install. Perhaps the key to being happy with the outcome of things in life is to expect the absolute worst.
Also this is my first post, so Hi yall.
Regards,
Adam