My take on the KImber TLE/RL
I see allot of people with simple reviews based on short experiences. I thought I would give the gun 6 months before I jumped to the blogs to express my opinions of the firearm unlike most that I see.
Backround: I am not a firearms expert nor do I pretend to be one. Just your everyday shooter.
Currently owned handguns: Glock 26, Sig Sauer P229, Sig Sauer P250, Ruger GP1000.
Since I do not have any other solid 1911 experience take this review as it is.
I was intruiged by the 1911's and decided to buy one about 6 months ago. My decision ended with choosing between a Springfield Operator or the Kimber TLE/RL. I liked the way the Springfield looked and how smooth the trigger felt. However, the front checkering was entirely too uncomfortable as I'm assuming such a firearm is meant to be used with gloves becuase it was almost uncomforatable to hold. The checkering was comfortable on the Kimber, that became me decideding factor to buy it. I move on-
I bought the firearm brand new, 2 factory kimber 7 round magazines.
Along with the firearm I bought HD ammo (Hornady Tap, 185 grain, hollowpoint) as well has 185 grain ammunition.
My first day at the range went as follows.
First mag was fine
second 2 FTF
third 1 FTF
fourth 1 FTF
fith 1 FTF
(at this point in time I was really regretting my purchase and was pissed at myself for not listening to everyone on the blogs ranting and raving about the QC and poor quality of Kimber manufacturing)
I did more reserch after the range and decided I would buy Wilson Combat magazine becuase everyone on the interwebz said that the factory kimber mags were BS and that you should replace them immediatley. So I bought 2.
Cleaned/Oil and headed back to the range with 185 grain.
Same problems.
At this point I'm so angry I'm about to return the gun for half of what I paid for it just to get it out of my sight.
Finally did more research and realized that Kimbers need to be broken in with no less then 235 grain ammo. Shooting with 185 Grain was not enough to work the action.
I bought 400 rounds of federal 235 grain ammo and went back to the range. I had a couple problems at first but I went 300 rounds with no problem. I have since put 1500 rounds through it and have experienced 2 jams that I attribute to user error from shooting left hand and having a light grip.
Overally the gun has performed exceptional.
In summary: I feel that the Kimber is an exceptional gun if you follow the break in procedures with the 235 grain ball ammo. Otherwise you'll be talking about mags, extractors and springs until you are out of breath.
I hope this helps those who are having problems. Realistically, I don't feel that you should have to break-in a firearm. I have had my glock 26 for 3 years and have put 4000 rounds through it and it has performed flawlessly. I have also never cleaned it.
Thanks for sharing. I have likewise found many tight 1911s run better after a few hundred rounds. Then, if a 1911 won't run with 230gr RN and Wilson/Tripp/CMC/TacPro mags I worry. Regardless, Glocks tend to run from the box and require less maintenance. But, not always.
235 Gr ???? not Unless you are loading for Holland & Holland .375 Magnum
