Posted: 2/15/2010 5:33:19 AM EDT
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I hear folks around the board slamming Kimbers all the time for reliability issues. I have a Pro Carry that I bought used with a bunch of Wilson Combat mags. Maybe it'd already had all the bugs worked through, but it runs like a top. I've fired more through it than any of my other pistols since I got it and have YET to have a failure of any kind with everything from RNL to ancient GI Ball to current JHPs. We're only talking a few thousand rounds, since I don't get to go shooting as much as I'd like, but still. From what you hear I wonder what's up. I know I own out to 25M with it if I take a second to aim, and can put holes in a coffee cup without much trouble at any range out to that.
Input? Am I really lucky or are people just running down the Kimbers without cause? I DO have a bad pistol, and will admit it. My NAA Backup sucks the big one. I wish I'd never spent the cash for it. Not so with the Kimber. What gives? |
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Everybody has an opinion, most like to share it.
EVery gun manufacturer will put out a lemon, sometimes a new design tends to be a bad design, etc. I think a lot of it has to do with the time they decided the 1911 needed an external extractor, I have heard of a lot of failures with the external extractor guns. Having never shot or owned an external extractor Kimber I can't even verify that. What I can tell you is my brand new Warrior just ran like a top and if it wasn't raining outside I believe I could have shot it even better than I did earlier this morning. 
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i bought a pro cdp II for a ccw. its almost broken in. it would not go completly back into battery a couple times a magazine for the 1st 100 rounds. it would stop 1/4 inch short, but a tiny nudge with my thumb would seat it........... that went away........... not i have the slide locking back 1/2 way thru a mag. i got a new slide stop today from kimber. hopefully that will fix it. its a really accurate gun. i love it. cant wait to get it complatly broken in and start carrying it. 
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I think there are a few reasons for this.
1. Kimber exploded on the 1911 scene and in a short amount of time became the largest seller of 1911s in the world. I dont think that set well with alot of the 1911 faithful. "If there aint a pony on it, its not a real 1911". 2. Alot of 1911 shooters have a real disdain for added and unnecessary safety features. And see Kimbers firing pin safety as a bad design that will make the gun unreliable. 3. Because Kimber sells so many guns they have more lemons then other 1911 gunmakers. Also because they sell more and are on the flashy side, people unfamiliar with 1911s and guns in general buy them and then complain when they can not get the gun to function correctly. 4. Because thats what they read on the internet. I own three Kimbers a custom a pro and a ultra all three have been nothing but reliable and more accurate then I could hope for. I owned my Kimber pro long before I started reading what gun experts say on the internet. I had firsthand proof how good they can be so never hesitated to buy two more that also proved to be just as good. But according to some I'm just lucky times three. |
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I think there are a few reasons for this. 1. Kimber exploded on the 1911 scene and in a short amount of time became the largest seller of 1911s in the world. I dont think that set well with alot of the 1911 faithful. "If there aint a pony on it, its not a real 1911". 2. Alot of 1911 shooters have a real disdain for added and unnecessary safety features. And see Kimbers firing pin safety as a bad design that will make the gun unreliable. 3. Because Kimber sells so many guns they have more lemons then other 1911 gunmakers. Also because they sell more and are on the flashy side, people unfamiliar with 1911s and guns in general buy them and then complain when they can not get the gun to function correctly. 4. Because thats what they read on the internet. I own three Kimbers a custom a pro and a ultra all three have been nothing but reliable and more accurate then I could hope for. I owned my Kimber pro long before I started reading what gun experts say on the internet. I had firsthand proof how good they can be so never hesitated to buy two more that also proved to be just as good. But according to some I'm just lucky times three. I agree with all of this. I too have a flawless Kimber. A Pro Tactical, that is my EDC. |
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I think there are a few reasons for this. 1. Kimber exploded on the 1911 scene and in a short amount of time became the largest seller of 1911s in the world. I dont think that set well with alot of the 1911 faithful. "If there aint a pony on it, its not a real 1911". 2. Alot of 1911 shooters have a real disdain for added and unnecessary safety features. And see Kimbers firing pin safety as a bad design that will make the gun unreliable. 3. Because Kimber sells so many guns they have more lemons then other 1911 gunmakers. Also because they sell more and are on the flashy side, people unfamiliar with 1911s and guns in general buy them and then complain when they can not get the gun to function correctly. 4. Because thats what they read on the internet. I own three Kimbers a custom a pro and a ultra all three have been nothing but reliable and more accurate then I could hope for. I owned my Kimber pro long before I started reading what gun experts say on the internet. I had firsthand proof how good they can be so never hesitated to buy two more that also proved to be just as good. But according to some I'm just lucky times three. a +1 on this for me as well. I admit there is for some reason a 'break in' period on most Kimbers (at least the smaller ones). I have 1st hand access to 4 newer Kimbers and they all function great. So good that I would trust my life and my families lives with them. |
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I think there are a few reasons for this. 1. Kimber exploded on the 1911 scene and in a short amount of time became the largest seller of 1911s in the world. I dont think that set well with alot of the 1911 faithful. "If there aint a pony on it, its not a real 1911". 2. Alot of 1911 shooters have a real disdain for added and unnecessary safety features. And see Kimbers firing pin safety as a bad design that will make the gun unreliable. 3. Because Kimber sells so many guns they have more lemons then other 1911 gunmakers. Also because they sell more and are on the flashy side, people unfamiliar with 1911s and guns in general buy them and then complain when they can not get the gun to function correctly. 4. Because thats what they read on the internet. I own three Kimbers a custom a pro and a ultra all three have been nothing but reliable and more accurate then I could hope for. I owned my Kimber pro long before I started reading what gun experts say on the internet. I had firsthand proof how good they can be so never hesitated to buy two more that also proved to be just as good. But according to some I'm just lucky times three. a +1 on this for me as well. I admit there is for some reason a 'break in' period on most Kimbers (at least the smaller ones). I have 1st hand access to 4 newer Kimbers and they all function great. So good that I would trust my life and my families lives with them. +2! 5,575 rds through my Kimber warrior and only one ftf and 2 fte I LOVE MY WARRIOR |
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I wish I were as lucky as some of you. My Kimber Warrior cannot even make it through a single magazine without a ftf or fte. I have even gotten rid of the factory mag and am using wilson mags which have been completely reliable in my other pistols.
I have approx. 400-500 tounds through it and it stills gives me fits. It even jams using ball ammo. Anyone have any ideas. I really love the pistol, as it is extremely accurate, I just wish it were 100% reliable. |
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I wish I were as lucky as some of you. My Kimber Warrior cannot even make it through a single magazine without a ftf or fte. I have even gotten rid of the factory mag and am using wilson mags which have been completely reliable in my other pistols. I have approx. 400-500 tounds through it and it stills gives me fits. It even jams using ball ammo. Anyone have any ideas. I really love the pistol, as it is extremely accurate, I just wish it were 100% reliable. Damn that sucks, have you tried contacting Kimber? They do have a warranty and will probably help you even if it is a bit of a hassle having to deal with it. I bought a Warrior and have had nothing but 100% reliability so far with all types of ammo. I hope your problem gets taken care of. |
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Yes,I did contact them, unfortunately I guess I got the standard answer, "It may need to be broken in more". I really do not want to flame Kimber, it is just disapointing to have such a beautiful pistol that feels so good in the hand and not to have the performance.
I am going to go out tomorrow and put another 200rds through it to see of that fixes the problem. Holding my breath. I really hope that I can get it straightened out because I just hate having to send anything back to the factory. Wish me luck. |
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I wish I were as lucky as some of you. My Kimber Warrior cannot even make it through a single magazine without a ftf or fte. I have even gotten rid of the factory mag and am using wilson mags which have been completely reliable in my other pistols. I have approx. 400-500 tounds through it and it stills gives me fits. It even jams using ball ammo. Anyone have any ideas. I really love the pistol, as it is extremely accurate, I just wish it were 100% reliable. Damn that sucks, have you tried contacting Kimber? They do have a warranty and will probably help you even if it is a bit of a hassle having to deal with it. I bought a Warrior and have had nothing but 100% reliability so far with all types of ammo. I hope your problem gets taken care of. Man, I wish I had your luck.
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ive had a kimber classic stainless since 1998, never had an issue.in the 90's,when kimber 1911's first came out, they were like custom guns starting at 1/2 the price,
.(575.00)compared to a gold cup or trophy,thats why i bought it.i paid 650 for the gun in 1998,which was 350 less than the gold cup trophy model,i think i got as much if not more gun for the money,with closer tolerances, & made on the latest modern equipment...... |
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I wish I were as lucky as some of you. My Kimber Warrior cannot even make it through a single magazine without a ftf or fte. I have even gotten rid of the factory mag and am using wilson mags which have been completely reliable in my other pistols. I have approx. 400-500 tounds through it and it stills gives me fits. It even jams using ball ammo. Anyone have any ideas. I really love the pistol, as it is extremely accurate, I just wish it were 100% reliable. Whatever your problems, no amount of rounds fired is going to fix it. I agree with the earlier post most likely the extractor. But it could be any number of things. If you dont wont to send it back to Kimber, I would'nt either, have a good smith look at it might be something simple like adjusting the extractor or faulty spring from the factory. I dont think I'd waste any more rounds in its current condition though. I know it sucks with a new gun, but it happens with all makes, good luck. Also I have a Kimber Tactical custom 2, that absolutely hates wilson mags. Shoots fine with Kimber mags Chip Mc. mags and Tripp mags but will FTF and FTE with wilson ETM and 47d's. But my CDP PRO runs like a top with them. One thing for sure no two guns are alike. |
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I think that I may have worked out the problem. I ran through 200rnds of wwb and 50 rnds of Remington Golden Saber on friday and I did not have one malfunction. I do not know if I am out of the woods yet, but the results are starting to show some promise.
I appreciate all the advise and if I start to have problems again, it will be making a trip back to Kimber |
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I will wait to see how Kimber fixes my ultra CDP
have 150 rounds into it and 1 in 2 or 3 are failure to eject sending it back today, do have to say when I called CS they could not of been nicer and apologized, then emailed me a ups return label. so if it comes back 100% another Kimber might be in the future for me on a side note I am picking up a used Wilson combat CQB |
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I have had good Kimbers and bad Kimbers both. Here 's my personal experiance so far.
1. My bro's Custom II wouldnt run right out of the box and had to have the feed ramp and throat redone. 12,000 rds later it still runs great after the first repair. 2. My first ultra Carry ran 100% great gun. 0 problems, should have never sold it. 3. My second Ultra Carry wouldn't go bang because of the firing pin safety.sent it back to kimber and it still didnt run right. traded it off ASAP. 4. My bro's ultra carry 100% reliable. 5. One of the guys i work with has an a TLE II that was shipped without an ejector from the factory, OOPS!!! 6. I picked up a Warriar that runs fricken awsome after i replaced the reciol spring with a Wlson Combat.. It's now my duty gun. Bottom line is if you get a good one they are great. but as with anything there are gonna be bad ones that make out of the factory. every manufacture has has their bad apple. Both my springers had propblems too. Just my .02 |
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I wish I were as lucky as some of you. My Kimber Warrior cannot even make it through a single magazine without a ftf or fte. I have even gotten rid of the factory mag and am using wilson mags which have been completely reliable in my other pistols. I have approx. 400-500 tounds through it and it stills gives me fits. It even jams using ball ammo. Anyone have any ideas. I really love the pistol, as it is extremely accurate, I just wish it were 100% reliable. Try replacing the recoil spring with a wilson combat 18.5 lbs spring. that might fix it. |
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I agree with most of the posts above. Kimber offers more in price, value and features. However, in the past couple of years, the latest thing is having a 'as close to original design' and building a custom "Fighting gun". Since Kimber doesn't offer a G.I. type model people undoubtedly will use this as a reason to say Kimbers suck. The MIM issue has been overly exploited and almost every manufacture of 1911's uses some amount of MIM.
Kimber also pulled the bait and switch going to an external extractor and many people reported problems, but Kimber did respond, changed back to an internal extractor, and replaced slides at no cost. To me that's a Pro and not a Con. Yes, the black, matte oxide finish wears and my TLE II w/external extractor was no exception. I ended up getting mine finished in NP3. This finish is Outstanding and I highly recommend it and Robar who offers the coating along with other types. Bottom line, I love my Kimber! It still has the MIM parts and the external extractor and I would put it up against any other. It is dead-on accurate, reliable and very comfortable to shoot. I'll put it this way; I also own a Springfield Armory G.I. customized by the former Yost-Bonitz Custom (Enhanced 1*). I currently have more confidence in my Kimber and would grab it first if I was awoken out of a dead sleep. Yes, it runs that good. Don't get me wrong my G.I. Enhanced is a shooter, but because it has been shot less and gets used very little, I simply am more confident in my Kimber. I need to get out and shoot more. I've been on a ship for the past three years and did not have the time or a good place to shoot. |
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I wish I were as lucky as some of you. My Kimber Warrior cannot even make it through a single magazine without a ftf or fte. I have even gotten rid of the factory mag and am using wilson mags which have been completely reliable in my other pistols. I have approx. 400-500 tounds through it and it stills gives me fits. It even jams using ball ammo. Anyone have any ideas. I really love the pistol, as it is extremely accurate, I just wish it were 100% reliable. Try replacing the recoil spring with a wilson combat 18.5 lbs spring. that might fix it. This. EXACT thing I had to do on my Desert Warrior (FTF sometimes even with wilson mags). It has run flawlessly for ~ 800 rounds ever since after the Wilson spring. The Kimber factory slide spring (16#, IIRC) is too light for optimum feeding, IMO. YMMV. |
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I lovvvvvvvvvvvvvvve my older custom II stainless target. Came in that glockish Tupperware that is impossible to open. My wife bought it for me and it is incredible,
At the same time, she bought a kimber tactical pro that has been equally awesome. She shoots that better than anything else. Now, I also own a springfield loaded stainless. It gave me headaches until I installed a wilson bullet proof extractor. Since then, it's been fantastic. I did some light competing with it, so it has some rounds through it. Maybe we've been lucky, but we like our kimbers. eta- both have internal extractors. Prior to buying them, my wife thought they were pretentious weenie guns (based upon those we know that like them and that she's more of an ugly black gun fan) |
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I wish I were as lucky as some of you. My Kimber Warrior cannot even make it through a single magazine without a ftf or fte. I have even gotten rid of the factory mag and am using wilson mags which have been completely reliable in my other pistols. I have approx. 400-500 tounds through it and it stills gives me fits. It even jams using ball ammo. Anyone have any ideas. I really love the pistol, as it is extremely accurate, I just wish it were 100% reliable. Try replacing the recoil spring with a wilson combat 18.5 lbs spring. that might fix it. This. EXACT thing I had to do on my Desert Warrior (FTF sometimes even with wilson mags). It has run flawlessly for ~ 800 rounds ever since after the Wilson spring. The Kimber factory slide spring (16#, IIRC) is too light for optimum feeding, IMO. YMMV. I took it out and ran another hundred rounds through it. No problems. I did however take your advise and ordered a wilson 18.5 lb recoil spring. Figured it was inexpensive and worth a try. |
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Oddly enough I was thinking this exact question as I scrolled down the Kimber list. After putting 1300 rounds all where I placed them through my kimber I have had 1 stove pipe which was caused by my friend shooting it for the first time. This leads me to believe one thing. Everyone with issues and problems should perhaps look at the operator. Maybe, just maybe it's not the gun, but the guy behind the weapon.
My weapon has seen 1300+ rounds, been exposed to rain, snow, sweat, and shitty target ammo. To this day I have not replaced a single part and have not seen a spec of rust or discoloration. When I mentioned to someone I had a kimber their first response was I must be a wealthy man. As true with everything in life, you get what you pay for. IMO, the owners are doing something wrong. |
I don't understand people who buy new guns ( with a warranty no less) and then if it has an issue, want to trash it or send it to "Larry the Gunsmith" for repairs out of pocket. Most of us wouldn't buy a Cadillac and then take it to "Joe's Garage" for warranty work. Now that I've ranted. Is it possible that it's a mechanical issue, of course. Is it more likely that it's a maintainance issue or operator error, that would be my bet. Nobody ever wants to admit that they may have done something wrong to make the gun malfunction but more often than not with new guns, that is the case. My personal experience with Kimber has been nothing but positive. Many (most) have very tight tolerances that can be problematic until the gun is broken in and adaquite lubrication is vital durring this process. I guess what I'm really saying is, don't buy a Kimber for $1200 and expect Terry Tussey-like hand-built perfection. 
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| Kimber has pulled ALOT of money out of "custom gunsmiths" pockets. These are the Gunsmits that will scream at the top of their lungs that any and all 1911 pistol will spontaneously combust or not be "duty ready" unless said pistol has a "Reliabilty Package", "tuning","custom magic" etc done to it. And of course the gunsmith telling you this just happens to provide these services. For a nominal fee. At a price that costs MORE than the damn pistol you started with. Well, Kimber came along with the "custom magic", upgrades, handjob by magical fucking merry elves, already done, ready to go. The gunsmiths that make their living by scaring people into believeing they will certainly die with a broken gun, do NOT like this, since it takes the MONEY out of their pockets. The worst offenders are usually the ones targeting rank and file police officers, with catch phrases like "duty ready" , not suiitable for duty, not ready for hard use, and get my $10,000 custom work or you and everyone in your vicinity will surely DIE. One in particular who is "a shooter", "uses what he builds", etc, is the worst of teh worst. Susposedly he is doing the work "because he cares about brother officers safety". Judging by his prices providing this custom work and tuning, he seems to care more about how much damn cash he can pull out of his "brother officers" already tight budget. These gunsmits are the ones who badmouth all others guns except their own, IE Kimber and others, or ones the have monkeyed with. It isnt because they care or give one damn shit about "your safety" or reliability. Its about the paycheck. Never take the advice of a man who has a direct influence on how your money is spent. He will ALWAYS make you believe that it is best spent with him, no matter what. |
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I hear folks around the board slamming Kimbers all the time for reliability issues. I have a Pro Carry that I bought used with a bunch of Wilson Combat mags. Maybe it'd already had all the bugs worked through, but it runs like a top. I've fired more through it than any of my other pistols since I got it and have YET to have a failure of any kind with everything from RNL to ancient GI Ball to current JHPs. We're only talking a few thousand rounds, since I don't get to go shooting as much as I'd like, but still. From what you hear I wonder what's up. I know I own out to 25M with it if I take a second to aim, and can put holes in a coffee cup without much trouble at any range out to that. Input? Am I really lucky or are people just running down the Kimbers without cause? I DO have a bad pistol, and will admit it. My NAA Backup sucks the big one. I wish I'd never spent the cash for it. Not so with the Kimber. What gives? Bad rep.... I Love Kimbers never had a problem here's what was posted on another forum: Most/all kimbers are low end 1911's when it really comes down to it, so that's probably why you don't see a huge difference. written by XD45 LOW END MY ASS....said by me http://forum.pafoa.org/pistols-41/106357-taurus-1911-a-page-2.html |
| My Kimber Tactical Custom II has been flawless for over 1500 rounds though it since January. The only time it failed to go into battery was on my first run of 45 ACP reloads and I didn't crimp the case enough. Hell, I still slammed the round into battery and it went bang. I think people might have some unrealistic expectations of what reliable is. |
| One day at the local shop, A guy brought in a Kimber that he had purchased the week before. he said he was at the range and had set the weapon down on the table. condition 1 with the thumb safety locked in. some numbnuts bumped the table and the Kimber hit the ground and DISCHARGED. nobody hurt. tabeling the weapon with the hammer back is not the smartest thing to do but it still should not have fired when it fel. basicly all safetys failed. the slide could not cycle because the thumb safety was up so that got all jammed up. the dealler called Kimber right then and they gave him the pistol of his choice. |
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One day at the local shop, A guy brought in a Kimber that he had purchased the week before. he said he was at the range and had set the weapon down on the table. condition 1 with the thumb safety locked in. some numbnuts bumped the table and the Kimber hit the ground and DISCHARGED. nobody hurt. tabeling the weapon with the hammer back is not the smartest thing to do but it still should not have fired when it fel. basicly all safetys failed. the slide could not cycle because the thumb safety was up so that got all jammed up. the dealler called Kimber right then and they gave him the pistol of his choice. Anyone beside's me believe he may have lied to get a new pistol because he didn't want a one week old scratched & banged up pistol that the DUMASS droped himself ??? Possible, likely ? Hell yes! And I've never seen a range with table's you could bump into & the weapon's fall off??? One more you think those that can not afford a Kimber..may rag them because of jealousy??? Possible, likely, Hell Yes!!! These are the same people who would say this hidden behind a monitor somewhere far away, BUT not face to face...possible etc...LOL |
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My Ultra CDP II has digested over 500rds of various 45acp loads w/o missing a beat. It's also very accurate,recoil isn't that bad,and has a great trigger,too.
I've thought about selling it because I'm not a big auto pistol fan but am starting to reconsider that idea. Clint |
| I have some experience with Kimber problems and can certainly see how some people would carry a grudge after buying a Kimber that doesn't run right. I bought a TLE/RL II in 2005 and had problems with FTEs immediately. The pistol wouldn't even fire an entire magazine without a FTE. It had the external extractor and after I bought it I read about a lot of problems that design had online. To Kimber's credit, they fixed it at the factory and I've had only one FTE in the five years since. Its one of my favorite pistols now and also my bedside gun. Like I said though, I have no trouble believing others' claims that they're having trouble with their Kimber, I would just hope that they would give Kimber the chance to fix it. On the flip side though, how does a gun that cost me (and many others) over $900 not run perfectly right out of the box? |
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I bought a TLE II and a Grand Raptpr II and both MALF'd immediately and regularly right out of the box. Why? Something stupid. Both had magazine catches that intruded in the mag well too far. Upon firing bullets would hit the mag catch and push it up, locking the slide back with rounds in the magazine.
Easy to fix? Yeah. Plain stupid to put guns of that price out the door with such an obvious problem? Yes. I will never understand why any manufacturer, even of a bargin gun, wouldn't have enough QC measures in place to catch such things before putting the gun in the box and shipping it. i would be so ashamed of myself I couldn't stand it if it was my company. For goodness sake charge an extra $25 or $50 dollars to cover thorough QC measures and put out guns that always work. The appear to be very well built guns in general. That is why such goofy sloppiness is so maddening. |
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I don't understand people who buy new guns ( with a warranty no less) and then if it has an issue, want to trash it or send it to "Larry the Gunsmith" for repairs out of pocket. Most of us wouldn't buy a Cadillac and then take it to "Joe's Garage" for warranty work. Now that I've ranted. Is it possible that it's a mechanical issue, of course. Is it more likely that it's a maintainance issue or operator error, that would be my bet. Nobody ever wants to admit that they may have done something wrong to make the gun malfunction but more often than not with new guns, that is the case. My personal experience with Kimber has been nothing but positive. Many (most) have very tight tolerances that can be problematic until the gun is broken in and adaquite lubrication is vital durring this process. I guess what I'm really saying is, don't buy a Kimber for $1200 and expect Terry Tussey-like hand-built perfection. I agree with you that's why buy NIB, I don't expect anything to be perfect. All I ask is said company to stand behind their warranty...I'M HAPPY!!! But I can say with Pride my Kimber's have never failed me & I'm not talking about...I've put 500 rds & no problem's! I put 500 rds thru a new pistol the first day & 500 the the next day, if they survive that they will MOSY LIKELY give you at least a couple year's of no problem's outside of general maintenance replacement's :) If they are going to break? I want them to break early in our relationship...LOL |