Posted: 3/15/2007 12:47:32 PM EDT
 Opinions? MSRP from Kimber is $1,217. Local gunshop has one for $1,139. It's really caught my eye, especially because I've been doing some research on the old S&W ASP pistols, and this weapon carries some of the same features. This would probably not replace my carry gun anytime soon, but might become a backup in an SOB holster, possibly. Mainly I would buy it because I love guns. |
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We used to carry a fair amount of sub-compact 1911's, but after we've had to send a more than higher than average amount og them back for service, we stopped carrying them. We decided to give this gun a shot being from the Kimber Custom Shop. However, we've sold a few where I work. Despite my nervousness about 3" 1911's and their ability to be consistently reliable, the ones we have sold have been shooting well for the customers who have bought them. I dont order a ton of them, and if possible, will usually try to suggest a commander size 1911. I'm still more comfortable with commander sizes, but the RCP II is substantially smaller. The finish on it (and all Kimbers for that matter) is substandard. It will wear off quickly with much holster use, and the finish on the safety and mag release will come of just from normal use. There's no avoiding it. Here's a couple shots from ones we've had.  
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Agreed, I've had 2 Kimbers both had unusually fast finish wear. I had decent luck with my 3" Kimber, but it was not perfect and I've also joined the "not under 4 1/4" group. Personally, if I was going to get a 3" 1911 it would have real sights. I would never buy any gun without them. What if you need to make a 20 yard shot? Not going to happen with "gutter sights" I understand this is for bad breath distance, but with the accuracy Kimbers are capable of, there is no good reason to leave off the sights. |
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Handled one at a shop yesterday. Pros - very, very light for a 1911. Felt good in the hand, the grips and smooth mag release really worked for me. The sighting system also would take a little getting used to but I think would work just fine at very short distances with a little practice. Cons - The flush-fit hammer is really only snag free when it is down. Since this is a SA pistol, the design of the hammer does not allow for thumbing back, so either you carry cocked and locked (defeating the purpose of a snag-free weapon & hammer) or you carry without a round in the chamber (again, defeating the purpose of this last-ditch type weapon). The slide stop was also checkered just like my Warrior, and I would have preferred that it have a smooth finish in keeping with the overall theme of the pistol. I don't use it as a slide release anyway, so I don't need checkering. If Para Ordnance produced a DA model of this pistol without the thumb safety (I know, blasphemy), I would definitely consider it for carry. As it is now, I still might one day purchase one for the cool factor, but it is pretty far down the list at this point. |