Posted: 6/16/2007 3:38:31 PM EDT
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I am thinking about looking into these two pistols. The Stainless Compact is one that I am looking it. It's shorter and lighter than a full sized 1991 but still pretty heavy being that it's made entirely out of stainless steel. The Compact CDP looks sweet and is really light. I have never shot a 1911 with less than a 5 inch barrel in .45 ACP nor one that has an aluminum frame. What are your experiences with these? Reliability? Recommend them for CCW? What about the Raptors and RCP? (I know they have 3 inch barrels) Thank you in advance. CSP |
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We have 2 stainless Compacts, one is for my wife, the other is mine. They are used for CCW and are shot quite a bit as well. I don't really round count, but based on how much I have bought over the last 9 years that I have owned them they have taken many thousands of rounds without a problem. I personally do not like .45's with shorter than 4" barrels. -Cornsweat |
+1 I have everything ranging from 3.5" to 5" and I have found that shootability decreases as you hack on that barrel. My CCW is a 4" Wilson Compact. Recoil is snappier and it cycles much faster than the lazy recoil of the 5", but the bushingless system with that thick conical barrel dampens it to what a Commander would feel like. 3.5" is harder to get a handle on, but things are relative. If you shoot a Compact 4" and go to a 3.5" the difference is perceptible. Go from a 5" to a 3.5" and it's potentially traumatic. Equally important (if not more so) is reliability. The stability of the 1911 design in terms of reliability diminishes as it shortens from spec. The threshhold seems to be 4". That does not mean any gun <4" is unreliable. What it means is that your chances of buying a gun that needs one or more returns or even replacement rises dramatically when you buy a mid-grade production compact. I had to go through hell to get a solid running 3.5". |
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We've fired thousands of rounds out of the Kimber "ultras" and found the one I've handled, owned, fired, ect... box stock to be quite reliable, and very accurate. I dont find the recoil to be harsh... even with the aluminum frames. As stated, its relative. Just one experience... others might vary. |
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I've had a CDP ultra 3.5" for almost 2 years and it has been rock solid since break-in. Daily carry in IWB, I take in out at the range at least twice a month and shoot the lint out of it... always goes bang. That said, I am toying with the idea of getting a 4" or even full size, since I've discovered the magic that is a Milt-Sparks holster. |
+1911 Being a disgusting fatbody, I wanted something smaller than my Officers, as my clothes are full of blubber, and have no extra space for a firearm. I got the Kimber Ultra II and love it. Shoots well, uber compact, and Im growing to trust it. Coming up on my first thousand rounds and so far so good. |
| Another big +1 for the ultra carry ll. No problems with mine. For some stupid assed reason though, I bought mine with the Crimson Trace grips. After shooting handguns for 30+ years without the laser, I don't know why I thought I needed one. I am just as accurate and twice as fast without it. Live and learn. |
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I own both (Kimber CDP Compact & Stainless Compact) and regularly shoot one or the other at least once a week. Had the Stainless outfitted with the same sights as the CPD. Both have slimline Alumagrips. I daily carry primarily the CPD due to the weight difference. I use the Stainless for training and relentless live fire drill work. Both have successfully eaten several thousand rounds. The CDP took about 500 rounds to break in. The Stainless has never hiccupped or blinked. Never bothered using the OEM recoil spring or mag in either; both were immediately swapped out before seeing any range time. Other than the aforementioned minor mods and upgrades, both are stock. If I could only buy one… as always, it depends on what’s important specifically to you and your situation. Some questions for consideration: 1) Will you carry enough hours a day or week to where the weight difference will be significant? 2) Is your build / clothing style / holster style combination such that the weight difference will be significant in your ability to conceal? 3) Will holster wear on the finish bother you (such as wear on a CDP riding in leather)? My CDP frame has finish wear that makes safe kings cringe. 4) How much will you shoot? I believe the Kimber website has some sort of statement about the CDP’s being tested to 20K rounds. Some will never shoot that much in a life time, whereas others routinely hit the 20K. 5) Will the CDP be too light and make the recoil unmanageable or uncomfortable for your shooting style or technique? 6) How important is the ambi safety? I trust my life to and carry either with no reservation. |
| I've had my Kimber Tactical Ultra II (Alloy frame 3.5") for almost three years. I carried it every day until recently. The last three times at the range I've had feed problems with ball ammo. I love the gun, but I can't trust it now. In fact the reason I'm here on the 1911 side of the forum is to look for help solving my problem, then I seen this post. |
When is the last time you changed the springs??? |
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I'm sure I've exceeded 2500 rounds. If it gets just a little dirty say 50-75 rounds it will not completely chamber the rounds and sometimes the slide catch/release will hold the slide open as if it was empty. Are we just talking about replacing the recoil springs. I'm guessing I order them from Kimber. By the way sorry for highjacking this thread. Thanks for the help! |
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Order page. At least your 3.5 might take regualr springs. My Ultra takes special $45 spring packs.  I ordered one right after I ordered the gun. Kimber said 1800 rounds, my 1911 guru buddy said a thousand. He err's on the side of caution, I will have to go with him on that one. I will probably keep the old set and shoot it till it fails at the range. |
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yep. My wife's Ultra CDP II started failing to return to battery. She bought it slightly used, so no idea of the round count. It started failing more and more often....replaced the recoil spring set and it's off to the races. It replaced her G30 as primary carry gun (I'm so proud of her!  )
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The pin is not necessarry. Put both thumbs behind the part of the guide rod that goes up against the barrel link and pull back on the spring with your fingers. The whole assembly will pop right out. |