Posted: 12/8/2007 8:54:38 AM EDT
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I just got a new Kimber Ultra II One issue: During recoil, the slide stop would pop partially up, and halt the slide. This stoppage would occur 2 or 3 times per ( factory ) mag. Shooting WW 230 gr white box and Fed 230 gr. Hydra Shoks. Damn disappointing with a grand in this weapon. Solution: I removed the slide stop, and made a detent at the exact location where the spring plunger contacts the slide stop. I am surprised Kimber did not incorporate this into all production 1911's. Fixed. If you have a Kimber Ultra, you may notice the slide ends its rearward movement - at the exact point the slide stop (slot ) is in position to lock. Recoil on mine was sufficent to barely engage the slide stop. This kinda crap could get you killed. Other than that, a 5" 1911 is a hell of a lot more accurate. Mine chronographed the Fed 230 Gr. Hydra Shoks out at an average of 814 FPS. I don't appreciate the " plastic " main spring housing. I don't appreciate the " hacked " large recoil spring ( a 50 buck replacement assembly ) which looks like a standard spring that has been simply cut off. For this kind of money, steel, aluminum, or alloy main spring housings would have been in line. A finished curl on " BOTH ENDS " of the recoil spring would have been appropriate. The frame appears to be powder coated and may look like shit in 5 years. It is handy, but I'm not sure I made the right choice. ETA Photos: Fuzzy photo of the Detent I made.  Recoil spring hack ( should be fully curled on both ends for proper fit ) 
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Sorry to hear that $1G =  for you. Many people really like Kimbers, and many really don't. I am in the second camp myself. I don't know what this recoil spring hack you is that you are talking about, but I concur wholeheartedly that anything > $650 better not have a speck of plastic in/on it unless you're into shok buffs and put them in yourself.
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Hmm, wouldn't have been better to contact Kimber and have them take care of it? It seems like there's something wrong with your sample since there're many positive customer reviews on the Net, and noone reporting a problem like yours. I'd have definitely contacted Kimber and let them take care of it. - Ice |
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Ahh the "recoil spring hack" Actually, I have found that recoil system actually worked. I had a 3.5" para that ran like shot on a FLGR and officer spring. They retro fitted it with that ugly sombitch and it seemed to function more consistently. I have no idea what the deal is with replacement spring(s) though. I ditched it long before I put 1,500 additional rounds that would be necessary for replacement. BTW, what part does Kimber recommend for replacement and at what intervals? |
On the Ultra Carry models: Recoil spring (18 lbs.) at 1800 rnds. Firing pin spring at 5000 rnds Main spring (23 lbs.) at 5000 rnds. |
I guess that if you do some research among other brands (in the same price range and market share), you'll find that similar reports could be compiled for them too. I have about 1K rounds through my Kimber Custom II, and so far has been flawless. But to make things even, I made an SA Loaded SS coming this way next week  Wanted to get a Para Limited as next 1911 ... I guess it'll be my next's next. - Ice |
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I did one more mod... I slid the rear sight off, and removed the firing pin block. It leaves a weird looking hole in the bottom of the slide. Kinda like the hole in the bottom of the series 80 Colts. I need to head back to the range, just to make sure it doesn't skip a beat. |