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Posted: 4/17/2016 2:42:42 PM EDT
[#1]
I have a Kimber stainless gold match. It's my USPSA single stack gun so gets shot a lot. I love it. Only problem I've had is knocking the rear sit off. My fault, Kimber fixed it no charge, fast turn around. Real fast. I love the thing.
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Posted: 4/17/2016 2:46:08 PM EDT
[#2]
I had a Kimber Pro Carry II and I loved it. In fact I shot that better than any other handgun I've ever had. I ended up trading it for a Sig Scorpion that I also really liked, but I still didn't shoot it as well as the Kimber.
I also wondered why there was so much hate for them. |
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Posted: 4/17/2016 2:51:29 PM EDT
[#3]
The heard mentality abounds here.
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Posted: 4/17/2016 3:03:39 PM EDT
[#4]
Nothing other than brand preference, in my opinion.
Simple as that. |
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Posted: 4/17/2016 3:16:25 PM EDT
[#5]
I have a Custom II external extractor model that I have put close to 30,000 rounds through with absolutely no problems, save a couple ammo induced issues (reloads). Maybe I got lucky, but I have nothing but good things to say about mine. Only confirmed problems I know about first hand are from a good friend of mine with a 3" model, took some tuning with different springs to run right, then after about 5,000 rounds, the alum frame cracked, replaced by Kimber at no cost, with the exception of a new transfer charge from the dealer, which he was compensated with in the form of a $100 Gift very to Kimbers online store. It's my highest round count 1911, and still running strong with only normal maintenance (cleaning and replaced the recoil spring twice) and still going strong.
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Posted: 4/17/2016 3:50:13 PM EDT
[#6]
I always heard the bad reviews on Kimber. A while ago I got a deal too good to pass on for a 25th anniversary Custom. I don't know where all the hate comes from. Mine has been flawless. No issues at all.
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Posted: 4/17/2016 3:55:03 PM EDT
[#7]
I had an issue with my only Kimber. I bought a 4.25" Kimber Raptor about 6 years ago, maybe 8, and I enjoyed it on my first two range trips. On the third trip the gun started having issues, 2 times in one session it would fail to pick up a round out of the magazine and the slide would close empty. The other issue was an extraction issue, the casing would turn sideways but not eject, jamming the gun. Now these were all within the first 1000 rounds of the gun so I could see a break in argument......maybe. One issue I can't forgive is rust. I owned the gun less then 45 days and the back of the slide started rusting. I carried it in a Milt Sparks Summer Special IWB holster. The holster has a leather guard that separates your skin from the gun but Kimber customer service tried to say it must be my sweat causing the issue. I find that odd since this was in Upstate NY in the winter but that didn't stop them from suggesting I just continually oil the slide to "Stop the rust". If you know anything about steel and oxidation and rust you know that that is not a solution. Getting to the point any pistol that costs more than a grand new doesn't get to play that card. The gun was basically brand new, had some cycling issues that probably could have been worked out, but a slide that is rusting is not one of those issues that's going to work itself out. Pathetic customer service, I ended up trading the gun and taking a hit on it.
I now have a Dan Wesson and couldn't be happier. In fact one of my factory checkmate mags started splitting at the weld and Dan Wesson is good enough to send me a replacement. Didn't have that warm and cozy feeling with kimber. |
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Posted: 4/17/2016 5:20:43 PM EDT
[#8]
I have two Kimbers, no hate here.
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Posted: 4/17/2016 6:37:17 PM EDT
[#9]
The MIM thing, it killed the reputation they built with the Series I guns. The fact they put "custom shop" on production guns as a marketing gimmick. Extremely overpriced on aforementioned "custom" guns. For those prices, you can buy real semi customs.
Had a Custom II, emphasis on had. |
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Posted: 4/17/2016 6:49:02 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
The MIM thing, it killed the reputation they built with the Series I guns. The fact they put "custom shop" on production guns as a marketing gimmick. Extremely overpriced on aforementioned "custom" guns. For those prices, you can buy real semi customs. Had a Custom II, emphasis on had. Lol, Series 1 used MIM parts like all the rest. It is funny that the internet retards that knock MIM 1911 parts never seem to say a word about all the other MIM guns ( including the AR15) on the market. My Kimbers have been awesome. |
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Posted: 4/17/2016 7:07:34 PM EDT
[#11]
Stainless TLE/RL 2 owner, 8k+ through it and zero issues. Currently sporting a storm lake threaded barrel and an Octane 45.
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Posted: 4/17/2016 8:07:35 PM EDT
[#12]
They have some really good looking pistols, but every one that I've owned except my desert warrior had issues with rust and some had other issues. For the same prices you can usually find better options.
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Posted: 4/17/2016 8:19:37 PM EDT
[#13]
I started with a Kimber Custom Combat carry, loved it.
After many many rounds, I had to replace the slide stop. I stopped shooting it so much because of the aluminum frame. My wife bought and shot a Kimber Gold Combat, wonderful. I bought a Gold Combat, (safe queen, never been shot). I have a stainless target II in 45 acp with many tens of thousands of rounds though it. I just change the recoil and firing pin springs and keep shooting. I love it. Some time around 2012 I bought a stainless target II in 10mm. At the same time, my buddy bought the same model. We each had FTFeed ~75% of the time (3 point jam). We tried different magazines, recoil springs, adjusting extractor tension, COL. The guns just wouldn't run. We each contacted Kimber customer service and were treated like complete idiots. The customer service representatives were total dicks and acted as though it was our fault that the $1,000 pistols would not function. Customer service told us to run 1,000 rounds through the pistols and report back. I was not inclined to clear several hundred jams to placate customer service, so I sold that piece of shit Kimber. I will never forgive Kimber for that experience, fuck them. I will never buy another Kimber, even if they do fix their poor manufacturing practices. (the same goes for Kimber rifles). |
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Posted: 4/17/2016 8:27:27 PM EDT
[#14]
I had a Custom II/Stainless II (I honestly can't remember anymore) a long time ago and I regret selling that gun every single day. I absolutely loved it. The thing never rusted, EVER, which "everyone" on here states that they do now, I've also heard you need 1,000 rounds into the gun to break it in, and their mags don't work. Well the first 1,000 rounds I never had a problem, and only ran Kimber mags. Again, no issue. I never wanted to sell the gun, but I didn't have a choice. I've moved on from Kimber, Just way too many options. But to me, they're great guns.
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Posted: 4/17/2016 8:39:00 PM EDT
[#15]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
The MIM thing, it killed the reputation they built with the Series I guns. The fact they put "custom shop" on production guns as a marketing gimmick. Extremely overpriced on aforementioned "custom" guns. For those prices, you can buy real semi customs. This is my main gripe. Too expensive for what is basically the same $800 gun with gingerbread added to it. They make a decent $800 gun; they are overpriced above $1000. JMO... I own a couple and they have been OK. |
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Posted: 4/17/2016 8:51:14 PM EDT
[#16]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Lol, Series 1 used MIM parts like all the rest. It is funny that the internet retards that knock MIM 1911 parts never seem to say a word about all the other MIM guns ( including the AR15) on the market. My Kimbers have been awesome. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
The MIM thing, it killed the reputation they built with the Series I guns. The fact they put "custom shop" on production guns as a marketing gimmick. Extremely overpriced on aforementioned "custom" guns. For those prices, you can buy real semi customs. Had a Custom II, emphasis on had. Lol, Series 1 used MIM parts like all the rest. It is funny that the internet retards that knock MIM 1911 parts never seem to say a word about all the other MIM guns ( including the AR15) on the market. My Kimbers have been awesome. They didn't have extensive quality issues with the Series I guns. |
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Posted: 4/17/2016 8:59:59 PM EDT
[#17]
I own two, first one is a SS TLE with the external extractor, never had an issue. Second one picture below, SS Raptor Pro Carry, I need to shoot them both more.
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Posted: 4/17/2016 9:44:42 PM EDT
[#18]
Ron Cohen + MIM + poor QC is the source of the hatred. He maximized profits at the cost of quality, then left Kimber in 2004 to go generate similar hate at SIG.
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Posted: 4/18/2016 12:04:36 AM EDT
[#19]
I think there are more Kimber's out there than many other brand 1911's which would lend itself to more complaints. I also think many people didn't understand the platform and didn't take the time to learn. A small problem became a large problem for those users. I have owned 2 Kimber's Tactical Ultra II and the five inch Custom with rail. The small one was more ammo sensitive and worked perfect with either 185 grain or 200 grain hp's. Once that was determined no other issues. The 5 inch was flawless and never had any issues at all. I liked the Dan Wesson 1911's so much I sold those off to purchase 3 new DW's, ECO, Guardian and Specialist.
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Posted: 4/18/2016 12:10:20 AM EDT
[#20]
I owned two and neither would reliably feed JHPs, which is a no-go for a carry pistol.
I also have a buddy that cracked the frame on his. I'll stick with tupperware guns for carry and 1911s for BBQs. |
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Posted: 4/18/2016 12:15:47 AM EDT
[#21]
Swartz safety and Cohen.
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Posted: 4/18/2016 8:29:40 AM EDT
[#22]
Easy quality problems. I have owned 3 in my life; 1 ran fine, 2 had cycling issues. No herd mentally here - personal experience.
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Posted: 4/18/2016 8:38:37 AM EDT
[#23]
I tried to have a trigger job done on a TLE II.
Smith calls me and says stoning the sear uncovered voids and he couldn't use the fcg. Couple days later I drive down and see it for myself. I had him replace everything with cmc parts. Then I sold the pistol. To be fair it could've happened with any number of makers. I was upset I'd paid that much for a pistol and then had to dump $150 worth of parts in it. Soured me on kimber ever since. IMO, they're a "purtied" up $700 pistol. |
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Posted: 4/18/2016 11:03:36 AM EDT
[#24]
When they first came out they offered guns with a lot of "custom gun" features for a reasonable price. Now they're kinda over priced, have WAY too many different models, and seem to care more about dollars than customers.
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Posted: 4/18/2016 11:10:00 AM EDT
[#25]
Buddy of mine convinced me to buy a 1911. Told me to get the best(kimber). I couldn't afford it at that time. And I ended up with an officer RIA 1911. He took me to the range and brought his officer 1911 custom shop kimber raptor. We were shooting them side by side and his choked almost every HP round. And multiple FTF with hardball with many magazines. All while my RIA had a few hangups (still unacceptable) but not nearly as bad as the high dollar kimber. I was decided that day I'll never own a kimber
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Posted: 4/18/2016 11:42:58 AM EDT
[#26]
I had a Custom II for awhile. It gave me know problems. The Custom II is an ok gun, but Kimber has known shitty customer service. Their Custom shop is a gimmick and pretty much everything other than the Custom II is the same gun just different finishes serrations. No Kimber is worth more than the Custom II pricing.
Edit: Kimber's sub 5" guns are pretty well known to have plenty of issues. |
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Posted: 4/18/2016 11:46:08 AM EDT
[#27]
Fuck Kimber.
My dad bought me a Kimber Custom II in 10mm years ago. It never worked out of the box. It would fail to feed ammo out of the magazine about 25% of the time. I contacted Kimber about the issue and was blown off. Kimber told me to fire 500 factory rounds through the gun before they would even consider looking at it. At the same time, I ordered an extra magazine from Kimber. I used a credit card to pay for the mag. That was the only charge on that card for several months. Next thing I know, my credit card number is running around buying things in New York. 
So after all this I managed to put about 500 rounds of factory 10mm ammo through the gun. It never got better and still sucked. Factory 10mm ammo isn't cheap and it took me months to acquire and fire the ammo through the Kimber. I normally reload 10mm, but made sure to only use factory ammo since Kimber told me they would void the warranty if I used reloads. I contacted Kimber and told them their gun still sucks. Their response is why I'll never buy their products, will shit on them forever and will go out of my way to tell their story. They said it was over a year since the gun was purchased, and the gun was now "out of warranty". And the year started the date my dad order the gun, not the day I did the paperwork or put the gun in my name. So basically it was about a 10 month warranty. I would have sold that gun off, but it was a gift from my dad, and was one of the last things he gave me before he died. For a happy ending to my story: Click To View Spoiler |
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Posted: 4/18/2016 3:13:37 PM EDT
[#28]
I've seen way to many of them rust, choke on ball ammo and have MIM parts break.
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Posted: 4/18/2016 3:22:07 PM EDT
[#29]
Ive had several
Most worked The "custom shop" one did not. My business goes to springfield after Ive had nothing but luck out of seevral of their models. Oh, and their custom shop is actually a custom shop. |
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Posted: 4/18/2016 3:43:49 PM EDT
[#30]
Meh... so much hate and cheerleading goes on in the forums. Have had numerous Kimbers, Springfields, S&Ws, Kahrs, Charles Dalys and Taurus'... all of which have functioned well and I've been happy with. Doesn't mean that every firearm from these makers has been flawless. And it doesn't mean they've all been garbage (of course). So much generalization and blanket statements out there. Fortunately, I always let my OWN experience influence my decisions and not that of others.
In regards to compact pistols and issues of reliability... ammo type and magazines are a huge factor in that. And even more of a factor is limp wristing by the shooter. I've run hundreds of rounds through my Kimber Solo 9 without a single malf, but the minute I handed it to an experienced-shooter cop friend of mine, he was jamming it up. I took it and shot it a bunch more without a single malf. We both chalked it up to him being a carrier/shooter of full-sized pistols and not experienced in handling compacts. I have an extensive history with compacts and learned early-on that many of them simply will not tolerate poor technique/limp-wristing. Which is why people who choose to CCW them had better be confident in their ability to shoot them reliably under stress. Some firearms are just more tolerant of less than perfect technique. |
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Posted: 4/18/2016 5:47:47 PM EDT
[#31]
The story of Kimber is a long one. When they first came to market as an affordable 1911 with "custom" features that people wanted at a reasonable price point they had a winner. The idea of buying a 1911 that didn't need anything done to it out of the box was pretty revolutionary back then. My first NIB base model Kimber 5" Custom was $599 and extremely reliable. The only issue I had with either of the pre Custom II era guns was premature rust. Here in AZ I've never had to battle rust like I did on all of my Kimbers. My third Kimber was a Custom II with the FPS and that gun didn't run at all well. Over the years they've earned some hatred for perceived corner cutting, adding features of dubious value (external extractor, FPS) and selling guns that are overpriced for what they are. Not to mention the decline in their customer service over the years. The perception is that they lure less knowledgeable gun buyers in with slick ads and a certain "look" over quality and function these days.
That being said... Here's what a good one looks like: 
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Posted: 4/18/2016 9:05:47 PM EDT
[#32]
Ultra Tac II Never world run right. Tried different mags, ammo ect sent it back twice still would not run 100% gave up on it. Never tried them again.
Sir James... |
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Posted: 4/19/2016 12:09:41 PM EDT
[#33]
Had a Super Carry Pro HD (internal extractor) that consistently had empties conking me on the head. Sent it back to Kimber, they claimed they fixed it, but no fix. Had two separate gunsmiths (local) adjust extractor/ejector, no fix. Traded that one in, Goodbye Kimber. Friend has one that's never shot POA/POI and has had all kinds of feed problems; he never shoots it anymore.
Prior to the Super Carry I had a Pro CDP II that I loved. Had it bobtailed. Frame cracked in two places after +/-3K rounds; Kimber replaced frame. Had new replacement frame bobtailed, and after about 1K rounds it cracked also. Goodbye Kimber. Wanted to try a Solo but everybody and their brother (and I mean everybody - gunsmiths, dealers, a guy at a gunshow who heard me talking to a dealer who had actually owned one) told me to run away due to reliability issues. Goodbye Kimber. Still have a TLE II that I keep in the nightstand. Accurate, runs ok, but it's only a nightstand gun and I typically have another gun setting there anyway. Other than that particular gun, I'm out of the Kimber business. Didn't the guy from Kimber who destroyed their reputation move onto a similar gig at Sig? |
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Posted: 4/19/2016 12:21:47 PM EDT
[#34]
My Custom II has a 17% failure rate with hollow points. Wasn't really impressed, and at this point nothing in their catalog really impresses me to the point of spending money on another one.
As much as I enjoy shooting 1911s, I've been pretty vocal about my skepticism of 1911s are a viable modern "combat" pistol overall. At this point, if I get another 1911 it will be a Springfield Pro Rail, Colt M45A1, or STI 2011. The first 2 are guns issued to organizations who shoot A LOT (and oddly tend to use the Glock over their 1911s), and the 3rd is a 15-26 round double stack 9mm. |
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Posted: 4/19/2016 12:45:21 PM EDT
[#35]
I've had a Kimber Pro Carry, Kimber Pro Eclipse, Kimber Raptor Pro Carry, and Custom TLE/RL II. I've had nothing but positive experiences with all of my Kimber pistols. I've bought and sold or traded many of my different firearms just to have the experience of owning and using various models from many different brands (including several Colt 1911 pistols such as the Combat Commander and two Delta Elites). I sold off or traded all of the other Kimber models because I was not satisfied with the performance of the .45 ACP cartridge. I current have the Custom TLE/RL II which I plan on keeping because it is chambered in 10mm, which I believe is far superior to .45 ACP (including .45 ACP+P).
For me, the Kimber is just as good and in some cases better than most low end 1911 pistols such as Colt 1911's, SA, Ruger, Sig, and others. I own one middle level 1911 in a Night Hawk Custom Recon Enforcer in 10mm. I doubt that I will spend the money for a high end 1911 like a $10,000 Cabot or comparable high end Wilson Combat because $5,000 is the most I would be willing to spend on a pistol. That said, the Kimber makes for a great carry 1911 and I like having more than one type of pistol. Hence, the NHC is too good to carry and the Kimber takes up that role. On the other hand, if I were to sell off some guns and make up the cash, I'd buy a second NHC and carry it, as long as I had a second NHC to keep in the safe. Until then the Kimber serves that role adequately well and better than any Colt 1911 I've ever owned. The only complaint about Kimber that I have is that they include a Kimber magazine with the weapon that I feel is sorely inadequate. All of my magazines are either Wilson Combat or Tripp Research Cobra magazines. |
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Posted: 4/19/2016 12:49:51 PM EDT
[#36]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Edit: Kimber's sub 5" guns are pretty well known to have plenty of issues. I've owned a Pro Carry (4" barrel) as well as a Pro Carry Eclipse (4" barrel). Both are sub 5" guns, and I did not have any issues with either one. What are these "plenty of issues" of which you speak? They are not well known to me. What issues with these guns did you personally experience? |
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Posted: 4/19/2016 12:54:37 PM EDT
[#37]
3 Kimbers 2 .45's and a 10mm zero problems...
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Posted: 4/19/2016 1:29:17 PM EDT
[#38]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I've owned a Pro Carry (4" barrel) as well as a Pro Carry Eclipse (4" barrel). Both are sub 5" guns, and I did not have any issues with either one. What are these "plenty of issues" of which you speak? They are not well known to me. What issues with these guns did you personally experience? Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Edit: Kimber's sub 5" guns are pretty well known to have plenty of issues. I've owned a Pro Carry (4" barrel) as well as a Pro Carry Eclipse (4" barrel). Both are sub 5" guns, and I did not have any issues with either one. What are these "plenty of issues" of which you speak? They are not well known to me. What issues with these guns did you personally experience? A friend has a 3" Kimber that doesn't feed most hollow points and starts having issues if the recoil spring isn't changed out every 800 rounds or so. It is, of course, out of Kimber's laughable 1 year warranty so nothing they will do about any issues. Look up 1911forum.com and get past the fanboys (yes every maker has them) and you will see generally Kimber's sub 5" guns have more issues than the 5" ones. You haven't had issues with yours, great, many people have, many people haven't. I'm a Springfield fan but my RO Operator 9mm wasn't right out the box. Every manufacturer can put out a turd. The difference is, SA sent me a prepaid label, fixed it, and had it back to me in 6 business days, without claiming I was the problem or giving me some shit about 500 rds needing to be shot first. |
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Posted: 4/19/2016 2:07:28 PM EDT
[#39]
I own a stainless Custom II that has never given me any problems. It was my first 1911 purchase. I've gone on to buy nicer 1911's, but I've found no reason to part with the Kimber personally.
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Posted: 4/19/2016 2:22:49 PM EDT
[#40]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Nothing as Kimber's are far overpriced for me to personally spend my money on again. A friend has a 3" Kimber that doesn't feed most hollow points and starts having issues if the recoil spring isn't changed out every 800 rounds or so. It is, of course, out of Kimber's laughable 1 year warranty so nothing they will do about any issues. Look up 1911forum.com and get past the fanboys (yes every maker has them) and you will see generally Kimber's sub 5" guns have more issues than the 5" ones. You haven't had issues with yours, great, many people have, many people haven't. I'm a Springfield fan but my RO Operator 9mm wasn't right out the box. Every manufacturer can put out a turd. The difference is, SA sent me a prepaid label, fixed it, and had it back to me in 6 business days, without claiming I was the problem or giving me some shit about 500 rds needing to be shot first. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Edit: Kimber's sub 5" guns are pretty well known to have plenty of issues. I've owned a Pro Carry (4" barrel) as well as a Pro Carry Eclipse (4" barrel). Both are sub 5" guns, and I did not have any issues with either one. What are these "plenty of issues" of which you speak? They are not well known to me. What issues with these guns did you personally experience? A friend has a 3" Kimber that doesn't feed most hollow points and starts having issues if the recoil spring isn't changed out every 800 rounds or so. It is, of course, out of Kimber's laughable 1 year warranty so nothing they will do about any issues. Look up 1911forum.com and get past the fanboys (yes every maker has them) and you will see generally Kimber's sub 5" guns have more issues than the 5" ones. You haven't had issues with yours, great, many people have, many people haven't. I'm a Springfield fan but my RO Operator 9mm wasn't right out the box. Every manufacturer can put out a turd. The difference is, SA sent me a prepaid label, fixed it, and had it back to me in 6 business days, without claiming I was the problem or giving me some shit about 500 rds needing to be shot first. This is fairly common with compact 1911s (and even other compacts). Getting the timing right and keeping it there isn't always easy. Bullet weight, spring tension, etc all contribute to the issue. |
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Posted: 4/19/2016 2:26:20 PM EDT
[#41]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
My Custom II has a 17% failure rate with hollow points. Wasn't really impressed, and at this point nothing in their catalog really impresses me to the point of spending money on another one. As much as I enjoy shooting 1911s, I've been pretty vocal about my skepticism of 1911s are a viable modern "combat" pistol overall. At this point, if I get another 1911 it will be a Springfield Pro Rail, Colt M45A1, or STI 2011. The first 2 are guns issued to organizations who shoot A LOT (and oddly tend to use the Glock over their 1911s), and the 3rd is a 15-26 round double stack 9mm. 
There was no combat in WW1, WW2, Korea, and Vietnam? |
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Posted: 4/19/2016 2:54:02 PM EDT
[#42]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I had a Custom II for awhile. It gave me know problems. The Custom II is an ok gun, but Kimber has known shitty customer service. Their Custom shop is a gimmick and pretty much everything other than the Custom II is the same gun just different finishes serrations. No Kimber is worth more than the Custom II pricing. Edit: Kimber's sub 5" guns are pretty well known to have plenty of issues. This is true. I have a Stainless II (AKA Stainless Custom II) that has been near perfect. Dad had a few Kimbers. Think everyone had extractor trouble. Can't even fathom dropping more than $700-800 on one. You just don't get much in return. A pathetic one year warranty, hit and very miss CS, a joke of a "custom shop". I can't imagine buying another one really. Springfield has a lifetime warranty, components look cleaner with no awful seems, have a real highly reputable custom shop, CS and so on. Something like a Rock Island is worth every penny, (although a cast frame) a Kimber? Not so much honestly. At least you know where the RI came from. Kimber will never disclose the source or country of origin of their forgings. I don't hate Kimber, I certainly hated them at times for shady practices like cheap MIM parts that ruined the rep of MIM somehow and not theirs. But I don't hate them now. The problem is they are like the Mitsubishi of 1911 makers. Look at one and think "why would I buy this over brands A B and C???" |
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Posted: 4/19/2016 3:24:53 PM EDT
[#43]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
There was no combat in WW1, WW2, Korea, and Vietnam? Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
My Custom II has a 17% failure rate with hollow points. Wasn't really impressed, and at this point nothing in their catalog really impresses me to the point of spending money on another one. As much as I enjoy shooting 1911s, I've been pretty vocal about my skepticism of 1911s are a viable modern "combat" pistol overall. At this point, if I get another 1911 it will be a Springfield Pro Rail, Colt M45A1, or STI 2011. The first 2 are guns issued to organizations who shoot A LOT (and oddly tend to use the Glock over their 1911s), and the 3rd is a 15-26 round double stack 9mm.
There was no combat in WW1, WW2, Korea, and Vietnam? Modern. It's been superseded by many much better choices and dropped by organizations historically known for their adherence to the 1911. This topic has been rehashed over and over again on this site and elsewhere. |
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Posted: 4/19/2016 6:07:45 PM EDT
[#44]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
This is true. I have a Stainless II (AKA Stainless Custom II) that has been near perfect. Dad had a few Kimbers. Think everyone had extractor trouble. Can't even fathom dropping more than $700-800 on one. You just don't get much in return. A pathetic one year warranty, hit and very miss CS, a joke of a "custom shop". I can't imagine buying another one really. Springfield has a lifetime warranty, components look cleaner with no awful seems, have a real highly reputable custom shop, CS and so on. Something like a Rock Island is worth every penny, (although a cast frame) a Kimber? Not so much honestly. At least you know where the RI came from. Kimber will never disclose the source or country of origin of their forgings. I don't hate Kimber, I certainly hated them at times for shady practices like cheap MIM parts that ruined the rep of MIM somehow and not theirs. But I don't hate them now. The problem is they are like the Mitsubishi of 1911 makers. Look at one and think "why would I buy this over brands A B and C???" Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
I had a Custom II for awhile. It gave me know problems. The Custom II is an ok gun, but Kimber has known shitty customer service. Their Custom shop is a gimmick and pretty much everything other than the Custom II is the same gun just different finishes serrations. No Kimber is worth more than the Custom II pricing. Edit: Kimber's sub 5" guns are pretty well known to have plenty of issues. This is true. I have a Stainless II (AKA Stainless Custom II) that has been near perfect. Dad had a few Kimbers. Think everyone had extractor trouble. Can't even fathom dropping more than $700-800 on one. You just don't get much in return. A pathetic one year warranty, hit and very miss CS, a joke of a "custom shop". I can't imagine buying another one really. Springfield has a lifetime warranty, components look cleaner with no awful seems, have a real highly reputable custom shop, CS and so on. Something like a Rock Island is worth every penny, (although a cast frame) a Kimber? Not so much honestly. At least you know where the RI came from. Kimber will never disclose the source or country of origin of their forgings. I don't hate Kimber, I certainly hated them at times for shady practices like cheap MIM parts that ruined the rep of MIM somehow and not theirs. But I don't hate them now. The problem is they are like the Mitsubishi of 1911 makers. Look at one and think "why would I buy this over brands A B and C???" Well... I just picked-up my new two-tone Micro last Saturday because the price was right ($549) and because no other big name maker has such a beast in its lineup (that I'm aware of). I put enough rounds through it on Sunday (with zero issues) to feel good about carrying it. I freakin' love this little gun and can't keep my hands off of it. I also really like my Solo 9 that I picked-up last year and haven't seen anything comparable in the same price range. Regarding full-size 1911s, I have no brand preference and would buy whatever floats my boat at the moment (from whatever maker). |
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Posted: 4/19/2016 6:10:04 PM EDT
[#45]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Modern. It's been superseded by many much better choices and dropped by organizations historically known for their adherence to the 1911. This topic has been rehashed over and over again on this site and elsewhere. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
My Custom II has a 17% failure rate with hollow points. Wasn't really impressed, and at this point nothing in their catalog really impresses me to the point of spending money on another one. As much as I enjoy shooting 1911s, I've been pretty vocal about my skepticism of 1911s are a viable modern "combat" pistol overall. At this point, if I get another 1911 it will be a Springfield Pro Rail, Colt M45A1, or STI 2011. The first 2 are guns issued to organizations who shoot A LOT (and oddly tend to use the Glock over their 1911s), and the 3rd is a 15-26 round double stack 9mm.
There was no combat in WW1, WW2, Korea, and Vietnam? Modern. It's been superseded by many much better choices and dropped by organizations historically known for their adherence to the 1911. This topic has been rehashed over and over again on this site and elsewhere. I understand what you're saying and migrated away from 1911s and BHPs as my SHTF firearms years ago, over to the S&W M&P 9s, because of increased capacity. But still... I'd have no worries about being able to get the job done if all I had was a 1911 (given proper skills and mindset). |
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Posted: 4/19/2016 7:02:32 PM EDT
[#46]
Kimber Ultra CDP Series 1 gun here. I carry it daily and trust my life to it. I have had 3 kimbers and never had a problem with any of them.
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Posted: 4/19/2016 7:34:06 PM EDT
[#47]
I worked at a dealer that sold tons of them. After three years of seeing 1/3 of them come back with feeding problems, finish issues, etc. I became a lot more hesitant in recommending them. In my experience, the full size and Pro 1911s run fairly well, especially the all steel guns, but the Ultras can be very fussy. Forget about the Solos. I have had the opportunity to see quite a few of the older Kimber 1911s and in my opinion the quality control was much better back in the 1990s and early 2000s. I blame some of the current issues on the pressure placed on the industry as a whole to meet the crushing demand of the last few years.
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Posted: 4/19/2016 7:38:42 PM EDT
[#48]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Well... I just picked-up my new two-tone Micro last Saturday because the price was right ($549) and because no other big name maker has such a beast in its lineup (that I'm aware of). I put enough rounds through it on Sunday (with zero issues) to feel good about carrying it. I freakin' love this little gun and can't keep my hands off of it. I also really like my Solo 9 that I picked-up last year and haven't seen anything comparable in the same price range. Regarding full-size 1911s, I have no brand preference and would buy whatever floats my boat at the moment (from whatever maker). Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
I had a Custom II for awhile. It gave me know problems. The Custom II is an ok gun, but Kimber has known shitty customer service. Their Custom shop is a gimmick and pretty much everything other than the Custom II is the same gun just different finishes serrations. No Kimber is worth more than the Custom II pricing. Edit: Kimber's sub 5" guns are pretty well known to have plenty of issues. This is true. I have a Stainless II (AKA Stainless Custom II) that has been near perfect. Dad had a few Kimbers. Think everyone had extractor trouble. Can't even fathom dropping more than $700-800 on one. You just don't get much in return. A pathetic one year warranty, hit and very miss CS, a joke of a "custom shop". I can't imagine buying another one really. Springfield has a lifetime warranty, components look cleaner with no awful seems, have a real highly reputable custom shop, CS and so on. Something like a Rock Island is worth every penny, (although a cast frame) a Kimber? Not so much honestly. At least you know where the RI came from. Kimber will never disclose the source or country of origin of their forgings. I don't hate Kimber, I certainly hated them at times for shady practices like cheap MIM parts that ruined the rep of MIM somehow and not theirs. But I don't hate them now. The problem is they are like the Mitsubishi of 1911 makers. Look at one and think "why would I buy this over brands A B and C???" Well... I just picked-up my new two-tone Micro last Saturday because the price was right ($549) and because no other big name maker has such a beast in its lineup (that I'm aware of). I put enough rounds through it on Sunday (with zero issues) to feel good about carrying it. I freakin' love this little gun and can't keep my hands off of it. I also really like my Solo 9 that I picked-up last year and haven't seen anything comparable in the same price range. Regarding full-size 1911s, I have no brand preference and would buy whatever floats my boat at the moment (from whatever maker). Neither of those are 1911s and have nothing to do with what I was talking about in regard to their 1911 line up. Micro is about as "1911" as a SIG P938 or Springfield EMP. If Kimber wants to expand beyond 1911 pistols more power to them. It is certainly in their best interest to have some sort of niche/diverse line up... They won't get another 1911 sale out of me the way things are but that Micro looks interesting. Not sure how they are relative to a discussion in the 1911 forum though. They can make something that works that isn't a 1911? Hey, cool. |
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Posted: 4/19/2016 8:43:03 PM EDT
[#49]
The Micro and the 238/938 are really more akin to the Colt Mustang while the EMP seems to really be a scaled down 1911. To be fair, the Mustang is basically a 1911 derivative.
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Posted: 4/19/2016 8:59:28 PM EDT
[#50]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Neither of those are 1911s and have nothing to do with what I was talking about in regard to their 1911 line up. Micro is about as "1911" as a SIG P938 or Springfield EMP. If Kimber wants to expand beyond 1911 pistols more power to them. It is certainly in their best interest to have some sort of niche/diverse line up... They won't get another 1911 sale out of me the way things are but that Micro looks interesting. Not sure how they are relative to a discussion in the 1911 forum though. They can make something that works that isn't a 1911? Hey, cool. EDITED-SGB 6.) Attacking or insulting a person in an effort to elicit a negative response. You have a right to disagree, but please do so in a respectful manner |
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