Kimber Pistols

[OLDSTER]

Has anyone here had any experience with Kimber pistols ?? It seems all 3 forums I belong to debate the pros and cons of virtually every well know brand and model of semi-auto, but I seldom see any discussion regarding Kimbers. Just curious is all

[Arub]

I have a Kimber Custom Eclipse II and love it. Use it for steel plate shoots and general weekly outings. Owned it for about 5 years now and only issues I found is that it is a little sensitive to OAL (I'm a reloader). As long as I keep OAL close to factory ammo I have no issues - it performs flawlessly.

Factory supplied magazine (only 1) is basic bare bones magazine. I use Sig magazines (owned a GSR series and did not like it) without an issue and appearance and function wise they are great with the Kimber.

[old&slow]

I have a few 1911's. Two of them are Kimbers, a 3" and a 5". I'm very happy with both. I personally prefer Wilson mags.

[arjay]

I've had a Kimber Custom II external extractor for about 10 years.No ftf or fte and it's quite accurate.

[Dominus_Lex]

I have a 4" CDP II and love it. Have yet to find ammo it does not like, using Kimber, Triple K and Wilson mags. without issue. Their "basic" 5" stainless is on my list of purchases.

[18DAI]

I've had three. Still have one - only because the frame was made out of spec, so I can't dump it in good conscience. It only works with Chip McCormick mags. Evidently they ride high enough to feed a round - occasionally.

Very pretty, overpriced, overhyped, rusting single shot 45's. The barrels are left in the white. I didn't know that till I researched why my third Kimber, a Stainless Target II kept having rust on its barrel.

I didn't keep the other two long enough, after they returned from Yonkers two times each on my dime , to find out.

Never again. Good luck! Regards 18DAI

[sambuh]

I almost bought a Kimberly solo... Hard to find around here. I still regret not buying it

[lhump1961]

First off...I've never owned one! But let's not let that small detail get in the way.

I have shot them a little and find them to be fine but not sure where the extra money is in them. I have seen many posts claiming they are the second coming and others who threw them out the window on the way home from the range...so it would be similar to posts about most guns.

I personally don't like the script they apply to the Kimber logo...looks like something on the box of a feminine hygiene product! (I stole that line from someone else but I like it!) Kimber has a bit of a bumpy past but seem to have found direction in the last 10 years. I know that they used imported parts at one time but I believe they make all the parts in the U.S. nowadays...not 100% sure. IMHO they are not better than anyone else and would not choose them over a Smith or a Ruger. But, other replies will follow from actual OWNERS so my opinion is...well...only my opinion.

[SigFTW]

I have two Kimbers, the Stainless and the Solo, both run great and are very reliable.

Kimber makes some great guns.

[GJH77]

After not having owned a 1911, I just got a Kimber Custom II. I am not thru the breakin period yet, but was pleasantly surprised to find that it feeds all my reloads, even JHP, very nicely. I experimented a little with it and the OAL was an issue based on the shape of the JHP rounds. But that same round also would not work in my S&W 45's. I only have the Kimber mags so far.

As I was looking for a 1911, I was also surprised that the price was much better than the other major brands. I found my gun on GB, from this one retailer that was continually selling this model, since at least last summer at what I realized was a low price. They did not last for more than 5-6 hours before the buy now was hit. They must have finally sold them all, as the listings have stopped.

So for now, I am pretty satisfied with it.

[bpeddicord]

I gave my used Kimber to my son about 4 years ago. It had approximately 10,000 rounds of 230 FMJ ammo through it. Since then he has probably put almost that many rounds through it shooting IDPA and it has never failed. It is extremely accurate. The only change made on this pistol was to remove the full length guide rod and replace it with a standard guide rod and busing. I hope he gives (or even sells) it back to me someday.

[Kanewpadle]

I've owned several. Their quality has declined in the last few years but prices have gone way up. Customer service has also been a problem.

Better guns can be had for the same money or much less is some cases. IF you can find one the Ruger SR1911 is well built and cost much less than the entry level Kimber. Before I spend close to $800 for a basic Kimber I would buy a Springfield Loaded. If I could afford more I would buy a Dan Wesson or S&W.

Sorry, but I bash Kimber whenever I can. I hate the company. They think because they sell more 1911's that it makes them the best. The only thing they are good at is marketing.

[Fishinfool]

At present, I own four Kimber 1911's, one .22 conversion kit, and four Kimber rifles. All relatively expensive guns, and as I have posted before, I would not spend the money, or keep them if they did not work well. You can drop a lot of money on Custom Shop versions, but the basic "Custom Target" is a well featured, adjustable sighted, full size 1911 that is very well fit, and accurate, for about $875.00, new.

Lots of talk about how the sub-compact 1911's are inaccurate and unreliable, but my Kimber 1911 sub-compact (Pictured when new), has about 2500 rounds thru it now, and it has been flawless, as well as very accurate. The only "work" needed has been changing the recoil spring every 1000 rounds, as is recommended by most 1911 sub-compact manufacturers. The rifle shown is an 84M in 7mm/08. Shoots right at 1 inch until the barrel gets hot, then opens up to about 1 1/2 or so. Plenty good for an ultra light deer rifle.

Larry

[harleyvato]

I only own one, a stainless compact II. I bought the pistol in a pawnshop for decent price,but couldn't get through an entire mag.did some research and decided it was the external extractor .called kimber,sent it to them and they replaced the slide,barrel,even put new tritium sights on it to replace my dim sights. Turnaround time was about 6 weeks.I took it to the range and promptly ran 100 rounds through it with no problems.did I mention I bought this gun used at a pawnshop? They were aware of this and still fixed it, maybe I got lucky,as I have read may cs horror stories but I ended up with a good reliable accurate pistol for a very good price,YMMV

[pownal55]

No Kimber handguns but I have four of their rifles all are beautiful, well made and accurate. There seems to have been some QC issues when the NY plant first opened in an effort to meet demand but that problem appears to be gone.

[curtmini14]

i own 2 kimbers a solo and a custom both are great guns.with no problems.best part is there made in the u.s.a. as far as price goes how about wilsons and les bears 3000 bucks the money i spent on my kimbers was well worth it just my 2 cents.

[kudzu3]

Mine is an Ultra CDP II. Had it for maybe 3-4 years and grow more attached to it every time I pull the trigger. I got it from a local sporting goods/outdoor store at a very good price. It (and others) was stolen from the store and recovered some time later, buried in a garbage bag in the thiefs' back yard. It was un-damaged...until the ATF got hold of it. Of course it was not handled with care and ended up with a few very minor scratches in the slide and a very small spot on one of the grip panels. It could not be sold as new or used, so it was labeled "recovered". The price was right so it is now mine. I've had zero problems with it and absouletely love shooting it, and Its "perty".

[Fishslayer]

Originally Posted by 3482jl

It seems all 3 forums I belong to debate the pros and cons of virtually every well know brand and model of semi-auto, but I seldom see any discussion regarding Kimbers. Just curious is all

You need to get on more forums. There's been quite a bit of discussion re Kimber lately. Some of it has even involved their pistols.

Some of the Kimber fanboiz are almost as much fun to poke at as the glockers. They'll usually chime in to an RIA thread touting their pistols with "you get what you pay for."

Only ever shot one once. Good shooter & a handsome weapon for sure.

[S&W357]

Great bullseye gun. I just bought my 2nd Kimber.

[kozmic]

I get a kick out of those who really think that Kimbers are out of line on pricing. I saw a new Dan Wesson Valor last week for $2500! For real?

Any of the 1911's that are American made and have similar features are priced very similarly. Are there cheaper 1911's I'd own? Sure but, that doesn't mean there is no value in Kimber. Look at the components and where and how they are made. Look at their resale value.

I have a Stainless Ultra Raptor II it is a marvelous weapon in every respect. Well worth the coin I have into it and more. No complaints. No regrets.

[madmikeb]

I've been carrying an Ultra CDPII for a few years now. Had some issues when I first bought it (used). Sent it back to Kimber and they overhauled it, changed it from an external to an internal extractor and the only thing I paid for was shipping. The gun hasn't missed a beat since, factory JHP's or my 230 RN lead handloads the gun doesn't care! Carries well, and it's an accurate little bugger!
They knew I bought it used but that didn't matter, so I can't say anything bad about the service either.

[novalty]

If I were looking for a 1911 in the Kimber price tag, I'd buy a Dan Wesson. Have read enough customer service posts to try an alternative.

[williamlayton]

Kimber---they are good guns with good ratings.
I don't own one but I have friends who do.
All of my 1911's are good when I get thru with them also.
Blessings

[safearm]

I've owned 3 Kimber's; all full size guns. I don't own any of them now. All three had problems; I kept giving Kimber another chance and they failed each time.
As others have stated, you can get much more gun for much less money.

[JCS&W]

I can only speak from my experience. I own a Kimber Pro Carry II with the Crimson Trace grips. No problems, a real fun gun to shoot. I owned an Ultra CDP and it too was a great gun, never had a problem. Sold it to fund buying a couple of S&W revolvers (Imagine that). I have read all the horror stories, and I have heard from the Kimber fans. Mine were excellent and the fit and finish was great.

[jaykellogg]

The Good.
Kimber sells the most 1911s
They have just about every conceivable combination of features.
They look great
They are used by the US military

The bad
1 Year guarantee
The owners manual states "rust is caused by neglect"
Series 80 system

I own a Kimber Ultra CDP II. I will say I love it, but I had an issue with the frame being out of spec. I chose to have it repaired locally (my choice). The repair was $50. I have not had a single FTF or FTE since the repair. I also own a Kimber Rimfire conversion. I have two Rock Island Armory pistols and I also love them. They are not as pretty, but have great customer service and a lifetime warranty. I have one Colt 1911, made in 1918.
It seems you either love Kimber or you hate them. A lot of folks love them.

[ChattanoogaPhil]

This one shoots better than my Colt. No problems.



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[GKC]

I had three Kimbers....none now. Much too expensive for a gun that is filled with MIM parts, barrel in the white (rusts), and one poor magazine. (They even make a good magazine...the Kim Pro Tac Mag...but that's not what you get in the box.)

No lifetime warranty and poor CS makes them a no-sale for me, ever again.

[perrazi]

most traded 1911 type gun on the gun show circuit. sti is much better at not much more money. les baer puts an accuracy guarantee on his guns,does kimber? my point here is that if you get the odd good kimber then great, if not,try,try again. also you get to deal with their prize winning service dept too. if you buy more than one kimber to take the place of the first one that didn't work, you are in the same money as one of the good guns in the first place. good luck.

[Fishinfool]

Originally Posted by Fishslayer

You need to get on more forums. There's been quite a bit of discussion re Kimber lately. Some of it has even involved their pistols.

Some of the Kimber fanboiz are almost as much fun to poke at as the glockers. They'll usually chime in to an RIA thread touting their pistols with "you get what you pay for."

Only ever shot one once. Good shooter & a handsome weapon for sure.

Just to show I know a good gun when I see it, here is a pic of my KIMBER Custom Target along side my RIA, The RIA probably being the best buy today in a base model 1911. Even thought enough of it to put a set of stags on it......

[Joe in SC]

Good guns, those Kimbers. They raised the bar on production 1911's. I have lots of experience with them and it is all positive. Still own 2 and use them for concealed carry. I sold my Kimber Stlns. Gold Match when I bought a Les Baer Premier II. The new owner of it is still thrilled with it after 3 to 4 years! In talking with him you would think he bought it yesterday.

Kimber catches alot of hell on the internet. Mostly from sour grapes and from weak wristed individuals that no 1911 will cycle for. Just like any manufacturer of 1911's, a few get through and need factory follow up attention. I'd think Kimber is still making and selling more 1911's than any other maker. I'd buy another in a skinny minute.

[rimfired]

Had a Stainless Ultra carry, used, $500. Great gun no problems. Came across a Ultra CDPII and had to fork out
an extra $30 for the upgrade. Damn fine investment and have had no problems with my handloads or factory ammo.
I did gussy it up a bit with some AAAA exhibition grade Ivories.

[accessbob]

Originally Posted by Kanewpadle

IF you can find one the Ruger SR1911 is well built and cost much less than the entry level Kimber.

That's what I'll be looking for as soon as the tax return money is deposited.

[lonejacklarry]

I own two. One is the Tactical Ultra II which is a fine weapon in my opinion. Never a problem w/ it and it is actually too pretty to carry around.

The other, a Stainless Raptor, is newly acquired. The good news is that I bought it right before the "price increases". The bad news is that I only bought one. The got pricey in a hurry!

I'm not a fan of their magazines so I use Wilson Combat mags. I am a fan of Glocks too so it apparent that I have thick skin.

[bettis1]

I've got a Super Carry Pro that is one of the prettiest guns I own and it is extremely accurate. I love the "custom" features (i.e. round butt, scales, rear sight cocking ledge, etc.). Originally had some Failures to Feed and one of the grip bushings came loose. Kimber quickly repaired and returned it so there was no problem with their service. I still had occasional FTFs with various HPs. After adjusting the extractor and replacing the springs with Wolffs it has run fine for a couple of K rounds.

However, I demand 100% reliability and the original FTFs are hard to forget. So if I needed a .45 pistol for a BBQ event I would wear the Kimber. If I really wanted a .45 pistol that I knew would run every time I would wear my Glock M30. (Maybe I just like the technology that is 100 years newer)

Bob

[Ron H.]

Originally Posted by 3482jl

Has anyone here had any experience with Kimber pistols ?? It seems all 3 forums I belong to debate the pros and cons of virtually every well know brand and model of semi-auto, but I seldom see any discussion regarding Kimbers. Just curious is all

Sir, I've owned one Kimber, a full-size stainless target rig. I forget the model name--Stainless Match Target or something like that. It was a series 1 gun. Very accurate, but fussy about magazines. With Wilson mags, it would jam on the second-to-last round every time. These same mags worked fine in other 1911s, including Colts and Les Baers. There was just something wrong with that particular gun.

Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.

[158Grain]

I have owned it now for about 2 years. I have about 2500 rounds thru it...all trouble free. I love the balance and the look of it. I always use Wilson Combat mags and have never had a feed problem. I change the springs every 1k rounds. Was it expensive? Sure was. Are there cheaper? Sure are. But I like it and I have personally never had a problem with their customer service. Two different buddies bought Kimber's after shooting mine and both have been trouble free for them also. Will probably buy an Tactical HD or a Stainless Raptor for my next 1911. Sorry for the horrible cell phone pic.

[msinc]

Originally Posted by sambuh

I almost bought a Kimber solo... Hard to find around here. I still regret not buying it

Hard to find everywhere!!! I have a Solo and absolutely love it. 100% reliable and very extremely accurate. Also own a TLE/RL II stainless 1911. It too is 100% reliable and the most accurate auto handgun I have ever shot. Here is the deal with Kimbers...they are expensive but all the work is done. All you do is take it out of the box and shoot. That's it. It doesn't get any better. There are no bad 1911's oout there but why buy a rack grade gun for $550.00 and then spend another $800 getting it the way you want it to shoot when you can buy a Kimber and not have to do anything but feed it??? You will not be dissappointed with a Kimber handgun.

[Vegetaman]

Quiz for all you Kimber folks... Ever use the Kimber TacPro mags for your 1911s? How are they?

[158Grain]

Originally Posted by Vegetaman

Quiz for all you Kimber folks... Ever use the Kimber TacPro mags for your 1911s? How are they?

I didn't have any problems with mine. I used it for about 350-400 rounds until I got my WC mags in. Still use it occasionally but I still prefer to spend a few dollars more for the WC's

[GKC]

Originally Posted by Vegetaman

Quiz for all you Kimber folks... Ever use the Kimber TacPro mags for your 1911s? How are they?

That's all I used to use until I came across Wilson Combat magazines. I like the ETMs, which are purpose built 8 round magazines, not a 7 round tube converted to hold 8 rounds. Wilson has great CS and stands behind its products.

[Snapping Twig]

I had a 5" CDP II and didn't like it because it was fussy about ammo, had MIM parts, a plastic MSH and the barrel rusted way to easily.

It wouldn't shoot my home loads reliably with a FTRB every 80 rounds or so, and in my world you eat the reloads or live elsewhere.

My Dan Wesson Bobtail shoots them fine, in fact 4k rounds down the pipe so far and not a problem to report.

I believe Kimber's chambers are cut too tight.

[XAVMECH]

I have these two Kimbers for over twelve years and have been pleased with their reliability and workmanship. My S&W 625 and 1911PD are easily as accurate. My 457 and 4513 aren't even close. I am confident with the Ultra Carry as a CCW piece, though I can say the same for both the SIGs and S&Ws that I carry from time to time, as well.

[mrbort]

I had an ultra carry and it was probably the softest shooting and most accurate (by me) shooting .45 that I've ever had. It had a fatal flaw in the Schwartz firing pin block though that, IMO, is an error waiting to happen. When by pressing the grip safety during dissasmbly the little release sticks up and is liable to be sheared off by the slide rendering the gun inoperable, I just thought that it was a poor design that was a screw up waiting to turn my gun into a paperweight. Traded it for a combat commander It was in beautiful condition plus cash so I am happy. That feature though is what turned me off of Kimber.

[mwtdvm]

Mine's a 10mm 1911 frame about 10+ years old. Cycles flawlessly. The only thing I wish is that the BG could be next to me so I could beat him to death with the empty casings. Great Gun!!

[Freeway]

Maybe mine does not really count, but I have a new Kimber Rimfire Target. Two range visits, 600 rounds fired, with no failures. Seems well made, and works beautifully!

The only issue has been with the first two rounds not loading from a ProMag 10 round magazine. With the Kimber magazines, no problems.