Kimber Curiosity

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tacreload

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I know this isn't Smith&Wesson related but there are a lot of knowledgeable people here that I respect.I bought this gun in April of 2000.I haven't seen but maybe two like it since.It has a four inch barrel is all steel ,weight is 34oz.Most of the Kimbers I see now are of the ultra short and compact 3" variety and all of the special editions.I haven't even seen one of these on auction sites.I have roughly three thousand rounds through this gun and not one malfunction but I have read of some serious issues concerning Kimber pistols of late.I know I could go to a Kimber forum but this is the only gun forum I belong to and I trust the people here and feel comfortable here.Anybody else got one of these?Anybody else know someone who has one of these?Thanks for any comments.
 
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I can't say that I have seen the steel version. it seems like I only see the full size steel version. I have the sst version with close to 6,000 rounds through it and no problems what so ever. I have had it for 10 years or so. I have the same wood (or close to the same) grips. it is a keeper.
 
Kimbers before they made their switch to the external extractor were quite good pistols. When they went to the internal extractor with the firing pin safety stuff has been kind of iffy sometimes. I don't have a problem with the external extractor but Kimber just didn't do their homework on their parts. I have a S & W 1911 with the external extractor and it works just fine.
 
I have full size Kimber, I've had no malfunctions. My only complaint was the trigger wasn't quite as crisp as I like, a trigger job fixed that. I would prefer not to have the firing pin safety, but it hasn't caused any problems either.

Kimber is the biggest 1911 manufacturer in the US by far. Occasionally a dud slips through, just like any other company. Problems get posted far more often than successes.

Because Kimber is the biggest, they are a constant target by those who for whatever reason take delight in seeing others fail. They take up the "Kimber is junk" banner and spread it all over the internet.

Like sipowicz said - if yours works fine, don't worry about what anyone else says.
 
tacreload,

I've drooled over Kimbers for years now. I've handled them and I just think they look classy. For now though, I'm quite happy with the 1911's that I am fortunate enough to own....a Colt and a Springfield. If I was going to have a Kimber, I think I'd be quite thrilled to have one just like yours...it has all the bells and whistles I like! Great looking gun ya got there! :)

And made in New York to boot!!!! :D
 
I'm pretty sure most of the problems have been with the sub 4" inch guns...but malfunctions in 3 inchers is supposedly pretty common with any manufacturer...
 
I've got the same "Custom Compact" as you, only different grips and my frame is done up in Birdsong desert tan and the slide and controls are done up in Black-T. I also have the same size Kimber with the aluminum frame. Kimber calls it the "Compact Aluminum". I've had the Compact Custom for about ten years and the Compact Aluminum for about six years. The Compact Custom has had about 5000 rounds and the Compact Aluminum has had about 4000 rounds run through them. Never had a problem with either gun. The Compact Alumunim, weighing a mere 27 ounces, gets carried a lot more than the Compact Custom.

Class III
 
I have three currently. My daily carry is the ultra carry. No problems here.
 
I bought a Kimber Tactical Ultra II a couple of years ago. It was intended to be a carry weapon but it was too darned pretty for holster wear and other assorted nicks and dings. My dad used to say things like this had more flash than a 6' redhead w/ a gold front tooth.

The Kimber has been shot about 2,000 times and never has had a problem--not even one. And it is still pretty!

New carry gun? Glock 21. I know, I know.........plastic gun, dishwasher safe, etc. And, no it's not pretty, either, but it has gone "bang" every time.
 
Appreciate all the input from you guys.I know how people have a tendency to dwell on negatives and realize you can get a problem child with almost anything these days.I guess I was just a little naive when I saw some issues with this line of pistols,when the one I have owned for so long has been flawless.Thanks again.
 
When I first got my Kimber SS 10mm I didn't like the idea of an 18# recoil spring, so I stuck a Wolff 24# in it. I hadn't fired it until after my modification. Anyway the first trip to the range with some stout Doubletap loads it stovepiped a few times on the last round in the magazine. I stuck in a Colt mag that I had with a heavier wolff spring and problem solved.

It just occured to me I did fire it before my modifications and it gave no probs, but that was just a few mag fulls. Been a few years. But I don't feel right about less than say, a 22# in a 10mm. Also the 10mm has a ramped barrel, should help I would think.
 
First edition CDP Custome has been flawless these past 10 years.

Regards,

Tam 3
 
I have an older 1911 Custom Target with the original style extractor. Flawless for many years. I know Kimber bashing is getting to be as popular as Glock bashing, I don't really care.

I honestly can say that if the feces hit the air circulation device, I'd pick up one of my Glocks without a second thought.
 
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