S&W needs a Kimber Solo answer

[mbliss57]

I bought a Kimber Solo last month although I am mostly a S&W guy. Particularly 1st-3rd gens. I have 2 model 39's, a Model 59, a 459, a 3913NL, a 5906, a 1086, a 4506...so I do like Smiths alot!!
However this Kimber Solo is one awesome CCW gun. I absolutely love it. The small pocket size, 9mm power and smooth / dehorned frame make it IMO the ultimate pocket, IWB or ankle carry gun. It is very accurate at combat distances of 7-15 yards. I haven't tried it further and it was not designed for that. I have plenty of weapons for beyond that distance. I had been looking for a 9mm in this size for awhile. Sig makes one about the same size... I really wish S&W would step up and produce a platform like this. The Shield is much larger.. my 3913NL is basically the same size. But this little guy is really nice. Also all those negative reviews about this Solo... I have put 400+ rounds through it now, Not one FFL or FFT, no magazine issues... nothing but accurate and smooth shooting. Kimber says it works best with high quality ammo 124 -147 gr JHP's (I think they got $ from the ammo manufactures that they recommend) I have fired both 124 and 147 grain ammo they recommend... probably 50 round each.. the rest has been target ammo at 115gr with out any issues at all. Anyone else own one? Any comments?

 

[GKC]

I am not a fan of Kimber products, based on having owned three of their 1911s (and never again.) Even so, I had actually reserved a Solo, but when it came in, and after handling it and seeing the price, I passed. I am glad yours works well for you...many others have had quite a different experience.

I am completely happy with my Shield...and with S&W's lifetime warranty and excellent customer service. If you are happy with your Solo, then it's a good gun for you...thankfully we have choices.

 

[sticknstring]

I agree with GKC, only I actually owned one. I had about 500 rounds thru mine and found the recoil lugs on the top of the barrel and the underneath side of the slide were destroying each other, I was getting slivers of metal each time I cleaned it! Kimber refused to do anything about it, they said it was normal wear! Really? Their attitude seemed to be that this $800 pistol was desposable! No more Kimbers for me. Good luck with yours.

 

[sticknstring]

I should add that this pistol shot well. I could hit with it even at 25 yards and the trigger was very nice. It was the easiest to carry 9mm subcompact I've ever carried. There were some types of ammo it didn't like. I had really high hopes for it but I wanted a carry pistol that I could put at least a 100 rounds a month thru and this one would not hold up to that much use.

 

[Kanewpadle]

As usual with gun makers these days, Kimber rushed the Solo to market without working out the bugs and unable to keep up with demand.

The Kahr CM9 is a better option for less than half the price.

Maybe there will be a Shield sub compact someday.

 

[Nakanokalronin]

I owned one and I had to send it back twice the first year for the slide not locking back even though it was reassembled the correct way. No other problems but even after the second trip, it was still not locking back. Figured after the year warranty was up, I would be paying for it to go back for other issues as well.

The recoil assembly is also around $40 which supposedly only lasts 1,000rds or less. It can only function well with 124gr and up premium bullets and although mind did feed 115gr. most of the time, I was tired of hording "Solo only" ammo.

It's a good size gun and excellent for carry. The trigger is very smooth and easy and the sights are easy to acquire. The front and rear strap checkering on the CDP model should be on ALL Solos since there is very little grip to begin with. Recoil is very manageable but the lack of any grip texture makes me have to readjust my grip between shots and on a defensive pistol, this is a huge no-no in my book. A smooth grip may be okay with a .380 but not a 9mm that MUST shoot 124gr,147gr or +P ammo to function.

S&W is obviously smart in not trying to go down to the bare minimum 9mm size pocket gun. IMO, the P238,BG380,LCP,etc size guns belong in .380 and guns like the Shield,G26,LC9, etc is the minimum for 9mm,40 or 45acp.

I liked the Solo and held onto it for it's size and the fact that the recoil wasn't so bad. Knowing the limited warranty, having to send it back twice for an issue that was still not fixed and knowing how expensive replacing a recoil assy. would be that lasts less than half the repetitions of other guns' recoil springs led to it's release from my custody.

Now I'm not a Kimber hater at all. I've had 3 of their 1911s (2 Ultra Carry IIs and a 5" Eclipse).that have never had a problem with any ammo or mags.

To the OP, I have some very nice SGM wood checkered grips for it if your interested.

 

[mbliss57]

I am not a Kimber fan.. 1st one I have owned. I just like the platform. I bought it used. And until I start having issues with it I will keep it. I had it out again yesterday and shot 1 mag of 147 Gr Federal JHP. The rest of the time was only the 115 gr that I can actually afford. So far your experiences aren't great. I am not selling mine unless the wheels start to come off. But if they do there will be no extravagant salvage attempt...just a one time repair and off to a different platform... But until or if....this thing is awesome! I love it.

 

[Nakanokalronin]

Thought I would share my comparison pictures with my P238 on top of the Solo. It is small, but almost too much. BTW, those are the grips.

My attempt at a finger extension before Kimber finally got around to making one.

 

[wingnuut]

I had nothing but trouble with my kimber they insisted i was holding the gun too loose, i had a friend that wanted it i swaped with him for a 2nd gen single action army colt 45.i am waiting for my new ssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssshield40.

 

[mbliss57]

To the OP, I have some very nice SGM wood checkered grips for it if your interested.

Nakanokalronin... PM with with a price. I see them on the SGM sight. They look like the Red Coco Bolo with full checkering.. #09 ?
Mike

 

[presspics]

So S&W needs a small, expensive and problematic gun??? Hmmmm...not sure I would buy one if they came out with one...

 

[mbliss57]

No they need a pocket 9mm that looks / shoots as well as the Solo with Smiths awesome warranty and reliability...they aren't providing me with what I want in a 9mm pocket carry so I have to go elsewhere... The end

 

[remat457]

No they need a pocket 9mm that looks / shoots as well as the Solo with Smiths awesome warranty and reliability...they aren't providing me with what I want in a 9mm pocket carry so I have to go elsewhere... The end

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder as I don't particularly find it aesthetically pleasing.

However, looks bear little importance to me. I have yet to see one of these in real life. Can you post a pic of it disassembled?

 

[Laddy Smith]

Keep coming back to

Every time I want to get something like the Solo I keep coming back to this.

It just works for me better than anything else...

 

[mbliss57]

I like the 3913... and have the 3913NL. Great carry platform. But.. it's not a pocket rocket. They serve different purposes. (Well actually the same purpose.. self defense) What I mean as different function...I can't pocket carry my 3913 I can a Solo.
BTW I do find it very nice looking. But like Remat.. said Beauty is in the eye...
I will post it disassembled when I get a chance. You Tube has plenty of disassembly videos.

 

[coiler666]

I like Kimbers 1911s, very good quality. That said, i dont like the Solo..my Sig P238 is better(to me) in every way. I do LOVE the mod.39, and would dig a 39Compact 9mm...i can wish Mike