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Kimber Custom Eclipse II
- Thread starter SK Custom
- Start date
Commander Fan
New member
I have the Pro Eclipse version, and it shoots better than I could have ever wanted, but...
Kimber uses the term 'Custom Shop' differently than the rest of the 1911 world. They believe a gun's finish qualifies for the 'Custom Shop' engraving.
Most custom shop 1911s are twice+ the price of an Eclipse(my Pro was $899). These Kimbers may be able to shoot as good, but there is no accuracy guarentee from the factory. Even semi-custom makers like Les Baer and Wilson offer guarenteed accuracy.
Also, real custom shop guns use 'gunsmith-fit' parts, such as barrels, and fit them with precision. Kimber uses drop-in parts that are 'adjusted' by their best 'assemblers'.
When the Eclipses came out, my dealer was told by Kimber that it was a limited run of 'Custom Shop' guns. I later found out they weren't stopping at any certain production #s, and only the black oxide finish and laminated grips were 'custom' to the gun. The furnature is just standard Kimber assembly line parts with a black finish.
Most of the people that look at my Kimber are really impressed. The 'Custom Shop' marking is always commented on, and I don't say anything but, "yep, a thousand bucks". But now I know what a real custom is suppose to look like, and I'm getting one of them next.
There are some other very good forums at www.pistolsmith.com & www.1911forum.com. You will find out a lot more about your Eclipse over there.
Kimber uses the term 'Custom Shop' differently than the rest of the 1911 world. They believe a gun's finish qualifies for the 'Custom Shop' engraving.
Most custom shop 1911s are twice+ the price of an Eclipse(my Pro was $899). These Kimbers may be able to shoot as good, but there is no accuracy guarentee from the factory. Even semi-custom makers like Les Baer and Wilson offer guarenteed accuracy.
Also, real custom shop guns use 'gunsmith-fit' parts, such as barrels, and fit them with precision. Kimber uses drop-in parts that are 'adjusted' by their best 'assemblers'.
When the Eclipses came out, my dealer was told by Kimber that it was a limited run of 'Custom Shop' guns. I later found out they weren't stopping at any certain production #s, and only the black oxide finish and laminated grips were 'custom' to the gun. The furnature is just standard Kimber assembly line parts with a black finish.
Most of the people that look at my Kimber are really impressed. The 'Custom Shop' marking is always commented on, and I don't say anything but, "yep, a thousand bucks". But now I know what a real custom is suppose to look like, and I'm getting one of them next.
There are some other very good forums at www.pistolsmith.com & www.1911forum.com. You will find out a lot more about your Eclipse over there.
Commander, I also own the 'Custom' Eclipse, and you raise a good question.
I was under the impression that Kimber was using MATCH grade parts, not just line parts that were hand fitted. Is that not true? Is there no difference between the grade of parts that are used in the Custom Eclipse and the parts that are used for their 'regular' lineup?
I was under the impression that Kimber was using MATCH grade parts, not just line parts that were hand fitted. Is that not true? Is there no difference between the grade of parts that are used in the Custom Eclipse and the parts that are used for their 'regular' lineup?