WVSig while I can agree on the value aspect, you gotta shop around =P
I never paid over $1000 for any if the Kimbers a I owned (except the rifles ) because I bought used.
Not a fan of MIM, I get it, but it automatically doesn't make a gun bad, bad mom is bad yes, good mim can be as good as forged. Value however like you stated is a whole other issue, and I get that.
My issue is people bash them and say they don't stand behind their product (for which their gun is clearly OUT of the warranty by over 9 years) and blame them.
People NEVER read fine print on warranties. Even companies with "life time warranties" often charge customers for things that are not covered. SW charged one of my customers $60 to inspect and clean a revolver that the customer stated was out of time. I watched Ruger charge a customer to replace a barrel because they customer never bothered to clean it, and blamed Ruger for accuracy issues.
I watches I can't remember how many customers return Kimber Rifles claiming they wouldn't group, only to have the rifles returned with a test target and the customers were charged for the test fire ammo, turns out a lot of people don't know HOW to shoot 4-5lbs high caliber rifles.
I have a 4lbs Mountain Ascent, even with the break on it in mild .308, after a few 180gr hunting loads.... It hurts.