Should I get this Kimber ?

I

Indy Steve

New member
Yes I have read the archives on Kimbers and see that many have feed issues. But many have carried Kimbers for years with no troubles. Like any other mass produced anything you'll get some troubles - it's in the numbers. But at this cost I don't want it to cost my life when I need it to function. Even though the troubles seem not to be chronic if a good smith gets a hold of it.

Saying all this, I do not carry a 1911 and do not own one. But I was poking around the mag rack at the local coffee shop/book store and picked up one of the rags that had a Kimber ad on the back. There is a picture of the Pro CDP. I feel an urge that is becoming irresistable. The more is see that ad the more I want that gun. Darned advertisers.

Any recent purchasers of Kimbers have any stories either way? Suggestions? It doesn't matter I will end up with it anyway. I can just feel it.

Do you think my HK USP's will be jealous?
 
Just get it and you won't regret it. I currently have Kimber SS Target and SS Ultra Carry and they both would not lock the slide back after last round was fired but I called Kimber and they sent me new slide stops and they are perfect now. I never had feeding problems with mine. Several friends who have purchased various Kimber pistols are all very happy with their pistol and they did not have any problems except the usual problems during first 100-200 rounds. My Colt, Sig 220, H&K P7M8 and Beretta 92FS are all very jealous these days. Great pistol.
 
All this from an ad in a gun rag?? Go to a gun store and hold one... I made this mistake (thank God) and dutifully handed over my Visa...(I got the Custom Classic) It's a beautiful weapon.. I'm still breaking it in, and only had 1 problem in the first 100 rds: the slide locked open in the middle of a mag... (hardball) No other problems since.. Get it..

-R
 
RUN! RUN!

I did this last month. She just happens to be hanging out on the desk this evening... (grin) She likes having attention... (dry fire lust)

This was the Kimber I wanted in the first place. On the way to purchasing it, I bought an Ultra Carry, a Springfield SS 1911-A1, a Kimber Custom Stainless, and finally the Pro CDP. We won't talk about the Glock 30 that snuck in there too... All 1911's have happened in the past 90 days.

I shoulda just ponied up the $$$ and ordered the Pro CDP in the first place.

Do it. Don't wander around like I have... Just get the one you really want first.

As mentioned, go hold one. Caress the beautifully melted slide. Marvel at the 30 Lpi front strap. Sight on imaginary targets in the dark with the night sites. Practice trigger/safety drills - with either hand! Hold your breath for the crisp short trigger pull (and relax, it will get even better!) Slowly release the trigger and gasp at the increadibly short reset travel...

Go Ahead... *IF YOU DARE* Go to the store naked so you won't leave your clothes as a down payment. Walk so they won't get your car.

Nah - I don't like my Pro CDP. I *lOvE* my Pro CDP.

On top of all that - She's a shooter too! So far 150 rounds and only one FTF - Cartridge in the chamber, just didn't fully seat.

It just don't get any better than this...
 
I think that Kimber makes quality pistols; however, I'd go with Wilson mags and I'd replace all the MIM parts with real steel.
 
Oh yeah...... all that from an ad. Well not really. The picture kinda does it for me. I didn't even realize there were words for a few seconds. I was already out shootin.

I was however concerned about the ambi safety moving to the off position when carried CnL. I read this somewhere in the archives.

My problem with the single stack type 1911's in the past has been that they felt weird in my hand. So I have stayed with the plastic double stackers that just feel more stable. Ah but what is a collector to do?

You guys that have 100, 150, 200 rounds in these guns, do you ever shoot em? I put 300 through most of mine the day I buy them. I want to make darned sure they function so if I carry that gun I will have confidence in it. The only FTF I have had outta my plastics was when I limp wristed a shot from my weak hand shooting from cover. Firm grip on the next and following shots cured the trouble. But a FTF in 100-300 rounds gives me concern. Heck a FTF at all gives me concern.

Pierre & taco & robear, what type of ammo were you using when this FTF happened?

And have you since fixed any possible problems and run some HP through it?

WalterGAII, what's wrong with the MIM stuff? Just not as durable?
 
Traded my kimber for a G21.Best move I ever made.If you want a 1911 buy a Springfield.Accurate,reliable,and pretty.I love my V12.
 
A good friend had a Springfield Compact that had failures to feed. It was a well made piece that probably just need some polishing. He didn't feel comfortable w/ it and traded for a G30. He's happy.

I bought a Kimber Custom Compact Lt.Wt. It is almost just like the Springfield Compact in size, function, and quality, only a little better. It is a really fine piece of work that I will probably keep forever.

Any co. can have a lemon occasionally, but I personally think the Kimber is a little better made pistol overall, and I've owned quite a few. However, as advised by others, go handle a few and dont decide just from a . If you've lived many years yet you know that beauty is truly only skin deep in women, pistols, dogs, and many other things.

Make a wise, thought-out decision.

Dave
 
Indy Steve, I had few (4 or 5) FTF occure with Winchester 230 gr FMJ (those common white box type) during the first 200 or so rounds. I usually shoot about 400 rounds of this ammo to "break-in" my pistols. After the break-in period I usually shoot my reload consisting of 200 gr cast SWC bullet for practice and so far I had only 1 FTF with this reload. I have about 2,500 rounds through my pistol now and I had total of 5 or 6 FTF including the break-in period. Recently I shot about 100 rounds of Federal Personal Defense ammo and 100 rounds of 230 gr Hydra-Shok with 100% reliability. The failure to lock the slide back was not ammo related. When I contacted Kimber they sent me a replacement part within 3 days. This was common problem with all Kimber pistols a while back but they all seem to be okay now. Great pistol :)
 
Yo Indy,

I torture the new 1911's - RELOADS!!! and lots of S&B. The particular FTF was with a reload from the indoor range.

You wanna CARRY a 1911?!?! Why would you want to do that??? (grin) I carry G17/G26 and figure it's pretty bullet proof... (LOL)

Seriously, I see the need for ME to aquire more skill in operation before I could pack a 1911. I am sure the pistol is up to it, but I think I would choke due to toooo many years with "safety-less" Glocks. And with a G30 in the house, the 1911's may just be a hobby/phase I am growing through... (grin)

If you just can't shake the Kimber Pro CDP dreams/lust, then jump on it. Should hold the resale value well. You own it a couple of years and sell it for $100 less than you paid for it with low miles, you just rented a pistol for way less than the range charges... And who knows? It may be love at first sight...

Good Luck...
 
Buy it! You won't be sorry. I love mine.

Halffast

------------------
"I say that big talk is worth doodly-squat." Granny Hawkins from the Outlaw Josey Wales
 
You guys are right I will have to get my paws on the beast first.

I currently carry a X & X 640 .357 when very hot out or swap between a HK USP 9mmc or .45f. So the manual of arms of a SA 1911 would not be too much to pick up and be proficient with I think. But still that ambi saftey worries me. Guess I can always fix that.

But the double stack HK's just feel so right in my hand. I think I once handled a single stack of some sort and it really was weird. I wondered if I could control something that powerful in such a thin handle. It sounds like the FtF is nominal. So that leaves me to hunt the shows and shops to get one in hand.

I can just feel that Kimber coming home with me if I handle it. Even if doesn't end up riding sidekick, it will be another handsome addition.

Thanks to all.
 
I say pull out your current pistols and handle them. Maybe even put a couple hundred through them. Consider the practical apsects of the 1911 purchase. I have *ALMOST* been severely bitten by the 1911 bug several times in the past few months but handling my Glocks for a day or two and really thinking about it has kept me from buying a 1911... so far.

I'd like to have a semi-custom, ultra accurate 1911 with a deep blued finish and a set of rich wooden stocks just to play with but I just can't see myself carrying it. I know it would only be a range piece. Sounds like you have made pretty much the same realization.

Until I have all the carry guns that I want and would actually use, I plan to refrain from buying a 1911. I am trying to focus on the practical aspects here instead of the sex appeal of the 1911.

If you have all the practical guns you desire and also have the money to blow on a toy, by all means get a 1911. However, if you'd really like to get your hands on a few more practical pieces while you can still do it legally and you don't have disposable income I'd suggest moving the Kimber down on your list of priorities.

If the gun control laws get worse and eventually keep me from buying a gun later on I'd rather it was the 1911 range gun than the Glock G21 or G30 carry guns that I want so badly.

Just my .02...FWIW. :)

------------------
The Glock freak formerly known as Chris...
 
I have two Kimbers; a stainless Gold Match and a Blue Royal Carry. The Royal Carry is and officers' size piece, and I love it. I plan on adding a commander size Kimber to my arsenal. It will be the two tone version. I handled one today at the range, and gotta get one! Ron
 
Oh, well, I was seduced today by a Custom Royale that I have been admiring for the better part of a month. I had part of last quarter's bonus check left, was going to get a mountain bike to work some lbs off my fat self, but the gun conter was between me and the bike section and, dang, that's a pretty gun. I already have two Kimbers (compact and Ultra carry. both have been flawless), wanted a full size, so there I was. Another hungry breech to feed! I guess I'm just happy to have 'problems' like this to b*tch about. Go for it!
M2
 
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Mike in VA:
I had part of last quarter's bonus check left, was going to get a mountain bike to work some lbs off my fat self, but the gun conter was between me and the bike section and, dang, that's a pretty gunM2[/quote]

I'll bet you made a good decision Mike. I like both bikes and Kimbers and have a fine one of each. My guess is any bike you could buy in the same store as a gun, probably isn't worth much anyway unless you have some megaplex sporting goods store I don't know about. Visit your local bike shop.

Kimbers & Treks forever,
RJ



------------------
"Never turn your back on the crew."
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top