Some Kimber Questions--TIME SENSITIVE

J

Joel Harmon

New member
I searched the archives and couldn't find the answer to some of the following questions. There's a guy that I am going to need to contact before this Saturday if I want his NIB Kimber. It's never been fired and he said it was the standard, regular length, 1911 style pistol. He got it in a trade and is getting rid of it because he has a gold cup model or whatever.

I would assume that the above information means it is a blued, 5.5" long barreled, non-adjustable sighted, standard 7-round capacity Kimber.

Please answer as many of my questions as you can and help me out here. He has another guy bothering him for it but this guy just hasn't come to pick it up yet. I would like to get it before this guy does but I thought I would check with you guys first.

1. He wants $575 for it (never been fired). What's the cheapest price you've seen on a new standard Kimber?

2. I've heard of jamming problems with most mags in this gun. Can you buy old USGI mags or generic and use them in the gun? You know...The kind that sell for like $6/each used. They should work (I would think) since this is just a high quality 1911. If not how much are mags that DO work in this pistol?

3. Is the barrel chrome lined? This is desireable for me as it adds more life to the barrel and I shoot a lot of rifle and pistol.

4. When parts eventually do get worn out (barrel, slide, etc.), do I have to buy overpriced Kimber parts or can I just use any parts that are out there for the 1911 model pistols? Mostly it is USGI stuff that I've seen in Shotgun News that is plentiful and best of all...cheap. I ask this because I want something that if Kimber were to ever go away or decide to raise their prices 500% I won't be screwed and I can buy parts from other suppliers that will be adequate. In other words, I don't want to be at any one shop's mercy.

Thanks in advance,

Joel
 
Joel

I will try to answer your qustions.

1- 575 for the Custom Classic is a good price as gunshops are currently charging over 600.

2- You can use old military magazines if you want. The best magazines on the market are Wilson Combat 47's and they run about $26.00 each.

3- The barrels are not chromed.

4- If you suffer any parts breakage you can get parts from Wilson, Chip McCormick, Brown, and many others. Please keep in mind that the Kimber is closely fitted and you would not want to use junk parts in it.

Hope this helps

Long live the 1911
Molon Labe
 
1. That's a good price. Of course I would always offer less if that's possible.

2. For the most part Kimbers work with the mags they come with. I have used quite a few different types with mine without problems. Before I'd buy a bunch of new ones, I'd test the ones it came with to see if they function well. Odds are they will. Once you do that, then you can buy a bunch of other mags. :D

3. I don't believe any of Kimbers barrels are chrome lined.

4. Any standard 1911 parts should work fine. ditto what duke said.

Shake
 
I think the answers above are all correct. I'll just add that $730 is retail for the standard Classic Custom. Lately gunshops around here have been charging close to full price. They are popular.
 
You're getting good info here. Having just bought a Kimber the other day, I can tell you that $575 is a good deal for a blued Kimber Classic, and would be freakin' incredible for a stainless one.

I've had zero problems with the two Kimber mags (1 seven round, 1 eight round) that I got with the pistol. They feed hardball, lead round nose, and Gold Dot HP's equally well. I've also had good results with my Chip McCormick mags, Colt mags, GI mags, and MecGar mags.

As all have mentioned, the barrels are not chromed, but they're well-polished.

I've already traded out the original full-length recoil spring guide rod for an old Colt shorty guide rod, and the factory flat mainspring housing for an old GI arched mainspring housing, and both fit beautifuly. I've also used my Ceiner .22 conversion on my Kimber frame and had no problems with it. The dimensions are largely original.

I'm fond of mine, but that's subjective, isn't it? ;)
 
Good Price!

$575 for a NIB Kimber is a darn good price and I think you will find it's a good value as well.

I've used no magazines except the Kimber and Wilson's in my two and have never had a problem. The only feeding problem I have had is with H&G #68 semi-wadcutters. Switched to RN bullets and the problem went away completely.

Parts should never be a problem but I agree you won't get away with junk or worn parts. This is probably a non-issue. Buy the Kimber! If you decide you want to swap it for a Compact model give me a shout. I have two and would like a standard length.
 
The price is right, that's for sure.

Mine was $625. I have used the Shooting Star mag and the Kimber mag that it came with and not had any problems.

I've since replaced them both with Wilson Combat 8 rounders. Best mags out there for the 1911.

I' don't think the barrel is chrome lined, but mine is stainless steel.
 
I just want to thank all you guys for answering my question. If anyone else has more info. then keep it coming. I will be monitoring this thread closely until Saturday. It is then that I will have the option of buying this guys Kimber.

From what I have read here I think I will go withdraw the cash and do this. You guys have made it pretty clear that I won't be sorry. It is a private transfer so no jack booted, yellow form, registration paperwork (another bonus...in addition to the somewhat low price and no sales tax).

Wish me luck...Maybe I can "Jew" this guy down to $550. If not, oh well.

Thanks again,

Joel
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top