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Sidearms & Scatterguns kimber 1911 questions

Re: kimber 1911 questions

I have a Kimber Warrior II and it has been perfect in every way. About 3 years old and about 4K round and it has never jammed on me. Had a girlfriend get it to jam twice, but it never has with me shooting it. Not sure if mine falls into the new category though if the newer ones have a plastic mainspring housing because mine is a checkered steel piece? Ive used all sorts of mags in mine and they have all worked as well. Overall I am very pleased with my Kimber.
Travis
 
Re: kimber 1911 questions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: robertsma</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I went shooting with some guys I work with this weekend and had the pleasure of shooting a custom covert II. I have no interest in a desert digital pistol but am looking for feedback on which model will fulfill my needs while not breaking my bank account. I have 900 to spend on a pistol and am looking at an eclipse custom II or a custom target II. I will be using it for 90% range use and shoot almost everyweekend. Thanks for the input </div></div>


Search gunbroker for used series I kimbers first. New kimbers, check bbl for rust, but for 900 NEW.....
try Dan Wesson FIRST, maybe Springfield. S&W uses external extractor, I'd stay away. Sig uses external as well, but not so many problems. Look at Ruger if you can find one, haven't heard anything bad yet.

Fwiw, broke in my buddies new kimber eclipse pro ii, after 500 rds, still ftfeed every mag at least once, so Now it has to go back.....after shooting $200 with of ammo. Quality CONTROL is kimbers problem, demand is way too high, and how do you expand operations effectively in a union only state?

My ffl's kimber pro tle no rail has been 100% since day 1, so was his pro carry ii. It's a crap shoot. All 3 of my used kimber series I's have been great, but the compact custom I bought for 625 used mint cond. is the one that stayed. For the money new, Dan Wesson all the way!!



Whatever you buy, use good mags!
Tripp research
Kim.pro.tac
CMC, chip mccormick
Nighthawk/ACT
Some say Wilson combat, but I do NOT like the plastic follower.
Or mec-gar

Never use promag.....even at the range.

And keep the rails lubed!

Change recoil springs religiously, 1500 rds for 5" bbl, 800 rds for 4" bbl!
 
Re: kimber 1911 questions

I picked up 3 wilson combat 47d magazines as well as their upgraded spring kit.

What exactly does the main spring housing do? This is my first 1911 style pistol and know very little about how it actually functions. I found several replacements for it at a decent price, $46 for a machined one.
 
Re: kimber 1911 questions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: robertsma</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
What exactly does the main spring housing do? This is my first 1911 style pistol and know very little about how it actually functions. I found several replacements for it at a decent price, $46 for a machined one.</div></div>

Mainspring powers the hammer. Save your $46
 
Re: kimber 1911 questions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Downzero</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Avoid newer Kimbers. There are guns in your price range and below from STI or Springfield Armory that have the features you want, but better quality. </div></div>

I have a Kimber Covert and it has been flawless for >3000 rounds. Super accurate too. It makes my Glock 10mm feel like a tire iron.
 
Re: kimber 1911 questions

If you can swing a little extra cash, the Dan Wesson Heritage in 45ACP is a bargain for what you are getting. No MIM parts, and a warranty backed by CZ-USA. I own several DW 1911's and they fit that niche between Kimbers/Springer and a full custom like Ed Brown or Wilson. I own one Kimber and its been good, but I have several other 1911's that I grab out of the safe before that one.

Bill
 
Re: kimber 1911 questions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: lestersurv</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: robertsma</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
What exactly does the main spring housing do? This is my first 1911 style pistol and know very little about how it actually functions. I found several replacements for it at a decent price, $46 for a machined one.</div></div>

Mainspring powers the hammer. Save your $46 </div></div>

+1. There is nothing it "needs" out of the box and I always recommend having a reason for every upgrade you do. I'd suggest spending that money or the the Kuhnhausen book if you want to learn about your gun or ammo so you can go shoot the crap out of it.
 
Re: kimber 1911 questions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Dirty Rod</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: lestersurv</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
robertsma said:
Mainspring powers the hammer. Save your $46 </div></div>

+1. There is nothing it "needs" out of the box and I always recommend having a reason for every upgrade you do. I'd suggest spending that money or the the Kuhnhausen book if you want to learn about your gun or ammo so you can go shoot the crap out of it. </div></div>


+1^^^!! The Kuhnhausen book is like the Encyclopedia Britannica of the 1911. Worth every penny! It's a lot trickier than simply "swapping out a part". With the 1911, you have to understand what replacing THAT part will do to OTHER parts, and what you may need to check/do to the other parts.

It is VERY easy to do a "home trigger job", go to the range, and put 1 hole on paper and 6 holes in the cieling because your semi-auto just turned into a machinegun.
 
Re: kimber 1911 questions

Update: I picked up the pistol saturday after my 10 day california waiting period but to wait until yesterday to register it with PMO. All registered at my house now. Tracking number says that my ammo will be here today. Looks like sunday i'll be getting in some range time. Almost didn't think i'd get to shoot before this deployment, would have broken my heart.
 
Re: kimber 1911 questions

Finally got to the range today. Shot 500 rounds today to see how well it would perform. 250 remington UMC target and 250 winchester white box. No, absolutely zero, misfires, FTF, or FTE. Accuracy out of the box was great, not that we are the best shooters but it performed great. Kimber mag fed fine and so did the 3 wilson combats. Very satisfied overall, thanks for reading!
 
Re: kimber 1911 questions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: robertsma</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Finally got to the range today. Shot 500 rounds today to see how well it would perform. 250 remington UMC target and 250 winchester white box. No, absolutely zero, misfires, FTF, or FTE. Accuracy out of the box was great, not that we are the best shooters but it performed great. Kimber mag fed fine and so did the 3 wilson combats. Very satisfied overall, thanks for reading! </div></div>

I've owned a Custom TLE RL II for about 5 or 6 years now and have never had an issue with it. Never an FTF or FTE. I use factory mags and shoot primarily Federal or Winchester white box at the range. It's a great weapon. Enjoy
 
Re: kimber 1911 questions

Considering the price range of kimbers, it's pretty ridiculous they have QC issues and bad customer service. I wont touch a product that i have to second guess before i've even bought it, as one shouldn't have to when spending that much money. I realize 1911s can get up to 4 grand, doesn't mean one should suspect a 1500$ weapon to be unreliable though. If i'm looking to spend 1500$ on a 1911 i would go with Dan Wesson. Around 1000-1200$ Colt/springfield. Though DW makes a 1100$ model the "heritage" i just think it's ugly compared to the valor and the flagship models.
 
Re: kimber 1911 questions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: robertsma</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Finally got to the range today. Shot 500 rounds today to see how well it would perform. 250 remington UMC target and 250 winchester white box. No, absolutely zero, misfires, FTF, or FTE. </div></div>


That's awesome! Did you ever get any slow 1st rd. feeds?

Thanks, and enjoy! Looks like she'll serve you well.
 
Re: kimber 1911 questions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Blackops_2</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Considering the price range of kimbers, it's pretty ridiculous they have QC issues and bad customer service..</div></div>

I bought a 3" compact ultra carry model about ten years back. It forced me to learn how to do 1911 trigger jobs (that and I got a deal on a half dozen 1911s from a dead WW2 vet's estate).

Out of the box the Kimber was pure sexy inside the waistband firepower but the trigger was gritty, broke like a piece of five day old matzoh, and a few laps with a set of Norton stones in a sear jig made it break like the proverbial piece of glass. It's my favorite carry piece when I travel.

That was an important lesson for me. Haven't bought another Kimber, but I do own several SIGs and can't complain a bit about them.
 
Re: kimber 1911 questions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> I wont touch a product that i have to second guess before i've even bought it, as one shouldn't have to when spending that much money. I realize 1911s can get up to 4 grand, doesn't mean one should suspect a 1500$ weapon to be unreliable though.

</div></div>

I would second guess any info passed along that is not personal experience. These Kimber bashing threads crack me up, lots of "I read this" and "I herd that", "avoid these".

Its funny the OP bought his Kimber and is very happy with its performance so far. By some of the posts here you would think its amazing it has not blown up yet.

I have owned four different brands of 1911s and my Kimber is definitely my favorite. Even though I read, that someone herd, that they may have had issues with their old Kimber. I also see many posters in this thread who have experience with Kimber who are happy with them.

Every company has QC issues from time to time, more production means more chance of issues. I would like to know how many 1911s every one of the big companies puts out in a given year as well as how many come back fro service or QC issues. I am betting the % would surprise some folks.
 
Re: kimber 1911 questions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: robertsma</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Finally got to the range today. Shot 500 rounds today to see how well it would perform. 250 remington UMC target and 250 winchester white box. No, absolutely zero, misfires, FTF, or FTE. Accuracy out of the box was great, not that we are the best shooters but it performed great. Kimber mag fed fine and so did the 3 wilson combats. Very satisfied overall, thanks for reading! </div></div>

I'm glad you got what you wanted and are happy with it. I have 2 Pro TLE II/LGs. One I bought and one my dad bought after he shot mine. I got his when he passed. No problems out of either one. Mostly Winchester white box and UMC, but I also shoot a few boxes of whatever defensive load I plan on carrying. Currently 185 Gold dot. No problems at all.
 
Re: kimber 1911 questions

I have an Ultra Carry II and love it. It's by far my most reliable pistol and is my daily CC pistol. but I've never owned another 1911, so, I'm slightly biased
 
Re: kimber 1911 questions

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Drifter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

I would second guess any info passed along that is not personal experience. These Kimber bashing threads crack me up, lots of "I read this" and "I herd that", "avoid these".

Its funny the OP bought his Kimber and is very happy with its performance so far. By some of the posts here you would think its amazing it has not blown up yet.

I have owned four different brands of 1911s and my Kimber is definitely my favorite. Even though I read, that someone herd, that they may have had issues with their old Kimber. I also see many posters in this thread who have experience with Kimber who are happy with them.

Every company has QC issues from time to time, more production means more chance of issues. I would like to know how many 1911s every one of the big companies puts out in a given year as well as how many come back fro service or QC issues. I am betting the % would surprise some folks.
</div></div>

Kimber does indeed produce a ton of 1911s, and more than likely most of their 1911s are fine, but then there are other things as well. What about customer service? Again 1500$ for a pretty 1911 with MIM and a plastic mainspring housing, and plenty of spotty reviews? Why take a chance? Though i'll acknowledge the fact that more people are going to complain about a product than they're going praise one. DW is in a an entire different league that kimber IMO and in the same price range. I know they've had more success with their handguns than their rifles but the same thing has happened with their rifles as well. There are enough bad reviews coupled with complaints of customer service that i wouldn't get one unless it was around 600$ JMHO.

FWIW companies most of the time develop a bad reputation for a reason. I've yet to read anything bad about DW, Colt, or springfield. Even the springfields that have issues, doesn't matter because the customer service is outstanding.

Oh i have two friends that have kimbers, that haven't had that great of experiences either. One the desert warrior and the other pro covert II
 
Re: kimber 1911 questions

The plastic mainspring housings are an issue in my mind. i have owned several different Kimber models over the years and really loved them all. Years ago they were considered to be the best of the best, but now there are better options out there for less money. I now choose Sig 1911's and I am amazed at what you get in these guns for the price. Below is a picture of the plastic mainspring housing from the last Kimber that i owned. It took a short drop to the floor from about waist high. It really makes me nervous to think that my handgun could break so easily if I were ever in a situation where I needed it.

photobucket-37389-1335548045548.jpg