Kimber... worth it?

[jcouto20]

This may have been discussed here already, but I'm gonna ask for some opinions anyway. I've always wanted a Kimber. Why? Not sure. Infatuated since well before I was old enough to buy one. Anyway, as I get ready to launch into the world of 1911's (finally) my gut leads me towards that youthful fantasy. But it seems like everyone I know keeps telling me they are overpriced and simply not worth it. "No better than a Rock Island or Springfield" is a common response. What do you all think? I want to hear from both sides. Any negative experiences out there with Kimbers, and not just based on the price tag?

[Ziggy91]

[keenkeen]

A Kimber Custom II is far from a "high priced" 1911...if you buy one and hate it for whatever reason what are you out?


$150 bucks? At the most?

Heck, buy a used one PPT and you won't be likely to lose a dime...

[davidb]

A kimber won't shoot any better than a Springfield or ria, but if you like em get one and enjoy it.

I'm not a kimber fan but will probably get the 9mm because the Springfield's are so hard to come by, and everything else is off roster.

[mrvash]

OP, first, you're going to get A LOT of people here who are going to hate and bash on Kimber and their products; they're mainly from the Springfield camp.

Second, I was exactly in your situation before I made a purchase for my first 1911, a Kimber Custom II.

Before I bought my Kimber I have sent hundreds of rounds through a Springfield Loaded, a Rock Island Armory Tactical and some other overseas produced 1911 variant. I think it was manufactured from a company named Firestorm? Anyways, I eventually settled on a Kimber. I just found that they are very well made, I'm very accurate with it, excellent trigger, nice features, tight with no rattle and the "stainless steel" components look to be much better than those on that Springfield Loaded I borrowed. The steel looked more polished. Albeit, many here claim that the steel on Kimber 1911's are prone to rust, but I haven't experienced any, but I would that it into consideration.

I'm a fan of all 1911's and the manufactures who continue to pump them out: Springfields, Ed Brown, RIA, Les Baer, Wilson Combat, etc. With that being said, I would absolutely get another Kimber, or two, without a second thought.
So yes, Kimbers are definitely worth it.

[Litespeeds]

I bought a Kimber Tactical Custom II as my first 1911. I shot around 200 rounds and decided I wanted to upgrade to a Wilson Combat CQB Elite. For that reason I am selling my Kimber otherwise I think Kimbers are fine 1911's. Don't believe all the negative stuff you read. Mine has no rust what so ever.

[Ant45]

Kimber makes a great .45, nothing wrong with them. Love my CDP II, no issues or any problems. Some internet groups hate them and will bash at every chance, people out in the real world love them.

[JamesH]

I had a Kimber Eclipse Pro II about 10+ years ago. I loved it but it was necessary to replace the recoil spring every 500 rounds or so and the take down required a "tool".

[TruEdge]

I've had great experiences with my kimber. Always shoots nice tight groups and never any hiccups now that it's broken in. Get what makes you happy.

[357magnum]

Does Kimber still use plastic for the main spring housing and the magazine release button.
This turned me off years ago.

[LowThudd]

I had a Kimber Eclipse Pro II about 10+ years ago. I loved it but it was necessary to replace the recoil spring every 500 rounds or so and the take down required a "tool".

What kind of replacement springs were you using that only lasted 500 rounds?

[benjamac]

A kimber won't shoot any better than a Springfield or ria, but if you like em get one and enjoy it.

^^^

[JamesH]

What kind of replacement springs were you using that only lasted 500 rounds?

OEM replacement. I read it in the owner's manual and though it was BS. Shortly after 500 rounds, the recoil would be stinging my palm.
I would order a handful of recoil springs and a couple of guide rod plugs at a time. The guide rod plugs would get "dinged" up because of the take down tool use.

ETA: Just double checked and its actually every 800 rounds. I could have sworn it was 500 but oh well.

[LowThudd]

^^ why not upgrade to wolf(or other) springs? It sounds like the OEMs were junk or too light.

[BoJackUSMC]